Like father, like son — and sometimes, like rivals.
Bure Valley Harrier, Billy Eccles, is already making a name for himself on the national stage — and occasionally giving his dad a run for his money too.
National glory at the Young Athletes 5K
The Easton College student stormed to victory at the Under-17 National Young Athletes 5K Championships last weekend, winning in an impressive 15:27.
Eccles, who came third in last year’s race, went into this year’s event believing he had a real shot at the title.
“I came third last year, it’s quite a new event so I thought I might have a decent shot this year,” he said. “There was another boy there who’s run 15:03 and 15:06 last December so I knew he’d be tough to beat but I knew if I ran my best then I should be able to win.”
A tactical race and a powerful finish
After a tactical start, Eccles found himself in a breakaway trio before making a move just after the first mile.
“A lad from Mansfield was on my shoulder to about 2–3K. He quickened up and gained about 30 metres in 30 seconds, but when we went downhill I was getting pushed along,” he explained.
It all came down to the final 400m.
“I had it in my mind I had to be first into the corner on the home straight. I’d had a look before the race and knew if I could be first into the corner then I pretty much couldn’t be caught as it would give me an advantage of about 5 metres.
“I put in a sprint past him, made the corner and just trusted myself to hold on. When I got to about 50 metres to go I knew I had it so I was able to enjoy it.”
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More goals on the horizon
The win marked the culmination of a year-long goal, but Eccles isn’t done yet.
“After I came third last year my goal has been to win that race. I’ve got the Ipswich Twilight 5K and the Mini London Marathon coming up. I’m hoping I can put in a good performance there for the East as it will be the last time that I get to do it.”
Going head-to-head with Dad
Just a few days later, Eccles was lining up again — this time alongside his father, Michael Eccles, at the Great Yarmouth 5 Mile.
“Yeah, I enjoyed it. It was quite windy, like running into a wall at times. By three and a half miles my dad was about 10 seconds ahead and I was about five seconds ahead of Corben (Reynolds). It kind of stayed that way until the end when Dad moved about 20 seconds ahead and I think I managed to stretch my lead over Corben.”
Racing and learning from family
The father-son rivalry adds a special dynamic to Billy’s racing life.
“It’s a bit weird because all my family want me to win but obviously afterwards they’re also pleased for Dad. He’s said that once I start beating him at 5Ks and 10Ks then he’ll jump to 20 mile races and marathons!”
Billy credits his dad with setting him on the right path.
“Yeah, he got me into the sport and I’ve been running since I was six. I did try other sports but running has been my passion and I enjoyed it the most so I stuck with it.”
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Really good read, I have enjoyed watching Billy mature as a runner over the last few years. I love the way Michael has helped Billy to learn how to race rather than chase times. Apart from all that he’s a good lad as well.