UK Athletics is teaming-up with the Northern Ireland Athletics Federation and England Athletics to present the next two events, sponsored by Aqua-Pura, designed to encourage more women to take up the steeplechase.

Former Olympic steeplechaser Spencer Duval, now the UK Event Coach for the ‘chase, will be flying into Belfast on Sunday April 22 for a specialised session organised by the Northern Ireland record holder in this event, Heather Martin, who is now the NIAF Development Officer.

The session for especially invited female athletes will be at the Mary Peters Track from 12 noon to 2.00pm. UKA-qualified coaches will be welcome to observe. For more information phone Heather Martin on 02890 602707 or email her at heather@niathletics.org

England Athletics in partnership with UK Athletics and Aqua Pura are staging a Regional Steeplechase Development Workshop at the Gateshead International Stadium on Sunday 22nd April (10am to 1pm).

It is open to all female athletes aged 14 and over. Interested? Then simply complete the form on the England Athletes North East region website http://www.englandathletics.org/north-east/ and return it to:Ed Griss, Regional Performance and Development Coordinator, Gateshead International Stadium, Neilson Road, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE10 0EF by Tuesday 17 April. UKA-qualified coaches will be welcome to observe.

The Aqua Pura women’s steeplechase at Tonbridge on Easter Monday resulted in the prizes going to: 1 Grace Nicholls (Ashford AC); 2 Tanya Taylor (Marshall Milton Keynes AC); 3 Jessica Lewis (Lewes AC).

Aqua Pura women’s steeplechase coordinator Stella Bandu said: “All three athletes have greatly benefited from attending the Aqua Pura supported regional steeplechase workshops and I hope they have inspired other female athletes to consider trying the event. A big thank you to everyone at Tonbridge AC for adding the race to the event programme."