The England Athletics U20, Senior and Combined Events National Championships took place at Bedford International Athletic Stadium over three days, 3rd–5th July. Nine Momentum Sports athletes were there to compete, with more in the stands to support, and there were some strong performances across the board.
Photo — Momentum Sports athletes and supporters at the England Athletics U20, Senior and Combined Events National Championships 2026 at Bedford International Athletic Stadium, 3–5 July 2026.
Bedford stadium has hosted major national competition for decades and this year the championships carried extra significance - the U20 event doubled as the trial for the World U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon in August, and the standard on show across the three days reflected that. To qualify for the England Athletics National Championships, athletes must have achieved a set entry standard at a UKA licensed or World Athletics permitted meeting. Getting to the start line is already a big achievement so congratulations to all those that attended!
Photo — Bella prepares to race at the England Athletics U20 and Senior National Championships 2026 at Bedford International Athletic Stadium.
In the U20s, Gracelyn Kendeck was the pick of the performances, finishing third in the U20 Women's 400m Hurdles in a seasons best of 62.52s, competing for Blackheath and Bromley Harriers. A bronze medal at a national championships in a seasons best is a result to be really proud of. Gracelyn is currently ranked 5th in the UK at U20 level in the 400m hurdles, with a personal best of 61.48s set in 2025. The 62.52 in Bedford was her seasons best and continues a rapid rise in the event, she only began competing over the barriers in 2024. Anya Anderson ran the U20 Women's 100m in 12.04w and the 200m in 24.80 for sixth place. Lily Cowen ran the 100m in 12.40w and the 200m in 25.05 for seventh place in the U20 200m final. Lily is currently ranked 11th in the UK at U20 level in the 200m, with a personal best of 24.41s. She has improved from 26.29 in 2023 to competing at a national final in 2026, a significant step up across three seasons. Liliana Richardson ran the 100m in a seasons best of 12.37 and the 200m in 25.63w.
Photo — Rebecca lines up at the England Athletics U20 and Senior National Championships 2026 at Bedford International Athletic Stadium, 3–5 July 2026.
In the senior events, Sam Ige finished fifth in the Senior Men's 100m in 10.64w, competing for Belgrave Harriers. Sam's personal best in the 100m is 10.47, set in 2025. He has been competing at senior national level since 2016 and has been coached by Richard Holt since 2015. A fifth-place finish in his first ever national final, ranked 68th in the country in the event overall, is where his form has him right now, we are all very happy for his latest achievement! Isabella Shepherd-Evans and Sophie Osborn, competing for Blackheath and Bromley, ran in the Senior Women's 400m in 58.56 and 56.73 respectively, Sophie narrowly missing out on the final. Sophie's 400m personal best stands at 54.90s, set earlier this year at the Surrey County Championships. She is currently ranked 13th in the UK at U23 level in the 400m. Bella's 400m personal best of 56.62 was also set earlier this season, a huge improvement on the 64.26 she ran in 2024. She has dropped over seven seconds in the event across two years, which tells you how quickly she is developing in the 400m. Rebecca Keddie ran the Senior Women's 800m in 2:17.51. Rebecca's personal best in the 800m stands at 2:07.42. She ran the England Athletics National Championships 800m six weeks after competing for England at the Loughborough International, which gives some context to the schedule she has taken on this season.
It was also good to see so many athletes making the trip to Bedford to support. The signs in the stands were courtesy of Naomi's creative talents!
Well done to everyone who competed 👏
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