Great news, Spring is here. Time to clean those XC spikes and store them safely until October. When that's done, have a read of the newsletter and put some fixtures in your calendar.
This Saturday 14th March - Club Championships 20 Mile - 10am start
The final race of the club championships series. Who has managed to complete all five? All the race details are here on the noticeboard. I still need for more more volunteers to help with time keeping if you can spare 1-1.5hours during the morning, please get in touch.
Saturday 28th March - Orion 15, Epping Forest - 10am start
There's still a few places at this iconic race. It's easy to get to, always has a great atmosphere and with a glass of cheap bubbly at the end what is not to like? However, you'll need to get in quick as it fills up before the event these days. Many club members run this so come and join in cheer on your club mates if you fancy a stroll in the forest. Check the Orion Harriers site for more details.
Tuesday 31st March - Physical Shield Relays - CANCELLED
Unfortunately this event, scheduled to be held at Hog Hill cycle circuit, has been cancelled due to complications with the venue. The organiser hopes to stage a return in 2016.
Easter Saturday 4th April - Mike Penman Memorial 10km Road Race - 2pm start
The annual event generously put on by the Roche family in memory of club member Mike Penman who was taken from us suddenly some years ago (the elegant wooden bench outside the clubhouse entrance is in his memory). This free-to-enter 10km is always a great event with the added fun of a mob-match against other local clubs (Orion, Eton Manor, Woodford). There is usually some food and drink laid on afterwards. Come along and race, support, and soak up the atmosphere.
Thursday 9th April - Assembly League Fixture 1 of 6 - Beckenham - 7:15pm start
The summer's best road running league is back, for it's 40th season. More details to follow but please put this date in your diary NOW. We did very, very well last season (winning the Men's A and B leagues, our women came 2nd + we had a number of category wins, including men's champion). However, we can only do well if everyone makes an effort to attend every race, including the two Beckenham fixtures.
Sunday 26th April - Virgin Money London Marathon
Expect many club members to be running and, as is tradition, there's a gathering in the evening. This year, the club's very hard-working bar manager is also running. So, the after-show needs some party elves to volunteer to open up the bar, serve drinks, tidy and close up for the night, ejecting any sleeping runners in to the garden. Even Rob deserves a night off sometimes. For food this year, we ask those who want to eat should bring a contribution to share. More details about the day to follow but please get in contact with Rob if you are able to offer any help.
Looking Ahead to the Athletics season...
Southern Women's League - Starts Saturday 25th April
The women's athletics team is specifically seeking those who normally run on the road or XC to get involved, either competing or officiating. Last season quite a few women got involved for the first time and reports were good PLUS it helped VPH & TH in the points too! We particularly seek participants for the 1500m or 3000m but all areas welcomed of course. Please contact Women's Athletics captain Charlotte Nicholls [ Nicholls.charlotte |at| gmail.com ] . Even if you're new to track competition but would like to give it a try, contact Charlotte and head to Mile End to have a go at a track & field training session.
Southern Men's League - Starts Saturday 2nd May
As with the women, the men's season follows closely. The first fixture of the southern mens league takes place on Saturday 2nd May at Tooting Bec, with our home fixture at Mile End on Saturday 30th May. We need athletes to compete in 800, 1500, 5000 and 3k steeplechase. We hope to return to the British league for the 2016 season and need a strong performance in all southern league fixtures to make the qualifier in early September. Contact men's captain Tony Macdowall.
Right, rest well people. You've made it through the Winter, now time to enjoy more daylight and warmth.
Simeon
Men's Road & XC Captain
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