Middlesex County Championships

Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC had one of their most successful championships at the recent Middlesex County Championships. The results were 15 gold, 15 silver and 9 bronze. 

We congratulate the medal winners:

Gold

Kiah Dubarry-Gay (U13 Girls 70m Hurdles)

Leigh Thompson (U15 Girls 75m hurdles+ Long jump)

Nnenna Eronini (U15 Girls Discus)

Ocean Lewis (U15 Girls 100m + 200m)

Taha Attibi (U13 Boys 800m)

Illias Attibi U13 Boys 1500m)

Gbemisola Olaosebikan ( U17 Shot put)

Precious Ejimonyeabale (U17 Girls 200m)

Ilje Enweren (U17 Girls Discus)

Whitney Idowu (U17 Girls Triple jump)

Serlina Swaby-Constantine (U20 Women 400m hurdles)

Rolce Marcelo (U20 Men shot put)

Leslie Delgado (Sen Women 400m Hurdles)

Silver

Felix Waters (U13 Girls 800m)

Luca Minale U13 Boys 800m)

Lotte Wubben-May (U15 Girls 800m)

Nile McKenzie (U15 Boys 800m)

Lathursan Vinayagamoorthy (U15 Boys 300m)

Precious Ejimonyeabala (U17 Girls 100m)

Whitney Idowu (U17 Girls 80m hurdles)

Gbemisola Olaosebikan (U17 Girls Discus)

Ajibola Aderemi (U17 Boys400m+ 100m hurdles)

Christopher Conning (U17 Boys Shot put)

Serlina Swaby-Constantine (U20 Women Long jump)

Rolce Marcelo (U20 Men Long jump)

Tyson Oladokun (Sen Men 400m)

Ashley Wilson (Sen Men 110m hurdles)

Alex Murdoch (Sen Men 200m)

Bronze

Nayanna Dubarry-Gay (U13 Girls 70m hurdles)

Latoya Davis (U13 Girls Long jump)

Joel Akuwudike (U13 Boys Long jump)

Jessica Appeagye (U15 Girls 75m hurdles)

Georgeanne Colbert (U15 Girls 200m)

Lilian Bangula (U15 Girls High jump)

Micheal Dola-Lami (U17 Boys Discus)

Emmanuel Mintah (U20 Men 200m)

James Foley ( Se Men 800m)

May Newsletter

Hello all

With your winter training gear [hopefully] stored away for a few months, the weather has finally warmed somewhat, and with that comes some great Spring and Summer events for your diaries. So read on...

Bank Holiday Monday 27th May - BUPA London 10,000m - Central London, starting at 10am

At least 14 men and women from the club will be running and competing for the team prize in this 10k starting in Westminster, looping out to the City and then back in to a finish on the Mall.  It's a good race to come and watch if you're not competing.  For club members who'd like to support, a great place to stand in the central 'reservation' on Queen Victoria St at Mansion House in the City, where you will see the runners going both directions at 3.5km and just before 6km.  Get a coffee, stand in the sunshine and enjoy the atmosphere.  More details here.

Thursday May 30th - Monthly 5 mile handicap - Victoria Park - 7pm for 7:15 start

The second of the 'long course' handicaps of the year.  A fast, flat, 5 miler that is more challenging than you might think.  A chance to come and see how your training is progression.  All of the results from the last few years, including  last month's are available here. All club members may run and bring a guest.

Saturday June 1st / July 6th / August 3rd - Orion Harriers 'Forest Five' series - Chingford / Epping Forest - 10am start

A mention for this great series of 5 mile trail races on the first Saturday of the summer months.  These are great races in lovely surroundings, always, with a great atmosphere. Discounts if you enter in advance either on line or by printing the form available on Bob Jousiffe's website.  More details here.

Thursday June 13th - Assembly League Race #3 - Dulwich Park 7:30pm start

A measured 5km course in the pleasantly flat surrounds  of Dulwich Park.  This race was well attended last year and I hope this year will be no exception.  Keep an eye on the noticeboard nearer the day for directions, maps and lifts. Again, this will cost you nothing to run as a club member + there is usually a good social afterwards.

Wednesday 26th June - London Business Houses 'Three Bridges Relay' - 7pm start

A note about the LBH Bridges Relay which will take place on Wednesday 26th June. As usual the start time is 7 pm - on the stroke of Big Ben.  
The race is 4 x 2.3 miles for Open teams (i.e. Mens or Mixed) and 3 x 2.3 miles for Ladies teams. I will post some more details on the noticeboard for anyone who needs more info.

Saturday 13th July - Annual Club Summer party and barbecue

Put this date in your diaries for the annual knees up.  No doubt there will be some early evening 'racing' followed by good food, a few drinks and dancing until late.

Club Subscription Fees

The club membership fees went up from November 2012 following the AGM, largely driven by charges levied by UK athletics..  A big thank you to all members who have updated the subscriptions and responded to requests from the membership team. Unfortuantely despite many reminders and direct approaches a number of members have still yet to update their payments more than 6 months after the change.  We will be approaching those members directly in the coming weeks and asking them update their payments and ensure they are back dated to the original November 2012 date.  All of the details are available on the website. 

Sports Massage and Therapy:

I get a lot of requests for recommendations of physios and sports massages. I've only tried one or two in the area but I am always happy to pass on recomendations you might have.  Tomas Stasionas lives locally and runs for Eton Manor.  He practices out of a space near London Fields but I believe he is also mobile.  Find out more about Tomas at: tomastherapy.com  Feel free to pass on any further recommendations to me.  These are not endorsements from VPH & TH.

That's it. Now, what are you waiting for?

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Director

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Remember, there are many ways to keep in touch with your club:

• Find out what your clubmates are up to on the Club Facebook page
• Get the latest news and updates, follow @VPHTHAC on Twitter
• Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard
• Keep an eye out for forthcoming fixtures on the club website

April Update Newsletter

I'm in shock, the sun has come out and the temperature is in double figures.  Have I been transported to another country? Time for an April update.

This Thursday 18th April - Assembly League Starts - Evening Races

A reminder that this brilliant series of 6 summer road races starts this week. Each held on a Thursday night, usually 3-3.5 miles in length.  The club often does well in this league, with some good competition at every level.   If the fast, free, fun racing isn't enough for you there's usually a post-race social as well.

• 18th April New Beckenham
• 9th May Victoria Park
• 13th June Dulwich Park
• 4th July Battersea Park
• 8th August Victoria Park
• 5th September New Beckenham

A bit more about the Beckenham race...
The season starts and ends with the Beckenham fixture.  There are good facilities and transport links to this event, with somewhere to leave your gear and shower afterwards, there's even a bar.  
It's really important we get as many out for these events.  We traditionally do very well at this event but fail to take the prizes because we've sent insufficient runners to the Beckenham matches. Remember, if you run for the club you will make a difference to the results, so don't worry about whether you think you're fast enough.  Like cross-country, it's your finish position that counts and by running ahead of another runner you prevent them scoring as highly - so you help the club score more points. 
Travel to Beckenham:
The race venue is Beckenham Cricket Club on Foxgrove Road, which is a short walk from either of the stations A link to the map is below:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=537714&y=170099&z=1&sv=537714,170099&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf

Trains:
There are frequent trains and plenty of routes to get there + you can use your Oyster card - so no need to buy a ticket. Given the start time aim for a train as close to 6pm as possible. It's very easy, I've given you the times:
- From London Bridge: trains at 17:52, 18:00, 18:13, 18:23, 18:35 and take around 18 mins.
- From Victoria to Beckenham Junction trains depart 17:45, 18:00, 18:15, 18:30 and take around 21 mins.
-  There are also trains from London Blackfriars either direct or with a change. 
Check www.nationalrail.co.uk for times and further details and any last-minute delays or changes.

- You can also take the DLR to Lewisham and take an easy train to either to Beckenham Junction or to New Beckenham station at 17:50, 18:11, 18:33, 18:43, taking around 10 minutes.

Driving:  It's not too tough to get to by car and makes coming home easier.  There is sufficient parking on the streets around the cricket club.  If you are driving and can share a lift, please post on the noticeboard.

Sunday 21st April - Virgin London Marathon 2013

I've put more info about the day on the noticeboard.  Please see this post for more info about who is running, how to support and the evening party.

Thursday 25th April - Monthly Handicap - 7pm 

Time for the handicap once again.  Now with a bonus 2.1 miles - yes the clocks have changed, spring is here, so we move to the 5 mile course in the park.  As usual, details and previous results will all be on the noticeboard.

Track & Field Athletics - 2013 Fixtures

Please see this post on the noticeboard and keep an eye on the fixtures page at the front of the website.  Please contact me if you are interested in competing / participating and I can put you in touch with Tony MacDowall or Emily Mosedale - the club's directors for senior athletics.

Subscriptions - Another reminder

Some of you will have received a reminder to update your monthly subscription standing orders.  Please do take the time to update your subs if you have not already done so, they changed in November 2012 so are long, long overdue.  Please contactmembership@vphthac.org.uk for questions or see the membership section of the website.

Open 5 2013 - Thank you

Lastly, a big thank you to all of those who took part in, supported, helped out at, came along to the annual Open 5 race.  It was great to see so many club members out on a great day.  The race was well received, I've seen lots of complimentary emails and comments from others who have taken part.

That's it for now.

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Director

====

Remember, there are many ways to keep in touch with your club:

• Find out what your clubmates are up to on the Club Facebook page
• Get the latest news and updates, follow @VPHTHAC on Twitter
• Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard
• Keep an eye out for forthcoming fixtures on the club website

April Newsletter

Warm greetings at this cold time.  Some updates for you all..

IMPORTANT: Saturday April 6th - The Open 5 - 2:30pm Race Start - Helpers needed all day

Our annual open road race returns, now in its 47th running.  As a club member we really want you to either:

Help out before hand: Tell your friends, colleagues and family about the event.  It's very easy to enter beforehand online or even on the day

Help out on the day, there's plenty of jobs still to fill.  Please have a look at the list posted on the noticeboard. 

Run: It's just £10 to run (£12 for unafilliated runners) plus there are cash prizes and trophies for individuals, teams and club members.

Tomorrow Tuesday 26th March - Physical Shield Relay - Loughton - 8pm start

Many will be disappointed at the very late cancellation of the Men's 12-stage and Women's 6-stage relays at short notice yesterday...  Fear not, the Physical Shield is East London's mini equivalent.  It's a relay in teams of 4, two laps each, ~ 3 km per person and definitely not flat.  There is a great atmosphere and chance to cheer on your team mates.  We're up against Loughton, Orion and Eton Manor so will be up against some familiar faces and it's always a really friendly atmosphere.

Let's field as many men's and women's teams as possible - it really doesn't matter what your standard is, we'll fit you into a team and there will be plenty of other people of your pace from all of the clubs. We have won the shield numerous times over the years but haven't fielded large teams in recent years.

There are no changing or toilet facilities here but facilities in the supermarket just next to Loughton Tube station on the Central Line.  You're advised to come ready to run if at all possible and wrap up warm.  Please try and get there well before the start time to give us plenty of time to organise everyone into teams. I've put a little map together here: http://goo.gl/maps/nCYsh

Thursday 18th April - Assembly League Starts - Evening races

This brilliant series of summer road races kicks of in April.  6 races held on a Thursday night, usually around 3-3.5 miles in length.  The club often does well in this league, with some good competition at every level.  Please put the dates in your diary and make an effort to attend.  If the fast, free, fun racing isn't enough for you there's usually a post-race social as well.

• 18th April New Beckenham
• 9th May Victoria Park
• 13th June Dulwich Park
• 4th July Battersea Park
• 8th August Victoria Park
• 5th September New Beckenham

Most races begin around 7:15pm, but look out for details on the noticeboard nearer the time.

Sunday April 21st - London Marathon - During and After

It's here once again. There's a great marathon fever this year, with some members having already completed their spring marathon and more to follow in Brighton, London, Manchester, Edinburgh and elsewhere.   As usual there will be plenty of members running on home territory in VLM 2013. Come and support them on the day at our usual cheering spot on the north side of 'The Highway' just outside St Georges pool.  The runners go both directions along this stretch, those still looking fresh at ~14 miles, and those battling to the 20 mile point.  Support is always welcome and it's a great day out.

In the evening, the bar will be open for runners, club members and their guests to come along and share stories, compare comedy walks and generally put back essential fluids lost during the day.  More details to follow nearer the time.

Southern Women's League - Starts 18th May - still seeking women:

A reminder, we're still looking for women to come forward for the Southern Women's League events held over the summer for all athletics disciplines particularly 800, 1500 and 3000 metres.  Please see this post from Emily (women's Track and Field director) on the noticeboard.  

Keep running and training.  Let me know when Spring starts...

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Director

====

Remember, there's  many ways to keep in touch with your club:

• Find out what your clubmates are up to on the Club Facebook page
• Get the latest news and updates, follow @VPHTHAC on Twitter
• Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard
• Keep an eye out for forthcoming fixtures on the club website

February and March Newsletter

Before February turns in to March, I better update you on all the latest news and events.  There's loads of it, so best get the kettle on first.

Saturday 2nd March - Chingford League Relays - CLUB PRIORITY - Highams Park PM

After six races in the season, there's just one to go, the relays.  We've had an incredible season and are very close to winning some silverware, but it is still very close: a poor show at Highams Park and defeat could be snatched from the jaws of victory.  We lead Men's A, Men's B, Women's and Women's Vets teams, that's FOUR potential trophies folks on top of the one we have already won - congratulations to Tom Heslop who has won the men's individual trophy, which was decided after race 6..  This is no time for complacency.  I expect as many of you as possible to make the effort to attend this event and assure our victory. 

Wed 25th Feb / Wed 20th March - Meet Mara Yamauchi, Bud Buldaro, Nick Anderson and Richard Nerurkar

Club President Peter McHugh also runs the young but succesful Run-Fast sports management company.  Run-Fast are putting on some great-looking seminars at a venue in the City of London.  These seminars offer a unique opportunity to learn from the experts so reserve your place now at both events.  Tickets cost £15 for each event, or £25 if you book for both.  More details here: http://www.run-fast-seminars.net.  (See you there - I've already bought my tickets!)

Saturday 23rd February - Club 10 mile - 10:30AM start +

Saturday 9th March - Club 20 mile - 10:30AM start

The last two Club Championship events of the season, including the big one, the 20.  Both events are held on a Saturday morning, there is usually tea and cake in the bar afterwards.  Come and race in a fast, flat, traffic-free environment.  As always, we could use some time keepers to help recording the lap and finish times, please contact me if you can help. Get to the club by around 10am to register, we set out around 10:15 in order to start on time.  More details will be on the noticeboard nearer the time.

Also on Saturday 9th March - Officials Course - Mile End Stadium 9am start

For those of you interested in some of the other side of athletics, in terms of organising, judging/starting event.  This is a great chance for budding timekeepers/track judges / field judges to learn some new skills - further information please contact Alf or Major (or via me if you don't have details). It will last a half day, the club will cover the cost of this course for members wishing to take part.

Saturday 16th March - Mike Penman 10k - Victoria Park, 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 event is always a great event and a mob-match against other local clubs, and there is usually some food and drink laid on afterwards.  Come along and race, support, and soak up the atmosphere.

Sunday 24th March - 12-stage relays Milton Keynes - Afternoon

It's that time of year again.  Tom Heslop has kindly agreed to pull together a men's team for this event.  Please see his post on the noticeboard for more details.  I hope to soon post news on the Women's 6-stage event which takes place at the same time/venue.

Saturday 6th April - Open 5 mile - Victoria Park - 2:30pm

The main event that we put on in the season.  Please put this crucial date in your diary, club members are expected to either run or come and help out at this event which helps us raise vital funds to fund club activities and maintain the buildings/equipment.  We are currently looking for someone to help  with publicity amongst local clubs, media outlets, shops and gyms.  Please contact me or Major Carr

Athletics: Women's Southern League date confirmed

We remain in the Premier Division and need to get a full team out for each of the four meets this coming season. We particularly struggle with the distance events: 800m, 1500m and 3000m. However, Alf and Emily are always keen to hear from anyone that wants to get involved - your club needs you at the track!  Please see Emily's post on the noticeboard for more details.

Track training:

With the upcoming Track and Field season fast approaching, Robb Birchley is holding weekly speed sessions every Thursday night, at Mile End Stadium track.  Unlike the Tuesday night sessions - but the perfect complement to them - the purpose of these is to focus on 800m pace and quicker.  Suitable for anyone (Men or Women) who wants to develop their top speed - whether for Middle Distance track races, or to gain a few valuable seconds/places in their road races.  Jog warm-up starts at 1815; with drills commencing at 1830.  Contact Robb for more details.

If you've read this far, well done!  Now the weather is improving let's look forward to another great year of training and competition.

Simeon

Men's Captain, Road and XC.

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Remember, there's  many ways to keep in touch with your club:

• Find out what your clubmates are up to on the Club Facebook page
• Get the latest news and updates, follow @VPHTHAC on Twitter
• Get news, updates and race results on the club noticeboard
• Keep an eye out for forthcoming fixtures on the club website