No Ordinary October or How I Learned To Love Mud...

Dare I say it, the 'winter' season is now under way. 6 months of glorious races await road athletes and fans of mud in equal measure. First up, two important announcements:

Thu 6^th November – Club Annual General Meeting – Club headquarters - 8:30PM

Members should have received a separate invite earlier in the week for the AGM. Details are also on the noticeboard. Please read the invite carefully. Those wishing to put forward motions for consideration need to do so by the end of this month.

Most Improved Athlete Awards 2014

This award is given at the AGM - please see details on the noticeboard about nominating your club mates for this prized trophy.

Now for races and fixtures:

Metropolitan League XC – The first race of the season took place at a balmy Claybury Woods in the sunshine. The results are available here.  We had a great race with an incredible turnout of Juniors - well done to Cornelia and Marcello for getting such a great show out.  Our women came top of the Senior and Veterans Division 2 teams whilst our man had a solid start against tough competition.  We'll need good showing of members at each of the coming races though to ensure a successful season.

Chingford League – The first race took place at a moonlit cycling circuit. The results are available here. 

Club WInter Road & XC fixtures list

The fixtures list has been updated. Please see this post on the noticeboard for more details and a link to the list. It now includes the rest of the club champs

Sat 1^st November – Club Championships 3.5 mile – Victoria Park – 10:30am

The club's winter series of five races kicked off with the mile race back in September. Remember, these races are completely free to club members, who may also invite guests to run.  There is usually tea and cake in the bar afterwards and it won't take up all of your Saturday.  If you're unable to run but could spare some time helping with timekeeping please get in touch - we need 3-4 volunteers ideally to help marshall and record times.  I've put all of the previous times on this document if you'd like to have a look.

Sat 8^th November – Met League Race 2 – Stevenage

Full details on this fixture can be found at the Met League Website as linked above. Keep an eye out on the club noticeboard and Facebook nearer the time for race travel details.

Sat 15^th November - London Cross Country Championships – Parliament Hill

A great event held around beautiful Hampstead Heath. As this is a one-off race you need to register in advance. It's free for club members – you need to be a first claim member though.

Please see this post on the noticeboard for more details and a link to the simple online sign-up form. Deadline for entries is Wednesday 29^th October.

Sat 22^nd November – North London XC Champs – Alexandra Palace Park (2pm, 2:45pm)

A lower key race than the big event above but the club sends a good contingent each year. Again, pre-entry is required.  I will be opening up the entries in the next week or so so please keep an eye on Facebook / noticeboard for more details nearer the time.

Right, I shall stop writing about November fixtures now, or next month's newsletter will be very plain indeed.

Simeon
Men's Road and Cross Country Captain

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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

September 2014 Newsletter

The leaves on the trees are turning golden once again and as the excitement of the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games fade into our memories our thoughts turn to excitement of our own, with this, the September newsletter.

Thursday 11th September - Club Mile - 7pm Start

To kick off the series of Winter races I'm excited to confirm the date for our annual mile race. It's a great opportunity for our juniors, track athletes, and road/XC athletes to compete together.  The race will start at 7pm so you need to get to the club around 6:30 to register and warm up.  We will issue numbers to ALL athletes to help with the time keeping.  I cannot run the event without helpers though, I will need 2-3 marshals plus around 4/5 timekeepers - you won't be needed for too long! Please contact me directly via email or reply to the post on the noticeboard.

Thursday 25th September - 2.9 mile Handicap, Well St Common - 7:15pm start

With the light fading in the evening we must now transfer the fun of the 5 mile handicap to the illuminated 'winter' course which is shorter but no less punishing (you have to run faster!).  Held on the usual last-Thursday-of-the-month slot, please get to the clubhouse at 7pm to register and we'll set off just after to make our way to the usual start near the People's Park Tavern.  Remind yourself of your previous results here. 

Saturday 27th September - Middlesex County 10km - Victoria Park - 10:30AM start

Once again we are proud to host this high quality 10k on behalf of our friends at Middlesex AA.  Club members are welcome to enter themselves for a modest fee.  We will also need assistance on the day with marshalling and general duties - please spare a few hours if you can.  Details and entry form on the Middlesex AA website.

2014-15 Winter/Spring Fixture List

I'm pleased to announce the fixture list for the Winter Season is now available to view.  Some of the venues and race dates have not yet been set but please check back over time as it is likely to be finalised in the coming week.  See the noticeboard for more details or here to go straight to the fixture list.

Club Secretary Role

There is a key position on the club's board of directors for a company secretary to assist with a number of vital and pivotal tasks.  There have been a few changes to the role as previously described reflected in an updated 'job description'.  We're looking to take a decision on this post in the next two weeks in advance of the AGM planned for November.  There is still time to find out more and discuss if you're interested in helping to run this great club of ours.  Please contact me directly or you can email the board at vphthac-directors |at| googlegroups.com for more information.

Weekend 28th-30th November - Run-Fast Training Weekends

Those of you who train at the track on a Tuesday night will know Peter McHugh and some of the Run-Fast team.  They are putting on another training weekend for runners at any level in November (and another in February 2015).  The cost is just £150 including coaching, accommodation, meals and more. For more details visit the Run Fast Tours website. 

NEXT MONTH: October Mud Special - hitting your inboxes 1st October.

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Captain

July and August 2014 Newsletter

Hello all,

 

As promised back in June, here is the July newsletter. I always keep my promises. As usual, there's lots going on, so grab a foam roller, and an iPhone, it's time to get uncomfortable.

This weekend - Saturday 12th July:

Southern Womens League: A big weekend for our Women competing at Guildford.  Due to a clash with another event, we seek as many of our club ladies to take part,even those who've not competed before. We're particularly looking for athletes to run 1500m and 3000m.  Transport can be provided also.  Please contact Charlotte our women's track & field captain for info:  nicholls.charlotte |at| gmail dot com.

Southern Mens League: Will take place in Tooting, South London. Please contact club Men's athletic captain Tony MacDowall for more information t_macdowall |at| hotmail dot com. 

Our Juniors Compete in the English Schools Championships: Don't forget our fabulous juniors coached by a small army of fantastic coaches and helpers down at Mile End.  11 have been selected to compete in the English Schools Champs and will travel to this prestigious event in Birmingham.  We wish you all well. I understand Vinco Sport will be offering live updates.

Brecon Fell Races in Wales: A small group from London's finest fell racing club (that's us, by the way) will visit dragon country hoping to repeat some of the success (and fun!) from the Isle of Wight in recent years.  Still some places available, departing this Friday. See noticeboard.

23rd July - 3rd August Commonwealth Games - Glasgow - Tickets available

Club members have been offered tickets at face value. I understand they are available for most sessions. They strictly cannot be advertised or re-sold but members may purchase and pass to friends/family.  For more details, please contact club coach Terry Adams who operates Claridon Sports Tours, an official re-seller.  Claridon can help with accommodation and travel advice as well.

Saturday 2nd August - Forest 5 Miles - Epping Forest, Chingford - 10am

Many club members ran in June and July so don't miss the last chance to run this delightful 5 mile trail race, easily accessible at Chingford with the added bonus of half-decent coffee at the station on the way back! Check out the Orion Harriers Website for more details.

Sunday 3rd August - British Heart Foundation 10k race - Victoria Park - AM

The club is assisting BHF with their fundraiser in the park in August.  We seek marshals (need around 10) to assist on the course.  For club members we also have a chance to run for free in return for a donation (suggested £5 min).  To run, collect a form from the bar on Thursday or, alternatively contact Women's captain Laura (laura.morgan2 |at| nhs dot net). Contact Laura or I if you can help with the marshalling, too.

Monday 4th August - Battersea Park 1 mile relays - 7pm

We competed in these last year, was lots of fun and our wonderful women were even the first team home.  We're planning to enter again. Teams of 3, 1 mile leg per athlete and just £4 to run.  More details here.  Please contact Rob Pitkethly or I if you'd like to run - we need to know beforehand.

Thursday 7th August - Assembly Race #5 - Victoria Park - 7:30pm

A reminder about the Assembly League, we host it again in August.  We're doing very well in the league as runners, we also need to put on a good show as hosts once again. So, we seek help:

- Before the race: Rob has asked if he can have 2-3 volunteers around about 6pm to help with sandwiches for hungry finishers - that will allow you to run as well.

- During the race: I need, 7-8 volunteers from 7pm to help as marshals on the course.  Please do let me know via email, in person or on the noticeboard.  

- After the race: If a few folks can commit to help out on the bar that would be useful also.

It would be great to some new faces volunteering also, remember the club needs people to help once in a while as everything is done by folk who kindly give their time.

Saturday 9th August - British Athletics League - Bournemouth

The final fixture of the season of this prestigious league.  We need as many men out as possible to compete - please make sure you keep this date available.  As usual, travel will be provided to the fixture. Please contact club Men's athletic captain Tony MacDowall for more information t_macdowall |at| hotmail dot com. 

Saturday 9th August - PRIDE 10km - Victoria Park

There's still time to enter the race - more details on the Pride 10k website.  

Saturday 30th August - Club Summer BBQ - Club HQ - Evening

A reminder about the annual summer BBQ and party (with pre-event race!),  held in the rather well tended clubhouse garden, and retiring to the bar area later in the evening. Salads, breads and desserts will be provided, for a bargain price of £5 (will include a glass of Pimms too). Bring things to throw on the barbie. Arrive from 7. Guests of club members are welcome too (with a ticket). Rob P, who works tirelessly to keep our fantastic bar running has asked for some assistance to help with prep beforehand, on the night, or the next day.  This would be a great way for new members or those who've not helped out before to get involved with the club.

That's it for now.  As always, please keep an eye on the information outlets below as these change everyday and are a great way to find out more about what it is one of the best Road, Cross Country and Athletic clubs in the capital.

Simeon
Men's Road and Cross Country Captain

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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

June 2014 Newsletter

The good weather has arrived, as has a whole stack of athletics and road running fixtures. Even a fell race. So get reading, get running (or throwing. Or jumping).

Friday 20th June - Orion Fell Race - 7:30pm

As East London's (and indeed the South of England's) finest fell running club it's important that you know about the race one week today.  It's one of the few fell races inside the M25. Short, sharp, 3 miles, 900ft of ascent and all for just £3. Please see Neil's post on the Facebook page or check out the flyer on the Orion website here

Saturday 21st June - Southern Mens League (Athletics) Fixture 3 - Tooting

As ever we need more track and field athletes and in particular men's distance runners for the next fixture of the season.  I understand that it is completely safe to go south of the river, so you've nothing to fear there.

Please see Simon Basey's post on the noticeboard for more info.  Transport to Tooting can usually be arranged for athletes.

Sunday 22nd June - Hackney Half Marathon - Still time to get involved

The organiser are still looking for a few more volunteers for the Victoria Park Road / Cadogan Terrace section.  It will take up a morning of your time on the day. Anyone who volunteers this year will get free entry in to the event next year.  More details here.  Even if you're not running or volunteering 

Sunday 22nd June - City of London Mile Race

Organised by our friends at Run-Fast, the inaugural City of London Mile Race.  Thanks to generous sponsors Ambe Hotels, this race is now FREE to enter. What is stopping you?   All the details are on this website.

Thursday 26th June - Assembly League Race #4 - Battersea Park 7:30pm start

Arguably one of the best Assembly League races of the season, a measured and perfectly flat 5km around beautiful Battersea Park.We always get a good attendance at this race and understandably so.  We have a social booked at a nearby pub afterwards as well, but no details until you turn up to race.  Keep an eye on the noticeboard and Facebook nearer the time.  The early date means we'll have to move the handicap back a week.

Thursday 3rd July - Monthly 5 mile Handicap - Register at 7pm, 7:15pm start

The monthly 5 mile handicap, a week later than usual.  Please get to the clubhouse in good time to register.

Saturday July 5th + Saturday August 2nd - Orion Harriers Forest 5 Series - 10am start

Plenty of club members the first race at the start of June but don't worry if you missed out still two more to come.  A 5 mile trail race in lovely Epping Forest.  Easy to get to and half decent coffee at the station on the way back! Check out the Orion Harriers Website for more details on this great value, great atmosphere race.

Looking ahead - details to follow

Road running:

Monday 7th July / Monday 4th August:  Battersea Park 1 mile relays

Saturday 9th August - Pride Run 10k in Victoria Park, 

Athletics:

Saturday 5th July British Athletics League (BAL) National Event - Newquay

Saturday July 12th: Southern Women's League (SWL) - Guildford, Southern Men's League (SML) - Tooting

Saturday 9th August: Southern Women's League, Eton.  BAL National Event - Bournemouth

Travel usually provided to athletics events BAL, SWL, SML.

AND.. Saturday 30th August - Club Summer BBQ + 1 mile Liquid Race ;-)

That's it for now folks.  Come back in July for more!

Simeon

Men's Road and Cross Country Captain

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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

May 2014 Newsletter

Hello all,

News of road and athletics fixtures starting this very week, + a chance to get involved with the Hackney Half Marathon or a position on the club committee.  Here goes...

This Thursday 1st May - Assembly League Race #2 - Victoria Park - 7:30pm

A reminder, this Thursday's session is the first of two of the magnificent Assembly League races that we host.  All the details are on the noticeboard here.  We really need some helpers on the course or in the bar afterwards.  Please contact me or Laura for more info or if you can help.

Saturday May 3rd - Southern Mens League - Wimbledon

All of the fixtures have been published and we're now seeking as many athletes to get involved. Loads more info here. Contact Simon Basey or Men's Athletics Captain Tony MacDowall.  The club will provide transport for those who can complete.

Saturday May 17th - Southern Womens League - Guildford

The women get their turn a few weeks later. Fixture 2 is Sat June 7th (Guildford), Fixture 3 is Sat July 12th (Guildford again), Fixture 4 is Saturday August 9th (Eton).  For more info, please contact Charlotte Nicholls, the Women's Athletics Captain.

Sunday 22nd June - Hackney Half Marathon - Get involved

A number of club members have already entered this event which looks to be pretty special.  It's expensive to stage a closed road event, so maybe not the cheapest half marathon but with ~8,500 people registered to run (as of last week), you can expect a good atmosphere. More details here.  Those who aren't running but would like to get involved, please get in touch with me, I've been in discussion with the race director about the possibility of the club marshalling a stage along Victoria Park Road and Cadogan Terrace.  In return for us 'hosting' a session there may be an opportunity for discounted or even free entry in next year's event.  Contact me ASAP if you're interested.  It would require a number of hours of your time on race day but would be good fun I think.

Wednesday 25th June - Westminster Bridges Relay - 7:30pm

Lots of club members turned out for this excellent event last year held on a warm summer's evening. See Rob's post on the noticeboard here for more info.  It's possible that teams will be limited this year due to capacity on the South Bank.  There is a small charge to enter.

Open 5 - A big thank you

Once again, the club hosted another successful Open 5 event, our 48th, with some positive (and constructive) feedback with nearly 200 able-bodied and wheelchair athletes finishing.  We couldn't have done it without the help of our sponsors, all those who helped out and the athletes who entered.  More details here.

Vacancy on club committee

David Wilkey is due to step down shortly from his position as Club Secretary (a board member position) due to other pressures.  We'd like to thank David for his time and effort in the position.  We're looking for someone to fill the role, which includes a number of key duties to keep your club running (and throwing, and jumping).  If it sounds interesting you'd like to find out more info or just an informal chat please contact any member of the committee vphthac-directors@googlegroups.com

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