Need a catchy title for the April newsletter

Sunshine and warmth is delayed I'm afraid but April is now underway, and looking busy with the first fixture tomorrow...

Tomorrow!  Easter Saturday 4th April - Mike Penman Memorial 10km Road Race - 2pm start

This annual event is 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.

This Thursday 9th April - Assembly League Starts - Evening Races

A reminder that this brilliant series of 6 summer road races starts this week. Each is held on a Thursday night, usually 3-3.5 miles in length.  The club did very well in the league last year (our senior men won both the A and B leagues, our women came 2nd + we had a number of category wins, including men's champion)   If the fast, free, fun racing isn't enough for you there's usually a post-race social as well.

• 9th April Beckenham Sports Club - 7:15pm start
• 7th May Victoria Park - 7:30pm start
• 4th June Battersea Park (Grandstand) - 7:30pm start
• 2nd July The Dome (North Greenwich)- 7:30pm start
• 30th July Victoria Park - 7:30pm start
• 3rd September Beckenham Sports Club - 7:30pm start

Lots more info about the races on the noticeboard - click here.

 

Sunday 19th April - Celebration of Life Run 6 miles - Victoria Park 10:30am

This is a nice event, organised tirelessly by a local volunteer Dave Wilkinson in support of St Joseph's Hospice on Mare Street.  All the details are on the website here. Register on the site if you would like to run, I'm sure volunteers would be appreciated as well.

Saturday 25th April - Southern Women's Athletics League - Lee Valley Athletics Stadium 

Don't forget the season kicks off this month.  The women's athletics team is still seeking participants, particularly distance runners who normally run on the road or XC to compete in the 1500m or 3000m but all areas welcomed of course.  Please contact Women's Athletics captain Charlotte Nicholls [ Nicholls.charlotte |at| gmail.com ] .  Newcomers to track & field competition are welcome of course, training and orientation can be provided.  

Sunday 26th April - Virgin Money London Marathon

Of course it's marathon day later this month.  Many club members will be running, if you wish to cheer them on you can do so, our traditional spot is outside St Georges Pool on the Highway, where you can cheer runners past at the 14 + 22 mile points.  In the evening we plan to open up the club bar for a celebration. Come along and have a drink to celebrate and admire the medals. Folk are welcome to bring along a food contribution to share if they wish (no organised catering this year as hard-working bar manager Rob is also running)

Thursday 30th April - Monthly Handicap 5 mile - Victoria Park 7:15pm

The monthly handicap moves to the summer 5 mile course now that lighter evenings are here. Keep an eye on the noticeboard for details.

  

Saturday 2nd May - Southern Men's League - Tooting Bec 

The first fixture of the southern mens league is our men's athletic focus this season.  We still seek athletes for all disciplines, and especially the800m, 1500m, 5000m 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. Email Men's Captain Tony [ t_macdowall |at| hotmail.com ]

Hackney Marshes Parkrun - Every Saturday at 9am

Our friends at Hackney Marshes Parkrun have been in touch.  The event has grown significantly in the last year, but unfortunately the volunteer side is still catching up. Many will agree what a fantastic community this is.  It is and always will be free but runners are asked to volunteer at least a couple of times a year.  If you haven't yet and would like to, or perhaps if it's your turn, sign up here.

 

Simeon

Men's Road & XC Captain

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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

Spring marches in

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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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

Febrrrrrrrruary newsletter

First newsletter of the new year, how exciting!  I proudly present a range of cold-defying activities, guaranteed to get you out of the house.

This Saturday 7th February - Met League XC Race #5 - Wormwood Scrubs - From 1pm

If you click on one link in this newsletter, make it this one about this Saturday's Met League finale.  We really, really need as many of you as possible out racing at Wormwood Scrubs. Our men's team's need to secure their places in Division A and Division C, our women are competing for promotion to Division A.  We also need to cheer on our fantastic juniors who have cheered us adults on at each and every race so far this year.  

Saturday 14th February - Chingford League Race #5 - Victoria Park - Helpers needed

Show the love for your club this Valentines Day.  It's our turn to host the Chingford League and we really need helpers on the day: before, during or after the race. If you can manage none of these, how about baking a cake to sell?  All the details are here on the noticeboard. Please contact Laura or me if you can help out.  

Saturday 14th February - Chingford League Race #5 - Victoria Park - Runners Needed - 2:30pm

Show the love for your club this Valentine's Day by running.  After the unbelievable mud fest at Chingford back in January you'll be pleased to know this fixture is on the clean tarmac of Victoria Park.  It's just under five miles (two laps of our renowned figure-of-8 course).  If you make one fixture of the Chingford League this year at least make it this one. Cancel your parkrun in the morning, come and run a real race and make it count for the club.  More details on the noticeboard and Facebook nearer the time.

Saturday 21st February - English National XC - Parliament Hill London

The entries were submitted some time ago - the club will proudly be sending 39 senior athletes (and plenty of juniors) to this event.  All those who have entered should have received confirmation from me.  If you haven't, please get in touch.  If you're not running, come and enjoy a day out on the heath and maybe a beer or two afterwards in our favourite backstreet boozer.

Saturday 28th February - Club Championships 10 mile race - 10:30am Start

The penultimate event in our own Winter series, and a nice break from XC running for those who need it.  10 miles of fast, flat, traffic-free running against yourself or your fellow club members.  Please get to the club house by 10am as we will depart the club house at 10:15 for a prompt start.  The course is a measured straight + five '2 mile' loops, finishing in front of the White Lodge.  There are cups for the winners + tea, cakes and glory in the clubhouse bar afterwards. What's not to like?

As usual, not running but could spare 1-2 hours?  I could use some support with the timekeeping and results recording. Please get in touch.

OTHER NEWS!

A reminder that Start2Run has Started2Run on Monday nights at the club house. An introduction to running for absolute beginners.  Led by bold Laura Morgan and her band of helpers.  Please spread the word to friends and family - they don't need to be members to join in these sessions.  More details on the noticeboard.

 

Spaces at Les Stables Triathlon camp in France - July 1st-8th

Last year the club booked out the entire Les Stables training camp in a picturesque part of the south of France.  We're taking another group this year (organised by the tireless Ben Wickham). There are a couple of spaces left (18 already taken).  Last year was a lot of fun indeed (even though I was there!) so don't miss this opportunity.  Chances to share travel to keep costs low.  Please contact Ben Wickham directly (he's on Facebook) or through me.

Don't forget this Saturday.

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

December 2014 Newsletter

A short update for the end of the month. Probably only about 40% of the size of a full price newsletter. Still free, of course..

Saturday 27th December - Chingford League Race 3 - Trent Park - 2:30pm

Cross-country laughs in the face of Christmas and soldiers on, regardless of the national holiday.  So that means we must too.  After two races in the Men's A league we're in 3rd place, Men's B league we're in 2nd Place. Our women (current trophy holders) are in 2nd place behind Eton Manor.  We really need a good turnout to retain our standing in the league.  I've posted race details on the noticeboard.

Thursday Jan 1st - Serpentine 10k - Hyde Park - 11am

A good number of club members are running in this great race (entries now closed).  Come and breathe in the fresh air of Hyde Park and cheer them on. 

Saturday Jan 3rd -  Middlesex XC Championships - Alexandra Palace Park - 1pm / 1:45pm LAST CHANCE TO ENTER

Last chance to enter - drop me an email by Boxing Day if you'd like to run.  As usual, all the race details are on the noticeboard.

Tuesday Jan 6th - Annual Mob Match with Eton Manor - Leyton - 7:45pm start

As is tradition, our first session of the year is the Mob Match against Eton Manor.  This year it's their turn to host - this means there's no session at the clubhouse that night.  All the details are on the noticeboard.

  

Clubhouse Closed over the Christmas period

Please see this update from Chairman Dave Robinson about clubhouse opening hours over the festive period.  Monday circuits will continue to run as usual on 29th Dec and 5th Jan.  The first clubhouse session will be on Thursday January 8th.

Reminder - Subscriptions now due

The club's membership period runs from November each year.  The membership fees have been held for another year.  So, if you pay annually, NOW is the time to make arrangements to pay your fees.  For those who pay by monthly standing order, there is no need to make any changes.  Remember, we ask members to pay via bank transfer.  If you wish to pay by cash or cheque then you'll need to pay this in directly at HSBC bank (using the account details on the membership page of the website) and contact the membership to let them know you've paid so we can track you membership status electronically. Thank you to you all for your continued support of this great club.

Southerns & National XC Championships

Look out for a forthcoming message about these two event in the coming days.

Best wishes for the rest of the Christmas break and the new year.

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

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