Nominations. Senior. Well done to Alex Hamblin. Alex has had a fantastic year so far, not only winning, but setting a course record at the Rodway 10k. Then we have the Bath Half where Alex achieved a PB. At the Frenchay 10k Alex had a great race, coming home in second place. More recently at the Bristol 10K Alex finished 37th, from a field of thousands. Congratulations.
Alex at the Bath Half, on his way to a PB.
Junior. Our winner in the junior category this month is Tom Reed. Tom participated in all of the Gwent Leagues, the Tri Counties event and was nominated for the Peter Griffin award. He takes part in Parkrun each week, as well as volunteering. He recently won the junior men’s event in the Horton Bull Run (one of our club championship races) on the 28th April. He is a reliable club racer and a very modest and hard-working runner, very impressive indeed when you also consider he’s new to running and the club.
Club Survey. The survey will be closing shortly so please complete. Include an e-mail and you’ll be included in a draw for Up and Running vouchers, club clothing, or a sports massage.
https://s.surveyplanet.com/7zeKNCjyP
Track and Field. Westbury athletes are able to compete for our partner Club, Yate and District AC, for track and field events. There are a number of opportunities available for juniors and seniors in local league events as well as open events where you simply register, turn up and run. The events largely cater for all abilities and age groups and there’s no fear of getting lost – just run round a track! For those more daring types, events such as steeple chase are often offered, or athletes can turn their hand to other disciplines such as high jump (as demonstrated by our own Tamsin Chick on one occasion) or a 4 x 100 relay!
On Saturday 27th July, Bristol and West AC are hosting a night of the Fast 5000s which involves a number of 5k track races which are paced so as to cater for everyone. Entry is in advance of the event as numbers are limited, link in Diary Dates below. Several Westbury athletes took part last year and it offers the perfect opportunity for a PB, or just a first attempt at track running.
If runners would like more information about track events, speak to Tamsin, Neil, Mike or Lizzy for information.
IMPORTANT – Safeguarding Reminder. Junior athletes and parents are reminded that the Club must be provided with a current telephone number for an adult with parental responsibility for the young athlete and upon which that person is available during training sessions. Unless this information is provided, junior athletes will not be able to participate.
It is essential that junior athletes remain with their groups at all times. Junior athletes are not permitted to leave the group at any time and any need to leave the group (such as for convenience breaks) must be agreed with the group leader.
A copy of the Club’s behaviour policy will be circulated to all young athletes and their parents.
Eastville Park parkrun Takeover. On Saturday June 15th Westbury Harriers are going to take over all the volunteering positions as a thank you and to help promote the club and entice new members. 20 volunteers are needed on the day so please come along. If you could wear Westbury vests, hoodies, etc on the day that would be great. I’ve also been assured there will be cakes! A Facebook event has been set up, so sign up through the event page, or by e-mailing volunteers@westburyharriers.co.uk
Training. Blaise Blazer (3rd June) and Westbury Wipeout (1st July). There will be no adult training on the evening of these events. Volunteers will be needed though, so please think about helping out instead.
Couch to 5K. From this Monday the club is organising a Couch to 5k programme. Do make the new runners really welcome as on completion of the course we will encourage them to become runners with the club.
Further courses will take place in the future, so if you have friends or family that would be interested then please speak to Lizzy to Mike.
Congratulations.
Well done to Chris Lowe was was tackling the Marlborough Downs Challenge on Saturday, 33 miles of running.
Alen Uren also had a busy Saturday competing in the Stourhead Triathlon. A 1km swim, and 8km run, finished off with 30lm of cycling.
Photo. One small step for man, one giant leap for…..Chris!!! Chris Beck takes the lead on the Saturday Water Tower Run. The run takes place every Saturday morning – 9am, from the Water Tower on the Downs. A very leisurely and social run, all welcome.
Diary Dates
Saturday 15th June. Eastville parkrun WH volunteer take over. parkrun link
Saturday 27th July Fast 5000’s. https://www.entrycentral.com/Fast5000s
Championship Events
Tuesday 14th May. Sri Chinmoy. Sri Chinmoy Link
Monday 27th May. Hogweed Trot. Hogweed Trot Link
Monday 3rd June. Blaise Blazer. Blaise Blazer
Sunday 16th June. Cheddar Gorge Challenge 10K.
Thursday 20th June. Rowberry Romp. Rowberry Romp Link
Thursday 4th July Tintern Trot. Tintern Trot Link
Wednesday 10th July. Bitton 5K. Bitton 5k Link
Friday 19th July. 10k Towpath Inter-Club Mob Match. GWR Towpath Link
Friday 9th August. 5k Towpath Series. GWR Towpath Link
New Club Champ Event!!!! 11th August Standish Woodland Chase. I did this event last year with Sophie and we were the only runners from the club. Hopefully a few more of you will enter this year because it is a fantastic event. A multi-terrain race over a 2-lap course of almost 10 miles, following parts of the Cotswold Way. The route is hilly and takes you through a lot of woodland trails. It is hosted by Stroud and District Athletic Club.
Facilities are a little basic, limited to a portaloo and no changing or shower facilities. There’s plenty of parking though in a grassy field, next to the start. https://www.stroudac.co.uk/StandishWoodlandChase
