Club Supper. At the Black Swan (Mucky Duck, or is it the Dirty Duck?) on Monday 18th November. Hopefully by now you’ve confirmed attendance and made payment.
Christmas Meal. A final reminder that the Christmas meal is taking place on Thursday 19th December after the Weston Prom. Payment and menu choices must be with Sandra Bailey Gard by Thursday 21st November.
Club Kit. With Christmas only around the corner how about treating yourself, friends or family to some Westbury club kit? Hoodies, vest and buffs are in stock and you can try before you buy. Just get in touch with Tamsin or Katie Hughes. All other kit can be ordered online (although we do have jackets to try for sizing). Turnaround time is approximately 4 weeks so if you order now it should be delivered before Christmas. Link to Kit Shop
Tri-Counties inc Avon Cross Country Championships. Taking place at Bath University on Sunday 1st December. You need to enter yourself via the online link below but you can reclaim fees from the club by completing the club expenses form. For the women please let Tamsin know you’ve entered, for the men Mike Mewse. Run Britian
Christmas Fun Runs. There seem to be a few festive themed fun runs being advertised on facebook so I thought I’d mention them here too. We have the Shire Santa Dash and Elf Sprint taking place on Sunday 1st December. The Santa Dash is a 5k run for adults to 5 year olds. For those under 5 there’s the Elf Sprint. Shire Santa Dash Link
On the same day we also have the Mental ‘Elf Charity 6k Fun Run. This event takes place in Bradley Stoke and is a 6k run. The minimum participant age for this event is 10 years. Mental Elf Run Link
Bristol Sports Awards 2019. The club were nominated for Community Sports Club of the Year but I’m a little disappointed to report we did not win. This was unfortunately because Westbury Harriers is a club that caters for so many types of runners, of different genders, young and old. We have ‘racing whippets’ representing England in high profile competitions, to those who enjoy competing in open events, whatever their running ability. From parkruns, local club races, X-country, the Westbury Wipeout, big city marathons, club championships to off-road ultras. Some club members enjoy helping others, such as through the Couch to 5k programme, officiating or supporting the visual impaired. Others enjoy club training nights or a social Saturday run. We also have people who work behind the scenes and their efforts also make the club a success.
Ultimately being outside in the fresh air and keeping fit is important. And as we all know, staying healthy and doing something you enjoy is also good for mental health. It would have been very fitting for us to win the community award but I’m going to be looking forward to next year instead. I’m sure we will be nominated again and this time we shall win it, I promise!
Once again, many thanks to Jim, it was his generosity that enabled a lucky few to attend the evening. Photo below of club members (all looking very dapper) at the Awards Night.
Membership Discounts. Lizzy has been working very hard in obtaining a number of benefits for club members. Discounts are available on a wide range of products and services from sports clothing, sports massages, sunglasses to nut butters. Before you ask I have no idea what nut butters are, do you spread them on toast? Anyway, to obtain these deals you will need a club membership card which can be requested from secretary@westburyharriers.co.uk or by responding to the post on facebook. Link to club discounts shown below. Discount Link
Congratulations. As I write this we have Nigel Gates (M65), Vicky Tester (W35) and Katie Hughes (W45) representing England in the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International, being held in Southport. I hope all the training pays off and you have successful races. Well done.
We also have a Club Championship race taking place tomorrow (Sunday). With valuable club champ points available there will be some serious running taking place. The Keynsham Dando is an off road event of just under half marathon distance. I’ve had a quick look at the course instructions and noticed it includes a number of steam crossings as well. Great, there’s nothing better than running about with wet feet!
Interesting Running Fact of the Week. The Boston Marathon, which started in 1897, is the oldest yearly marathon in the world. Source: Sworkit website
Diary Dates
Monday 18th November. Pub supper in the Black Swan (aka Mucky Duck). On the menu we have lasagne (veggie and meat options) plus garlic bread. All for the bargain price of £6. Louise will be asking for confirmation and payment before hand.
Sunday 24th November Gloucester 10K Gloucester 10K link
Sunday 8th December Weston Christmas Cracker. Cracker Link
Sunday 1st December The Tri-Counties Cross-Country Championships at Bath University. avon/CCChamps
Saturday 14th December. Social Christmas Run. Details to be published nearer the time.
Sunday 5th January 2020 South West Cross Country Championships, Aldon Hill Yeovil (juniors/seniors)
Saturday 25th January 2020 Midland Cross Country Championships (the club has in the last few years focused on the South West XC, rather than the Midlands)
Saturday 22nd February English National Cross Country Championships, Nottingham (juniors/seniors)
Saturday 21st March 2020 Midland 6/12 Stage Road Relays– Sutton Park
Saturday 4th April 20202 National 6/12 Stage, Sutton Park
Saturday 16th May 2020- Masters Road Relays, Sutton Park (Over 35’s)
Club Championship Events
Saturday 7th December. Gwent League Event: Blaise Castle, Bristol. As a club we host this event and it’s on familiar territory so you have no excuse for not attending.
Thursday 19th December. Western Prom. A 5 mile race, up and down the promenade front. Affiliated only £6. A post race Christmas meal is organised as well, check above for details.
Thursday 26th December Clevedon Boxing Day Race. I can tell you it’s a 4 mile race and a good excuse to burn off those excess calories from Christmas day lunch. Last year the first three Westbury finishers were Joe Conners, Ben Rawlins and Robin Phillips.http://www.clevedonac.co.uk/races
Sunday 29th December The Wye Wander, starting from Chepstow Leisure Centre. Wye Wander Link (replaces Hangover 10k)
Sunday 12th January 2020. The Riverbank Rollick, by Thornbury Running Club. The course offers different terrains, different places, different views… and is probably different to anything you’ve tried before. Challenging too, but very rewarding. Just under 10 miles in length. Riverbank Rollick Link RACE FULL – check for waiting list
Saturday 8th February 2020. Gwent League Event: Chepstow Race Course
Sunday 23rd February. River Avon Trail 10k A stunning off road, multi terrain course which will incorporate thrilling trails, open countryside and woodlands. River Avon 10k Link
Sunday 1st March 2020 Gwent League Event: Singleton Park, Swansea
Sunday 15th March San Domenico 20 miler. https://my1.raceresult.com/139085/registration?lang=en
