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

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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