Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 20 May 2021

Posted on 20/05/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 20 May to Krishawn Aiken, Shaka Bunsie, Zachary Caparanga, Sophie Connor, Sienna Corbyn, Liam Dee, Toby Edwards, Andrew Elkins, Alex Evelegh, Joshua Fisher, Zoe Holley, Rebecca Jeffery, Lucy Johnson, Gibril Mansaray, Harriet Mollinson, Alice Musgrove, Leonie Onyems and Michail Stamatogiannis

8 SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS ATHLETES SELECTED FOR EUROPEAN TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS – Congratulations to our athletes who will be competing in Poland next weekend.
CHRIS BENNETT (Hammer), OJIE EDOBURUN (100m and 4x100m Relay), JADE LALLY (Discus), SCOTT LINCOLN (Shot), LINA NIELSEN (4x400m Relay), MICHAEL OHIOZE (4x400m Relay), JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS (4x400m Relay) and JORDAN WATSON-BROWN (4x100m Relay).

The Championships take place in the Silesian Stadium, Chorzow, Poland on 29-30 May. The GB team will face France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Ukraine in the two-day match. They will also have to go through post-match quarantine for a minimum of 5 days to comply with Government Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Olympic head coach CHRISTIAN MALCOLM said: “We have a rich history in this competition, so it was very important for us to take on our European competitors and earn as many points as possible. We have selected a team who will be pushing for every point across the board, so I am excited to see how these athletes will perform in Poland. It is a squad with a blend of some experienced GB & NI internationals but also a high number of developing athletes who will really benefit from this opportunity. “As is consistent with our approach to British teams this year, athletes were given the option to opt-in or opt-out of this event. With the Müller British Athletics Championships just under six weeks away, and the Olympic Games on the horizon, we recognise that every athlete’s plan is going to be different, so we are supporting all athletes to achieve what they feel is the best preparation possible. “In terms of the 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams, this event will provide a valuable opportunity to try out different combinations and options as we look ahead beyond Tokyo. I’m looking forward to seeing this group of athletes step up to the challenge at this event.”

TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR THE LOUGHBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL – Congratulations to the 14 Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers athletes who will be representing either England, Scotland or GB & NI Under 20 teams at Loughborough this Sunday. Loughborough team to be announced.

ENGLAND – LILY BECKFORD (4x400m Relay), JEREMY DEMPSEY (1500m), AMY HOLDER (Discus), REBECCA JEGGO (4x100m Relay), KYLE LANGFORD (800m), SCOTT LINCOLN (Shot), JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS (400m and 4x400m Relay), GREGORY THOMPSON (Discus), and JORDAN WATSON-BROWN (100m and 4x100m Relay).

SCOTLAND – KRISHAWN AIKEN (400m, 4x100m Relay and 4x400m Relay) and NICK PERCY (Discus).

GB & NI UNDER 20 – BRAD DAVIES-PUGHE U20 (Long Jump), HENRY MCLUCKIE U20 (1500m), LILY PARRIS (100m Hurdles) and EVE WRIGHT U20 (4x100m Relay).

MIDDLESEX UNDER 13/15 CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 24 July at Lee Valley Athletics Centre. The link for on-line entries is: https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2021/GBR/mdx-ya/

YOU CAN NOW ENTER THE FIRST LONDON INTER CLUB CHALLENGE FIXTURE – The first of four fixtures takes place on Saturday 12 June and Sunday 13 June at Lee Valley Athletics Centre. Entries Closing Date Friday 28 May
LEE VALLEY THROWS FEST – Takes place on Sunday 23 May at Lee Valley Athletics Centre. Entries Close Friday 21 May
LEE VALLEY HURDLES AND STEEPLECHASE OPEN MEETING – Takes place on Monday 31 May at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way. Entries Close Thursday 27 May
Full information on the above 3 fixtures, can be found in Upcoming Fixtures below

UPCOMING FIXTURES – Shows all fixture information for the period Thursday 20 May until Wednesday 16 June, and follows straight after this week’s results.

SBH ALL-TIME TOP 10 – There were two top 10 performances this week. Firstly in Southampton SHADINE DUQUEMIN threw a discus personal best (55.86m) adding 53cm to her 2019 throw, and ranks her UK No.3 in 2021, keeping her at No.3 on the all-time list. In Colchester OLIVER GRAHAM U23 produced a hammer personal best (62.34m) adding 31cm to his 2020 throw, and ranks him UK No.6 U23 in 2021, keeping him at No.7 on the all-time list.

THIS WEEK’S RESULTS – With our US Based athletes were back competing in their respective championships, CHARLES HICKS won the 10000m and was 3rd in the 5000m, GEORGE EVANS had a busy meeting competing in 3 events, and EAVION RICHARDSON finished 5th in the Triple Jump. Elsewhere in California KYLE LANGFORD and ELLIE BAKER had solid 800m performances, and MICHAEL OHIOZE ran (20.88) in the 200m which ranks him UK No.7 in 2021.
Our young athletes were out in force, with 3 notable performances, firstly ZICO JONES in the 300m ran a personal best (37.22) which ranks him UK No.1 U15, AIMI WEIGHTMAN also ran a personal best in the 1500m (4:39.01) ranking her UK No.10 U17, finally KACEY WALTERS equalled her seasons best in the High Jump (1.65m) ranking her UK No.3 U17.
In the 100m JORDAN WATSON-BROWN ran a personal best (10.33 w0.0) ranking him UK No.4, also ALLANA FASHANU U20 also ran a personal best (12.09 w1.3) ranking her UK No.7 U20.
Another top performance came in the 400n Hurdles, HAYLEY MCLEAN ran a season best (57.57) ranking her UK No.2
In the field events SHADINE DUQUEMIN threw a discus personal best (55.86m) ranking her UK No.3, and another personal best from OLIVER GRAHAM in the hammer (62.34m) ranking him UK No.6 U23
There were 25 season bests, 22 personal bests, and 16 UK top 10 performances.

KETTERING OPEN MEETING – Took place in Kettering on 18 May.
100m – SX 10 JASON PURBRICK U20 (2nd Claim) 3rd (11.45 w0.2)
400m – SX 4 MORGAN WEBSTER U23 1st (PB 48.65) taking 1.58 seconds off his 2018 time, SAM WIGGINS U23 2nd (PB 51.22) taking 4.78 seconds off his 2016 time

BIRCHFIELD HARRIERS NATIONAL ATHLETICS LEAGUE WARM UP MEETING – Took place in Nuneaton on 16 May.
100m – SM 1 DOMINIC ASHWELL U23 5th (10.52 w-1.5), 2 GERALD MATTHEW 5th (10.92 w1.5), 9 DOMINIC finished 8th (10.62 w2.7), 11 GERALD finished 3rd (SB 10.86 w0.2) equalling his 28 April time
100m – SW 2 EVE WRIGHT U20 4th (12.16 w0.9), 6 EVE finished 6th (12.21 w0.8)
200m – SM 3 GERALD MATTHEW 2nd (SB 21.77 w0.5)
200m – SW 2 HANNAH FOSTER U20 2nd (SB 24.58 w0.1) and is ranked UK No.6 U20 in 2021
400m – SM 5 NIAL CARNEY 5th (50.71)
400m – SW 1 LILY BECKFORD 5th (53.88)
110m Hurdles – SM 1 EDSON GOMES 3rd (PB 13.85) taking .31 of a second off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.5 in 2021
400m Hurdles – SW 2 HAYLEY MCLEAN 2nd (57.94)
High Jump – SM DAVID SMITH 1st (SB 2.20m) and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021
Triple Jump – SM JOSH WOODS U20 2nd (PB 14.76m w0.0) adding 19cm to his 2019 jump, and is ranked UK No.2 U20 in 2021
Shot 7.26kg – SM EVAN CAMPBELL U23 2nd (PB 13.65m)

CITY OF YORK CLUB MEETING – Took place in York on 16 May.
100m – SM 1 MAYOWO ORI-WILLIAMS U20 2nd (PB 11.6 nwr) taking .31 of a second off his 2017 time
200m – SM 1 ROBERT SHIPLEY (HCA) 1st (23.1 nwr), MAYOWO ORI-WILLIAMS U20 3rd (SB 23.5 nwr)
400m – SM 1 ROBERT SHIPLEY (HCA) 1st (SB 49.1)
Shot 7.26kg – SM SCOTT LINCOLN (HCA) 1st (20.69m)

SOUTH WEST ATHLETICS ACADEMY OPEN MEETING – Took place in Exeter on 16 May.
100m – SX 1 KIERA GILMAN U20 (2nd Claim) 3rd (SB 12.91 w1.4)
800m – SX 2 NATHAN GODDARD U20 3rd (SB 2:00.83)

COLCHESTER THROWS INVITATIONAL MEETING – Took place in Colchester on 16 May.
Hammer 4kg – SW PHILIPPA DAVENALL 1st (59.36m)
Hammer 7.26kg – SM OLIVER GRAHAM U23 2nd (PB 62.34m) adding 31cm to his 2020 throw, and is ranked UK No.6 U23 in 2021

SOUTHAMPTON THROWS AND JUMP OPEN MEETING – Took place in Winchester on 16 May.
Discus 1kg – SW A SHADINE DUQUEMIN 2nd (PB 55.86m) adding 53cm to her 2019 throw, and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021, AMY HOLDER (2nd Claim) 4th (50.88m)
Discus 2kg – SM A NICK PERCY 2nd (61.61m), GREGORY THOMPSON 3rd (SB 60.93m) adding 74cm to his 25 April throw, and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021

SOUTHAMPTON MAY OPEN MEETING – Took place in Southampton on 16 May.
1500m – SX 7 AIMI WEIGHTMAN U17 7th (PB 4:39.01) taking 6.21 seconds off her 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.10 U17 in 2021

CAMBRIDGE HARRIERS CLUB TRIALS MEETING – Took place in Eltham on 15 May.
High Jump – SW KACEY WALTERS U17 1st (SB 1.65m) equalling her 1 May jump, and is ranked UK No.3 U17 in 2021

LIGA JOMA DE CLUBES DH HOMBRES MEETING – Took place in Valencia, Spain on 15 May.
3000m – SM ISAAC HIRSHMAN CHANDLER U20 4th (PB 8:34.57) taking 34.25 seconds off his 2017 time

MIDSUMMER TRACK NIGHT MEETING – Took place in Vienna, Austria on 15 May.
100m – SM H1 JORDAN WATSON-BROWN 1st (PB 10.33 w0.0) taking .21 of a second off his 25 April time, and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021, in the Final JORDAN finished 1st (10.58 w-0.1)
200m – SM 1 JORDAN WATSON-BROWN 4th (21.86 w0.0)

PARKRUN 5K – Took place in Jersey on 15 May.
AMANDA BAILEY 36th (21.30) this was her 43rd Parkrun, CLIFF GOLDING V65 114th (24.48) this was his 84th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place in Perry Lakes, Perth, Australia on 8 May.
STUART MOORE V60 65th (29.02) this was his 161st Parkrun

PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place in Los Angeles, California, USA on 14-16 May.
5000m – SM CHARLES HICKS (Stanford University) 3rd (13:35.60)
10000m – SM CHARLES HICKS (Stanford University) 1st (28:39.46)

BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place in Champaign, Illinois, USA on 14-16 May.
Triple Jump – SW EAVION RICHARDSON (University of Iowa) 5th (12.47m w2.5)

BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place in Manhattan, Kansas, USA on 14-16 May.
Shot 7.26kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 7th (17.05m)
Discus 2kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 4th (54.33m)
Hammer 7.26kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 13th (54.69m)

TRACK MEET SOUND RUNNING MEETING – Took place in Irvine, California, USA on 14-15 May.
800m – SM KYLE LANGFORD 2nd (SB 1:47.00) taking .08 of a second off his 9 May time, and is ranked UK No.10 in 2021
800m – SW 2 ELLIE BAKER 3rd (2:01.82)

APU LAST CHANCE TWILIGHT MEETING – Took place in Azusa, California, USA on 14-15 May.
100m – SM 1 MICHAEL OHIOZE 5th (SB 10.56 w2.0) taking .03 of a second off his 20 March time
200m – SM 2 MICHAEL OHIOZE 1st (SB 20.88 w1.6) taking .35 of a second off his 20 March time, and is ranked UK No.7 in 2021

ATHLETICS NORFOLK FRIDAY EVENING OPEN MEETING – Took place in Norwich on 14 May.
200m – SX 10 DECARIE DAVIES U20 1st (SB 22.5 w-1.0), CALVIN SMITH U17 3rd (SB 22.9 w-1.0) taking .17 of a second off his 17 April time, and is ranked UK No.7 U17 in 2021

HARROW SPRING OPEN MEETING – Took place in Harrow on 13 May.
200m – SX 3 DINA SILVERMAN U15 2nd (PB 26.45 w3.0) taking 3.35 seconds off her 2020 time
300m – SX 5 ZICO JONES U15 3rd (PB 37.22) taking .26 of a second off his 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.1 U15 in 2021
400m – SX 2 VICTORIA GODFREY U20 6th (SB 66.69), SOPHIA VENTER U20 7th (PB 72.27), 3 SYDNEY ALLEN U20 7th (PB 63.10), 4 DYLAN HAMMOND U17 1st (PB 55.64), 5 CONOR O’KEEFFE U20 4th (54.62), LEO RONCARATI U17 6th (55.18) taking 4.57 seconds off his 2018 time, 6 JONATHAN BOARDMAN U20 8th (PB 55.89) taking .19 of a second off his 2019 time
Long Jump – U20X B DINA SILVERMAN U15 6th (PB 4.43m w1.5) adding 1.41m to her 2019 jump

BMC GOLD STANDARD RACES – Took place in Birmingham on 12 May.
1500m – Men’s A MARK PEARCE 1st (PB 3:44.43) taking 2.33 seconds off his 2020 time, MITCHEL COX U23 7th (PB 3:48.11) taking 4.58 seconds off his 8 May time

BMC REGIONAL RACES – Took place in Wormwood Scrubs on 12 May.
3000m – Men’s A THOMAS BUTLER 8th (SB 8:31.33)
3000m – Mixed B NAOMI TASCHIMOWITZ 8th (SB 9:47.88)

LOUGHBOROUGH OPEN MEETING – Took place in Loughborough on 12 May.
100m – SW 1 ALLANA FASHANU U20 1st (PB 12.09 w1.3) equalling her 28 April time, and is ranked UK No.7 U20 in 2021
200m – SM 2 JORDAN WATSON-BROWN 2nd (21.44 w-0.1)
200m – SW 1 ALLANA FASHANU U20 3rd (PB 24.97 w0.0) and is ranked UK No.5 U20 in 2021
400m – SM 1 JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS 1st (SB 46.69) taking .08 of a second off his 25 April time
1500m – SW SCARLETT KENT U20 7th (SB 5:01.39)
100m Hurdles – SW 1.2 MARLI JESSOP U20 3rd (14.36 w-1.1), 2.2 MARLI finished 1st (14.21 w0.1)
400m Hurdles – SM DANIEL REES 2nd (SB 55.02) taking 2.09 seconds off his 8 May time
Javelin 800g – SM DANIEL BAINBRIDGE U23 2nd (69.47m)

UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM SERIES 2 MEETING – Took place in Birmingham on 12 May.
100m – SX 1A DAVID BROOKS U20 3rd (PB 12.16 w-0.7) taking .84 of a second off his 18 April time, 1B EVIE WRIGHT U20 2nd (12.6 w-0.6), 2A JOSH WOODS U20 3rd (SB 11.45 w-0.9), 2B DAVID BROOKS U20 1st (PB 12.1 w0.7) taking .06 of a second off his 1A time, 4 JOSH WOODS U20 3rd (11.46 w-0.2)
400m – SX 3 EVAN CAMPBELL U23 1st (PB 52.13) taking .79 of a second off his 2019 time
400m Hurdles – SW 2 HAYLEY MCLEAN 1st (SB 57.57) taking .67 of a second off her 1 May time, and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021
High Jump – SX A EVAN CAMPBELL U23 6th (SB 1.87m)
Long Jump – SX A BRAD DAVIES-PUGHE U20 2nd (7.12m w0.0)

THAMES VALLEY HARRIERS OPEN MEETING – Took place in Wormwood Scrubs on 12 May.
100m – SX 6 ZANSON PLUMMER 1st (SB 10.93 w0.3)

UPCOMING FIXTURES FOR THE NEXT 4 WEEKS – The current 2021 Summer Fixture Card can be found on the SBH website – http://sbharriers.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixture-cards/ – also the contact details for all Team Managers can be found on the SBH website – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/track-field/team-managers/
There are certain fixtures, that you will have to enter yourselves and pay the appropriate fee

MIDDLESEX YOUNG ATHLETES LEAGUE ROUND 1A FIELD EVENTS ONLY – The first fixture of four takes place on Saturday 22 May at Finsbury Park Athletic Track, Harringay (Satnav N4 1EE).
Age-Groups Under 13, 15 & 17 Men/Women. The events are as follows – High Jump, Long Jump, Shot, Hammer, Javelin. This is the link to the timetable – MYAL 2021 Timetables V1a Received 25-03-21
Note: You will have to be selected by your Team Manager.
To Be Confirmed: Those athletes who wish to compete as a non-scorer, please contact your Team Manager no later than Thursday 20 May as the declarations have to be in on Friday 21 May.

MIDDLESEX YOUNG ATHLETES LEAGUE ROUND 1B TRACK EVENTS ONLY – The first fixture of four takes place on Sunday 23 May at Perivale Park Athletic Track, Stockdove Way, Perivale, Greenford (Satnav UB6 8JT).
Age-Groups Under 13, 15 & 17 Men/Women. The events are as follows – 200m, 300m/400m, 800m, Hurdles. This is the link to the timetable – MYAL 2021 Timetables V1a Received 25-03-21
Note: You will have to be selected by your Team Manager.
To Be Confirmed: Those athletes who wish to compete as a non-scorer, please contact your Team Manager no later than Thursday 20 May as the declarations have to be in on Friday 21 May.

LOUGHBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL – Takes place on Sunday 23 May at the Loughborough University Track, Ashby Road, Loughborough (Satnav LE11 3TU).
Age-Groups Under U20 & Senior Men/Women.
Note: There are Guest Entries, but limited, this is the link https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/sports/athletics/loughborough-international-athletics/

LEE VALLEY THROWS FEST – Takes place on Sunday 23 May at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR).
All age-groups. Events Discus, Shot and Hammer. Cost is £9 per event. Starts at 10.00am.
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
Entries Close Friday 21 May, Although An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early

LEE VALLEY DOUBLE 100m SPRINTS OPEN MEETING – Takes place on Wednesday 26 May at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR).
All age-groups including U13s. Cost is £9 per event, £12 for 2 events.
Timetable commences at 7.00pm.
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
Entries Close Sunday 23 May, Although An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early

ENGLAND SENIOR & U20 COMBINED EVENTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 29 May and Sunday 30 May at the Bedford International Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford (Satnav MK41 9SB).
Age-Groups Under U20 & Senior Men/Women. For all entry details and full information please use this link
http://www.englandathletics.org/england-athletics/english-national-championships
Note: You will have to enter yourselves and pay the appropriate fee.

UK YOUTH DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE LONDON WEST ROUND 1 – The first fixture of four takes place on Sunday 30 May at the Bannister Stadium, Uxbridge Road, Harrow (Satnav HA3 6SW).
Age-Groups Under 17 & U20 Men/Women. This is the link to the timetable – YDL UAG Timetables 2021 Matches 1 & 2
Note: You will have to be selected by your respective Team Manager

LEE VALLEY HURDLES AND STEEPLECHASE OPEN MEETING – Takes place on Monday 31 May at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR).
All age-groups including U13. Cost is £9 per event. Starts at 9.00am.
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
Entries Close Thursday 27 May, Although An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early

BIG ISH FESTIVAL – Takes place on Monday 31 May at the Bedford International Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford (Satnav MK41 9SB).
Age-Groups Under U20 & Senior Men/Women. Link for entries – https://www.bedfordgames.co.uk/
Note: You will have to enter yourselves and pay the appropriate fee
Closing Date Sunday 23 May

MIDDLESEX YOUNG ATHLETES LEAGUE ROUND 2A TRACK EVENTS ONLY – The second fixture of four takes place on Saturday 5 June at Finsbury Park Athletic Track, Harringay (Satnav N4 1EE).
Age-Groups Under 13, 15 & 17 Men/Women. The events are as follows – 100m, 200m, 1500m, Hurdles. This is the link to the timetable – MYAL 2021 Timetables V1a Received 25-03-21
Note: You will have to be selected by your Team Manager.
To Be Confirmed: Those athletes who wish to compete as a non-scorer, please contact your Team Manager no later than Thursday 4 June as the declarations have to be in on Friday 5 June.

MIDDLESEX YOUNG ATHLETES LEAGUE ROUND 2B FIELD EVENTS ONLY – The second fixture of four takes place on Sunday 6 June at Perivale Park Athletic Track, Stockdove Way, Perivale, Greenford (Satnav UB6 8JT).
Age-Groups Under 13, 15 & 17 Men/Women. The events are as follows – High Jump, Long Jump, Shot, Hammer, Discus. This is the link to the timetable – MYAL 2021 Timetables V1a Received 25-03-21
Note: You will have to be selected by your Team Manager.
To Be Confirmed: Those athletes who wish to compete as a non-scorer, please contact your Team Manager no later than Thursday 4 June as the declarations have to be in on Friday 5 June.

NATIONAL ATHLETIC LEAGUE ROUND 1 – The first of four fixtures takes place on Sunday 6 June at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR).
Age-Groups Under U20 & Senior Men/Women. This is the link to the timetable – NAL Timetable Four-Five Club Match 2021.docx
Note: You will have to be selected by your Team Manager

LEE VALLEY DOUBLE 100m/200m SPRINTS OPEN MEETING – Takes place on Wednesday 9 June at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR).
Age-groups Under 17 and above. Cost is £9 per event, £12 for 2 events.
Timetable for track events –
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
Entries Close Sunday 6 June, Although An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early

SOUTHERN U20 AND SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 12 June and Sunday 13 June, venue to be confirmed. Also includes the Under 15/17 Men and Women 3000m Championships on Saturday 12 June.
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online, please use this link – http://seaa.org.uk/index.php/events/track-and-field
Entries Closing Date Tuesday 1 June

LONDON INTER CLUB CHALLENGE ROUND 1 – The first of four fixtures takes place on Saturday 12 June and Sunday 13 June at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR).
Age-Groups U15, U17, U20 Men/Women Only. Entry is £8 per event but £4 to members of SBH. Online entry is now open at https://entry4sports.co.uk/#/
Entries Closing Date Friday 28 May

LEE VALLEY OPEN MEETING FIXTURES MAY TO SEPTEMBER – The fixtures can be found on their website https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
100m/200m Sprint Series – Wednesday 7 July (Closing date Sunday 4 July), Wednesday 4 August (Closing date Sunday 1 August), Wednesday 1 September (Closing date Sunday 29 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above. Entries are not open at present.
Double 100m Sprint Series – Wednesday 23 June (Closing date Sunday 20 June), Wednesday 21 July (Closing date Sunday 18 July), Wednesday 18 August (Closing date Sunday 15 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above. Entries are not open at present.
Regarding Closing Dates – An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early.

DAVE BEDFORD QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS INTERVIEW – Was conducted with Athletics Weekly recently, in which DAVE covers his best races, training schedule, his lifelong friendship with BOB PARKER, and todays athletics.

ROLLERCOASTER 12 MONTHS FOR HAMMER THROWER CHRIS BENNETT – The following article and photograph was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Scottish athlete struggled mentally and physically during the pandemic but is rounding into great form with the Manchester Invitational in his sights. As with most athletes, CHRIS BENNETT has had his fair share of trials over the last 12 months. However, the Scottish hammer thrower, who is gearing up for the new Manchester Invitational later this month, has enjoyed plenty of ups too and believes he is now in the shape of his life. On the downside, the twice Commonwealth finalist lost his main source of income due to the pandemic restrictions so had to work full-time, he ended up tipping the scales 24kg over his ideal weight and he suffered due to closed training facilities. However, he has found peace with the weighing scales, had the perfect training build-up this winter, and is eyeing up the Tokyo qualification mark with confidence. The Glaswegian, who was 19th in qualifying in Rio 2016, in April had one of his best throws since that Olympic year when he went out to (75.69m). He says: “I think there’s more in there. I didn’t expect to throw that far that early, so it’s quite nice. I feel like I’m in better shape than I ever was before Rio, so it’s quite exciting but quite frightening at the same time because the Olympics are just around the corner and it could be special.”

At the start of the first lockdown, BENNETT was forced to take a full-time supermarket delivery job when he was unable to do his usual job visiting schools. However, after four months, he decided to switch to part-time and it was around then that he decided he needed to rebuild. “I think the pandemic’s been good and bad for me in the same way,” he says. “It was bad because I couldn’t really train, but it was good because it’s given me that focus and drive back to do it. I don’t think other people could say that – I think it more went the other way that they maybe fell out of love with the sport with the lack of opportunities, lack of competing, so for me the pandemic’s been a blessing in disguise.”

He says finishing runner-up to CRAIG MURCH at the British Championships last September gave him a further boost: “It gave me the fire to just get back into training, I took a week off and then I’ve just had a clear run at training. I’ve had no real injuries, no disruptions, I’ve been really fortunate so from December to now I’ve not missed a day’s training because of lack of facilities or what not. For me, the consistency has been the big thing.” BENNETT, who has revealed his struggles with mental health, was particularly hard hit when he was disappointed with 10th at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The ANDY FROST-coached athlete says: “I wasn’t really enjoying life, and I really wondered if I wanted to be here. I had some proper deep, dark thoughts.” He says the recovery period allowed him to rethink his motivations. “It’s taken a long time to get here, but I feel like I’m back and better than I ever was before, so it’s a nice place to be in at this time of the year,” he says. The Shaftesbury Barnet Harrier is out to gain the Olympic qualifier of (77.50m) rather than having to hope for an invite based on World Athletics’ rankings system. “For the first time ever I firmly believe I can do an outright qualifying mark,” he says. “I don’t want to leave it in someone else’s hands because if I don’t throw (77.50m) and I don’t get picked then I’ve got no one else to blame but myself. If I throw (77.50m) and I get top-two at the trials, they’ve got to take me.” After throwing (75.36m) at the European Throwing Cup in Split last weekend, he is looking forward to the new meeting in Manchester on 27 May.

BBC TO COVER DIAMOND LEAGUE UNTIL 2024 – The following article and photograph was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

British broadcaster strikes deal to show Wanda Diamond League meetings for the next four years. BBC Sport has announced a new rights deal which sees every Wanda Diamond League event live on the BBC until 2024. The new four-year deal kicks off with live coverage from the Müller Grand Prix Gateshead from 7pm on Sunday May 23 on BBC Two. The 2021 series will see 14 meetings in total, with the Diamond League in Doha taking place five days after Gateshead. Meetings will then take place at other locations throughout the summer before ending with a two-day meet in Zurich in September. All will be available live on the BBC across either network TV or BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio and BBC Red Button. BARBARA SLATER, Director of BBC Sport said: “These events showcase the very best talent that athletics has to offer as well as the emergence of the stars of the future. In what is set to be a thrilling year for the sport, we’re delighted to bring viewers a wealth of live athletics coverage from the Diamond League.”

BBC, say it adds to an existing athletics portfolio which includes the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games, plus the London Marathon, Great North Run and Great Manchester Run plus the European and World Indoor Championships.

RETURN OF PARKRUN IN JEOPARDY – The following article and photograph was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Little over a quarter of parkrun venues in the UK have permission from their landowner ahead of its 5 June comeback. It has been well over a year since parkrun took place for adults in Britain but its planned return next month “hangs in the balance” according to organisers due to only 27% of the 5km events having been given the green light by landowners. Only 161 of 589 of the venues have permission from local authorities and private landowners to resume early next month. “As things stand,” parkrun said on Friday (14 May), “the return of the free, weekly, community events hangs in the balance, with organisers confirming that the number of permissions must increase significantly over the next seven days for any of the events to return on Saturday 5 June as planned.” In a strong statement, parkrun added: “Despite legal permission to return and support from Government, Public Health England and Sport England, a combination of obstacles including misunderstanding the Government’s Roadmap, reluctance, hesitation and unnecessary red tape threatens to delay the return of parkrun indefinitely.

“With all other sports returning, alongside the reopening of indoor dining and hospitality, further roadblocks to parkrun’s return feel unreasonable, with non-response, red tape and internal administrative processes standing in the way of the inclusive, community physical activity.” Attempts last autumn to bring parkrun back in late October were scuppered by a second wave of the coronavirus which ultimately led to an English lockdown in November. But recently junior parkrun events have successfully returned and parkrun events generally have had permission to return since March, as part of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.” A decision over the 5 June return will be made by parkrun on 21 May with fears that if only a small number of events return then they could be overwhelmed with participants.

LATEST UPDATE ON RAY POWELL’S VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS – Hope that you are all keeping well, and a big thank you for those who have volunteered over the past 6 weeks.
Standard Chartered Great City Race Tuesday 20 July – 25 volunteers required – 22 at present – 3 more required.
Big Half Marathon Sunday 22 August – 30 volunteers required – 15 at present – 15 more required.
London Mini Marathon Sunday 3 October – 62 volunteers needed – 46 at present – 16 more required.
I know that some of the races are a way off, but if you feel that you can help, please let me know now, as it makes the planning a lot easier. Please contact CLARE & RAY at ray571m@btopenworld.com

SBH ANNOUNCERS REQUIRED – GERALD ALTERMAN has sent me the following request.
As a result of the retirement of PETER MATTHEWS and TONY MILLER and the recent death of MARTIN ETCHELLS, we are very short of announcers for our Home fixtures.

England Athletics have told GERALD “we are today releasing a news story regarding a couple of workshops for announcing, during May and dependant on how that goes we may well have more people interested in developing skills at local level. These two workshops are more of an introduction and are informative about what skills are needed and sharing of good practise. ROB WALKER will be delivering these two workshops with ALISON POTTS on the 13 and 20 May, at 7pm-8.30pm, via Zoom.

I am sure we have a few budding STEVE CRAMs or GABBY LOGANs amongst you, therefore this is the link for you to sign up – https://www.englandathletics.org/officiating/development-opportunities/athletics-announcer-training/

THE FOLLOWING SBH DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION CAN EITHER BE VIEWED, DOWNLOADED OR PRINTED
SBH 2021 Summer Fixture Card – SBH Summer 2021 Fixture Card Front Sheet – Issued 11-04-21 – SBH Summer 2021 Fixture Card Fixtures – Issued 11-04-21
Cross Country Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/cross-country/team-managers/
Road Running/Relay Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/road-running/team-managers/

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OF INTEREST CAN BE FOUND ON THE SBH HOME PAGE BY USING THIS LINK, THEN SELECT THE LEFT OR RIGHT ARROW – http://sbharriers.co.uk/
Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Club Hoody, information on how to purchase one, please go to the bottom of this Newsletter.

GB QUALIFICATION STANDARDS FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS 2021 – These are the following World Athletics qualification standards for all GB athletes:
Men – 100m (10.05), 200m (20.24), 400m (44.90), 800m (1:45.20), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (13:13.50), 10000m (27:28.00), 3000m Steeplechase (8:22.0), 110m Hurdles (13.32), 400m Hurdles (48.90), High Jump (2.33), Pole Vault (5.80), Long Jump (8.22), Triple Jump (17.14), Shot Put (21.10), Discus (66.00), Hammer (77.50), Decathlon (8350), Marathon (2:11.30).
Women – 100m (11.15), 200m (22.80), 400m (51.35), 800m (1:59.50), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (15:10.00), 10000m (31:25.00), 3000m Steeplechase (9:30.00), 100m Hurdles (12.84), 400m Hurdles (55.40), High Jump (1.96), Pole Vault (4.70), Long Jump (6.82), Triple Jump (14.32), Shot Put (18.50), Discus (63.50), Hammer (72.50), Heptathlon (6420), Marathon (2:29.30).

The final date that all standards are to be achieved is Sunday 27 June, the Marathon date is Monday 29 March. Team selection for all events is on Monday 28 June, and the Marathon on Tuesday 30 March.

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES ALL SCHEDULES – It is not long now before we take to the armchair for 19 days of sport, from Wednesday 21 July. When the games take place, Tokyo is 9 hours ahead of GMT time in London. This is the link to the schedule for all 46 competitions – https://tokyo2020.org/en/schedule/ Just click on any of the competitions, and their detailed schedule will be shown.

Regarding Athletics this is the schedule, which commences on Friday 30 July – https://tokyo2020.org/en/schedule/athletics-schedule

On the first day of Athletics, which is on Friday 30 July, Tokyo morning session commences from 09.00 to 12noon, which means in London the session commences at Midnight on Friday 30 July, and finishes at 3.00m. Their evening session commences from 19.00 to 21.00, which means in London the session commences at 10.00 on Friday 30 July, and finishes at 12noon. The following sessions times vary slightly.

BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES – Well there is just 531 days to the Opening Ceremony, you may wish to sign up to receive their Newsletter. Link – https://www.birmingham2022.com/register-your-interest/. Tickets will be on sale later this year, and can only be purchased through the official Commonwealth Games website, this is the link to register – https://www.birmingham2022.com/the-games/tickets/. This is the link to the current schedule for the 25 events – https://images.birmingham2022.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/11441664_CWGs_Daily_Competition_Schedule_FINAL.pdf.

ATHLETICS take place at the Alexander Stadium 2-7 August, with the Marathons on 30 July. There will be 59 medal events including a fully integrated Para Sport programme. TRIATHLON and PARA TRIATHLON take place at Sutton Park 29 and 31 July. The Individual races contest a 750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run, and the Team races contest a 250m swim, 7km cycle, 1.5km run. Link to all events – https://www.birmingham2022.com/the-games/sports/?utm_source=workflow&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=popup_work_flow_send_welcome_autoresponder_pop_up_footer_form&utm_content=2021-02-05

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

STONEX STADIUM NOW OPEN FROM 29 MARCH – StoneX Stadium is now open to Club members, under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.

SBH SUBSCRIPTIONS 2020-2021 – SBH Treasurer GEOFF MORPHITIS has sent me the following regarding subscriptions.
The Club AGM took place virtually at 19.30 on Tuesday 24 November. One of the resolutions which was passed dealt with Club Subscriptions as follows. “The Annual Membership Fee for new members from 1 December 2020 will increase to £50. Existing members who have paid their membership fee for year ended 30 September 2020 will be considered as having also paid their fee for the year ended 30 September 2021.
In other words, in recognition of the disruption caused by Covid-19, these members will have 2 years membership for the price of one.” Therefore, I’m now asking athletes who have not paid their subscription for the year ended 30/09/20 (£45) to pay, so as to qualify for the 2 for 1 concession together with the England Athletics Registration Fee of £15 for 2020/21. The total is £60 and should be paid NOW to; ACCOUNT NAME: SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS, BANK: HSBC, ACCOUNT NUMBER: 41308378, SORT CODE: 400426 – Please let me know when payment is made. Thanks GEOFF

CAN YOU HELP PLEASE – During the period when all competitions are suspended, I will do my upmost in keeping the Newsletter information and other content going.
I would welcome any contributions From Yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents, also past warm weather training/holidays (No Club 24 please). Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next week’s Newsletter – please email me.

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Is due to re-commence Saturday 5 June

PARKRUN – Can you make sure that you are registered as ‘Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers’, as the link I use to select all results only shows SBH athletes. If anyone is also officiating can you please contact me and advise me where and when.

PHOTOGRAPH’S – From time to time we have photographs of our members taken at meetings or presentations which we would like to use both on the website or incorporated within our report to our local newspaper. Can you please let me know if you do NOT want your photograph to be published. Also, I would appreciate if you could send me any photographs, which I can then publish on the website and newsletter.

CLUB EMBROIDERED RED HOODIES – Currently there are now over 750 Hoodies in circulation, this is the link giving details on how you can order your Club Hoody for £35, which includes having your name embroidered on the front Club Hoodies Updated 01-07-19

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF SHAFTESBURY INFORMATION – Currently I notify members (by email) using “MailChimp”. The reason I changed, was in November 2017 “Gmail” put a limit of 100 addresses that users could send to in a 24-hour period, and currently I send to approximately 850 members each issue.

On seeking technical advice “MailChimp” was recommended as the best way for SBH to go forward. There is one thing you should be aware off is that when you receive an email from me, the footer at the bottom has 4 options, of which one is “Unsubscribe Me From List”. Could I ask you not to select this as if you do you will be automatically removed from my distribution list.

SBH PRIVACY STATEMENT – In becoming a member, SBH will collect certain information about you. Can you please read the attached ‘Privacy Statement’ which contains Information on General Data Protection Regulations – SBH Privacy Statement Final April 2018

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 13 May 2021

Posted on 13/05/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 13 May to Chiyenne Adrien, Malachi Amadi, Scott Amir, Sabrina Bakare, Dave Bradley, Evan Campbell, Oliver Graham, Asha Horbacki, Harry Kyriacou, Barnie Malladaine, James Musa, Haaris Mwagaza, Elizabeth Newnham, Arthur Phillips, Lily Rachel and Efe Uwaifo

RECENT NEW MEMBERS – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to JANE DIXON, HANNAH PULLAR and CARYS OKOLIE-LOI.

YOU CAN NOW ENTER THE FIRST LONDON INTER CLUB CHALLENGE FIXTURE – The first of four fixtures takes place on Saturday 12 June and Sunday 13 June at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR).
Age-Groups U15, U17, U20 Men/Women Only. Entry is £8 per event but £4 to members of SBH. Online entry is now open at https://entry4sports.co.uk/#/
Entries Closing Date Friday 28 May

(NEW EVENT) LEE VALLEY THROWS FEST – Takes place on Sunday 23 May at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR).
All age-groups. Events Discus, Shot and Hammer. Cost is £9 per event. Starts at 10.00am.
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
Entries Close Friday 21 May, Although An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early

(NEW EVENT) LEE VALLEY HURDLES AND STEEPLECHASE OPEN MEETING – Takes place on Monday 31 May at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR).
All age-groups including U13. Cost is £9 per event. Starts at 9.00am.
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
Entries Close Thursday 27 May, Although An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early

UPCOMING FIXTURES – Shows all fixture information for the period Thursday 13 May until Wednesday 9 June, and follows straight after this week’s results.

THIS WEEK’S RESULTS – With our US Based athletes not competing this week, the highlight of the week-end was in Manchester. The BMC Grand Prix had exceptional fields throughout the meeting, in the 1500m A race JEREMY DEMPSEY won with a PB (3:42.49) ranking him UK No.2 U23 in 2021, in the D race KRISTIAN IMROTH also ran a PB (3:50.41) ranking him UK No.7 U20 in 2021. In the 5000m A race MARK PEARCE ran a PB (14:05.92) just fending off HENRY MCLUCKIE U20 (14:06.70). In the sprints OJIE EDOBURUN had his first races of the year, and in Scotland KRISHAWN AIKEN had PBs in the 100m & 200m. Our field event athletes were on top form, with DANIEL BAINBRIDGE extending his Javelin PB (73.73m) adding 1.02m to his 17 April throw, ranking him UK No.1 U23 in 2021, in the Discus NICK PERCY threw a SB (62.52m) adding 1.08m to his 17 April throw, ranking him UK No.2 in 2021, finally in the European throwing cup in Croatia CHRIS BENNETT won the Hammer with (75.36m).

Our young athletes won two Kent titles, in the U20W 400m Hurdles EMILY NEWNHAM won with a PB (64.20) ranking her UK No.3 U20 in 2021, and the U17W High Jump KACEY WALTERS took the title with (1.60m). There were 14 seasons best, 13 personal bests, and 10 UK top 10 performances.

USATF GOLDEN GAMES MEETING – Took place in Walnut, California, USA on 9 May.
800m – SM KYLE LANGFORD 9th (SB 1:47.08) taking 1.30 seconds off his 9 February time, and is ranked UK No.9 in 2021
800m – SW B ELLIE BAKER 3rd (PB 2:00.24) taking 1.78 seconds off her 2018 time, and is ranked UK No.6 in 2021
3000m Steeplechase – SW LIZZIE BIRD 7th (SB 9:36.36) taking 1.89 seconds off her 23 April time, and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021

LOUGHBOROUGH AND ENGLAND ATHLETICS THROWS PATHWAY INVITATIONAL MEETING – Took place in Loughborough on 9 May.
Hammer 7.26kg – SM OLIVER GRAHAM U23 2nd (60.46m)
Javelin 800g – SM DANIEL BAINBRIDGE U23 2nd (PB 73.73m) adding 1.02m to his 17 April throw, and is ranked UK No.1 U23 in 2021

NORTH EAST COUNTIES OPEN MEETING – Took place in Middlesbrough on 9 May.
200m – SX 13 ROBERT SHIPLEY (HCA) 2nd (PB 22.06 w2.9) taking .05 of a second off his 2017 time
400m Hurdles – SM JASON NICHOLSON U23 (HCA) 1st (PB 52.02) taking .70 of a second off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021

TRAFFORD SENIOR OPEN MEETING – Took place in Stretford on 9 May.
100m – SX 20 OJIE EDOBURUN 1st (SB 10.69 w-2.7)
200m – SX 22 OJIE EDOBURUN 1st (SB 21.67 w-1.0)
Discus 2kg – SM B NICK PERCY 1st (SB 62.52m) adding 1.08m to his 17 April throw, and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021

PETERBOROUGH AND NENE VALLEY OPEN MEETING – Took place in Peterborough on 9 May.
Hammer 4kg – SX PHILIPA DAVENALL 1st (61.65m)

EUROPEAN THROWING CUP – Took place in Split, Croatia on 8-9 May.
Shot 7.26kg – SM A SCOTT LINCOLN (HCA) 3rd (20.25m)
Hammer 7.26kg – SM A CHRIS BENNETT 1st (75.36m), B DEMPSEY MCGUIGAN 7th (SB 67.43m) and is ranked UK No.8 in 2021

KENT COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place in Ashford on 8-9 May.
400m Hurdles – U20W EMILY NEWNHAM U20 1st (PB 64.20) and is ranked UK No.3 U20 in 2021
High Jump – U17W KACEY WALTERS U17 1st (1.60m)

PAR MINI SERIES MEETING – Took place in Par on 8-9 May.
1500m – SX 1 NATHAN GODDARD U20 3rd (SB 4:07.70)

BMC GRAND PRIX – Took place in Stretford on 8 May.
1500m – Men’s A JEREMY DEMPSEY U23 1st (PB 3:42.49) taking 2.73 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.2 U23 in 2021, C MITCHEL COX U23 1st (PB 3:52.69) taking .81 of a second off his 28 April time, D KRISTIAN IMROTH U20 1st (PB 3:50.41) taking 15.13 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.7 U20 in 2021
5000m – Men’s A MARK PEARCE 8th (PB 14:05.92) taking 1 minute and 2.31 seconds off his 2015 time, HENRY MCLUCKIE U20 9th (14:06.70), PHILLIP CROUT 17th (SB 14:56.53), B DYLAN EVANS 11th (14:27.50)

4J STUDIOS SCOTTISH ATHLETICS INVITATIONAL MEETING – Took place in Kilmarnock on 8 May.
100m – SM KRISHAWN AIKEN 1st (PB 10.59 w1.9) taking .13 of a second off his 2017 time
200m – SM KRISHAWN AIKEN 2nd (PB 21.36 w2.6) taking .02 of a second off his 2018 time
400m Hurdles – SM DANIEL REES 2nd (SB 57.11) taking .13 of a second off his 2017
High Jump – SX LEWIS MCGUIRE 1st (SB 2.00m), CLAIRE MCGARVEY U23 4th (SB 1.65m)
Shot 7.26kg – SM ANGUS MCINROY 1st (SB 14.22m)
Discus 2kg – SM ANGUS MCINROY 1st (SB 46.40m)

JOHN LOVE MEMORIAL OPEN MEETING – Took place in Moulton on 8 May.
100m – SX 8 SELINA HENDERSON 1st (PB 11.9 w3.0) taking .11 of a second off her 2018 time
200m – SX 7 SELINA HENDERSON 4th (SB 24.8 nwr) taking .69 of a second off her 11 April time

SUSSEX FESTIVAL OF ATHLETICS MEETING – Took place in Crawley on 8 May.
400m – SX 1 JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS 1st (48.98)
Long Jump – SX A ALEXA EICHELMANN U23 3rd (SB 4.69m w1.1)
Javelin 600g – SX B ALEXA EICHELMANN U23 4th (PB 34.72m) adding 3.15m to her 2019 throw

PARKRUN 5K – Took place in Cottesloe, Perth, Australia on 8 May.
STUART MOORE V60 31st (30.03) this was STUART’S 160th Parkrun

NUNEATON SPRING OPEN MEETING – Took place in Nuneaton on 1 May.
100m Hurdles – SW 1 MARLI JESSOP U20 2nd (PB 14.18 w-1.2) taking .80 of a second off her 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.3 U20 in 2021

RECENT SBH ALL-TIME TOP 10 PERFORMANCES – Congratulations to the following athletes for their outstanding recent performances.

Senior Women – 800m ELLIE BAKER ran (2:0-0.24) in California on 9 May, and keeps her 2nd on the all-time list, taking 1.78 seconds off her 2018 time, and ranks her UK No.6 in 2021 – 100m Hurdles MARLI JESSOP U20 ran (14.18 w-1.2) in Nuneaton on 1 May, and puts her 8th on the all-time list, and ranks her UK No.3 U20 in 2021 – Javelin LOUISE LOCKWOOD threw (42.38m) in Bromley on 2 May, and moves her up from 7th to 6th on the all-time list, and ranks her UK No.9 in 2021.

Senior Men – 400m JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS ran (46.77) in Lee Valley on 25 April, and puts him equal 10th with MARK MORRIS on the all-time list – 1500m JEREMY DEMPSEY U23 ran (3:42.49) in Stretford on 8 May, which put him 8th on the all-time list, and ranks him UK No.2 U23 in 2021 – Javelin DANIEL BAINBRIDGE U23 (73.73m) which replaces his (72.71m) and keeps him 3rd on the all-time list, and ranks him UK No.1 U23 in 2021

LEE VALLEY DOUBLE 100m/200m SPRINTS OPEN MEETING – Takes place on Wednesday 9 June at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR).
Age-groups Under 17 and above. Cost is £9 per event, £12 for 2 events.
Timetable for track events –
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
Entries Close Sunday 6 June, Although An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early

STONEX STADIUM RUNNING TRACK TRANSFORMED IN FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 – World champions USAIN BOLT, MO FARAH and JESSICA ENNIS-HILL are just some of the athletes to have warmed up on the famous Olympic Bar running track at StoneX Stadium, home to the Saracens Rugby Club.
Now it has been transformed into a large scale vaccination centre, run by the Royal Free London, to vaccinate thousands of people in the fight against COVID-19.
Originally part of the Olympic Stadium, the track was transported to StoneX after the London 2012 Olympics, where it is used by local people as an indoor athletics training centre and events space.
The vaccination centre, which opened on Wednesday 28 April, will be capable of delivering thousands of the life-saving jabs each week and offers another alternative to the GP and pharmacy-led services that are already set up in the area.

CAROLINE CLARKE, Royal Free London group chief executive, said: “We are delighted to partner with StoneX Stadium to deliver this vaccination centre. This is an important step in the battle against COVID-19 and protecting as many people as possible from the virus.
“I would like to thank all Royal Free London staff and our partners who have helped set up this centre and everyone who will be working at and supporting the centre over the coming months.”
Saracens chief executive officer LUCY WRAY said: “As well as being the home of Saracens rugby, Middlesex University and Barnet athletics, StoneX Stadium has become an important and vibrant multi-use venue so we are really pleased and excited that it has now become a significant COVID-19 vaccination site for the residents of Barnet and North London.
“Along with our group of partners, such as City Index by StoneX, we will ensure that the NHS staff and volunteers operating at the stadium are well cared for and we would encourage all local residents to accept their invitation to have the vaccine at StoneX Stadium.”
Letters and text messages are being sent to people in the priority groups as set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, and people eligible for the vaccine can book an appointment online at nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119.
People will be contacted by the NHS when it is their turn to get the vaccine and should not seek a vaccine before then.
People who have an appointment at the StoneX vaccination centre will be greeted by volunteers who will be marshalling the car park and register them when they arrive. Bookings are staggered to allow for social distancing.
For any questions, please visit the FAQs site here:
https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/services/services-a-z/covid-19-coronavirus-information-for-the-public/covid-19-vaccination/large-scale-vaccination-centre-at-stonex-stadium-barnet/

PANDEMIC-PROOFED NATIONAL ATHLETICS LEAGUE DUE TO BEGIN – The following article and photograph was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

New clubs competition in Britain will see minimal travel and scores based on performance tables when it kicks off on 6 June. The countdown is on to the first round of fixtures in the new National Athletics League, kicking off on 6 June, with organisers having revamped the format to ensure it is “pandemic-proofed”. The league, formed following the dissolution of the men’s British Athletics League (BAL) and UK Women’s League (UKWL), was due to start in 2020. However, Covid restrictions delayed the launch until this year and meant a revised competition structure for 2021 only – partly due to the uncertainty around this summer and the fact that the first round takes place before the 21 June opening-up stage. Although the format is far removed from what was originally envisioned, the NAL’s committee was keen for the league to offer the chance for athletes to gain championship entry standards and good competition in an inter-club setting.

NAL chair LEN STEERS explained: “It’s not league athletics as we know it and it’s a far different programme than what we wanted to deliver. But it’s a structure that enables athletes to return to competition and gives those athletes who are on the pathway to championships the opportunity to gain marks for qualification standards. “It’s about providing good levels of competition as athletes start to emerge from their pre-season training – because that’s been severely affected by non-availability of facilities.” That revised format for the Premiership, Championships and National 1 divisions sees teams placed into four groups of four and is devised to minimise travel and overnight stays and adhere to Covid-safe guidelines. Given that clubs will face the same opposition each round according to geography rather than all other clubs, scoring will be based on performance tables rather than athlete positions. Fixtures will take place on 6 June, 3 July, 7-8 August and 28 August. The league is expanding the opportunity for guest participation (see below), particularly for athletes chasing qualification standards for international senior and junior championships. In addition, due to Covid guidelines, England Athletics has had to require entry standards for its under-23 and under-20 championships in mid-June, and the final day for consideration is the day of the first round of the NAL. Steers explained that one of the major obstacles in going ahead with the league this year had been ensuring adequate officials, particularly given the reliance on those who are older and thus more vulnerable to Covid.

“Officials are at the heart of inter-club athletics and without them we wouldn’t have a fixture,” he said. “We had to bear in mind that a number of our officials may be reluctant to come to venues with a large number of people. So would we have enough officials, remembering that we’re over doubling the number of competitions that we’re putting on per round to enable as many geographical locations as possible to reduce the amount of travel? “Increasing the number of venues has cost implications for the league so we are very thankful for support we’ve received from England Athletics to enable us to promote more events. But reducing the number of clubs at each fixture doesn’t reduce the number of officials you require.”

Scoring – As the 16 clubs in each of the Premiership and Championships are competing at four separate locations geographically rather than against each other, standings will be decided on performances rather than positions. Athletes will be allotted points calculated using Professor MICK BROMILOW’S performance scoring tables and the clubs’ standings for that match will be an amalgamation of all their athletes’ tallies. Standings will then convert to round points – 16 down to 1 for each division. For the 2021 season only, no relegation or promotion will take place.

Guests – Guests will be permitted from member clubs competing, as well as from non-member clubs. Athletes from non-member clubs wishing to compete and who have attained the relevant mark for their event since January 2019 need to apply via the website by the deadline – around nine days in advance of each fixture. Standards can be found at nationalathleticsleague.org.uk/guest-athletes. Examples are men’s 100m – 10.65; women’s 3000m – 9:30.00; men’s triple jump – 15.40m; and women’s shot – 13.80m. Para-athletes who are on a similar pathway and those aiming for next year’s Deaflympics can gain access via their coaching and performance director. For the opening round of fixtures on June 6, submissions for guests must be made by May 27.

Officials – Officials who have not registered with the NAL are asked to please complete the online registration process through the website.

NAL website – For full details of the rules, structures and fixtures for 2021, see nationalathleticsleague.org.uk and check out the league’s new Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.

LLOYD COWAN BURSARY IS LAUNCHED – The following article and photograph was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

USAIN BOLT, JESSICA ENNIS-HILL and DINA ASHER-SMITH are among the track and field superstars supporting a new grants scheme named after the much-missed sprints and hurdles coach
LLOYD COWAN was an international hurdler who became one of Great Britain’s most successful coaches. He guided CHRISTINE OHURUOGU to world, Olympic and Commonwealth titles over 400m, plus ANDY TURNER to European and Commonwealth 110m hurdles victories. A hugely popular and much respected coach, Cowan’s death in January from COVID-19 led to an outpouring of grief from the international athletics community.
The ‘LLOYD COWAN Bursary’ will award grants of up to £500 twice a year (in March and September). They will be available to coaches and to unfunded athletes aged 16-23, for whom cost is a barrier to accessing developmental opportunities in athletics.
OHURUOGU is part of the team behind the bursary and said: “‘LLOYD once told me that ‘everyone has a dream,’ and he aimed to support athletes and coaches to achieve their goals, however, big or small. He was always helping build the future of athletics.
“The lockdown has negatively impacted so many young people’s lives and their sporting opportunities. This bursary will recognise, encourage and support athletes and coaches who dream of being better versions of themselves through athletics.
“I am so proud. This is a fitting legacy for ‘LLOYD, a phenomenal man and coach who lived his life, inspiring young people to thrive.
“However, we need the sports community to help us. Our initial goal is to raise £100,000. We want this bursary to be a lasting legacy in ‘LLOYD’S name”.

The international charity and United Nations NGO, the Youth Charter, is delighted to be supporting the bursary. Its founder and chairman, Professor GEOFF THOMPSON, said: “One of the essential elements of the Youth Charter’s renewed 2019 Action Plan is to see 10,000 social coaches reengage and build trust, confidence and respect with young people and communities.
“Thus, we are thrilled to support the ‘LLOYD COWAN Bursary’ and honour the memory of a coaching great who depicted everything that a social coach is in his ability to inspire people not only on the track, but in life.”
Support the LLOYD COWAN Bursary by donating here or visit the web page

CHRIS WELCH’S WEDDING IN JULY 1986 – RAY POWELL dug out this photograph, taken before his wedding to LESLIE. The photograph features a large contingent of Shaftesbury Homebrew Harriers, and they are all wearing ties wow. From left to right – JOHN KELLY, DAVE MCDIARMID, ANDREW SMITH, a friend of CHRIS, the main man, JOHN LAMONT, JOHN BROE, RAY POWELL and JOHN RELF.

The wedding took place in Dartmouth, with the reception held at a waterside venue on the River Teign. There was a minor hiccup during the after-wedding photograph’s, as someone was frantically looking for a soapbox for JOHN BROE, so he could be seen.

DAVE ALLEN’S SON DANIEL – DAVE thought this may be of interest to our younger members. His son DANIEL who is 16 years old is on media for St Albans FC, he also has his own channel on youtube. If you like football there are about 100 videos to watch – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBanM5H5P_TT38k6X9A-53g

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

Regarding Athletics this is the schedule, which commences on Friday 30 July – https://tokyo2020.org/en/schedule/athletics-schedule

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

STONEX STADIUM NOW OPEN FROM 29 MARCH – StoneX Stadium is now open to Club members, under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Is due to re-commence Saturday 5 June

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 6 May 2021

Posted on 06/05/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 6 May to Alvaro Arroyo, Daniel Arroyo, Jane Dixon, Simaala Elliott, Linda Elmore, Seyd Taha Ghafari, Latifa Harris-Osman, Emily Hathaway, Alex Kramer, Tyriq Lafeuille, Scott Lincoln, Jason Nicholson, Trinity O’Connor, Naomi Palmer, Yasmin Palmer, Jenny Poll, Anne Ridley and Freya Stapleton

RECENT NEW MEMBER – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to LYDIA BALL

UPCOMING FIXTURES – Shows all fixture information for the period Thursday 6 May until Wednesday 2 June, and follows straight after this week’s results.

THIS WEEK’S RESULTS – It is now apparent that the government vaccination programme success, will hopefully see athletics getting back to some normality, after the 21 June date. With more events now taking place, we are seeing an excellent upturn in Shaftesbury numbers, especially at Harrow, where we had a large contingent of new members competing for the first time.

There were no less than 38 personal bests, and 22 UK top 10 performances. Of these there were 4 all-time SBH top 10 performances, which were as follows – GIANLEO STUBBS U15 1500m at Harrow (4:09.38) and puts him 4th, LINA NIELSEN competing in Florida, firstly the 400m (52.56) which puts her 5th, then in the 400m Hurdles (55.27) which moves her up from 3rd to 2nd. Finally, recent new member LOUISE LOCKWOOD at Bromley, who improved her Javelin personal best with (42.38m) which moves her up from 7th to 6th.

There have been many outstanding performances recently, but the one’s that stand out, are by CHARLES HICKS U23 in California. Competing for Stanford University, he completed a 5000m/10000m double win 2 weeks ago, ranking him UK No.1 and 3 respectively. Last weekend he repeated the same feat, but in the 1500m/3000m this time, winning both, ranking him UK No.3 and 2 respectively.

BMC REGIONAL RACES – Took place in Gillingham on 3 May.
800m – Men’s A LEO RONCARATI U17 4th (2:07.70), B JONATHAN BOARDMAN U20 4th (2:08.15)
800m – Women’s B SYDNEY ALLEN U20 3rd (2:21.93)

BRACKNELL AC CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS MEETING – Took place in Bracknell on 2 May.
High Jump – SX B KIMANI JACK U20 2nd (SB 1.95m) and is ranked UK No.6 U20 in 2021

BLACKHEATH & BROMLEY HARRIERS THROWS OPEN MEETING – Took place in Bromley on 2 May.
Shot 7.26kg – SM ANTHONY SOALLA-BELL V40 1st (SB 10.49m) and is ranked UK No.2 V40 in 2021
Javelin 600g – SX LOUISE LOCKWOOD 2nd (SB 42.38m) adding 33cm to her 25 April throw, and is ranked UK No.9 in 2021

MEDWAY & MAIDSTONE OPEN MEETING – Took place in Gillingham on 2 May.
100m – SX 3 EVE WRIGHT U20 2nd (SB 11.97 w1.6) equalling her 25 April time which was wind assisted, and is ranked UK No.3 U20 in 2021
400m – SX 1 COLUMBA BLANGO T20/F20 1st (SB 48.60) taking .58 of a second off his 24 April time, and is ranked UK No.1 T20 in 2021, 3 CONOR OKEEFFE U20 1st (PB 52.87) taking 2.52 seconds off his 2019 time

HAVERING AC WARM UP MEETING – Took place in Hornchurch on 2 May.
100m – SX 2 REBECCA JEGGO U23 (HCA) 3rd (SB 11.99 w0.8) and is ranked UK No.5 U23 in 2021
200m – SX 2 REBECCA JEGGO U23 (HCA) 4th (SB 24.73 w1.4) and is ranked UK No.10 U23 in 2021
400m – SW HANNAH FOSTER U20 2nd (SB 58.46) and is ranked UK No.6 U20 in 2021
800m – U20W NATASHA TANNER U20 1st (2:24.84)
800m – SM 1 BINI BLOOM U20 5th (PB 2:04.81)
1500m – SW RUBY VINTON U17 1st (SB 4:44.19) and is ranked UK No.5 U17 in 2021
100m Hurdles – SW LILY PARRIS U20 (2nd Claim) 1st (14.00 w-0.7)
Triple Jump – SX ARAN YAVUZ U20 (2nd Claim) 2nd (SB 13.16m nwr) and is ranked UK No.5 U20 in 2021

SOUTHAMPTON INVITATIONAL THROWS MEETING – Took place in Winchester on 2 May.
Discus 2kg – SM A NICK PERCY 2nd (61.26m)
Javelin 800g – SM A DANIEL BAINBRIDGE U23 1st (72.47m)

WORTHING OPEN MEETING – Took place in Worthing on 2 May.
200m – SM 2 NICHOLAS SAVVA U20 3rd (PB 23.19 w1.3) taking .02 of a second off his 2019 time

SOUTH LONDON ATHLETICS NETWORK OPEN MEETING – Took place in Coulsdon on 1 May.
High Jump – SX B KACEY WALTERS U17 1st (SB 1.65m) and is ranked UK No.3 U17 in 2021

BIG MEET STANFORD v CAL MEETING – Took place in Berkeley, California, USA on 1 May.
1500m – SM CHARLES HICKS (Stanford University) 1st (PB 3:43.59) and is ranked UK No.3 U23 in 2021
3000m – SM CHARLES HICKS (Stanford University) 1st (PB 8:02.41) taking 6.40 seconds off his 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.2 U23 in 2021

KANSAS CITY QUALIFIER MEETING – Took place in Leavenworth, Kansas, USA on 1 May.
3000m Steeplechase – SW LIZZIE BIRD 3rd (9:43.59)

PARKRUN 5K – Took place in Perry Lakes, Perth, Australia on 1 May.
STUART MOORE V60 70th (29.09) this was STUART’S 159th Parkrun

ROCK CHALK CLASSIC MEETING – Took place in Lawrence, Kansas, USA on 29-30 April.
Shot 7.26kg – SM B GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 7th (17.57m)
Discus 2kg – SM B GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 7th (SB 55.10m) adding 1.30m to his 17 April throw, and is ranked UK No.7 in 2021
Hammer 7.26kg – SM A GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 10th (51.84m)

NORTH FLORIDA INVITATIONAL MEETING – Took place in Jacksonville, Florida, USA on 29-30 April.
400m – SW 1 LINA NIELSEN 5th (PB 52.56) taking .33 of a second off her 2017 time, and is ranked UK No.7 in 2021
400m Hurdles – SW 1 LINA NIELSEN 1st (PB 55.27) taking .92 of a second off her 24 April time, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

HARROW AC SPRING OPEN MEETING – Took place in Harrow on 29 April.
800m – SX 2 LADDIE SHAW U13 2nd (PB 2:41.49), JACK REDFORD U13 9th (PB 2:48.51), 3 SOPHIA VENTER U20 11th (PB 2:47.65), 6 DANIEL BANYARD U17 1st (PB 2:17.81) taking 1.49 seconds off his 25 April time, MYA MAIRS-INGRAM U15 5th (PB 2:26.45) taking 7.35 seconds off her 2019 time, VICTORIA GODFREY U20 10th (PB 2:31.00) taking 8.45 seconds off her 2017 time, 7 DINA SILVERMAN U15 5th (PB 2:20.04) taking 2.45 seconds off her 25 April time, RACHEL PEARLMAN U17 8th (SB 2:21.72), NATASHA TANNER U20 10th (PB 2:23.59) taking 2 seconds off her 2019 time, 8 JACOB CLEMENT U15 1st (PB 2:12.78) taking 8.15 seconds off his 2020 time, NICOLE MCGOVERN U17 2nd (PB 2:14.36) taking 1.43 seconds off her 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.3 U17 in 2021, 9 SYDNEY ALLEN U20 6th (SB 2:21.49), 11 JONATHAN BOARDMAN U20 3rd (SB 2:06.30), 12 LUCA STUBBS U20 1st (PB 1:59.59) taking 5.52 seconds off his 2019 time, LEO RONCARATI U17 4th (PB 2:02.01) taking 1.63 seconds off his 2020 time
1500m – SX 4 ARTHUR PHILLIPS U13 6th (SB 5:09.82) and is ranked UK No.9 U13 in 2021, 5 POSIE SHAW U13 14th (PB 5:08.06) and is ranked UK No.3 U13 in 2021, 6 EMILY HATHAWAY U20 11th (SB 4:54.49), LOUIS PELTA U17 14th (PB 4:59.93), 7 JORDAN PEARLMAN U15 6th (PB 4:42.89), 10 ASHWIN FOWKES-GAJAN U20 2nd (PB 4:15.77) taking 16.85 seconds off his 2019 time, ALEX LYTRIDES U20 8th (PB 4:26.83), 11 GIANLEO STUBBS U15 4th (PB 4:09.38) taking 13.32 seconds off his 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.1 U15 in 2021, BINI BLOOM U20 9th (SB 4:17.17)
Javelin 600g – U15B B OSCAR RONCARATI U15 1st (PB 23.12m)

LEE VALLEY 100m/200m OPEN MEETING – Took place in Lee Valley on 28 April.
100m – SX 1 DOMINIC ASHWELL U23 1st (SB 10.44 w1.3) and is ranked UK No.2 U23 in 2021, ALEX BEECHEY (2nd Claim) 4th (10.66 w1.3), GERALD MATTHEW 7th (SB 10.86 w1.3), 2 EFE UMAIFO (2nd Claim) 2nd (SB 10.92 w1.8), 3 JOSEPH PURBRICK U20 (2nd Claim) 2nd (PB 11.10 w4.4) taking .17 of a second off his 2019 time, 5 RUBIN HEDMAN U20 1st (PB 11.24 w4.0) taking .56 of a second off his 2019 time, EVE WRIGHT U20 7th (PB 12.07 w4.0), ALANNA FASHANU U20 8th (PB 12.09 w4.0) taking .87 of a second off her 2018 time, 6 PHILLIPA LOWE (HCA) 3rd (SB 12.15 w2.2), 7 ALEXA EICHELMANN U23 6th (SB 13.77 w2.1), SX A DOMINIC ASHWELL U23 2nd (10.46 w2.3)
200m – SX 1 ALEX BEECHEY (2nd Claim) 3rd (SB 21.37 w0.0) taking .03 of a second off his 25 April time, ZANSON PLUMMER 5th (SB 21.87 w0.0) taking .05 of a second off his 25 April time, 3 JOSEPH PURBRICK U20 (2nd Claim) 1st (PB 22.31 w0.5) taking .36 of a second off his 25 April time, and is ranked UK No.8 U20 in 2021, 6 ALEXA EICHELMANN U23 6th (SB 28.24 w2.5)

CAMBRIDGE OPEN MEETING – Took place in Cambridge on 28 April.
800m – SX 4 JEREMY DEMPSEY U23 2nd (PB 1:50.6) taking 1.36 seconds off his 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.7 U23 in 2021
5000m – SX 2 THOMAS KEARNS 9th (PB 15:38.5) taking 53.0 seconds off his 2016 time

LEE VALLEY OPEN MEETING – Took place in Lee Valley on 25 April.
100m – SW 6 MIA HIGSON U15 4th (PB 13.88 w2.7) taking 1.28 seconds off her 2019 time

LEE VALLEY 5K FEST – Takes place on Wednesday 12 May at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR). Age-groups Under 17 and above.
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
Entries Close Sunday 9 May, Although An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early

GREG RUTHERFORD ON SMART ENEGY GB AND HIS BOBSLEIGH AMBITIONS – The following article and photograph was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Over the years many athletes have experienced the thrill of Bobsleighing. Since 1984, Shaftesbury have had 3 athletes who have competed for GB in the Winter Olympics, with outstanding success.

ANGUS MCKENZIE was a member of the 1984 Great Britain 4-man Winter Olympic Bobsleigh team, which took place in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia (now Bosnia and Herzegovina). The team of MALCOLM LLOYD, HOWARD SMITH, ANGUS and PETER BRUGNANI, finished in a creditable 15th place with an overall time of (3:25.34) for the 4 runs. The event was dominated by the East German’s who finished 1st and 2nd with Switzerland finishing 3rd.

COURTNEY RUMBOLT was a member of the 1998 Great Britain 4-man Winter Olympic Bobsleigh team, which took place in Nagano, Japan. The team of SEAN OLSSON, DEAN WARD, COURTNEY and PAUL ATTWOOD, won a bronze medal as they tied with France for third place – Britain’s first bobsleigh medal since 1964.

STUART BENSON was a member of the 2014 Great Britain 4-man Winter Olympic Bobsleigh team, which took place in Sochi, Japan. The team of JOHN JACKSON, BRUCE TASKER, JOEL FEARON and STUART finished fifth in Sochi behind two Russian crews. Subsequently the two Russian crews were disqualified, and the GB team were awarded the Bronze Medals.

Olympic long jump champion on teaming up with MR MOTIVATOR, NICOLA ADAMS and KELLY SMITH, becoming a dad of three and his ambition to win Winter Olympic gold in the bobsleigh

GREG RUTHERFORD has helped launch the ‘Energy Fit for the Future’ campaign by Smart Energy GB, jumping on a penny-farthing bike to showcase the impact of new and old technology, the aim to encourage Brits to upgrade their technology and become more energy/cost efficient by installing a smart meter in their homes. With MR MOTIVATOR leading the instructions, Rutherford, alongside NICOLA ADAMS and KELLY SMITH, was set a series of sporting challenges using old equipment and turned cyclist for the day. “It was really good fun and it was fascinating watching. None of us had done a sport or event that we had done previously, so seeing NICOLA ADAMS try and hit tennis balls, KELLY SMITH with the golf clubs was really interesting. I’ve always wanted to go on a penny-farthing believe it or not so I had an absolute ball of a time. I also had a massive tumble at the end as I wasn’t really paying attention and then forgot to peddle, which meant I went flying over the handlebars,” he tells AW.

“MR MOTIVATOR was a bit of a legend amongst most of our youths. The character you see on TV is very much the person that he is. He’s quite infectious in the way he gets people going and the way he chats with people. I mean the man is nearly 70 years old, that’s what I find utterly remarkable about it, he’s testament to leading to a healthy lifestyle and making the most of it.”Earlier this month, RUTHERFORD became a dad of three as he welcomed daughter DAPHNE into the family alongside his two sons MILO and REX. Getting involved in the ‘Energy Fit for the Future’ campaign has become more personal for the long jumper as he wants to become a role model for his kids in leading a healthy lifestyle. “We’re [me and SUSIE] are very keen to get the kids outside and active as it’s good for the body, the same with food and the way they consume it, and then we try and get them to turn off lights if they’re leaving the room. It’s doing everything you possibly you can to give the world the best chance of surviving to the current situation we’re in and long after we’re gone for the next generation. As a dad of three, I don’t want my kids going into the world uncertain and worried about air pollution and the state of the planet,” the 34-year-old says.

“I’ve done a lot since MasterChef on the impact of food waste on the environment so to have Smart Energy involved was brilliant. Anything that we could do to help save the environment through saving electricity, I’m all for.” Cycling isn’t the only new sport that RUTHERFORD has had his eyes on. He wants to be the first track and field athlete in history to win both an Olympic and Winter Olympic gold medal, following in the footsteps of EDDIE EAGAN, who won boxing gold at Antwerp 1920 and then winter gold in the four-man bobsled at Lake Placid 1932. “I had to ask SUSIE whether it was the right thing to do it for both me and the family. I also wanted to see if I was right physically and think to myself whether I’m still in good shape to do it. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to keep myself busy, obviously doing the broadcasting side of things as well, but to actually think every day there will have to be a part of that day physically and mentally preparing for something like bobsleigh is a big thing to take on board,” he explains. RUTHERFORD is good friends with two-time Winter Olympic gold medallist KAILLE HUMPHRIES, who advised him that his athleticism, plus his recent weight training during lockdown, would stand him in good stead when taking part in the bobsleigh. “She’s been badgering me since 2014 saying that I should do it! It comes down to is a bit of a ‘why not’ really? If I’ve been backed like someone like KAILLE and STUART MCMILLAN, who is one of the best bobsleigh coaches I’ve seen, and then the British team as well, it’s great motivation,” he adds. “I don’t want to look back in 30 years’ time and think I should’ve given the bobsleigh a go. I’ll go through the process, I’m fully backing myself to make the Winter Olympics and I think as long as the team can figure it out I’m sure we have a good as any chance to win a medal at the Winter Olympics.” When RUTHERFORD won his gold medal at London 2012 on that remarkable ‘Super Saturday’, he didn’t have any kids. Now, both his sons MILO and REX could see him on the podium, once again.

REUNION 5km AT KEMPTON PARK TO HELP WITH GOVERNMENT RESEARCH – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Three races with 3000 runners each will be staged by London Marathon Events on the famous Surrey racecourse on 15 May to assist with the roadmap out of lockdown
London Marathon Events is staging a Reunion 5km at Kempton Park on Saturday 15 May to help with the government’s events research programme.
There will be three races in total with 3000 runners and 3000 spectators in each and it is designed in conjunction with the Department for Digital, Media, Culture & Sport to help with scientific data on how mass participation events can safely resume as part of the roadmap out of lockdown in England from 21 June.
Entry costs £15 – with registered spectators free of charge – and to apply, CLICK HERE
Everyone attending – from participants to spectators and staff – will be required to provide a negative Covid-19 Lateral Flow Test ahead of the event in order to gain entry. Attendees will also be asked to undertake a PCR test before and after the event in order to help the programme’s research.
HUGH BRASHER, event director of London Marathon Events, said: “We are very grateful to DCMS, Public Health England, Surrey County Council and Spelthorne Borough Council for their assistance and to Kempton Park for making the venue available on May 15.
“The government’s Event Research Programme is a very significant step towards the safe return of events for participant and spectators and London Marathon Events, along with our fellow mass participation event organisers, is doing everything we can to assist the government with this project.”
Each of the three 5km races will be configured slightly differently to capture the most data. Anyone who testing positive before the event will not be able to attend and, in the case of participants, their entry fee will be refunded.

SAUCONY BMC KICKS OFF AT TRAFFORD – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

This summer’s Saucony British Milers’ Club Grand Prix begins on Saturday 8 May in Trafford with strong entries across the middle-distance events plus some 400m and 400m hurdles races. With lockdown restrictions easing it means the desire to race again, test fitness, push for personal bests and, for some, begin the build-up for Olympic selection has ensured a real sense of anticipation for the first of five BMC Grand Prix events meeting this summer. The Trafford meeting is also being supported by UK Athletics and identified as a qualification opportunity for the Tokyo Olympics, while the inclusion of 400m and 400m hurdles races was made following a request by British Athletics. This adds an extra dimension to the meeting but it is the middle distance races which will provide the main focus of the action.

Big fields have also registered for the 5000m, with internationals JOANATHAN DAVIES and JENNY NESBITT leading the way and a strong support cast in ADAM CLARKE, PHILIP SESEMANN, SCOTT OVERALL, MARK PEARCE, HENRY MCLUCKIE, KATE AVERY, LOUISE SMALL and CHARLOTTE ARTER.

British Olympian MARTYN ROONEY, a five-time British senior outdoor 400m champion and twice European champion, heads a strong entry for the one-lap event with Olympian EMILY DIAMOND topping the women’s field. NICLAS BAKER, KEVIN METZGER, ZOEY CLARK, AMY ALLCOCK and European indoor 800m champion KEELY HODGKINSON are also entered for the 400m, while CHRIS MCALISTER and JESSIE KNIGHT feature in the 400m hurdles.

The event will start at 4.30pm with the one-lap races and the final race will be at 9pm. Vinco will be streaming the action live – CLICK HERE
The future meetings in the Grand Prix include Sportcity on 29 May, Watford on 12 June, Loughborough on 24 July and Eltham on 14 August.

Remaining 100m/200m Sprint Series – Wednesday 7 July (Closing date Sunday 4 July), Wednesday 4 August (Closing date Sunday 1 August), Wednesday 1 September (Closing date Sunday 29 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above. Entries are not open at present.
Double 100m Sprint Series – Wednesday 23 June (Closing date Sunday 20 June), Wednesday 21 July (Closing date Sunday 18 July), Wednesday 18 August (Closing date Sunday 15 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above. Entries are not open at present.
Regarding Closing Dates – An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early.

UPDATED ON 4 APRIL, ON VOLUNTEERS FROM RAY POWELL – Hope that you are all keeping well, and are slowly getting your jabs.
Standard Chartered Great City Race Tuesday 20 July – 25 volunteers required – 19 at present – 6 more required.
Big Half Marathon Sunday 22 August – 30 volunteers required – 13 at present – 17 more required.
London Mini Marathon Sunday 3 October – 62 volunteers needed – 40 at present – 22 more required.
I know that some of the races are a way off, but if you feel that you can help, please let me know now, as it makes the planning a lot easier. Please contact CLARE & RAY at ray571m@btopenworld.com

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

Regarding Athletics this is the schedule, which commences on Friday 30 July – https://tokyo2020.org/en/schedule/athletics-schedule

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

STONEX STADIUM NOW OPEN FROM 29 MARCH – StoneX Stadium is now open to Club members, under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Is due to re-commence Saturday 5 June

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 29 April 2021

Posted on 29/04/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 29 April to Kachi Akpawku, Christopher Castro-Neto, Henry McLuckie, Gregory Thompson, Sam Trueman, Tim Saunders-Mullins, Naomi Ogunniyi, Adam Shiret and Mark Taylor

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION reported that the demolition phase was on track for completion 23 April. The main works are planned for completion on 6 May 2022. The next milestone is the first steel deliveries, commencing in June / July 2021.
This is the April edition of the Saracens/Rayner Rowen Newsletter – Saracens & Rayner Rowen Monthly Newsletter – April 2021
Photograph of West Stand prior to demolition, and at the bottom, as of April 2021.

LATEST RESULTS – This week’s results were outstanding, with a large contingent of our young sprinters at Dagenham and Lee Valley. Our jumpers and throwers produced 7 top 10 performances at Birmingham, Colchester, Coventry and Wimbledon. And at the BMC fixture in Birmingham, our 5 middle distance athletes produced 2 UK No.1 and 1 UK No.3 rankings in the 2 races.
There were no less than 46 personal bests, and 30 UK top 10 performances.

BE FIT TODAY TRACK ACADEMY OPEN MEETING – Took place in Dagenham on 25 April.
75m – U11B LANI JAIYEOLA U11 3rd (PB 10.77 w2.7)
75m – U11G 1 VERA DOUDKO U11 2nd (PB 11.53 w1.7), 2 ARU JAIYEOLA U11 1st (PB 11.73 w0.2)
100m – SX 2 SIENNA CORBYN U13 1st (PB 13.42 w3.4) taking .13 of a second off her 2020 time, 6 ANNA ROSE U17 7th (12.82 w2.6), 7 VANESSA ANSUAA U20 3rd (PB 12.69 w2.5) taking .22 of a second off her 2020 time, CHIYENNE ADRIEN U20 5th (SB 12.82 w2.5), 8 EVE WRIGHT U20 4th (SB 11.97 w4.6) taking .03 of a second off her 10 April time, HANNAH FOSTER U20 7th (SB 12.29 w4.6) taking .03 of a second off her 10 April time, 11 OLIVER LAURENS U15 1st (PB 12.15 w1.0) taking 1.86 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.4 U15 in 2021, JADEN AULIS U15 4th (PB 12.65 w1.0) taking .46 of a second off his18 April time, 13 JAYDEN KLEIN U17 5th (PB 12.33 w4.3) taking .07 of a second off his 18 April time, 14 MEKHI SPENCE-FORDE U17 2nd (PB 11.45 w3.3) taking .68 of a second off his 2019 time, OSCAR LAURENS U17 4th (PB 11.59 w3.3) taking .18 of a second off his 18 April time, 15 MALACHI AMADI U17 1st (SB 11.23 w1.8) and is ranked UK No.1 U17 in 2021, 20 EDSON GOMES 2nd (SB 11.06 w2.8), 22 ALEX BEECHEY (2nd Claim) 5th (SB 10.65 w4.4)
150m – SM 2 LANI JAIYEOLA U11 6th (PB 21.74 w3.2), 3 CALVIN SMITH U17 1st (PB 17.12 w0.4)
150m – SW 1 VERA DOUDKO U11 2nd (PB 23.00 w5.2), 2 ARU JAIYEOLA U11 3rd (PB 23.35 w5.2), 3 SIENNA CORBYN U13 1st (PB 20.63 w4.0) taking 2.97 seconds off her 2019 time
200m – SM 1 JADEN AULIS U15 2nd (PB 25.81 w4.0) taking 1.55 seconds off his 2020 time, 3 MEKHI SPENCE-FORDE U17 5 2nd (PB 23.94 w2.4) taking 1.06 seconds off his 2020 time, 5 JOSEPH PURBRICK U20 (2nd Claim) 4th (PB 22.67 w1.4) taking 1.71 seconds off his 2018 time, 6 ZANSON PLUMMER 4th (SB 21.92 w2.5)
200m – SW 4 ANNA ROSE U17 6th (PB 26.64 w2.8)
300m – SM 1 ZICO JONES U15 2nd (SB 37.68) and is ranked UK No.1 U15 in 2021
300m – SW 1 OLIVE HARVEY-DEW U15 1st (PB 45.75), 2 LOLA MCCANN-EZEKIEL U17 3rd (SB 44.78) taking .69 of a second off her 2019 time, LUCY MARCUS U17 4th (PB 47.64) taking 1.40 seconds off her 2020 time, 3 HANNAH FOSTER U20 1st (SB 40.61) and is ranked UK No.1 U20 in 2021, VANESSA ANSUAA U20 2nd (SB 42.85) and is ranked UK No.2 U20 in 2021
600m – SX 1 CALVIN SMITH U17 2nd (PB 1:27.57) taking 6.13 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.1 U17 in 2021
800m – SX 1 MAYA GREEN U13 8th (SB 2:56.85), 4 DANIEL BANYARD U17 6th (PB 2:19.30) taking 3.41 seconds off his 2020 time, DINA SILVERMAN U15 8th (PB 2:22.49) taking 2.97 seconds off her 2020 time
1500m – SX 1 PHOEBE MUSIC U15 14th (PB 5:37.00) taking 5.71 seconds off her 2020 time

COLCHESTER THROWS INVIATATIONAL MEETING – Took place in Colchester on 25 April.
Shot 7.26kg – SM OLIVER GRAHAM U23 1st (PB 12.08m) adding 46cm to his 18 April put
Hammer 4kg – SW PHILIPA DAVENALL 1st (61.09m)
Hammer 7.26kg – SM OLIVER GRAHAM U23 1st (61.25m)

HERCULES WIMBLEDON FIELD OPEN MEETING – Took place in Wimbledon on 25 April.
Long Jump – SX B BRAD DAVIES-PUGHE U20 1st (SB 7.23m nwr) taking 15cm off his 21 April jump, and is ranked UK No.2 U20 in 2021
Shot 7.26kg – SM A ANTHONY SOALLA-BELL V40 1st (SB 9.68m) and is ranked UK No.2 V40 in 2021

LEE VALLEY OPEN MEETING – Took place in Lee Valley on 25 April.
100m – SM 1 JORDAN WATSON-BROWN 2nd (PB 10.54 w1.5) taking .03 of a second off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.10 in 2021, 2 JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS 1st (SB 10.69 w2.5), 8 ZAC BENJAMIN U15 3rd (PB 13.98 w0.6) taking .05 of a second off his 2019 time
100m – SW 1 ALANNAH FASHANU U20 2nd (PB 12.13 w3.5) taking .83 of a second off her 2018 time, 2 SOPHIE FORBES-LAIRD U17 5th (PB 13.02 w2.7) taking 1.88 seconds off her 2016 time, 7 EVA HIGSON U17 3rd (PB 14.74 w2.0) taking .56 of a second off her 2019 time
200m – SM 1 JORDAN WATSON-BROWN 1st (PB 20.9 w2.7) taking .46 of a second off his 11 April time, ALEX BEECHEY (2nd Claim) 3rd (SB 21.4 w2.7), 6 ZAC BENJAMIN U15 3rd (PB 29.39 w2.3)
200m – SW 3 AZARIA NWANKWO U17 4th (PB 27.75 w6.6) taking .77 of a second off her 2019 time
400m – SM 1 JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS 1st (SB 46.77) taking .89 of a second off his 11 April time, and is ranked UK No.7 in 2021
800m – SW 3 EVELYNE FONTEYNE U20 1st (SB 2:44.61)
100m Hurdles – SW 1 LILY PARRIS U20 (2nd Claim) 1st (PB 13.87 w3.0) taking .53 of a second off her 21 April time, MARLI JESSOP U20 2nd (PB 14.03 w3.0)
110m Hurdles – SM 1 RUBEN HEDMAN U20 1st (PB 14.93 w1.0) and is ranked UK No.2 U20 in 2021
400m Hurdles – SW HAYLEY MCLEAN 1st (SB 58.99) and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021
Discus 1kg – SX SHADINE DUQUEMIN 2nd (PB 57.37m) adding 2.04m to her 2019 throw, and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021
Discus 2kg – SX GREGORY THOMPSON 2nd (SB 60.19m) adding 1.24m to his 17 April throw, and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021, NICK PERCY 4th (57.61m)
Hammer 4kg – SX SCARLETT O’CONNOR U20 (2nd Claim) 10th (PB 25.46m)
Javelin 600g – SX LOUISE LOCKWOOD 3rd (SB 42.05m) and is ranked UK No.9 in 2021

LOUGHBOROUGH APRIL TRACK OPEN MEETING – Took place in Loughborough on 25 April.
100m – SM C MITTIO MOHAMMADIAN U20 3rd (SB 11.90 w-0.5), H3 MITTIO finished 4th (12.09 w-1.1)
400m – SM 3 NIALL CARNEY 2nd (SB 50.99)
400m – SW LILY BECKFORD 2nd (54.10)
3000m – SM 2 JOSH EDWARDS U23 9th (SB 9:00.17)

WORLD ATHLETICS CONTINENTAL DRAKE RELAYS MEETING – Took place in Des Moines, Iowa, USA on 24-25 April.
400m Hurdles – SW LINA NIELSEN 4th (PB 56.19) taking .48 of a second off her 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021
3000m Steeplechase – SW LIZZIE BIRD 5th (SB 9:38.25) and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021

COVENTRY SPRING MEETING – Took place in Coventry on 24-25 April.
400m – SM 2 CHARLIE DOBSON U23 (HCA) 1st (PB 45.51) and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021, COLUMBA BLANGO T20/F20 1st (SB 49.18) taking 1.05 seconds off his 18 April time, and is ranked UK No.1 T20 in 2021
Discus 1.5kg – SM MICHAEL NICHOLLS F44 2nd (SB 22.97m) and is ranked UK No.2 F44 in 2021

TRU FIT ATHLETICS SPRINT CLASSIC MEETING – Took place in Miami, Florida, USA on 24 April.
200m – SM ZHARNEL HUGHES 1st (PB 19.93 w3.6) taking .07 of a second off his 2019 time

HARROW 3000m SPRING OPEN MEETING – Took place in Harrow on 22 April.
3000m – SX 4 THOMAS CADWALLADER U15 7th (PB 10:36.92), 6 RUBY VINTON U17 3rd (PB 9:53.11) and is ranked UK No.3 U17 in 2021, 9 ALEX LYTRIDES U20 10th (SB 9:37.79), 11 LUCA STUBBS U20 3rd (PB 8:44.02) taking 20.08 seconds off his 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.6 U20 in 2021

BMC GOLD STANDARD RACES – Took place in Birmingham on 21 April.
1500m – Mens A HENRY MCLUCKIE U20 1st (SB 3:42.71) and is ranked UK No.1 U20 in 2021
3000m – Mens A JEREMY DEMPSEY U23 4th (PB 8:02.97) taking 9.21 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.3 U23 in 2021, KRISTIAN IMROTH U20 6th (PB 8:13.18) taking 34.53 seconds off his 2018 time, and is ranked UK No.1 U20 in 2021, PHILLIP CROUT 8th (SB 8:15.49), KIERAN CLEMENTS 11th (SB 8:18.85)

UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM SERIES 1 MEETING – Took place in Birmingham on 21 April.
200m – SX 1 JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS 4th (21.52 w1.8), 5 LILY PARRIS U20 (2nd Claim) 5th (SB 26.03 w1.9) and is ranked UK No.9 U20 in 2021
100m Hurdles – SW 1 LILY PARRIS U20 (2nd Claim) 1st (PB 14.40 w3.1)
110m Hurdles – SM EVAN CAMPBELL U23 2nd (PB 15.56 w1.9) and is ranked UK No.7 U23 in 2021
Long Jump – SM BRAD DAVIES-PUGHE U20 4th (SB 7.08m w0.3) and is ranked UK No.3 U20 in 2021, JOSH WOODS U20 5th (SB 6.89m w0.9) and is ranked UK No.4 U20 in 2021, SX EVAN CAMPBELL U23 4th (SB 6.07m w0.2)
Javelin 800g – SM EVAN CAMPBELL U23 1st (PB 44.95m) adding 35cm to his 2019 throw, and is ranked UK No.6 U23 in 2021

DAVE BEDFORD TRACES OUR PAST IN NORTH LONDON – DAVE sent me an excellent article on our many HQ the club has had since 1890. It might be an idea, maybe, to organise a club day-out, to visit all the pubs etc named below. With any photographs framed and displayed in the new West Stand.

This Photo of Shaftesbury Harriers was taken in 1922 outside The Wrestlers Pub on North Hill, Highgate and now sits proudly inside the pub. Go and say hello to Club members of the past and enjoy a great pint of London Pride! Any historians amongst you might wish to follow the Clubs XC running and drinking journey through time!

Shaftesbury Harriers was formed in 1890 at the Jubillee Hall which stood above The Shaftesbury Tavern (still there) on Hornsey Road. The Club’s first official HQ was a coffee shop in Crouch End then it moved to The Fox and Crown on Highgate West Hill. This pub was closed in 1895 and then demolished but there is a plaque on the wall where the pub once stood. By 1904 the HQ had moved to the Rose and Crown, Highgate High Street (now Le Pain Quotidien) then again in 1911 to The Bull on Highgate North Hill (still standing) and then later on to The Wrestlers.

The Club continued to move North with the expansion of London via East Finchley using The Five Bells (East End Road) and then Windsor Castle (The Walks), both still standing. In 1930 the Club moved to Brook Farm, Whetstone which was to be our XC HQ for the next 50 plus years. The Club had changing rooms, tin baths then later showers in the Sports Pavillion. Following a fire around 1980 which destroyed the Pavilion (now rebuilt) the Club moved its XC headquarters to Copthall Stadium.

I BELIEVE GEOFF HAS SENT HOLLY A MEMBERSHIP FORM – A dog ran away from its owners to join the final stretch of a 4×200m relay race in a high school athletics meeting in Utah. The bitch, HOLLY, can be seen running onto the track to chase Logan High School’s GRACIE LANEY down the stretch. HOLLY logged the last 100 meters in about 10.5 seconds, 1 second behind Usain Bolt’s world record. The track referee disqualified HOLLY for lane violation, some supporters believe he was barking mad – https://youtu.be/TBLMuNEZ4kU

MEET SHAFTESBURY’S CHARLES HICKS, BRITAIN’S SECOND FASTEST TEENAGER AT 10,000m – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

We speak to a US-based rising star whose recent (28:25.29) places him No.2 on the UK all-time teenage rankings behind DAVE BEDFORD. Over the years Britain has had some great teenage talents in distance running and it may have unearthed another in CHARLES HICKS, even though his development has unfolded thousands of miles away from the country he represents. With just one performance in a British vest and a singular appearance in a major British race, he probably is not on the radar of all UK distance running fans. But his (28:25.29) winning 10,000m debut at Palo Alto early in April left him behind DAVE BEDFORD’S (28:24.4) from 1969 on the all-time UK teenage rankings. BEDFORD’S mark was a senior British record at the time and he went on to break the world record at the distance. He was just 19 when he ran (28:24.4) and, like HICKS, not eligible for under-20 records as he reached 20 later in the same year.

HICKS’ 5000m debut of (13:34.63) for 5000m also made major waves on the teenage all-time lists despite the list of British success at this distance far exceeding that of the 10,000m. IAN STEWART set numerous European junior records and won a European senior title at 20, while MO FARAH won a European junior 5000m title. Additionally, Britain won five out of six European junior 5000m titles between 1977 and 1987 with NAT MUIR, STEVE BINNS, JON RICHARDS, PAUL TAYLOR and SIMON MUGGLESTONE all taking golds. Among these champions on the teenage all-time lists, only BINNS heads Britain’s newest distance star. BINNS set a world junior 5000m record at the age of 19 of (13:27.04) and only his predecessor as world junior record-holder, DAVE BLACK, is ahead of HICKS on the UK lists courtesy of a (13:27.85) fourth place in the Olympic trials – again when he was no longer an official junior.

UK teenage all-time lists
10,000m
1 DAVE BEDFORD (28:24.4) Crystal Palace Apr 19, 1969
2 CHARLES HICKS (28:25.29) Palo Alto Apr 2, 2021
3 JIM BROWN (28:57.82) Crystal Palace Jul 15, 1972

5000m
1 STEVE BINNS (13:27.04) Crystal Palace Sep 14, 1979
2 DAVE BLACK (13:07.85) Crystal Palace Jul 14, 1972
3 CHARLES HICKS (13:34.63) Eugene Apr 17, 2021
4 PAUL DAVIES-HALE (13:35.95) Crystal Palace Sep 11, 1981
5 ALEX YEE (13:37.60) Oordegem-Lede May 27, 2017

We caught up with HICKS, who turns 20 in July, shortly after his 5000m debut, but first he filled us in on his 10,000m victory. “There was no set time but I knew that the pacing would be for a (28:45),” he says, “but I had never raced a 5000m on the track, let alone a 10,000m.” He added: “This meant that I just had to race with heart and take whatever I got. Thankfully, the competition was willing to go for it as well and ALEX MASAI and my team-mate ALEX PARSONS were all able to walk away with great times. I had no idea that this was close to a UK teenage best, but knowing that now I’ll certainly hope to run that down before I turn 20!”

The 5000m followed a fortnight later. “The 5km was very similar to the 10km, I knew that it would be paced for (13:45). My coach, COACH SANTOS, told me to be patient through 2-3km and just to tear into the last mile. Luckily my legs were feeling great on the day and I was able to walk away with a 5km debut that I’m over the moon with!” Both of his races have come in the USA where he is a freshman at Stanford University and he explains his background. “I’ve been based in the USA for the past seven years. After being born in London, I lived with my family in Fulham for 12 years. Since it was the place I took my first steps and learned to compete, choosing to race for GB has always been a simple one for me.

“I think I realised that there was something there when I won my first ‘Cross-Country’ inter-scholastic race at Thomas’s Battersea. That served as my starting point and was a huge confidence booster. Since then, I’ve just been in love with the sport. I’m enjoying every mile and trying not to lose sight of what got me to this level in the first place.” While he had never previously raced the classic Olympic track distances until this April, he did have experience of racing shorter events in his earlier teenage years and the earliest race we could find for him was an (9:33.21) indoor 3200m in Winston-Salem in January 2017. “I actually remember very little about that season as it was the last time I was seriously injured!” he says. “Due to some tightness around my knee and an inability to properly rotate my pelvis I was unable to run more than two miles without stopping. “Thanks to a string of early mornings trying not to drown in the pool and incredible support from my high school coaches, I was able to still maintain some fitness and qualify for the Florida state meet placing fourth in the 3200m (two miles). “I think experiences like that can really show you how mental the racing component of the sport can be and definitely aided my growth as an athlete.”

The first time he made an impression on British fans though was his run in Liverpool in 2019 which incorporated the European under-20 cross-country trials and he finished second in (21:28) behind MATT WILLIS’S (21:13). That run was followed by the European Championships in Lisbon where his fifth place in (19:05) led home the British team to victory in a race won by JAKOB INGERBRIGTSEN. “Liverpool and the Euros were such an amazing experience for me as it was both the biggest gamble and largest pay-off of my career at the time,” he says. “Flying all the way to England for the trials was exhilarating as I wasn’t racing most of that season. “I was nervous about whether I’d make the team and also how the dynamic would be as someone who seems very American at first glance. Thankfully, I’m happy to say that both races went about as well as I could have dreamed, and my GB team-mates could not have been more accommodating and friendly. To come away with the team win for GB is an experience I’m not soon to forget and will absolutely look to repeat it in the future.” Racing was in short supply in 2020 but he did find time for indoor mile and 3000m PBs of (4:10.53) and (8:08.81) in his final year as a junior before emerging in great form in 2021 on the country and he was second in the Pacific 12 race and then 14th in the NCAA Championships and his brave run with three more years of opportunity suggests he could be a future medallist at the event. “Being up with the leaders this cross-country season has meant more to me than the performance,” he says. “I’ve always tried to race ‘well’ but struggled to shoot for the win, especially in larger competitions. Whether that was the result of lacking confidence or inexperience, it was something I was determined to improve upon as I headed into college. “For this reason, breaking through that fear and being able to hang with the best gave me an extraordinary boost. I left it all out on the course in Oklahoma, and even though I slipped a couple places from my ambitious start, I know that the fire and desire to compete is still there. I would like to improve my finish and feel more comfortable through 5km, but I believe it was still a good start.”

His training at Stanford is working well and his enjoyment is clearly evident. “Life at Stanford is both wonderful and hectic,” he explains. “Being surrounded by so many like-minded athletes and amazing people, it’s easy to get swept away by the possibilities of every day. Everyone here is doing something at the highest level and while that can be intimidating, it also creates a competitive and passionate team culture that I think will reward us in the long run. Pun semi-intended. “Right now a typical training week consists of a long run, two workouts, a medium long run and three easy days. I’ve been at around 80-85 miles a week all year but will hopefully look to increase that soon. For now, I’m just continuing to enjoy the simple pleasures of training with some of my best friends in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.” For the future, it looks as if the NCAA Championships will be the summer target but as he has two European under-23 qualifying marks it gives him something else to consider though he will also be eligible for the 2023 edition, so time is on his side (the European Under-23 Champs are in Norway from 8-11 July). “There are definitely still many factors to consider but it’s an incredibly exciting opportunity! As of now, I’m focused on the NCAA circuit but will be re-evaluating how I’m feeling with my coaches towards the end of it to make a decision about the Euros. “I’m trying to take it day by day for now but the prospect of competing for GB is always intensely tempting.” Will he join the long line of British endurance medallists sooner or later? Any athlete sitting above FARAH and STEWART – Britain’s only Olympic 5000m medallists in the last 60 years – in any all-time lists suggests future success.

UKA FIGHT TO KEEP ANNIVERSARY GAMES IN LONDON – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently. Photograph of the Olympic Stadium.

British governing body for athletics is threatening legal action if flagship domestic event is forced out of the Olympic Stadium. UK Athletics looks determined to try to keep the Müller Anniversary Games in the British capital’s Olympic Stadium after the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) asked for the event to be held elsewhere. The LLDC argue an estimated £3m cost of converting the football stadium to an athletics arena for one event was too expensive and that the 13 July meeting – which is part of the prestigious Diamond League circuit – would have to be staged in Gateshead or Manchester. Gateshead is already staging the first Diamond League of 2021 on 23 May, of course, after the event moved from Rabat to the north-east England venue, while Manchester is set to hold the British Championships in late June.

But UKA hit back this week, saying in a statement: “This would be an unacceptable breach of a longstanding agreement that forms an important part of the 2012 Olympic legacy plans. “We expect the contract to be honoured and the event to take place at the Olympic Stadium as do the athletes, broadcasters, sponsors, and most importantly the fans. “This is not only a key part of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes’ preparation for Tokyo but an opportunity for fans and young athletes from the local community to return to one of the most iconic athletics venues in world sport. “It would be a travesty for the sport after such a long wait for world-class athletics to return to the Olympic Stadium if our athletes and fans are denied a crucial send-off to Tokyo.” There were hopes that easing of coronavirus restrictions would allow a crowd of between 20,000 to 30,000 to watch the action. In addition to being an opportunity to see Britain’s top athletes before they head to the Olympic Games in Tokyo, its Diamond League status ensures world-class fields.

JO COATES, chief executive of UKA, cranked up the pressure today (April 22) when she told the Guardian: “We’re just not going to walk away from this. It’s outrageous the way they’ve treated us. Hosting a major event each year in London was a major legacy of the 2012 Olympics, so to seek to trash it is just unbelievable.” If the event has to move, it will not be the first time. In 2014 the Anniversary Games, which was then sponsored by Sainsbury’s, was held as a street athletics events on Horse Guards Parade and The Mall in London. In addition, a grand prix event was staged in Glasgow on the eve of the Commonwealth Games. But this was all due to the Olympic Stadium being rebuilt.

World Athletics will also be displeased if one of their Diamond League events is moved outside its planned venue of London. Indeed, there are shades of the Picketts Lock fiasco when, in 2001, the British Government reneged on a deal to hold the 2005 World Championships in north London. Instead the global governing body were told staging the event in Sheffield was a good alternative but they were left non-plussed and the event was ultimately staged in Helsinki. However, COATES is insistent the event should be in London this year. “This is the Diamond League, this is our most prestigious event,” she told the Guardian. “So to be told this news in April, when the event is on in July, is just not acceptable. “It is devastating for us and for our athletes, many of whom will be just days away from going to compete on the biggest stage of their lives. We believe the LLDC are categorically in breach of their contracts, and we are going to fight this all the way.” In addition to the £3m costs, the LLDC argues that the pandemic has created “extraordinary times” and that the Olympic Stadium will not be holding its usual events in 2021.

Remaining 100m/200m Sprint Series – Wednesday 7 July (Closing date Sunday 4 July), Wednesday 4 August (Closing date Sunday 1 August), Wednesday 1 September (Closing date Sunday 29 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above. Entries are not open at present.
Double 100m Sprint Series – Wednesday 26 May (Closing date Sunday 23 May), Wednesday 23 June (Closing date Sunday 20 June), Wednesday 21 July (Closing date Sunday 18 July), Wednesday 18 August (Closing date Sunday 15 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above. Entries are not open at present.
5K Fest – Wednesday 12 May (Closing date Sunday 9 May). Age-groups Under 17 and above. Entries are not open at present.
Regarding Closing Dates – An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early.

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

Regarding Athletics this is the schedule, which commences on Friday 30 July – https://tokyo2020.org/en/schedule/athletics-schedule

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

STONEX STADIUM NOW OPEN FROM 29 MARCH – StoneX Stadium is now open to Club members, under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Is due to re-commence Saturday 5 June

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 22 April 2021

Posted on 22/04/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 22 April to Nadav Boyd, William Gallo, Louise Lockwood, Andrew Millett, Joe Purbrick, Jamal Rhoden-Stevens, Leo Roncarati, Mekhi Spence-Forde, Lucy Taylor, Odera Umeugoji, Tariq Wild, Ben Winfield and Gabriel Yiadom

RECENT NEW MEMBERS – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to RAPHAEL AARON and PETER BAYVEL-ZAYATS

SBH ANNOUNCERS REQUIRED – GERALD ALTERMAN has sent me the following request.
As a result of the retirement of PETER MATTHEWS and TONY MILLER and the recent death of MARTIN ETCHELLS , we are very short of announcers for our Home fixtures.

Regarding Athletics this is the schedule, which commences on Friday 30 July – https://tokyo2020.org/en/schedule/athletics-schedule

2021 SBH SUMMER FIXTURE CARD – Was issued by email on 11 April, and at the same time was posted on the SBH Website. This is the fixture card which you can open and print for future reference – Front Sheet SBH Summer 2021 Fixture Card Front Sheet – Issued 11-04-21 – Fixtures SBH Summer 2021 Fixture Card Fixtures – Issued 11-04-21

Details of all fixtures will be published on the SBH Weekly Newsletter, the first publication will be on the Thursday 7 May Newsletter, and will show fixtures for the following 4 weeks.

LEE VALLEY OPEN MEETING – Takes place on Sunday 25 April at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London (Satnav N9 0AR).
Age-groups Under 13 and above. Cost is £9 per event.
Timetable for track events – 25-04-21 Track Timetable (1) field events 25-04-21 Field Timetable (1)
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
Entries Close Thursday 22 April

The remaining fixtures can be found on their website https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events but entries are not open at present.
100m/200m Sprint Series – Wednesday 28 April (Closing date Sunday 25 April), Wednesday 9 June (Closing date Sunday 6 June), Wednesday 7 July (Closing date Sunday 4 July), Wednesday 4 August (Closing date Sunday 1 August), Wednesday 1 September (Closing date Sunday 29 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above.
Double 100m Sprint Series – Wednesday 26 May (Closing date Sunday 23 May), Wednesday 23 June (Closing date Sunday 20 June), Wednesday 21 July (Closing date Sunday 18 July), Wednesday 18 August (Closing date Sunday 15 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above.
5K Fest – Wednesday 12 May (Closing date Sunday 9 May). Age-groups Under 17 and above.
Regarding Closing Dates – An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early.

LATEST RESULTS – The pace has stepped up, and you will see below, there were so many outstanding performances from all age-groups

FINSBURY PARK 100m SPRINTS OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Finsbury Park on 18 April.
100m – SM H1 JAYDEN KLEIN U17 4th (PB 12.4 w1.1) taking 1.14 seconds off his 2019 time, H3 ZICO JONES U15 3rd (SB 11.96 w-2.3) and is ranked UK No.1 U15 in 2021, DAVID BROOKS U20 6th (PB 12.80 w-2.3), H4 BRADLEY UKPETENAN U17 2nd (SB 12.24 w-1.0), H5 SAUGUT PUN U15 1st (PB 12.50 w-2.8) taking .03 of a second off his 2020 time, CAMERON KNIGHT U15 2nd (PB 12.75 w-2.8) taking .55 of a second off his 2019 time, JADEN AULIS U15 3rd (PB 13.11 w-2.8), OMEAD AULIS U15 4th (PB 13.18 w-2.8), AUSTIN WARD U15 5th (PB 13.97 w-2.8) taking 1.13 seconds off his 2019 time, H9 EMMANUEL DURUIHEOMA U20 1st (SB 11.42 w-1.1), H12 OSCAR LAURENS U17 4th (SB 11.77 w0.0) and is ranked UK No.9 U17 in 2021, in Semi-Final 2 OSCAR finished 5th (11.90 w-1.0), 4 EMMANUEL finished 2nd (SB 11.06 w0.0) taking .36 of a second off his H9 time, and is ranked UK No.9 in 2021, SAUGUT finished 5th (PB 12.29 w0.0) taking .21 of a second off his H5 time, and is ranked UK No.6 U15 in 2021, in the Final EMMANUEL finished 7th (11.40 w-0.6)
100m – SW H1 OLIVE HARVEY-DEW U15 3rd (SB 14.04 w0.0), ONYEBUCHI ODIAKA U15 4th (SB 14.25 w0.0), ANNALUCIA HARLLEY U15 5th (SB 14.54 w0.0), H3 ANNA ROSE U17 2nd (PB 12.78 w1.0) taking .47 of a second off her 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.7 U17 in 2021, LOLA MCCANN-EZEKIEL U17 3rd (PB 13.39 w1.0) taking .62 of a second off her 2019 time, H4 ELYSE DUNCAN-BROWN U17 7th (PB 13.91 w-0.7) taking .42 of a second off her 2019 time, NAOMI LAWAL U17 2nd (PB 14.11 w-0.7) taking .42 of a second off her 2020 time, in the Final ANNA finished 2nd (13.17 w-1.1), LOLA finished 5th (13.79 w-1.1), ELYSE finished 7th (PB 13.91 w-0.7) taking .26 of a second off her 2019 time, ELYSE finished 7th (14.13 w-1.1)

COLCHESTER THROWS OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Colchester on 18 April.
Shot 7.26kg – SM OLIVER GRAHAM U23 1st (PB 11.62m) equalling his 2019 put, and is ranked UK No.9 U23 in 2021
Hammer 4kg – SX PHILIPPA DAVENALL 1st (SB 61.95m) and is ranked UK No.5 in 2021
Hammer 7.26kg – SW OLIVER GRAHAM U23 1st (SB 61.34m) and is ranked UK No.6 U23 in 2021

THE OPENER OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Worthing on 18 April.
150m – SM 8 DOMINIC ASHWELL U23 3rd (PB 16.19 w1.4) and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021, ZANSON PLUMMER 4th (PB 16.24 w1.4) and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021

CAMBRIDGE LOCAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Cambridge on 17 April.
100m – SX 2 DITA JAJA U23 1st (SB 11.8 nwr)
400m – SX 1 SOPHIA DEMPSEY U20 4th (SB 69.4)
High Jump – SX CHARLIE KNOTT U20 1st (PB 2.08m) adding 3cm to his 2020 height, and is ranked UK No.1 U20 in 2021

LOUGHBOROUGH SPRING THROWS OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Loughborough on 17 April.
Shot 7.26kg – SM SCOTT LINCOLN (HCA) 1st (20.22m)
Discus 1kg – SW SHADINE DUQUEMIN 2nd (SB 54.93m) and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021, AMY HOLDER (2nd Claim) 3rd (SB 54.28m) adding 8.11m to her 28 February throw, and is ranked UK No.5 in 2021
Discus 2kg – SM NICK PERCY 2nd (SB 61.44m) adding 49cm to his 28 February throw, and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021, GREGORY THOMPSON 5th (SB 58.95m) and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021
Hammer 7.26kg – SM CHRIS BENNETT 1st (73.74m)
Javelin 800g – SM DANIEL BAINBRIDGE U23 1st (PB 72.71m) adding 3cm to his 2020 throw, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

WEST COAST CLASSIC OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Eugene, Oregon, USA on 17 April.
5000m – SM CHARLES HICKS U23 (Stanford University) 1st (PB 13:34.63) and is ranked UK No.1 U23 in 2021

VELOCITY FEST #9 OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Kingston, Jamaica on 17 April.
200m – SM 3 ZHARNEL HUGHES 1st (SB 20.14 w1.1) and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

KETTERING TOWN APRIL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Kettering on 17 April.
100m – SX 8 OBINNA NWOKEJI U15 (2nd Claim) 5th (SB 13.02 w-0.3), 10 EBUKA NWOKEJI U15 (2nd Claim) 6th (SB 12.16 w0.8) and is ranked UK No.2 U15 in 2021, 12 CALVIN SMITH U17 4th (SB 12.03 w2.4)
200m – SX 8 EBUKA NWOKEJI U15 (2nd Claim) 3rd (PB 24.89 w3.5) taking .45 of a second off his 2020 time, 11 CALVIN SMITH U17 4th (SB 23.07 w-0.4) and is ranked UK No.3 U17 in 2021

JESOLO GRAND PRIX OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Jesolo, Italy on 16-18 April.
400m – SM 2 COLUMBA BLANGO T20/F20 1st (SB 50.23) taking 1.28 seconds off his 6 April time, and is ranked UK No.1 T20 in 2021

TOM JONES MEMORIAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Gainesville, Florida, USA on 16-17 April.
1500m – SM 4 JAMIE DEE (Iona College) 10th (PB 3:48.54) taking 1.40 seconds off his 2019 time

VIRGINIA CHALLENGE OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA on 16-17 April.
200m – SW 2 LINA NIELSEN 2nd (23.47 w1.1)

MICHAEL JOHNSON INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Waco, Texas, USA on 16-17 April.
Shot 7.26kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 9th (15.48m)
Discus 2kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 4th (SB 53.80m) adding 2.10m to his 20 March throw, and is ranked UK No.7 in 2021
Hammer 7.26kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 7th (PB 56.72m) adding 1.48m to his 9 April throw

BRIAN CLAY INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Azusa, California, USA on 16-17 April.
400m – SM H1 MICHAEL OHIOZE 1st (PB 46.61) taking .54 of a second off his 2020 time, in the Final MICHAEL finished 2nd (PB 46.30) taking .31 of a second off his H1 time, and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021

HUSKER BIG 10 INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Prairie View, Texas, USA on 16-17 April.
Long Jump – SW B EAVION RICHARDSON (University of Iowa) 6th (5.73m)

AUSTRALIA TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place in Sydney, Australia on 12-19 April.
Discus 1kg – SW Q1 16/04 JADE LALLY 1st (54.12m) in the Final 18/04 JADE finished 3rd (SB 60.36m) adding 1.10m to her 13 March throw, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

DAVE THOMSON RECALLS HIS EARLY YEARS – Hi Alan, I’ve been meaning to send you a note tor some considerable time now to say thanks for all your hard work putting this together each week and especially for the nostalgic pieces and the special features – BOOTSIE, TOM MCNAB etc.

I haven’t been an active athlete for a long time now, but I, like all athletes, love to look back occasionally to the good old days! Pre Covid I was meeting up with BOB MALLOWS, STEVE LOWE, DAVE BEDFORD, MIKE PUDDIFOOT and BRIAN STANDEN (TVH) for periodic dinners and reminiscing and I’m sure we will reconvene in due course. Over the years I have lost most of my pictures from my running days so always keep an eye out to see what you reproduce. I have attached a couple I do have but am not entirely sure of the occasion or how well they will reproduce. I’m sure current readers would have many more to share – British and Southern League, 6 and 12 stage road relays, numerous road races, Boxing Day Run, and cross country events etc.

DAVE also sent me a team photograph, taken at the Metropolitan League at Claybury on 6 February 1988. Apologies but the photograph quality is slightly poor, between myself and a few others, we managed to identify most of the SBH faces. From Left to Right JOHN CHILD, GRAHAM GETTY, next head down! KEN TOLLADY (397), behind him JOHN KELLY, ABDUL SESAY, NORMAN FOX, RAY POWELL, RUSSELL DEVITT and DAVE ALLEN. Next is BRENDAN GALLAGHER with his son, MARTIN GREY, KINGSTON MILLS, NEIL WALKER and PHILIP CUNNINGHAM. The following 3 runners we are struggling to identify, but it could be MARIO DICESARE and LAURENCE FREEMAN. Next MARTIN SEARS (370), next 2 sorry, ANDREW SMITH, CHRIS WELCH and REG BLACK.

METROPOLITAN LEAGUE, SENIOR MEN 1960s TO THE 1980s – The first season of the Metropolitan League was 1966/1967, in which the Senior Men’s team of Thames Valley Harriers, dominated the season by accumulating (5661 points) from the 5 races, with Ilford 2nd (4399) and Ealing & Southall 3rd (4227). TVH dominated the league, until the end of the 1970s, winning 11 team titles from the 14 seasons, and runners up in the remaining 3. Shaftesbury Harriers took the team title in 1972/1973, where we had an average of 20 runners for each race.

1980/1981 to 1985/1986 was dominated by Verlea with 4 wins, and North London 2 wins, with Shaftesbury Harriers finishing in mid table, and averaged around 15-17 runners in each race. 1986/1987 saw the influence of BRENDAN GALLAGHER’S in getting runners on the start line, beginning to make a difference. TVH won with (12450 points) and Shaftesbury 2nd (12211), with an increased turnout of 24, 23, 34, 27,30 runners. The tide had now turned, from 1987 to 1990 our numbers were averaging 30, with our first 12 to score runners generally in the top 50-60 finishers. 1987/1988 was our first win since 1972/1973, in the first fixture at Welwyn Garden City, the team finished a close 2nd to Woodford Green, moving on to Horsenden Hill we had our 1st win with London Irish just 100 points behind, our 12 to score positions were 1,2,6,7,15,17,20,31,36,37,38 and 44. Fixture 3 at Parliament Hill were finished 2nd, 31 points behind North London, in the final two fixtures at Ruislip and Claybury, London Irish were out in numbers, but we managed to win them both, finishing the season with (12450 points), 2nd London Irish (11563) and 3rd Woodford Green (11449).

1988/1989 due to various reasons we had a poor first and fifth fixtures at Wormwood Scrubs and Claybury, the other fixtures at Ruislip, Parliament Hill and Perivale, we finished 2nd, 1st, and 2nd. Woodford Green took the title (13171 points), 2nd TVH (12904) and 3rd SBH (12175).

The 80s came to an end in the 19898/1990 season, in which an up and coming Woodford Green team pushed us in all 5 fixtures. The first two fixtures at Welwyn Garden City and Ruislip, Woodford Green won from SBH by 80 and 61 points respectively. The remaining fixtures at Parliament Hill, Perivale and Hainault Forest produced wins for us, over Woodford Green. Which meant SBH had won for the second time in 3 years with (13111 points), Woodford Green 2nd (13025) and North London (10480).

Link to the SBH Individual position from 1987 to 1990 – Metropolitan League SBH Senior & Veteran Men 1987 to 1990

MANCHESTER INVITATIONAL PLANS GATHER PACE – Endurance runner MARC SCOTT, shot putter SOPHIE MCKINNA and discus thrower KIRSTY LAW are due to compete in the exciting new Manchester Invitational on Thursday 27 May. The throws look particularly strong with MCKINNA and LAW joined by hammer throwers CHRIS BENNETT, JESSICA MAYHO and OSIAN JONES, together with discus man GREG THOMPSON.

The British Athletics Supporters’ Club is backing the event too and is providing £1000 for the performances of the day, which will be split between the top male and best female athlete. The meeting aims to provide timely competition for athletes one month out from the Müller British Championships and Olympic trials which will be staged at the same venue on 25-27June. It will also lay the platform for a Continental Tour event to be staged there next summer.

OUR SOCIAL LIFE – The following was published in the Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Centenary Year book (1890-1990)

Our Social Life – Social activities have always figured prominently in the Shaftesbury calendar, changing with the times, and when there tended to be a lull, an insistent demand has soon made itself felt. In the early years, it was a ‘Smoker’ or a sing-song in the local. Into the thirties, following inter-club or pack runs, there was often a meal and a social evening. Dances have varied from formal ones at monthly intervals around 1930 to Christmas discos at Copthall that have crashed the sound barrier. The annual dinner and dance as a celebration and opportunity for reunion has maintained its tradition and regular support for many years.
In different vein, and perhaps more fitting for athletes, have been training-cum-social weekends, club rambles and coach outings to the sea. No Brighton Relay would have been complete without its convivial evening on the way home, and much of the social side arises spontaneously when a group of members gather together.

Bring your music – Some newspaper cuttings from the turn of the century, give an idea of what was happening then. Shaftesbury Harriers, 3rd November6 1900: This club holds its ace of their 11th season today – a three-mile handicap from headquarters, the Windsor Castle, East Finchley, at 4 p.m. Mr H.AUCKLAND has kindly presented the first prize, and together with Mr W.COLEY, will occupy the chair at the smoker to be held in the evening, and members are requested to bring their music – if only ‘All the latest: twenty-four a penny’.And in 1901, “A three-mile open road handicap of a very successful character was brought off at Highgate last night … After the race a most enjoyable musical evening was spent at headquarters (Rose and Crown, Highgate) the attendance of competitors and friends numbering certainly, not less than 200. The prizes were distributed to the successful competitors, and a programme of some length and great variety was also enjoyed.

Take your Partners – In the 1932-33 Fixture Card appears “Club Dances Oct.29^th, Dec.3^rd, Jan.28^th, Feb.25^th, Mar.25^th, May.27^th, at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village. Trams and No.11 or Buses No.110 to Highgate Village”.
At that period, dinner jackets, bow ties, and long dresses for ladies, while not obligatory, were fairly general. It was a chance to dress up. There would be a three or four-piece orchestra, a series of waltzes, quicksteps and foxtrots, and maybe a tango for those more expert than the usual run of Harriers. There were far less other entertainment, and hardly anyone had a car.

Beside the Seaside – During the 1950s club outings by coach were very popular. From a 1957 Club Magazine “Some 70 members and friends heaved sighs of relief when Sunday, June 2nd, dawned fine and clear. Two coaches eventually left Hendon Central bound for Littlehampton”. This was the venue on other occasions, as was Walton-On-The-Naze. The sandy beaches were the attraction with plenty of opportunity for games and activity as a change from track training.
This part ought to come under coaching and training. But there is such an enjoyable and social side to it that it must be included in this chapter. Training weekends have been many and at various venues. They have been held at Tanner’s Hatch and Ivinghoe Youth Hostels. The Athletics Training Centre at Timsbury Manor in the New Forest was visited on about a dozen occasions. Early spring at Winterton on the Norfolk coast was found to be bracing, to put it mildly, when some large parties went there, including Barnet Copthall Ladies and Parkside Ladies.
Nor should the “Homebrew Harriers”, founded a few years ago and perpetuating an oft-recurring theme, be overlooked. Their athletics was adventurous, from road racing on the Continent to fell-running in the Peak District. The Homebrew Tankard is their commemoration, and their spirit shall not fade as long as …

Wining and Dining – The highlight of the social year is the Annual Dinner and Dance. Whether or not it was held in the very early years we do not know. It is certainly recorded from 1922 onwards without a break except for the war years.
In the early days, it was held in town, usually the West End. Pagani’s in Great Portland Street was rather ornate and was used a number of times; then there was Anderton’s in Fleet Street. The post-war Reunion Dinner in 1947 was at the Bridge House Hotel, London Bridge, so also was our Diamond Jubilee one in 1950. The Royal Hotel, Russell Square, and Bedford Corner Hotel both had a good run of a few years, while our 75th Anniversary in 1965 was at the Horseshoe, Tottenham Court Road.
After that we transferred nearer to the club area, with the Hendon Way Hotel, the Sparrowhawk, Edgware, and Traveller’s Rest, Kenton, being patronised in turn. In 1987 we excelled ourselves with the Conference Centre Banqueting Hall at Wembley Stadium! But it was really just a little large.
The Dinner is an opportunity for Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers to invite guests from the world of athletics. We have had with us A.A.A. Administrators, Presidents and Secretaries from various governing bodies and from our neighbouring clubs, representatives from the Press and Television, and Olympic Champions and star athletes. We have also been pleased to welcome the Mayor of Barnet and leading members of Barnet Council.
In recent years, we have had on display a magnificent collection of trophies won by the different sections of the club, as well as our trophies to present to our champions. The Annual Dinner is truly a part of the continuing history of Shaftesbury Harriers.

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF SPRINTING – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Running as fast as possible is very elemental – we’ve all tried it at some stage. But what puts someone in the really fast lane?
USAIN BOLT reached nearly 29mph (12-12.34 metres a second) when he was flat out during his world record runs. He covered the 100m distance in around 41 steps with a stride frequency of about 4.5 per second. At maximum velocity, his feet will only have been in contact with the track surface for milliseconds, yet in that time he still had to overcome and impart maximal force. Then there’s the small matter of getting a great start. Sprinters need to get away from the blocks with a lightning quick reaction and then get up to top speed at the right time.

Speed and genetics – It’s often said that sprinters are born not made. That’s only a half-truth but those blessed with a high percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibres at birth will definitely have greater speed potential than those possessing more of the enduring slow-twitch fibres. However, with the right training it’s always possible to get faster. Sprinters’ muscle mass is certainly greater when compared to middle and longer distance runners, however the fastest men and women don’t need to be bulky – rather muscle needs to exhibit high contractile properties. Sprint training, especially weight training, can induce hypertrophy (an increase in muscular size through exercise), however gains in being able to express more power must be mitigated against the potential weight increase created by more muscle. All this will affect the sprinter’s power to weight ratio.

Sprint distance and physiology – The 100m, 200m and 400m are all classified as sprints, however, ask a 100m athlete to “sprint” a 400m and they’ll probably show an impressive turn of speed as they run away! Each distance relies on a different spread of energy system use. All the sprints are fundamentally anaerobic (without oxygen), meaning that the sprinter could not continue to generate a powerful sprint action for more than – at the very elite level – 49 seconds for women and 43 seconds for men. To get its sprint energy the body has to use stored chemicals and phosphates, such as creatine phosphate and adenosine triphosphate. There will be very little reliance on oxygen. It is the way the energy systems are trained which largely differentiates the sprinting that short and long sprinters do. In brief the immediate anaerobic system will provide energy for five to six seconds and relies on the body’s stores of chemicals and phosphates, whilst the longer-term anaerobic system can supply energy for up to around 90 seconds. With the latter oxygen does enter the equation – however, no amount of sucking in of air will stay the execution of the longer-term anaerobic energy.

What is sprint speed? – Sprint speed is the product of technique, stride length and stride rate (frequency) and power (the force which is put through and returned by the track). An idea of stride frequency was provided earlier with BOLT and I will add that there’s actually not that much variation of this between elite males and females. In fact, it’s only the superior muscle mass of males and their ability to therefore produce greater power that makes them faster.

Technique – Sprint technique needs to be well-honed, resilient and constantly replicable. Look at Dina Asher-Smith in full flow – her speed seems effortless, yet it is obviously not. The sprinter needs to “run relaxed”. Tension creates friction and friction will slow the “gliding and firing” of muscles. The working (agonist) and non-working muscles (antagonists) have to work like a fine Swiss watch to produce a winning sprint mechanism. Tension can also lead to lost races and pulled muscles. We’ve all seen the sprinter who ties up when pressed for the lead – learning how to sprint relaxed with great technique is crucial. Dina Asher-Smith (Getty)

Sprint power – Being able to produce immense amounts of power in millisecond ground contacts is a fundamental of sprint training. However, each part of the sprint race needs to be trained slightly differently. The key “parts” being the start and acceleration, maximum velocity and sprint endurance/maintenance.

Weights – Weight training is usually a must for sprinters – although there are some of the greats, such as Kim Collins, who did not place such a great emphasis on it. Weight training can improve acceleration in particular. Heavy load squats will create the slightly lower gears required to get up to maximum velocity very quickly. However, as I pointed out in the February issue of AW when looking at the long jump, strength for the sake of strength can be a blind alley. Specific, transferable strength is what’s required. Crucially it’s all about being able to recruit maximum numbers of fast-twitch motor units through lifting very heavy weights so they can then be used when sprinting. If the sprinter’s training programme does not allow for integration and transition of weight gains into actual sprinting, then the sprinter will become a weightlifter and no sprint time improvements will result.

Plyometrics – Hopping, bounding and drop jump exercises are also crucial for sprinters. These drills are more suited to improving maximum velocity compared to weights. Together with weight training they develop what’s known as leg stiffness, which means greater energy return and therefore speed.

Sprint endurance The length, duration, volume and intensity of various runs in training will differentiate the 100m and 200m sprinter from the 400m sprinter. The latter will obviously do more runs over 200m and between 500m compared to the 100m sprinter. They need to significantly increase their lactate tolerance.

Who should you be looking at? 100m USAIN BOLT – Although now retired the world’s fastest human ultimately had little flaws when it came to sprinting. 200m DINA ASHER-SMITH – The Doha 200m world champion has silky smooth technique and holds this to the end. 400m WAYDE VAN NIEKERK – The 400m world record holder is the ultimate sustained speed one-lap glider.

Technique jargon buster, Heel recovery – You’ll often hear coaches and sprinters talk about heel recovery. It refers to rear side mechanics – that’s to say what happens behind the athlete’s hips. During acceleration, a low heel recovery is seen to be beneficial as it kills unnecessary airtime and allows the foot to be pulled through more quickly and powerfully into each accelerative step.

Coach tip, Developing a good start and acceleration phase – Acceleration needs to be precise, powerful and fast. The best accelerating sprinters are able to impart the maximum amount of force on the track with maximum frequency in the shortest of ground contacts and with the optimum angles. Conditioning is key to being able to do this – but so too is working out an optimal acceleration phase for each individual sprinter. This can vary, for example, between 60m and 100m sprint races and even the time in the training phase. Spend time working on optimal acceleration. The sprinter needs to learn it and do it time after time and without distraction.

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – SARACENS have appointed RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION to carry out the demolition and rebuild of the old West Stand. Work commenced on Monday 22 February and completion is planned for 6 May 2022.
Demolition commenced on 22 February with completion due on 23 April. The next issue of their Newsletter is due to be sent to me within the next 2 weeks.

STONEX STADIUM NOW OPEN FROM 29 MARCH – StoneX Stadium is now open to Club members, under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 15 April 2021

Posted on 15/04/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 15 April to Victoria Godfrey, Scarlett Kent, Lauren Maltz, Lola McCann-Ezekiel, Kelly Mavididi, Dylan Michel, Tristan Procida, Robert Rigby, Sean Sutherland and Alan Weller

RECENT NEW MEMBERS – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to RAPHAEL AARON, YASH GANDHI, NATANEL KARP and EITAN MOR

Details of all fixtures will be published on the SBH Weekly Newsletter, the first publication will be on the Thursday 7 May Newsletter, and will show fixtures for the following 4 weeks.

LEE VALLEY FIXTURES APRIL TO SEPTEMBER 2021 – The first Open Meeting is on Sunday 25 April, these are the full details.

The remaining fixtures can be found on their website https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events but entries are not open at present.

100m/200m Sprint Series – Wednesday 28 April (Closing date Sunday 25 April), Wednesday 9 June (Closing date Sunday 6 June), Wednesday 7 July (Closing date Sunday 4 July), Wednesday 4 August (Closing date Sunday 1 August), Wednesday 1 September (Closing date Sunday 29 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above.

Double 100m Sprint Series – Wednesday 26 May (Closing date Sunday 23 May), Wednesday 23 June (Closing date Sunday 20 June), Wednesday 21 July (Closing date Sunday 18 July), Wednesday 18 August (Closing date Sunday 15 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above.

5K Fest – Wednesday 12 May (Closing date Sunday 9 May). Age-groups Under 17 and above.

Regarding Closing Dates – An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early.

LEE VALLEY APRIL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place at Lee Valley on 10 April.
100m – SX 2 BRAD DAVIES-PUGH U20 2nd (PB 10.91 w1.9) taking .29 of a second off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.3 U20 in 2021, 10 ELYSE DUNCAN-BROWN U17 8th (SB 14.34 w0.7)
200m – SX 5 HAYLEY MCLEAN 4th (SB 25.45 w1.4)
400m – SX 1 COLUMBA BLANGO T20/F20 6th (SB 51.51), 2 HAYLEY MCLEAN 6th (SB 55.92)

ATW CROSS COUNTRY SERIES – The third race in the series took place at Merchant Taylor’s School, Northwood on Saturday 10 April March.
Under 13 Boys – ARTHUR PHILLIPS 10th (13.56), THOMAS CADWALLADER 13th (14.05) the winner was JAKE MEYBURGH of Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow (12.28) 50 runners finished
Under 15 Boys – TOMMY NARVAEZ 36th (19.34) the winner was BENJAMIN PECK of St Edmunds Pacers (14.17) 40 runners finished
Under 15 Girls – LILI FOWKES-GAJAN 37th (22.56) the winner was ANNA JOLLIFFE of Bicester (16.33) 39 runners finished
Under 17 Men – ASH FOWKES-GAJAN 7th (18.15) the winner was LEWIS SULLIVAN of St Edmunds Pacers (17.17) 27 runners finished
Under 20 Men – ALEX LYTRIDES 2nd (31.16) the winner was MONTE WATSON of Highgate Harriers (30.03) 4 runners finished
Under 20 Women – EMILY HATHAWAY 2nd (36.37) the winner was AMY KILLICK of Leighton Buzzard (33.16) 3 runners finished
Senior Men – KEVIN WALDEN V35 17th (32.47) the winner was RICHARD SLADE of Chiltern Harriers (30.03) 36 runners finished, TIM PARKIN V40 18th (32.47) the winner was SIMON COOMBS of Herne Hill Harriers (29.41) 51 runners finished

SCOTTISH ATHLETICS SPRING THROWS OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Linwood on 10 April.
Hammer 7.26kg – SM CHRIS BENNETT 1st (SB 75.89m) adding 2.88m to his 28 February throw, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

TRAFFORD OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Stretford on 10 April.
Shot 7.26kg – SM SCOTT LINCOLN (HCA) 1st (SB 20.29m) adding 23cm to his 14 February put, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

PARKRUN 5K – Took place in Perry Lakes, Perth, Australia on 10 April.
5K – STUART MOORE V60 87th (30.11)

TOM BOLTS INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Columbia, Missouri, USA on 9-10 April.
Hammer 7.26kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 7th (PB 55.24m) adding 1.32m to his 26 March throw

DAVE BRADLEY – YES, I DID ACTUALLY RUN – A while ago an esteemed member of the SBH establishment who had only known me as a team manager and meeting manager asked me if I had ever competed for the club. Swiftly resolving his shocking ignorance, I found him looking at me as if he could just about believe it. So, at the prompting of the Club Secretary and to avoid being asked such awkward questions again I have put together a few words about my near half century of association with SBH.

At school, I was small for my age and to avoid getting beaten up on the rugby pitch I did cross-country running. Moving to Sussex University I found that I could get in the team and was Secretary and then President. It resulted in my first press cuttings with pictures of our team in the Bognor Regis Observer as we won the Butlins Road Relay along the seafront. Our best result was 11th in the Hyde Park Road Relay where we had four good runners and two duffers including me. In my second summer, we had a track meeting and on a grass, track I ran close to 2 minutes for an 800m., and about 55 seconds for a 400m. These were obviously superior to my cross-country and so I trained for the 800m the next year, getting down to (1:58) in the UAU Final at Loughborough. I did not fare so well at the BUSF at Meadowbank, but we did do the Orienteering Championships on the way back. Finishing college in the summer of 1972 I happened to go to train at my local track – the Bannister, and found BOB PARKER’S squad. I was working away from home for quite a bit but generally trained with BOB’S squad and did cross-country and road during the winter. This included a trip to do the Nos Galan races in the year that JULIAN GOATER won it. I did alright in the Mile in the afternoon but after an evening of drinking the 4 miles did not go so well. The next season saw me competing in the lowly regions of the Southern League just as the MORPHITIS management started our surge to the upper echelons. My 800m times were nothing special for Shaftesbury Harriers (as it was then) so I did 400m races. Over the next couple of years my 800m times did not really come down, but I ended up running 50 seconds for the 400m. So, Bob introduced me to RON RODDEN, and now living in Ealing I trained with him as Shaftesbury moved up the leagues. In 1976 I got down to 49 secs., and was our mainstay until we got into the BAL and ROY DICKENS arrived. At the end of that year I did the 800 m in the GLC Champs. and ran a very surprising (1:55) to get 2nd. behind GUY MCCALLUM. So, it was back to the 800 m. for a year but I was not able to get under (1:55), and aiming to keep a place in the team I belatedly took up hurdling. That enabled me score points for us when we won the GRE Gold Cup at Cwmbran in 1978. Those were good days running in the BAL, Gold Cup and for Middlesex and the SCAAA. I did relay legs against DALEY THOMPSON and STEVE OVETT, and held ALLAN WELLS to a yard – in 4th. place over 400m. in a Gold Cup Semi, when he was still basically a long jumper. I posted my best hurdles time of (54.8) running for Middlesex in the Sefton Brancker Trophy in 1981, and actually won the “B” 400m Hurdles in the first BAL Div.1 match in 1982 After this, injuries curtailed competition but I had got involved in administration for SBH and others. From 1977 – 82 I was the SBH Club Secretary and Statistician. I was the Middlesex Team Manager for 3 years, and have recently unearthed the plaque I have for managing the winning team at the 1983 CAU at Leicester.

At this time, I had been on ANDY NORMAN’S General Committee of the SCAA but was displaced by others of a more commercial disposition. I had also been involved with the BAL organisation but also became disenchanted with it and so I decided to pack up formal involvement – for about 10 years. At this time DAVE BRYANT had been organising a “fun” team in the Southern League, but was moving away. So, in 1992 I came back as its team manager. We had a good 12 years, obtaining places in the BAL promotion match a couple of times but sensibly declining them. It was here that I first met CLYDE. We had not got a “B” 200m runner so I was quite surprised to see someone finishing the race for us. CLYDE had been doing the Discus and seeing that we had not got anyone at the start he put his spikes on and ran. This was typical of the Southern League team which often finished off with a 4 x 400 relay team of steeplechasers and triple jumpers. We also used to have a good team on Thursday but after the BAL team was filled out we would be rather short. Unfortunately, the road congestion made travelling more and more difficult.

We concluded that a London based BAL “B” team competition would be more appropriate and started the London Inter-Club Challenge – the LICC. This also included an amount of open competition but the other clubs fell away and it is essentially an open competition now. It certainly fulfils the need for competition for all our members. After the LICC started our daughter started competition swimming and so I moved efforts to the Ruislip Northwood swimming squad and ended up being their competition secretary. Then she started secondary education and swimming took up too much time, but thankfully became interested in Throwing, and so she and I returned to the SBH Young Athletes team.

At this time GEOFF WILLIAMS, had been organising matches at Copthall but he was moving away. A new meeting manager was sought and I was unfortunately in the vicinity the time and so started something over a decade of meeting management. Of course, meetings rely on a whole range of volunteers who thankfully are a very decent bunch of people. The problem with being Meeting Manager is that anything and everything that can go wrong will come to you to be sorted out. Thankfully our combined efforts have made Copthall an acknowledged home of top rate promotions – from the mayhem of LICC meetings, the free for all of Middlesex YAL, the very high quality of YDL, and the smart turnout at NAL meetings. Apparently leading Officials look forward to invites to Copthall promotions. One reason is the refreshments which mean that they can eat and drink all day, and are affordable. It is worthwhile noting the meetings that we promoted last summer. Detailed arrangements were necessary to minimise the risks from Covid amid ever changing requirements. It was all rather fraught but the athletes and coaches who trained last year merited efforts to give them competition. I believe that we succeeded and other clubs based their arrangements on ours. It culminated in some 80 young relay teams contesting a UK championship. This year also presents challenges for early promotions but we will do our best to continue the good work.

MARILYN OKORO ENJOYING LIFE AS A FAN – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

From ELLIOT GILES’ British record-breaking run to the continued Scottish success, there has been plenty for MARILYN OKORO to cheer even though her own competitive athletics career has come to an end.
“I’m gutted I can’t race them!” laughs the former British 800m No.1, as we discuss the latest spate of impressive performances by British athletes.
“I’m excited, but it reminds me of my era,” adds the 2008 Olympic 4x400m bronze medallist, who ran her 800m best of 1:58.45 in 2008. “It was always exciting.
“I think because I have stepped away I can actually be a fan and truly explore. That’s the beauty of athletics, it’s just so dynamic and there’s so many different disciplines.
“The crop of athletes coming though, I mean ELLIOT GILES just excites me. Did you see that run the other day?” she asks, referring to the 26-year-old’s British indoor 800m record of (1:43.63) in Toruń. “And then JAMIE WEBB who finished just behind Giles.

“I’m really excited about the women’s 800m. I’m always championing ADELLE TRACEY, and ELLIE BAKER is my Shaftesbury Barnet Harrier club-mate, but then the Scottish athletes – JEMMA REEKIE, wow. She is so tenacious. Obviously, LAURA MUIR. It’s one thing making it to the top but staying there – she is doing an amazing job at consistency and delivering time after time.
“Then there’s EILISH MCCOLGAN, and LYNSEY SHARP is making a comeback.
“Elsewhere HOLLY BRADSHAW is doing an amazing job in the pole vault,” she adds, “and I love seeing how she uses her voice. JADE LALLY, a new mum, and she is competing out in Australia.”
Announcing her retirement decision via an interview with AW last month, OKORO explained how she would be moving on to her next gold medal hunt – helping others, with a focus on athlete welfare.
“That’s how I knew I was okay,” she adds on her retirement decision, “because I’m watching athletics, enjoying it and not trying to jump in the TV.”

GEOFF MORPHITIS sent me an article written by MARILYN – ‘ME AND MY CLUB’, which was in the April edition of Athletics Weekly. Although it has not been published on the Athletics Weekly website as yet. These are the 2 pages;

SLT ARENA GAMES – Was held at the Queen Elizabeth Aquatic Centre, Olympic Park on 27 March.

The Super League Triathlon Arena Games were held in a mix of virtual and real-life racing, using treadmills and exercise bikes, the competition was held in three stages which were as follows.
Stage 1 – 200m swim, 1km run, 4km bike, Stage 2 – 1km run, 4km bike, 200m swim, Stage 3 – 4km bike, 200m swim, 1km run. After each stage, there are 10 points awarded for the winner, 9 points for 2nd, 8 points for 3rd and so on. There is a short break between each stage.

All three on the podium were sitting on 18 heading into the final stage, with POTTER excelling in the first stage and CHARLES-BARCLAY winning the second. COLDWELL had finished second in both of these, giving her nine points respectively in each, while her compatriots both finished first and third in their races. Despite having to make up a three-second deficit on the run at the end of stage three, POTTER overturned CHARLES-BARCLAY for the win, claiming the maximum 10 points by seven seconds on the one-kilometre run.

Positions after Stage 1 BETH POTTER (10 points), SOPHIE COLDWELL (9), LUCY CHARLES-BARCLAY (8) – Stage 2 LUCY CHARLES-BARCLAY (10 points), SOPHIE COLDWELL (9), BETH POTTER (8) – Stage 3 BETH POTTER (10 points), LUCY CHARLES-BARCLAY (9), RACHEL KLAMER (8). Final Positions BETH POTTER 1st (28 points), LUCY CHARLES-BARCLAY 2nd (27), SOPHIE COLDWELL 3rd (25)

UPDATE FROM RAY POWELL – RAY has been informed by London Marathon, that the Westminster mile on Sunday 30 May and the Vitality 10k on Monday 31 May – are no longer taking place. They are hoping that the events can be re-scheduled for later in the year, but as yet no new dates have been fixed. I thank you for your patience, and if and when the new dates are released. I will let you know straight away RAY.

A SHORT STORY ON RAY POWELL – If you have seen RAY run over the past years, he will have the black & white vest on, plus a pair of yellow patterned shorts (his trademark). You will see by the photograph, that he wishes to change his image. If you have any suggestions on what he should wear, I will pass it on.

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – SARACENS have appointed RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION to carry out the demolition and rebuild of the old West Stand. Work commenced on Monday 22 February and completion is planned for 6 May 2022.
Demolition commenced on 22 February with completion due on 23 April. This is a Link to the first Monthly Newsletter for the redevelopment, which shows site access and the initial site activities – C-0045 – West Stand Monthly Newsletter – February 2021 Rev A

STONEX STADIUM NOW OPEN FROM 29 MARCH – StoneX Stadium is now open to Club members, under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 8 April 2021

Posted on 08/04/202109/04/2021 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 8 April to Ben Bellisario, Charlie Cutler, Bradley Goater, Charlotte Johnston, Julian Lamy, Alessa Lewis, Phoebe Music, Dereece O’Callaghan, Amelia Onyems and Ray Powell

RECENT NEW MEMBER – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to AIDAN GAFFEY and LOUISE LOCKWOOD

EASTERN YOUNG ATHLETES LEAGUE, CHANGE OF VENUE – The first fixture on Sunday 4 July will now take place at Hemel Hempstead, and not Watford as previously published.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY TRACK AND FIELD DATES – Have just been published, and are as follows – Saturday 24 July for Under 13 and Under 15 at Lee Valley – Monday 30 August for Under 17, Under 20 and Seniors at Lee Valley.

SOUTHERN TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2021 – These are the dates and information for the Southern Track and Field fixtures for June to September, as issued on 23 March.

SOUTHERN U20 AND SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 12 June and Sunday 13 June, venue to be confirmed. Also includes the Under 15/17 Men and Women 3000m Championships on Saturday 12 June.
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – http://seaa.org.uk/index.php/events/track-and-field
Closing Date Tuesday 1 June

SOUTHERN COMBINED EVENTS U15, U17, U20 AND SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 3 July and Sunday 4 July at the Horspath Athletics Track, Horspath Road, Oxford (Satnav OX4 2RR).
Events: U15 Girls Pentathlon (Saturday), U15 Boys Pentathlon (Sunday), U17, U20 & Senior Women Heptathlon, U17 Men Octathlon, U20 & Senior Men Decathlon. Guests are welcome.
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – http://seaa.org.uk/index.php/events/track-and-field
Closing Date Tuesday 22 June

SOUTHERN U13, U15 AND U17 CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 21 August and Sunday 22 August at the Weir Archer Athletics Centre, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey (Satnav KT1 3PB).
Please Note: For all information including entering yourself online please use this link – http://seaa.org.uk/index.php/events/track-and-field
Closing Date Tuesday 10 August

SOUTHERN U15 AND U20 INTER COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 11 September at the Horspath Athletics Track, Horspath Road, Oxford (Satnav OX4 2RR).
Please Note: You will be selected by your respective County Team Manager.
Closing Date Tuesday 31 August

Link to the full Southern Track and Field Prospectus dated 23 March 2021 – 2021 Southern Outdoor Track & Field Prospectus 23.3.21 (1) (1)

BETH POTTER “SHELL-SHOCKED” BY PODIUM 5K WONDER RUN – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.
After running faster than BEATRICE CHEPKEOCH’S women’s world record, 29-year-old Brit says she thought the timing clock had broken at Barrowford event. After slicing 43 seconds off her 5km PB with a (14:41) clocking that beat BEATRICE CHEPKEOCH’S world record time by two seconds, BETH’S mobile phone has not surprisingly been going crazy this weekend. To clear her head, the morning after her race she escaped for an easy three-and-a-half hour bike ride with a coffee stop halfway. Then she chatted to AW about her stunning performance at the Podium 5km in Barrowford, Lancashire, on Saturday (3 April) before tackling a short run in the evening.
For those saying her fabulous run was due to super shoes, they should consider the amount of training she does. Sandwiching an AW interview between two training sessions on a so-called easy day is nothing unusual for the hard-working Scot. In total, each week she typically completes five bike rides, five swims, four runs, a couple of gym sessions and some yoga – totalling 25-30 hours.
The Glasgow-born endurance athlete’s talent is unquestionable too. In 2016 she ran in the 10,000m at the Olympics and 12 months later she won the women’s race at the Night of the 10,000m PBs during a transition to becoming a full-time triathlete based in Leeds. She is in great form as well with a big triathlon victory at the London Aquatics Centre a few days before the Podium 5km.
Still, BETH was as surprised as anybody by her time on Saturday. She entered the race on a relative whim and had asked organiser CHRIS BARNES if she could move into the sub-15:30 race. She would have been satisfied to break her PB of (15:24) and never expected (14:41).
It is not only faster than PAULA RADCLIFFE’S UK record of (14:51) but a couple of seconds quicker than CHEPKEOCH’S world record set in Monaco in February. However due to stringent World Athletics criteria necessary to approve a record, it is unlikely – but not impossible – that it will be ratified.
“I thought it was a joke,” Potter told AW on the moment she saw her finishing time. “I needed someone to confirm to me what it was that I’d run.
“I thought the clock was out! I was shell shocked to be honest.”
When did it dawn on her that the result was real? “Everyone who was there watching was saying ‘you did it, it’s true’ so then I began to believe it a bit,” she says. “I thought (15:15) would be a really good run for me because I’ve been focusing on other parts of my training this year. And so I asked to run in the (15:30) race because I wanted to be pushed all the way.”
Potter settled into a group of male runners and was swept along around the 1km laps. “I was at the back of the boys at the start and it went off fast and I knew I had to commit otherwise I was going to be in no man’s land. I got into a bit of a rhythm and I was in a bit of a daze.
“I couldn’t believe the times that were being read out at the kilometre marks. I only broke three minutes for a kilometre the other night for the first time this year.
“Even when I went through with one lap to go I thought the clock was wrong as I worked out I was due to run 14-something but could hardly believe it.”

FULL RESULT – 5000m – A KIERAN CLEMENTS 8th (SB 13.57) and is ranked UK No.8 in 2021, B BETH POTTER 16th (PB 14.41) taking 43 seconds off her 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021, C LIZZIE BIRD 18th (SB 16.07) and is ranked UK No.8 in 2021

PURE ATHLETICS SPRING INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Clermont, Florida, USA on 4 April.
100m – SM 1.3 ANTONIO INFANTINO 2nd (10.36 w2.4), 2.1 ANTONIO finished 4th (SB 10.31 w1.0) taking .01 of a second off his 27 March time
200m – SM 1 ANTONIO INFANTINO 2nd (20.48 w1.6)

TRAFFORD OPEN OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Stretford on 3 April.
Discus 2kg – SM A NICK PERCY 2nd (60.13m)

PARKRUN 5K – Took place in Perry Lakes, Perth, Australia on 3 April.
5K – STUART MOORE V60 92nd (30.33)

STANFORD INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Palo Alto, California, USA on 2-3 April.
5000m – SM JAMIE DEE (Iona College) 6th (PB 13:46.78) taking 5.16 seconds off his 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021
10000m – SM CHARLIE HICKS U23 (Stanford University) 1st (PB 28:25.29) and is ranked UK No.1 U23 in 2021

BIG NORTHFLORIDA INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Jacksonville, Florida, USA on 2-3 April.
Long Jump – SW B EAVION RICHARDSON (University of Iowa) 9th (5.69m w3.0)
Triple Jump – SW EAVION RICHARDSON (University of Iowa) 3rd (12.52m w1.3)

ST ALBANS 10K ROAD RACE – Took place in St Albans on 2 April.
10K – KEVIN WALDEN V35 69th (SB 38.09), TIM PARKIN V40 120th (SB 41.42) 541 runners finished

COMEBACK 5000m OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Battersea Park on 31 March.
5000m – SX 6 JEREMY DEMPSEY U23 1st (PB 14:18.81) taking 25.27 seconds off his 2017 time, and is ranked UK No.5 U23 in 2021, DYLAN EVANS 4th (PB 14:23.87), TOM BUTLER 7th (PB 14:29.65) taking .84 of a second off his 2019 time, SX 7 HENRY MCLUCKIE U20 4th (PB 13:56.20) taking 53.97 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.1 U20 and UK No.7 in 2021

JAKE SHELLEY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE – Hi ALAN, I hope you are well. I just wanted to send a quick update on our men’s distance squad in case you wanted to include it in your newsletter. Within 1 week of races in the UK recommencing, there were six Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers who ran under 14:30 for 5000m/5km, including three under 14:00.

Those were: JAMIE DEE, 13:46 at Stanford – HENRY MCLUCKIE, 13:56 at Battersea – KIERAN CLEMENTS, 13:57 at Podium 5k – JEREMY DEMPSEY, 14:18 at Battersea – DYLAN EVANS, 14:23 at Battersea TOM BUTLER, 14:29, also at Battersea.
We are all very excited with this progress and what it could mean for our squad’s chances once team events like the National XC, and the relays start up again, and when you factor in all of the other talented young distance runners who have also improved over the past 18 months. I am personally inspired by how well all the guys are running and how they have stuck at their training through a tough winter with very little in the way of races to aim for/be motivated by – Up the stripes JAKE

JAKE joined Shaftesbury in October 2003, aged 12, and was a student at Mill Hill County High School until 2009. Following this he qualified to take up a placement at Oxford University, where he studied for a MBiochem degree in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry from 2009-2013. During this time JAKE competed regularly in our cross country and track and field teams, and in 2011 he finished 11th in the Southern and National Cross Country Championships, and 5th In the 1500m at the England U23 Championships. He then decided to further his athletic and academic career, by crossing the pond to the USA, and settled on the University of New Mexico, taking a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology from 2013 to 2015. From 2017 to present JAKE has undertaken a Doctor of Philosophy PhD in Anti-Doping at Kingston University, he is also employed by England Rugby as Anti-Doping Programme Officer.

Since returning in 2016 JAKE has been a regular member of our Road Relay squad, and latterly in 2020, ran a personal best (13.46) at the Armagh 5k and (29.40) at the Chichester 10k.

MARTIN GREY REMEMBERS ‘KEN’ – MARTIN contacted me recently regarding his early memories of ARTHUR KENDALL.
Just before I left school in 1959, shortly before my 16th birthday, my father phoned the AAA office to find a local athletics club near to where we lived in Stanmore, so that I could continue with my passion for running. By chance it was KEN who answered the phone during his lunchtime spell away from his proper job to help out the AAA. He knew just the right club for me — Shaftesbury Harriers!!
I travelled to Headstone Manor, Harrow on my bike and was made very welcome by TONY SUNDERAND, VIC GILLICK, KEN TOLLADY, KEITH MACKAY, IAN LANDLESS, and many others. Sadly, my father never knew about this as he died that day whilst I was at Headstone. KEN himself was also there with a small magazine in his hand which he gave me to keep — Athletics Weekly. I think he also gave me one or two more without asking for any payment — 6d (2 1/2 pence). It is important to know that before KEN arrived at Headstone, after he had already been to Shaftesbury’s other tracks at Parliament Hill Fields, and Maccabi, Hendon and did all the travelling on public transport — on Sundays!
We will never forget moments and people like this. Best Regards, MARTIN

INTERNATIONAL RUNNING CHALLENGE AT CLUB LA SANTA, LANZAROTE – Takes place at the end of November, at Club La Santa, Lanzarote. The challenge in 2021 is the 31st edition, which consists of 4 races on consecutive days, with different distances and terrain. The event attracts some 500 to 600 competitors, of which at least 50% normally are from the UK. There are many groups from clubs all over England, and for some years, EAMON MARTIN has taken a group of athletes from his Basildon club.
Club La Santa is located on the north of the island, and is surrounded by the rugged coastline. The complex has some 400 apartments, with many sports facilities. These include an 8-lane track, Olympic and leisure pools, tennis courts, lagoon with free surf boarding lessons and mountain bikes. There is also an on-site Scuba Diving school. The restaurant is extremely good and inexpensive, also a large nightclub with evening entertainment.

In 2001, NEELAM KADERBHOY, DEREK SURREY and Myself, embarked on our first challenge. It was late November on a very cold Friday morning, the flight was from Luton Airport and after a 4-hour flight we arrived at Arricefe airport, with sunshine and 70 degrees. The transfer to the North of the Island was just over 1 Hour to reach Club La Santa.

Saturday was the day before the races commenced, so DEREK had the bright idea of seeing the area on Mountain Bikes. I believe we were out for some 4 hours, although we stopped for a beer in the village of La Santa. Following this we then cycled up to the village of La Gomera which was about a 2 mile climb uphill, then turned onto a dirt track to head back home. I would say it was not the worst experience I had, but hurtling downhill on a very rough track was not good fun, we eventually arrived back safely.
Sunday was the start of the 4-day challenge;
Day 1 – 10K Vince Regan Memorial Classic Road Run, on a 2-loop course around the lagoon, on asphalt roads toward the villages of La Santa and Caleta de Caballo.
Day 2 – 13K Ridge Run, taking you on both dirt trails and asphalt roads around one of the big volcanoes near to Club La Santa.
Day 3- 5K Beach Race, buses take you to the beach in Puerto del Carmen on the South side of the island, where you run 2 laps on very soft sand.
Day 4 – 21K La Vuelta de Tinajo, in which you start at Los Dolores Church in Mancha Blanca, also on the South side of the island. The start takes you 2k uphill, then around the volcanic “Montaña de Tinache”, through Tinajo and back to Club La Santa on both asphalt and dirt tracks, finishing with 300m of the track in the Stadium. Photograph of the Beach Race.

The races went quite well, with DEREK leading the way, finishing 5th in the 60-64 age-group. NEELAM I believe finished in the top 20 in the 30-34 age-group. I managed to finish Day 4, although my knee was hurting with probably 5 miles to go.
We went on a further 3 occasions, 2002, 2004 and 2005. In 2002 DEREK, had now moved up to the 65-69 age-group, and had an almighty tussle with a German athlete KARL. He had beaten DEREK in the first 2 races, DEREK pulled back some 20 seconds on the beach run. On the final day KARL just got the better of DEREK, to take the title by just over 20 seconds. In 2004 and 2005 I was now a spectator, and DEREK had been suffering with an injury over those 2 years.
In 2004, prior to going, the news had had reported an estimated 100 million locusts have forced tourists and locals to abandon beaches in the Canary Islands. The insects have swarmed into the island of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote after devastating crops across regions of Africa and the Mediterranean. The ground in the Canaries, was blanketed in the pink, 7cm (3in)-long creatures.
When we arrived, the roads were covered in dead locusts, and apparently, the majority of them had died, although at Club La Santa there were still a few of them on the balcony of our apartment.

HAYWARD FIELD READY FOR ACTION – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Track and field competition is back in Oregon this weekend with athletes enjoying the experience of a newly-built state-of-the-art stadium ahead of next year’s World Championships. Hayward Field makes a much-anticipated return to staging top-class athletics events this weekend and the famous venue in Oregon now boasts an impressive new design ahead of hosting next year’s World Athletics Championships. Construction began in 2018 to renovate the stadium and, after the grand opening was delayed by the pandemic, the action will begin with the Hayward Premiere meeting today (2 April). The impressive new arena has 12,650 permanent seats – which are expandable to nearly 25,000 – and it is designed with athletes in mind, but also for the spectator experience. There are no restricted views, for instance, whereas a large proportion of the seats are deliberately and uniquely packed around the finish line area. Crucially, it has been built with only one sport in mind too – track and field athletics – and unlike most other stadia it is not a multi-sport venue.

This means that in addition to the main outdoor synthetic track running surface and seating, the underbelly of the arena is dedicated to training areas with an indoor six-lane 140m long straight track and areas to jump and throw, plus of course strength and conditioning rooms. Even the spectator concourse is marked out with lines and can be used for running. It is estimated to have cost around $270m and was largely funded by Nike founder PHIL KNIGHT. Some fans have not enjoyed the idea of the historic Hayward Field grandstands being bulldozed to make way for a new stand. But the new venue certainly looks impressive and after this weekend’s Hayward Premiere meeting it stages the West Coast Classic (17 April), Oregon Relays (23-24 April), and Oregon Twilight (7 May). After this there is the NCAA Championships (9-12 June), the US Olympic Trials (18-27 June) and Prefontaine Classic (21 August) followed of course next year by the World Athletics Championships on 15-24 July.

LATEST UPDATE ON 2021 TRACK AND FIELD FIXTURES 1 APRIL – Subject to DCMS, Sport England, UKA and EA guidance. Changes from last week’s Newsletter are as follows, MYAL dates updated and the LICC 4 fixtures now confirmed.
National Athletic League (Senior Men/Women) dates are as follows – Sunday 6 June at Lee Valley (host SBH), Sunday 4 July at StoneX Stadium (host Harrow), Sunday 8 August at Woodford (host WGEL), Saturday 28 August at StoneX Stadium (host SBH) – 4 club divisions – we are in Premier London North with Harrow, Newham and Woodford.

UK Youth Development League (Under 17 and 20 Men/Women) dates are as follows – Sunday 30 May at Bannister Stadium, Harrow, Sunday 27 June at Perivale Park, Greenford, Sunday 25 July at Ridlins Athletic Track, Stevenage, Sunday 5 September at StoneX Stadium – 5 club divisions – we are in London West with Harrow, Dacorum and Tring, Hillingdon, Stevenage and Team West London (TVH + ESM).

Middlesex Young Athletes League (Under 11, 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) confirmed dates are as follows – Saturday 22 May (Finsbury Park) field events, Sunday 23 May (Perivale) track events, Saturday 5 June (Finsbury Park) track events, Sunday 6 June (Perivale) field events, Sunday 27 June (Parliament Hill TBC).

Eastern Young Athletes League (Under 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) – Sunday 4 July at Hemel Hempstead, Sunday 15 August at StoneX Stadium, Sunday 12 September at Watford – 6 club divisions – we are with Dacorum and Tring, HAWCS, Herts Phoenix, St Albans and Watford.

London Inter Club Challenge (All age-groups Men/Women including Under 11 Boys/Girls) dates for – Round 1 will be held on Saturday 12 June and Sunday 13 June at Lee Valley Athletics Centre for U15, U17 and U20 age-groups. This open meeting will form the basis for selection for the Middlesex Schools team to compete at the English Schools Championships in Manchester on 9, 10 and 11 July. Rounds 2,3 and 4 are as follows, Saturday 10 July, Saturday 31 July, Saturday 21 August all at StoneX Stadium.

SCVAC Veterans League (35+ and above Men/Women) dates are still to be announced.

ATW CROSS COUNTRY SERIES NEXT RACE – The race scheduled for Saturday 27 March at Merchant Taylor’s School, Sandy Lodge, Northwood HA6 2HT, did not take place. The race has been rescheduled for Saturday 10 April, and are for Under 11, 13, 15 & 17s. This is the link for all details including entries – https://activetrainingworld.co.uk/event/atw-cross-country-series-round-2-3-10th-april-2021/

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – SARACENS have appointed RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION to carry out the demolition and rebuild of the old West Stand. Work commenced on Monday 22 February and completion is planned for 6 May 2022.
Demolition commenced on 22 February with completion due on 23 April. This is a Link to the first Monthly Newsletter for the redevelopment, which shows site access and the initial site activities – C-0045 – West Stand Monthly Newsletter – February 2021 Rev A

PROCEDURES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM FROM JEREMY SOTHCOTT – The Stadium is now subject to the lockdown guidelines recently set by the Government. It re-opened on Monday 29 March under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.

UPDATE ON SBH FIXTURE CARD – We are in the process of finalising the 2021 Summer Fixture Card

THE FOLLOWING SBH DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION CAN EITHER BE VIEWED, DOWNLOADED OR PRINTED
SBH 2021 Summer Fixture Card, and we will be publishing a draft in the coming weeks.
Cross Country Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/cross-country/team-managers/
Road Running/Relay Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/road-running/team-managers/

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 1 April 2021

Posted on 01/04/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 1 April to Ena Akpata, Dominic Bannister, Grant Brown, Phillip Crout, Abigail Edwards, Richard Goodman, Phillipa Lowe, Alfredo Melao, Paul Simons, Claire Spurway, Tim Underhill and Amelia Wills

RECENT NEW MEMBERS – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to RAPHAEL AARON, EMILY DUNNE, ALANNAH FASHANU, JOSHUA FISHER, ABDIRAHIM HAMUD, NICOLE MCGOVERN, EFE UWAIFO and EVE WRIGHT

MIDDLESEX YOUNG ATHLETES LEAGUE – Just clarifying why there are consecutive dates for the first two fixtures. On Saturday 22 May (Finsbury Park) the events are field events only, Sunday 23 May (Perivale) the events are track events only. On Saturday 5 June (Finsbury Park) the events are track events only, and Sunday 6 June (Perivale) the events are field events only. This will enable ‘social distancing’ to be achieved far easier.

Eastern Young Athletes League (Under 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) – Sunday 4 July at Watford, Sunday 15 August at StoneX Stadium, Sunday 12 September at Watford – 6 club divisions – we are with Dacorum and Tring, HAWCS, Herts Phoenix, St Albans and Watford.

SCVAC Veterans League (35+ and above Men/Women) dates are still to be announced.

UPDATED ON 29 MARCH, ON VOLUNTEERS FROM RAY POWELL – Hope that you are all keeping well, and are slowly getting your jabs.
The date for the Standard Chartered Great City Race was incorrectly sent by London Marathon, it is Tuesday 20 July. The response so far, has been very good but we still require more volunteers please.

Westminster Mile Sunday 30 May – 20 volunteers required – 16 at present – 4 more required.
Vitality 10k Monday 31 May – 20 volunteers required – we have a full team, thank you.
Standard Chartered Great City Race Tuesday 20 July – 25 volunteers required – 6 more required.
Big Half Marathon Sunday 22 August – 30 volunteers required – 13 at present – 17 more required.
London Mini Marathon Sunday 3 October – 62 volunteers needed – 40 at present – 22 more required.

I know that some of the races are a way off, but if you feel that you can help, please let me know now, as it makes the planning a lot easier. Please contact CLARE & RAY at ray571m@btopenworld.com

QUEENSLAND TRACK CLASSIC OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Brisbane, Australia on 27 March.
Discus 1kg – SW JADE LALLY 2nd (58.24m)

THE FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Miramar, Florida, USA on 27 March.
100m – SM 1 ANTONIO INFANTINO 2nd (SB 10.32 w2.7)
100m – SW 1 LINA NIELSEN 1st (PB 11.56 w3.4) taking .41 of a second off her 2018 time
200m – SM 1 ANTONIO INFANTINO 3rd (SB 20.38 w2.5)
200m – SW 1 LINA NIELSEN 2nd (PB 23.13 w1.3) taking .90 of a second off her 2016 time, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

BIG TEN INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Bloomington, Indiana, USA on 26-27 March.
Long Jump – SW B EAVION RICHARDSON (University of Iowa) 6th (SB 5.86m w2.4)

ORU INVITATIONAL OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA on 26-27 March.
Discus 2kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 1st (50.77m)
Hammer 7.26kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 3rd (PB 53.92m) and is ranked UK No.9 in 2021

MELBOURNE CLASSIC OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Melbourne, Australia on 25 March.
Discus 1kg – SW JADE LALLY 2nd (55.67m)

JO NEWALL OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR 2018 – I have been a volunteer in one form or another since my early twenties, originally as a Tawney Owl with a Brownie pack in Finchley until I started a family. Once my daughter was old enough to start Brownies, I joined with her as a pack helper in Edgware. After about 18 months the presiding ‘Brown Owl’ decided to retire and I was persuaded to take on the role, which I did for the next 12 years. I also decided that as the pack leader it would be a good idea to learn some first aid (back then it wasn’t mandatory). I took a course with the local St John Ambulance and soon after joined them but continued as Brown Owl. A few years later, I started running the SJA Badger Sett (children from 6- 11).

Unfortunately, in 1997 my husband, SID, suffered a stroke and something had to give. I had to choose between Brownies, Badgers and St John. Badgers won as going out on First Aid duties was something Sid and I could still do together; we spent a lot of time at Copthall Stadium assisting with events being held there – mainly athletics.
Towards the end of the 2015 I decided for various reasons that It was time to step back from St John and at the last athletics meeting of the season in the officials’ room, I let DAVE BRADLEY know that I would not be around the following year and jokingly said “perhaps I’ll become an official because I’d miss the biscuits”. GERALD came to hear of my remark and the next thing I knew I was enrolled on officiating courses – Health & Safety and, as GERALD is a Starter/ Marksman, he suggested I might like to try these disciplines rather than track or field. Little did I know what I was getting myself into!
I went to the Tri-Counties meeting at Lee Valley intending to shadow the marking team, but when I arrived, I was asked to fill in as one team member had had to withdraw – nothing like being thrown in at the deep end! But it was a fantastic learning experience having to remember what to check, who to signal and when, where to find athlete information I needed. It made, what sounded so daunting during the course, come to life and although I made some mistakes it was the best way to learn and to try not to make them again. Since that day in 2016 I have officiated at many meetings, not only at Copthall but all over the country at club, league and county level. Since I qualified at level 3, I am now able to work at national meetings, but not always in discipline.

One of the more enjoyable non-discipline jobs I have done is working in a call room as there you get to meet officials and athletes from all disciplines, joining in with the banter while checking kit etcetera.
As a novice starter, I had to use the orange, blocked barrelled guns which, if taken care of, will last about two years but are temperamental. I always felt more confident when using the guns of a senior starter (thanks GERALD). Having worked through the levels and held level 3 for over a year I am now entitled to use open barrelled guns at all meetings where I am selected to start.
I still think it very strange that some misguided person thought it ok to let me loose with a firearm. I’ve not shot any one yet, but……
Endurance events didn’t figure high in my mindset as I prefer working on solid ground and not squelching around in mud, snow and rain but I was persuaded to give it a go and found I quite enjoyed it. It’s an amazing sight watching several hundred runners charging up the hill at Parliament Hill Fields – and managing not to get trampled to death in the stampede.

I was honoured to receive the SBH Official of the Year award in 2018 just weeks after obtaining my level 3 as a starter.
All in all, I think becoming a technical official has certainly been one of my best decisions and one that I would recommend any one to try.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ARTHUR J.C. KENDALL B.E.M 1906-1984 – Was Held on Thursday 27 September 1984 at St Mary-at-Finchley Parish Church N3 at 3pm. The address was presented on behalf of Shaftesbury Harriers by HUGH STARKEY.

When I last met KEN, it was just like the other times. Copthall. A Southern League track fixture in mid-June this year. He was standing against the sort of bar in the pavilion with a clip-board. He wasn’t in charge. But I was sure he knew what was going on. You could rely on that. KEN always knew what was going on. He looked diffident. He always looked diffident – You, whoever you were, were always the important person. KEN made you feel important. Valued. “Ah, hello HUGH ” “Hello KEN. Good to see you. How are you, better I hope?” “Uh yes, thank you.” Not talkative, KEN. Kept to the point, the minimum of conversation really. Even when you worked really closely with him, I gather. “Uh DAVE’S got the numbers. He’s out there. Are you entering the Southern this year? I’ve got a form.” That was KEN. Any of my team mates would have dismissed my chances of making the Southern with a wry laugh. KEN wasn’t like that. KEN had faith. KEN wanted athletes to aim high, to achieve their best. KEN not only suggested a goal, he made it possible; seem natural even. He had the form ready. For years, come to think of it, I received a Middlesex entry form, a Southern entry form and some years a AAA entry form through the post. When I moved house, I still got the forms. Talking to other people.

I now realize this was not just a special favour for me. It was a special favour but not just for me. Think of the work – all those envelopes to all those athletes, addressed by hand. Yes, but think of thinking of doing it, what that means. Thinking that this individual, and that one and the other would find it easier to enter the championships if they received a form direct without having to ask for it. And that was KEN. The anonymous, helpful, thoughtful gesture. No not gesture. This was no token. Nothing half-hearted. This was a way of thinking of athletics administration. You start with the athlete; you see what he needs and you enable it to happen. Enabling things to happen was perhaps KEN’S special gift and it was done by unstinting hard work, careful and skilful administration and personal contact with individuals. This is an occasion when, amongst other things, members of Shaftesbury Harriers can remember and reflect on the legacy that KEN has left us.

For a start, there is the club itself. Shaftesbury Harriers is a name now known throughout Britain and on the continent where this very weekend our Young Athletes, KEN’S special concern of recent years, are competing in the European club championship in Belgium. Shaftesbury Harriers. We carry the name with pride. But it is no doubt in large measure due to KEN that the name and the club still survive because in the early thirties the club was not strong and there was talk of an amalgamation. But KEN took things as ever by the scruff of the neck. Within two years of joining the club he was its secretary and on taking over he entered the club in the Middlesex and Southern track leagues for its first ever inter -club track matches. HAROLD ASHTON wrote in his history of the club: “In 1933 ARTHUR KENDALL became Hon Secretary and the club extended its activities and successes began to come; it is no exaggeration to say that the club that we know today is based on the groundwork and inspiration of KEN.” We are here today to remember and give thanks for that.

Communication with individuals was the basis of KEN’S approach, as I have said. For those of you who are not aware of the fact it will come as no surprise to learn that it was KEN who in 1939 had the idea of producing a Shaftesbury Harriers Quarterly and who did most of the initial work of preparing it for duplication. His first editorial expresses vividly his idea of what are our sport is and should be all about. “We feel that we are making a distinctly progressive move…” (Yes, that was KEN, never standing still, not a traditionalist) “a distinctly progressive move in producing Shaftesbury Harriers Quarterly as we anticipate that it will assist in maintaining the spirit of comradeship that exists among our members and that it will help old members and our many friends to keep in touch with the club”. What a testimony to that far- sighted vision that so many of us, members and friends of the club are gathered here today. And KEN took further, practical steps to maintain that contact and that spirit of friendship. He personally wrote to all those members dispersed on active service in the last war and kept track of them, until he too was mobilised and sent to West Africa. In the same spirit he undertook to write to many former members in all parts of the world to invite contributions to the club house appeal. He had a prodigious and tidy memory. He never seemed to need to write himself notes of the tasks he promised or set himself to do. But his word was enough. A promise from KEN to write to the Borough or send someone an entry form was enough. The task was invariably done.

KEN was himself no mean athlete, of course. He was the first Shaftesbury Harrier to run for Middlesex. The various club trophies that have passed through my hands over the years are all notable for the number of AJC KENDALL’S inscribed on them. “Dogged” is a word used to describe his running. A dogged runner” determined and persistent. For many people ARTHUR KENDALL was the epitome of Shaftesbury Harriers. Generations of athletes have been introduced to the club, helped and encouraged through the various stages of their athletic careers by KEN. Sometimes his unseen hand caused cheques to be discreetly written for a youngster to go on a coaching course or be enabled to have the right equipment. No fuss, just the generous gesture, the thoughtful, encouraging action, the concern with the young, the ordinary athlete, the grass roots. Some were encouraged to play a part in the administration of the club and KEN trusted people to do a job. He never thrust himself forward but he was always there prepared to step in to fill a gap. Thus in the seventies after his retirement he was club treasurer. Even this year he was taking entries for the club ‘10’. At committee meetings, he was, as you would expect, quiet, letting others talk out issues but then he would intervene. He would summarize the discussion and his words carried the weight of experience and the philosophy of one whose main concern is for the athlete, the grass roots of the sport. KEN was always worth listening to.

KEN was somehow always there. He never took a holiday, not one that would make him miss a weekend fixture, until 1972. His words then are revealing “I was away from home for nearly six months and covered about 32000 miles … The boat trips I found distinctly boring, largely I suppose because I am not used to so much idleness.” The astonishing thing is that this phenomenal worker chose to use his energies not for his own aggrandisement, not for empire building or personal glory but for the benefit of young people mostly of modest sporting achievement. It there was a clash of fixtures on a Saturday, he would choose to support the Young Athletes by preference, otherwise the Southern League team would have his support, last of all he would choose the more glamorous British League or International fixture where likely as not he would take on an essential but almost unnoticed task. It is faxinating to read KEN’S obituaries of two former members written in 1967. Of ERNIE REAVELL: “He was an unassuming official who was always ready to help and made many friends in athletics.” of FRANK SWALLOW: “After his retirement he was in great demand as an Official at various school meetings as he was popular with young people”. We may be forgiven a smile at the appropriateness of those words to this occasion today. And as a tribute the Club is naming its boys race after Arthur Kendall.

And so, as a club, we celebrate today the life and the example of someone to whom all of us here have reason to be immensely grateful. And we can picture KEN at his most typical, on his beloved Hampstead Heath, exposed to all the elements, surrounded by young people in black & white striped vests giving out the safety pins.

Link to the Order of Service – Order Of Service Arthur Kendall Memorial and a brief history including KEN’s memorial fund by GEOFF MORHITIS Arthur Kendall Memorial Service Address also early photograph’s of KEN, apologies for the quality SBH Arthur Kendall BEM 22.03.21

MUSEUM OF WORLD ATHLETICS LAUNCHED ONLINE – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Over the years there have been various attempts to keep the history of the sport alive. Athletics has a strong presence, of course, in the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, whereas the Olympic Museum in Barcelona was a temporary home to an IAAF centenary exhibition in 2012.
Similarly, a shopping centre in Doha housed a World Athletics collection of memorabilia for six months in the run-up to the 2019 World Championships in the Qatari city. Then there is the National Track & Field Hall of Fame in New York, which was founded almost half a century ago.
In Britain, a group of enthusiasts have worked hard in recent years to maintain a collection of primarily written material such as old programmes, books and of course magazines like AW. There have been temporary exhibitions, too, such as at Alexander Stadium during the Diamond League in Birmingham. But plans to build a bricks and mortar museum at the Olympic Park in London in 2012 did not materialise, which means of course that much of the historical material is currently inaccessible to fans.
During the past year, of course, museums have been largely inaccessible anyway due to the pandemic. Given this, World Athletics has created an online museum to allow fans to immerse themselves in the history of the sport without stepping outside their own homes.

The Museum of World Athletics – or MOWA for short – features 3D images of shoes, clothing and equipment, plus medals and more. It has evolved following the creation of the World Athletics heritage initiative in 2018 “to honour, preserve and promote the sport’s history” and includes attractive computer-generated images combined with actual high-quality photographs of various items and artefacts.
It’s goal? To excite, educate and entertain.
“It has been born out of necessity,” CHRIS TURNER from World Athletics heritage department admits. “Covid-19 caused the cancellation of our plans for public events in 2020 and so the answer was simple: to go online.”
World Athletics president SEB COE adds: “We’re not only the first international sports federation to launch a 3D sports museum online but MOWA is the first virtual sports museum of any kind in the world.”
The museum includes items such as GRETE WALTZ’S racing shoes from her heyday in the early 1980s and the singlet and number that HERB ELLIOTT wore when winning the Olympic 1500m title in a world record in 1960,

A World Championships collection room is a focal point of the museum as it opens this week, but World Athletics plan to unveil an Olympic Games section in July followed by a section for road running, race walking, indoor athletics and cross-country in the autumn.
AW enjoyed an exclusive and extensive tour around the museum several days ago in advance of the official launch. Afterwards, World Athletics president COE spoke with enthusiasm about the initiative and he enjoyed a short chat with middle-distance legend ELLIOTT via video from Australia plus WAITZ’S husband and coach JACK in Norway. As part of the launch today (March 15) a heritage plaque has also been awarded in honour of ELLIOTT’S coach, PERCY CERUTTY.
So, what is the MOWA experience like? Pretty good, I have to say. A bit like reading this article online in comparison to flicking through the pages of a printed magazine, some people will inevitably prefer the idea of visiting a museum in person rather than viewing items digitally. But during the pandemic we have little option and World Athletics has made a fine job.
There is a section focusing on the ancient history of athletics and how it has developed in the past 3000 years. Iconic artefacts from every continent are on display too. However, the focal point so far is, not surprisingly, the World Championships area where everything from CARL LEWIS’S singlet through to MO FARAH’S racing spikes are on view. Read More: Our 5 favourite artefacts in MOWA

There are a few sound effects but instead of the shrill and arguably irritating music that visitors to the Diamond League website have found in recent years, it is the quiet rumble of footsteps and light chatter that you would find ordinarily in a museum.
The sound effects aren’t intrusive and make it feel very authentic. Add to this the general design – which includes images of make-belief visitors and even the same style of toilets that you would find in a real-life museum – and at times it really does feel like you are there.
If you grew up playing Space Invaders and Pacman, you will be blown away with the graphics. If you are part of the Fortnite generation, you will feel right at home.
Much of the technology involved in the MOWA is down to a company called dcSPORT, which is headed up by JASON GARDENER, the former world and European indoor 60m champion.
GARDENER’S team took 36 photos of each artefact at successive 10-degree angles to create the 3D element. The pictures were high quality, too, so that if you zoom in you can see every scratch or mark on the footwear or apparel.
GARDENER says: “We wanted it to be a stunning visual, immersive, engaging and enjoyable place to visit. To be part of this big project where anyone with internet access can tap into this rich history is amazing.”
Many athletics moments last only a few minutes or even seconds, but their memory endures forever. Consider the blur of a 60m sprint, for example, or a shot putter spinning or sliding across a throws circle, or a triple jumper bounding into a pit. These feats of athleticism are over in a flash but the MOWA will allow them to endure for years to come.
Not only is MOWA impressive but it will inevitably grow in coming months and years if it can continue to get hold of interesting material. “MOWA is a myriad of marvellous memories and moments which few other sports can match,” says TURNER. “But we are entirely dependent on the generous donations from athletes.”
To check out the museum, CLICK HERE

MEN AND WOMEN WANT DIFFERENT CROSS-COUNTRY DISTANCES – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Early findings from UK Athletics survey shows women generally prefer to race 8km and men like 10km – and in separate races too. Female cross-country runners want to race over 8km and men prefer the 10km distance. Individual races for men and women are better than a mixed race. And when it comes to organising cross-country events, grassroots competition providers probably know best. Those are the findings so far from the cross-country questionnaire which was released by UK Athletics at the start of this year.

After more than 10,000 responses the governing body says the reaction has been so overwhelming and detailed that “cross country would benefit from a wider strategy to be produced that recognises the event’s unique characteristics and requirements”.

So, no immediate decisions will be made when it comes to racing distances and gender equality over the country. Instead, Welsh endurance coach CHRIS JONES will work with interim head of endurance ROB DENMARK to create a new “endurance sub-group of competition working group” with a goal of making “enhancements, greater investment in cross country, and in turn a more cohesive community that believes equity is important and can be addressed in the most practical way without impacting the integrity of the event”.

On the early findings from the survey, UKA listed three key points in a statement:

» A majority of respondents showed preference for separate male and female races to maintain value and exposure and quality of racing and although some respondents felt that equity could be achieved through one mixed race, this was not a majority preference.

» There was a difference in preference of distance between men and women though, with the majority of women preferring 8km and men seeing 10km as the optimum racing distance.

» And while more than half of respondents think guidance from national governing bodies is important, there was an even greater preference for competition providers at a local level to determine how best to deliver cross country competition most effectively.

UKA said their survey also gave them insight into finding improved courses in future, raising the profile of cross country and “creating a product that is welcoming to all”.

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – SARACENS have appointed RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION to carry out the demolition and rebuild of the old West Stand. Work commenced on Monday 22 February and completion is planned for 6 May 2022.
Demolition commenced on 22 February with completion due on 23 April. This is a Link to the first Monthly Newsletter for the redevelopment, which shows site access and the initial site activities – C-0045 – West Stand Monthly Newsletter – February 2021 Rev A

The day has come, the West Stand has now been reduced to a pile of rubble. JEREMY SOTHCOTT sent me these pictures after it’s final demise.

UPDATE ON SBH FIXTURE CARD – We are in the process of finalising the 2021 Summer Fixture Card

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 25 March 2021

Posted on 25/03/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 25 March Douglas Curwen-Reed, James Isaacs, Sharon Jackson, Patrick Pearce, Zanson Plummer, Ben Rochford, Luisa Rojas, Roger Simons, Jeremy Sothcott and Neville Thompson

EYAL FIXTURES – The following dates/venues were announced, following their AGM on 22 March.
Eastern Young Athletes League (Under 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) – Sunday 4 July at Watford – Sunday 15 August at StoneX Stadium – Sunday 12 September at Watford.

LONDON INTER CLUB CHALLENGE – (All age-groups Men/Women including Under 11 Boys/Girls) dates for Rounds 2,3 and 4 are as follows – Saturday 10 July, Saturday 31 July and Saturday 21 August all at StoneX Stadium. Round 1 will be held on Saturday 12 June and Sunday 13 June at Lee Valley Athletics Centre for U15, U17 and U20 age-groups. This open meeting will form the basis for selection for the Middlesex Schools team to compete at the English Schools Championships in Manchester on 9, 10 and 11 July.

LATEST UPDATE ON 2021 TRACK AND FIELD FIXTURES – Subject to DCMS, Sport England, UKA and EA guidance. Changes from last week’s Newsletter are as follows, MYAL dates updated and the LICC 4 fixtures now confirmed.
National Athletic League (Senior Men/Women) dates are as follows – Sunday 6 June at Lee Valley (host SBH), Sunday 4 July at StoneX Stadium (host Harrow), Sunday 8 August at Woodford (host WGEL), Saturday 28 August at StoneX Stadium (host SBH) – 4 club divisions – we are in Premier London North with Harrow, Newham and Woodford.

UK Youth Development League (Under 17 and 20 Men/Women) dates are as follows – Sunday 30 May at Bannister Stadium, Harrow – Sunday 27 June at Perivale Park, Greenford – Sunday 25 July at Ridlins Athletic Track, Stevenage – Sunday 5 September at StoneX Stadium – 5 club divisions – we are in London West with Harrow, Dacorum and Tring, Hillingdon, Stevenage and Team West London (TVH + ESM).

Middlesex Young Athletes League (Under 11, 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) confirmed dates are as follows – Saturday 22 May (Finsbury Park) plus Sunday 23 May (Perivale). Provisional dates are as follows – Saturday 5 June (Finsbury Park) plus Sunday 6 June (Perivale), Sunday 27 June (Parliament Hill TBC).

Eastern Young Athletes League (Under 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) – Sunday 4 July at Watford – Sunday 15 August at StoneX Stadium – Sunday 12 September at Watford – 6 club divisions – we are with Dacorum and Tring, HAWCS, Herts Phoenix, St Albans and Watford.

London Inter Club Challenge (All age-groups Men/Women including Under 11 Boys/Girls) dates for – Round 1 will be held on Saturday 12 June and Sunday 13 June at Lee Valley Athletics Centre for U15, U17 and U20 age-groups. This open meeting will form the basis for selection for the Middlesex Schools team to compete at the English Schools Championships in Manchester on 9, 10 and 11 July. Rounds 2,3 and 4 are as follows – Saturday 10 July, Saturday 31 July and Saturday 21 August all at StoneX Stadium.

SCVAC Veterans League (35+ and above Men/Women) dates are still to be announced.

UPDATE ON VOLUNTEERS FROM RAY POWELL – Hope that you are all keeping well, and are slowly getting your jabs.
The original list that I sent out for races did not include the Westminster miles on Sunday 30 May, which is the same Bank Holiday weekend as the Vitality 10k which is the next day Monday 31 May.
This is normally one of the races we cover, and London Marathon have now confirmed that they would like us to cover our normal duties.
It is the same meeting place, Green Park volunteer hub, time 8am, Lunch and kit will be supplied and finish time is usually around 3.30-4pm. It is probably the most hectic of all the events, in which we cover 34 – 1 mile races, but also the most enjoyable.

Thank you to all the reply’s I have had to date, this is the current situation of volunteers required.
Westminster Mile Sunday 30 May – 20 volunteers required – 2 at present (Clare and myself)
Vitality 10k Monday 31 May – 20 volunteers required – 17 at present
Standard Chartered City Race Monday 19 July – 25 volunteers required – 16 at present
Big Half Marathon Sunday 22 August (new date) – 30 volunteers required – 7 at present
London Mini Marathon Sunday 3 October – 62 volunteers needed – 34 at present

MIZZOU SPRING OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Columbia, Montana, USA on 19-20 March.
Shot 7.26kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 3rd (17.21m)
Discus 2kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 2nd (SB 51.70m) and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021

NCAA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS DIVISION 1 – Took place in Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA on 15 March.
10000m – SM CHARLIE HICKS U20 (Stanford University) 14th (30.21), JAMIE DEE U23 (Iona College) 56th (31.04), with 7 to score, the team result was as follows – 1st North Arizona (60 points), 2nd Notre Dame (87), 3rd Oklahoma State (142), 5th Stanford (194), 10th Iona (311)

ALAN WELLER FROM JOGGER TO 37 YEARS WITH SBH – Since the club was formed in 1890, the past 130 years seen many challenges and successes. And now in 2021, we are in a position that we have a membership containing a large number of talented Men and Women athletes.
Also, we have a team of excellent Coaches covering all disciplines, our team of Officials has increased over the past few years, although we would only be too pleased, if any member wishes to join the team. Finally, our Team Managers who spend an astonishing amount of time and effort, in talking and entering athletes for their events. A big thank you, to all of you, for making Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers one of the most successful Track and Field, Cross Country and Road clubs in the country.

I joined Shaftesbury on 6 February 1984, aged 37. Prior to joining I had no athletics background, and was in fact a 6-handicap golfer. Back in 1978 I developed Asthma quite seriously, my doctor referred me to Guys Hospital in London, and after some 12 months of treatment they had brought my mode of life was almost back to normal.

I was living in Harrow at the time, and in late 1981, I decided to start jogging. Bought a pair of shoes, kit and with Headstone Lane park just 2 minutes away, the challenge was on. I was pleasantly surprised, not only was I enjoying it, but my Asthma was still fully under control.
Around late spring of 1983, I decided to visit Bannister Stadium, as I had been told there were groups of runners that train there, and were of all standards. The following Tuesday evening I arrived around 6pm, to find a group of some 12 runners (turned out to be all Shaftesbury athletes) warming up for their 10k run. I stopped and made myself known, and in fact the first to introduce himself was MARTIN GREY who gave me a quick insight on training nights. Other members of the group were JOHN BROE, DAVE THOMSON and ANDY BEATTIE. The time came and off they went in 2 groups, the” Good Un’s” and what turned out to be later my group.

I started to train on a regular basis, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and to start with I would start at the back of the second group, and after 5 minutes or so the gap started to open between me and them, until they became small dots on the horizon. Towards the end of 1983 I succeeded in becoming an integral member of the second group, which not only included MARTIN, but also MICHAEL FOX, VIC GILLICK, WALLY SACKS and GERRY BERNSTEIN.

THE 1980s – I become a proud owner of the Black and White Vest. Generally, I considered myself as an average club runner (although many of you would say I was exaggerating – RAY maybe would not), mainly on the road, attempted the odd open track meetings and cross country, which I was not suited to whatsoever.With the winter approaching, I had foolishly purchased a pair of spikes, with 2mm and 6mm for cross country. During the 1980s the Metropolitan League was supported by an average of 30 Shaftesbury Senior Men, and reached a peak, with of an all-time record of 41 runners at Horsenden Hill on 31 October 1987. These are the current SBH members who competed on that day – CLIFF BARLEY, GRAHAM GETTY, JOHN KELLY, JOHN LAMONT, KINGSTON MILLS, RAY POWELL, ANDREW SMITH, DEREK SURREY and DAVE THOMSON. The race was won by SBH man MIKE WILLIAMS, with our 12th team scorer finishing in 43rd place STEVE WIRTH.The success of the Metropolitan League can largely be attributed to BRENDAN GALLAGHER, a member of the Homebrew Harriers. He was large in statue, but had that quite knack of getting you to run at the next race. Towards the end of the 80’s I made the decision to hang up my spikes, as I was getting too many injuries, especially after cross country races. Following the 1987/1998 season BRENDAN stood down, mainly due to an ever-increasing work commitments with JANES aircraft magazine, and to spend more time with his young family.

THE 1990s – As the injury niggles were almost behind me, I started to enjoy training again and gradually started running road races on a regular basis. In 1988 I had moved house to just outside Luton, and around the same time, my company office had moved to Hangar Lane. This enabled me to resume training at Bannister, and it was noticeable that BOB and SYLVIA PARKER now had a very large group of Senior and Young Women training there, which I will expand on later.
After numerous chats with BOB, he suggested that I go to his house in North Harrow to take part in his road repetition session. Following the first session, BOB and I had a chat over a cup of tea, to review and he gave me an outline training schedule. After about a month, I realised that the 30-minute chat with BOB, had improved me no end, and I had become more confident in training and racing, which was also reflected in my work and life generally.
BOB and SYLVIA were the mainstay of Britain’s most successful Women’s club in the 1990’s, PARKSIDE HARROW. The club was formed by SYLVIA and MARGARET CLIFFE, two members of the County Netball team, in 1972. They produced 4 individual National Cross Country winners, ANDREA WHITCOMBE 1990, 1991 and 1997, KATY MCCANDLESS 1995, ALISON WYETH 1996 and MARA MYERS (YAMAUCHI) in 1978. They also won the National Cross Country team title from 1989 to 1996 – 8 consecutive years. Their success on the road was less spectacular winning the National Road Relay in 1992 and 1994.
One of my memorable moments during the 90s, was when ALISON won the 1996 National, following finishing 2nd in 91, 93, 94 & 95 and 3rd in 87 and 90. She said to me two weeks before the 96 National, that this is the fittest she had ever been, who knows what NEWARK may bring.

From 1993, I agreed to become the Men’s Veterans Team Manager, which I did for a period of 4 years. Unfortunately, my work commitments were increasing, which meant I would be living in Scotland permanently for the following 3 years.
We had an unbelievable number of Veteran athletes during my time as Team Manager, and generally managed to put out teams for County, Southern and National Championships. We also entered the Monday night Veterans Track and Field League with limited success. Those current members who competed then – DAVE ALLEN, SIMON KEENE, GEOFF MORPHITIS, DEREK SURREY, NEVILLE THOMPSON, RAY TUCKER and yours truly.

The two Veterans that stood out to me was JULIAN GOATER and MIKE WILLIAMS.
JULIAN GOATER, joined SBH in 1966 aged 13, and holds the clubs 5000m record (13:15.59) set in 1981. He competed at the 1983 World Championships in Helsinki, finishing 14th in the 5000m (13:48.13). The previous year had 2 Major Championships, firstly in September the European Championships were held in Athens, JULIAN finished 5th in the 10000m (28:10.98). Some 4 weeks later, the Commonwealth Games were held in Brisbane, running for England, JULIAN ran a fantastic race to win the bronze medals (28:16.20), 6 seconds the 2 Tanzanian medal winners.
One of best races JULIAN ran as a Veteran, was in the Southern Road Relays at Aldershot in September 1997. The Over 40’s team finished in 7th place, only 23 seconds from the bronze medal. Leg 1 MIKE PUDDIFOOT (20.25), LEG 2 JULIAN (19.08) 3rd fastest time of the race, Leg 3 KIERAN FENNELLY (21.39) and Leg 4 BOB MALLOWS (20.23).
MIKE WILLIAMS, whose talent was outstanding, and his running action was so smooth, that on the country, he just glided over the surface. MIKE was a member of our Senior Men’s winning English Cross Country Relay Championship team in 1987. But during the early 1990s he had persistent ankle problems, and made limited appearances. On him becoming a Veteran, I kept in regular touch with MIKE and just before Christmas 1996 he told me that he had been doing limited training for the past 2 months. So, in the New Year he rang me and said he would be interested in a race, and jokingly I said how about the National Veterans Cross Country Championships in March, and without a pause he said Yes.
On Saturday 22 March 1997, along with his coach RAY APPLEBY, we drove to a wet and windy Sunderland. The Over 40s race had a field of over 300 runners, but after 800m, MIKE went up the first hill and pulled away from the field, and eventually crossed the line winning by 25 seconds.

2000 TO PRESENT DAY – Running was affecting my knees, and took the decision to join my local gym, and currently I go most days and have become very efficient on the rowing machine.

SBH CLUB MAGAZINE – HAROLD ASHTON’S retired as magazine editor in June 1992, following some 30 years of producing the magazine, 4 times a year. For the next 18 Months GEOFF MORPHITIS and BRYAN SMITH carried on the good work. From 1994 to 1997 I took up the reins, then from 1998 the magazine was issued intermittently, mainly as a newsletter.
Being on the SBH Committee, it had been a struggle to get someone to produce the magazine on a regular basis. During 2011, I agreed to restart our magazine. The first issue was on the 5 September, and this is the link to that issue – SBH WC 05-09-11
10 Year’s on I am still tapping out the newsletter on my laptop. I would like to thank those members who have contributed articles etc. over the past few years. Therefore, if anyone wants to send me something, feel free. It does not have to be athletics related, but it could be an impending wedding, birth of your son or daughter, or another sport you participated in recently.

SBH WEBSITE – In 2011 the Club’s Council agreed that the next step in Shaftesbury’s progression, was to have a website. As NADEEM SHAIKH was in the IT industry, he recommended to the Club Council a website development company ‘Code Me Velvet’. The initial meeting was set up in late 2011, the meeting concluded with a template of our requirements. To develop the website from the initial meeting, to actually going live, it was agreed that I was the best person to work with CMV. The website went live in late 2012, and since then my role has been the SBH Webmaster.

SBH PRESIDENT – It was a great honour to be asked to become the Club’s 30th President in 2017. And to follow in the footsteps of Shaftesbury greatest athlete DAVE BEDFORD, was indeed inspiring. The 3 years just flew by, and during that time, our successes Individually and Team wise, were unbelievable. Wishing our 31st President GEOFF WILLIAMS happiness and success for the next 3 years.

One of my highlights for each year, was attending the SBH Annual General Meeting, in which I presented trophies to all our Track and Field, Cross Country and Road winners, also awards to Coaches and Officials. This gave me the opportunity of meeting in person the various winners, which I report on in the SBH Newsletter.

Two photographs taken at the 2019 SBH AGM taken by KENNY GROOM – Firstly, NIAH AKINTOKUN who is the Club’s Under 15 Girls Record holder for 60m (7.55) and 200m (24.68) Indoors, and 100m (12,1, 12.01 w-2.3, 12.13 w0.4) Outdoors. Next, MALACHI AMADI who is the Club’s Under 13 Boys Record holder for 100m (25.05 w1.8) Outdoors.

OLYMPIC HOPES READY TO BLOOM AT KEW GARDENS – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently. TOM BEDFORD recently discovered at Kew Gardens ‘Eric the peacock’ who is a Richmond resident although runners will be hoping he doesn’t stray onto the course on race day.

Marathon runners and race walkers are poised for thrilling and richly symbolic races on 26 March in Kew Gardens. If athletes taking part in the Müller British Athletics Olympic Marathon and 20km Walks Trials in Kew Gardens this month need to focus their minds on what is at stake, they merely need to glance to the side of the course during their race.
The event on 26 March coincides with ‘Sakura season’ – the time of year when cherry blossom trees come into bloom. Not only will it provide a picturesque back-drop but it is the national flower of Japan and a timely reminder to the runners that their efforts on the roads of south-west London could see them win a ticket to Tokyo.
TOM BEDFORD, the race director, describes it as an amusing twist of fate. It certainly was not in anyone’s mind when the Borough of Richmond venue was chosen ahead of Manchester, Dorney Lake and various horse and motor-racing courses to host the Olympic trials.
Instead, the main requirements were a fast, flat and sheltered course that can help athletes nail Olympic qualifying standards, plus the reliability factor of a venue during such an uncertain pandemic-hit period.
Marathon runners will tackle one small lap followed by 12 big laps, therefore passing the cherry blossom trees and Japanese gardens a dozen times. Organisers have worked in recent months with course measurer HUGH JONES to iron out some of the mild corners on the route, which means the course is not just aesthetically pleasing but fast too.
BEDFORD is certainly happy with the progress made and points to one particular straight that is almost an entire metric mile in distance.

Contenders like STEPH DAVIS have already checked out the course and BEDFORD describes it as “more of a flat road relays kind of course” such as the well-known circuit used at Sutton Coldfield for road relays “as opposed to the kind of course you get in big city marathons”.
This is partly because the path is only about four metres wide in places. However, with small fields and multiple pacemakers to ensure the going is quick through the first 30km in order to achieve qualifying times of (2:11:30) and (2:29:30), this should not be an issue. Plus, the course includes none of the inclines that the well-known Sutton Coldfield course contains.
“Our intention has been to make it as fast as possible,” says BEDFORD. “My advice to athletes is that they just switch off and go to sleep for an hour and follow ‘the train’ and then get ready to go when the pacemakers drop out.”
BEDFORD has been helped by his father, DAVE, the former London Marathon race director with organising the event. Among other things BEDFORD Jnr was based in Portugal during the winter and fell ill with coronavirus in January, so his dad stepped into help primarily with technical areas.
The duo have also worked closely with staff at UK Athletics such as competitions and events director KATIE BRAZIER during what has inevitably been a tricky few months due to the pandemic. Was there a particularly bad moment when the race was in doubt?
BEDFORD says shortly after Christmas when the virus began to surge and hospitals were in danger of being over-run was a worrying time. The Richmond Runfest, which was due to be held at the same venue on the Saturday and Sunday following the trials events on Friday, was postponed until mid-May. Apart from this, the organisers have been keen to give the Olympic hopefuls a near-definite goal to work toward.
“It’s been tough for athletes and they have my utmost respect for how they’ve managed to get themselves through this with everything from problems seeing physios to not even having a national endurance coach in charge during the winter,” says BEDFORD.

Spectators will not be allowed on race day, but each runner will be permitted one Tour de France-style ‘soigneur’ to help with their drinks. After the mild controversy relating to the British trials for the European Indoor Championships not being streamed, British Athletics are this time showing the action from Kew Gardens while there is still the possibility BBC may show the races too.
This will be the first time for 40 years that a British Olympic marathon trial has been staged as a standalone race in a similar style to the US Olympic trials. In 1980 the AAA Championships and trial for the Moscow Olympics took place in Milton Keynes. It was won by IAN THOMPSON in (2:14:00) from DAVE BLACK and ANDY HOLDEN as 195 men finished. Yet from 1983 onwards the national championships and trials have been part of the London Marathon and the battle for selection is often a ‘race within a race’ with television struggling to capture the action.
There are also obvious comparisons with the standalone US Olympic marathon trials that have taken place in recent years in Atlanta (2020), Los Angeles (2016), Houston (2012) and New York (2011) with the latter, in the city’s Central Park, on a similar multi-lap course to the one we will see in Kew Gardens.
“There is such an appetite for this event,” BEDFORD enthuses. “I’ve always been a fan of the American trials system. The men’s race will be great on March 26 but the women’s race is going to be an absolute cracker as there are so many top runners in it. And if the athletes can make it as competitive as I think it’s going to be then this kind of trials race could become the norm.”
The venue has great history, too, with the Borough of Richmond being something of a home to British distance running. Not only does the area feature popular training areas of Bushy Park, Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common but it was birthplace of the London Marathon and parkrun.
In the race for Olympic selection, runners and race walkers will finish in front of Kew Gardens’ iconic Palm House glass building. The most symbolic feature, though, will surely be the cherry blossom trees that they will pass on a long winding road that will end, for some, on the streets of Tokyo.

NO OVERSEAS SPECTATORS AT TOKYO GAMES – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Organisers of the Olympics and Paralympics promise to refund tickets bought by fans from outside Japan who intended to watch the biggest show on earth. The news that many athletics fans have been dreading was announced today (20 March) when it was confirmed that overseas spectators will not be allowed at the Olympics and Paralympics this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision was announced after a joint meeting between the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo 2020 and the Japanese Government.
IOC president THOMAS BACH said it is “a great sacrifice” and that re-funds will be made to those who have bought tickets. A bigger problem, though, is perhaps the many hotel rooms that have already been booked and the possibility of them refusing to give refunds or only partial refunds.
The news comes less than 48 hours after SEB COE, the World Athletics president, said he hoped a decision on spectators at the Games would not be made too soon. However, it will come as no surprise to many as it was becoming increasingly likely to happen given the continuing global presence of the coronavirus.
“During the meeting, the IOC and IPC were informed about the conclusion of the Japanese parties not to allow entry into Japan for overseas spectators for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 due to the prevailing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic,” a statement read.

“Olympic and Paralympic tickets purchased by overseas residents from the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee will be refunded. “Currently, the COVID-19 situation in Japan and many other countries around the world is still very challenging and a number of variant strains have emerged, whilst international travel remains severely restricted globally.
“Based on the present situation of the pandemic, it is highly unlikely that entry into Japan will be guaranteed this summer for people from overseas.
“In order to give clarity to ticket holders living overseas and to enable them to adjust their travel plans at this stage, the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they will not be able to enter into Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“This conclusion will further contribute to ensure safe and secure Games for all participants and the Japanese public.”
The Olympic Games are due to take place from 23 July to 8 August with the Paralympics from 24 August to 5 September.
“In many ways the Tokyo 2020 Games will be completely different to any previous Games,” Tokyo 2020 President SEIKO HASHIMOTO said. “However, the essence of the Games will remain unchanged, as athletes give their utmost and inspire the world with transcendent performances.

NEELAM KADERBHOY – Hi GEOFF, Hope you and family are all keeping well. I’m stable.
I’ve got use to the Home. It takes me a while to settle into a new environment. It is a nice Home to be in and the bonus is that it’s in Borehamwood.
It sounds like a very time- consuming process that you have to deal with regarding the club. It was a nice bonus to see that I scraped in to the top ten for number of years at the club.
Are you free tomorrow afternoon or evening or Tuesday onwards. I can call you. I still talk slowly and stammer a lot and words I think I can say, I can’t say. I miss everyone and everything.
Hi to all.
Yours in sports,
NEELAM ????‍♀️????????

Good evening NEELAM and really sorry that it has taken me so long to reply. It has been difficult to try and organise a Track & Field season due to the Covid restrictions but at long last we have just agreed dates and venues for the NAL, YDL and MYAL where Jacqui is now team managing until you fully recover.
Work has started on the demolition of the West Stand at the Stadium. All the youngsters went back to school on Monday and we’re planning to return to training and coaching at the Stadium from Monday 29 March. We would then have nearly 2 months before our first meeting.
I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.
Take care and stay safe.
GEOFF – SBH

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

ATW CROSS COUNTRY SERIES NEXT RACE – The next race is on Saturday 27 March at Merchant Taylor’s School, Sandy Lodge, Northwood HA6 2HT. The races are for Under 11, 13, 15 & 17s. This is the link for all details including entries – https://activetrainingworld.co.uk/events/atw-cross-country-series-round-3-21st-feb/

2021 LEE VALLEY INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEETINGS – Currently Lee Valley is only open for elite athletes.

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – SARACENS have appointed RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION to carry out the demolition and rebuild of the old West Stand. Work commenced on Monday 22 February and completion is planned for 6 May 2022.
Demolition commenced on 22 February with completion due on 23 April. This is a Link to the first Monthly Newsletter for the redevelopment, which shows site access and the initial site activities – C-0045 – West Stand Monthly Newsletter – February 2021 Rev A

PROCEDURES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM FROM JEREMY SOTHCOTT – The Stadium is now subject to the lockdown guidelines recently set by the Government and is therefore closed to all athletes except “Elite” athletes as certified by UKA/EA. However, it is due to re-open to Club members only from Monday 29 March under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.

UPDATE ON SBH FIXTURE CARD – We are in the process of finalising the 2021 Summer Fixture Card

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 18 March 2021

Posted on 18/03/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 18 March Sydney Allen, Zoe Davis, Antonio Infantino, Abi Jeffery, Jade Lally, Finn MaccArthy, William Ryle-Hodges, Sam Scheer and Louis Ubaka

WEBINAR ON SBH TRIPLE JUMPERS ALL COACHED BY FRANK ATTOH – This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from the 3 best ever triple jumpers who were all members of SBH, who were all Olympians and who were all coached by our very own FRANK ATTOH.

The webinar is next Saturday 20 March at 14.00. Click on the link below and register ASAP – https://englandathletics-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vo-I8-8pSny6Ifgijo_0qQ

In this feature webinar we have the privilege of three world-class female triple jumpers, all of which recorded lifetime bests over 15m. In this webinar, we will be accompanied by YAMILE ALDAMA, ASHIA HANSEN and DR TRECIA-KAYE SMITH.
The webinar will be hosted by England Athletics Event Group Lead for Jumps and Combined Events, DARREN RITCHIE. Joining us in the session are the athletes’ coaches FRANK ATTOH and ASTON MOORE.

TOPICS INCLUDE

• Athletes careers;
• Where did it all start / summary of the journey / highlights
• What were your main strengths and weaknesses in three domains; technical, physical, behavioural
• Lessons learned / messages to young athletes
• Video reviews
• Questions from the audience

YAMILE ALDAMA started competing in high jump and heptathlon events, but in 1994 she tried triple jump and two years later qualified for the Olympic team for 1996 Summer Olympics.

Two years later she won silver medal at the 1999 World Championships in Seville. The next year at the 2000 Summer Olympics she finished in 4th position, thus cementing her place as an elite triple jumper. In 2004, YAMILE came 5th at the 2004 Summer Olympics. That year, she also broke the Sudanese triple jump record achieving (15.28m). After taking 4th place at the 2005 World Championships, YAMILE went on to compete at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships, and the 2008 Summer Olympics. In 2011, YAMILE represented Great Britain at the World Championships where she finished 5th place. The following year, YAMILE became the IAAF World Indoor Champion in Triple Jump, in Istanbul. In 2012, YAMILE competed in the 2012 Olympics, less than a month short of 40 years old, finishing 5th.

ASHIA HANSEN started in sports at around the age of 9 taking part in most sports from football, cricket to Netball, swimming, and athletics, where she originally started out as a sprinter/long jumper before becoming a triple jumper.

ASHIA started triple jumping in 1993 and got her first senior GB vest in Helsinki 1994, the same year she broke the British Record by 1cm (14.09m). ASHIA went on to represent GB&NI at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, where she came 4th. In 1998, she broke the world indoor record with a jump of (15.16m), and went on to win gold medals at the World Indoor Championships, Maebashi 1999 and 2003 in Birmingham. Although many of her wins came from the indoor season, she still had a successful outdoor career with championship titles at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur 1998 and Manchester 2002, and the European Championships in Munich 2002.

TRECIA-KAYE SMITH competed for the University of Pittsburgh from 1996–1999 and was a seven-time NCAA national champion (two outdoor and three indoor long jump titles and one outdoor and one indoor triple jump title), 15-time All-American, a 14-time Big East Conference champion, and a 15-time Eastern College Athletic Conference champion. TRECIA was named to the NCAA Division 1 Silver Anniversary Indoor Team and a “NCAA Division 1 Most Outstanding Student-Athlete”.

Her personal best is (15.16M), and she almost equalled that result at the 2005 World Championships where she won the gold medal with (15.11m). TRECIA won triple jump at the 2009 Jamaican Championship with (14.43 m), qualifying for her fifth World Championships in Athletics. She retained her Commonwealth triple jump title at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and she was given the DAVID DIXON AWARD for her performance.

This will be an excellent opportunity for all coaches and athletes to get an insight into how to become a world class jumper. Don’t miss it. Take care and stay safe.

UPDATE ON VOLUNTEERS FROM RAY POWELL – Hope that you are all keeping well, and are slowly getting your jabs.

The original list that I sent out for races did not include the Westminster miles on Sunday 30 May, which is the same Bank Holiday weekend as the Vitality 10k which is the next day Monday 31 May.
This is normally one of the races we cover, and London Marathon have now confirmed that they would like us to cover our normal duties.
It is the same meeting place, Green Park volunteer hub, time 8am, Lunch and kit will be supplied and finish time is usually around 3.30-4pm. It is probably the most hectic of all the events, in which we cover 34 – 1 mile races, but also the most enjoyable.

DEMOLITION OF STONEX STADIUM WEST STAND – The Demolition element is well under way, and is due for completion on the 23 April. Many of you will have happy memories of all those events and meetings that have taken place since the stand was built in 1964. So hold back those tears, as the 2 photographs will probably be the last time you will see the West Stand standing.

SYDNEY TRACK CLASSIC OPEN OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place in Sydney, Australia on 13 March.
Discus 1kg – SW JADE LALLY 3rd (SB 59.36m) adding 16cm to her 3 March throw, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

JAAA QUALIFICATION OUTDOOR TRIALS – Took place at Kingston, Jamaica on 13 March.
100m – SM 7 ZHARNEL HUGHES 1st (SB 10.14 w-0.1) taking .21 of a second off his 27 February time, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

UPDATE ON PROPOSED TRACK AND FIELD FIXTURES – Subject to DCMS, Sport England, UKA and EA guidance.
UK Youth Development League (Under 17 and 20 Men/Women) dates are as follows – Sunday 30 May at Bannister Stadium, Harrow – Sunday 27 June at Perivale Park, Greenford – Sunday 25 July at Ridlins Athletic Track, Stevenage – Sunday 5 September at StoneX Stadium.

National Athletic League (Senior Men/Women) dates are as follows – Sunday 6 June at Lee Valley (host SBH), Sunday 4 July at StoneX Stadium (host Harrow), Sunday 8 August at Woodford (host WGEL), Saturday 28 August at StoneX Stadium (host SBH) – 4 club divisions – we are in Premier London North with Harrow, Newham and Woodford.

The Middlesex Young Athletes League (Under 11, 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) provisional dates are as follows – Saturday 22 May (Finsbury Park) plus Sunday 23 May (Perivale), Saturday 5 June (Finsbury Park) plus Sunday 6 June (Perivale or Parliament Hill), Saturday 3 July (Perivale or Parliament Hill), Sunday 18 July (StoneX Stadium).

Eastern Young Athletes League (Under 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) dates are still to be announced.

London Inter Club Challenge (All age-groups Men/Women including Under 11 Boys/Girls) dates are as follows – Saturday 31 July and Saturday 21 August both at StoneX Stadium. Further dates to be added soon.

SCVAC Veterans League (35+ and above Men/Women) dates are still to be announced.

GERALD ALTERMAN SHOOTS TO THE TOP – It all started in 1981. My daughters, LISA and VIKKI, pupils at Moat Mount School in Mill Hill were competing for the school at Copthall when they were spotted by GERRY ELMORE who invited them to train with Shaftesbury. So twice a week my then wife, ROSALIND, and I took the girls to Copthall and whilst they trained, we sat in the cafeteria drinking gallons of coffee and eating countless bars of chocolate.

One evening someone approached us and introduced himself as JOHN WRIGHT, timekeeper, and asked if we would consider becoming club helpers/officials. We asked what was involved and what the Club needed. He replied that “we could do with field judges and a starter”. ROSALIND went on the field and as I liked the idea of playing with guns, I opted for the starter role. Guns were readily available back then, so I spoke with someone in a gun shop in Totteridge Lane, chose a couple of weapons and applied for a Firearms Certificate.
Unlike today when you can become an official on Monday and be level 4 by Friday (not really, it just seems like it), back then you had to sit an examination and eventually be invited to the lofty heights of Grade 1, often by sitting a further exam. So, I sat the starter/marksman exam and awaited my fate. Whilst waiting for the results, I started some races for the Club with my new guns and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I was working with a Grade 1 starter whose name I cannot now recall – BILL something I think – and during our third meeting together he asked what grade I was. I told him I was still waiting for the results of the examination and that was the last race I started for the rest of the meeting! I eventually got my results; I had passed with sufficiently high marks so that I didn’t have to sit the advanced test.
After a few years at Club level, I was invited to the County Championships and after several years became a Grade 1 starter. I should add that over the years the Grades (4 to 1) became Levels, then back to Grades from 1 to 4 and are now again Levels 1 to 4, to be in line with World Athletics (formerly IAAF). As I progressed through the Grades, I was invited to South of England meetings and I still recall my first visit to Crystal Palace. It was the largest athletics stadium that I had been to and I likened coming out of the officials’ room onto the field of play to what I imagined it would be like coming out of the tunnel at Wembley. What a sorry state that stadium is in now!

I continued to officiate for the Club as a starter and whatever else was needed on the day, both at Copthall and away at other venues. In the early days, to get experience I took my guns with me and asked the host club if it was possible to do some starting. The answer was often in the affirmative. I remember one meeting at Bournemouth when having asked if I could start, I was introduced to a rather elderly gentleman who a few minutes before the first race asked if I could manage on my own as he was not feeling too well and wanted to go home. So much for learning my craft from an experienced starter!
ROGER SIMONS was our meeting organiser who organised the British Athletics League final and the UK Women’s League Plate final at Copthall. Back then these were prestigious events with international athletes competing for their clubs and was even televised. My job was to be the liaison between the team managers, results and TV by running changes in declarations around. I recall DALEY THOMPSON being hounded by spectators (yes, we had them back in the day) and to get away from them he ‘hid’ behind ROSALIND who was a mere 5’2”! When ROGER decided to retire from organising our meetings, I was asked to take over which I did for several years.

TERRY BROWN was our official’s secretary so he and I worked closely together, not just for our home meetings but for away ones too. After something like 12 years TERRY decided he’d had enough and somehow, I took over his role as well; so now I was organising our home meetings and finding officials for home and away meetings. I did these jobs for some 10 or 12 years until I decided that I didn’t want to sit on the telephone every night leading up to a meeting checking that our officials were still available and, where necessary, calling in favours or otherwise coercing officials to come out and play.
My officiating for the Club dwindled over the years as being level 4 I was invited to National meetings the dates for which often clashed with Club dates, but I still turned out when I could. At some stage, many years ago, NIGEL BAILEY who organised the England meetings decided that there should be a seeding policy to ensure consistency at their meetings. For some reason, I was invited to a meeting in Birmingham to discuss the policy. I knew absolutely nothing about seeding but not only helped formulate the policy, which I now update from time to time, but I also was involved with the writing of the computer program with Simon Fennell.

For a short time, JOHN WRIGHT and I served on the Middlesex County Committee but due to lack of time I retired from that role. When the Tri-Region Groups were set up, I joined the starting and marking team as the representative for London. I’m still there as there isn’t a level 4 starter to take over from me.
Over the years, I have officiated in various capacities at many meetings but the ones that will always stand out in my mind are the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Athletics World Cup and being the chief starter at the inaugural Invictus Games when I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Prince HARRY.
They say that things come around in a circle and they do. I am still involved at County, Regional and National levels but I am again back as the Club’s Officials Secretary working alongside ROSALIND ZEFFERTT, the Officials Co-ordinator. This time though, DAVE BRADLEY is looking after the meeting organising.

BRITISH OLYMPIC 10,000m TRIALS HEAD TO BIRMINGHAM – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

University of Birmingham could see athletes like MO FARAH racing for Olympic selection on June 5 following cancellation of Highgate event. After the cancellation of the Night of the 10,000m PBs at Highgate in north London this year, the British Olympic trials and European 10,000m Cup will now be held at the University of Birmingham track on the same date of 5 June. However, despite coronavirus restrictions gradually lifting, entries will be invitation only and there are unlikely to be spectators. Key contenders are likely to include US-based Brits MARC SCOTT and SAM ATKIN, while among the women STEPH TWELL is missing the marathon trials this month to focus on 10,000m. Another intriguing possible entrant would be MO FARAH, too, as the 10-time global track champion wants to run this distance in Tokyo but needs to post a qualifying time as he has not raced 10,000m since winning the world title in London in 2017.

“We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the University of Birmingham to bring the Müller British Athletics 10,000m Championships and the European 10,000m Cup to Birmingham,” said KATIE BRAZIER, competitions and events director at British Athletics. “Following consultation with athletes and coaches, as well as other key stakeholders, it is fantastic news tha European Athletics interim president DOBROMIR KARAMARINOV said: “We are pleased we have been able to work with British Athletics to find an alternative venue for the 2021 European 10,000m Cup and we want to thank the University of Birmingham for stepping forward at this late stage. “The European 10,000m Cup is one of the most prestigious and long-running fixtures on the European calendar. This year’s event will have an even greater significance as it also serves as an excellent opportunity for athletes aiming to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics later this summer.”

DARREN CAMPBELL AND TIM BENJAMIN OVERSEE BRITISH SPRINTS AND RELAYS – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.
Sprints and relays role to be shared but the search continues for a new British Athletics head of endurance. CHRISTIAN MALCOLM, the head coach of British Athletics, will be joined in the national squad in coming months by two former sprints team-mates from South Wales – DARREN CAMPBELL and TIM BENJAMIN.
CAMPBELL has been appointed head of short sprints and relays whereas BENJAMIN has been named head of long sprints and relays.

The job of head of sprints and relays has traditionally been done by one person – most recently STEPHEN MAGUIRE – but the governing body says: “The decision to split the role into long and short sprints was taken recognising the specialist expertise both candidates bring to this event group. Both roles are part time but offer full time coverage.”
Both MALCOLM and BENJAMIN represented Cardiff and Wales during their careers and were coached by JOCK ANDERSON and LINFORD CHRISTIE. With a 400m best of 44.56 from 2005, Benjamin sits No.9 on the UK all-time rankings and he retired about 12 years ago.

CAMPBELL, meanwhile, has strong South Wales links too and won the European 100m title and Olympic 4x100m gold and 200m silver during his career.
However, the search for a successor to BARRY FUDGE as head of endurance has not been successful and British Athletics say that ROB DENMARK (below) will continue to do the role on an interim basis until after the Tokyo Olympics.
A statement read: “A wider and longer term strategy for endurance will be driven via a wide consultation across a range of stakeholders. CHRIS JONES will be seconded with the agreement of Welsh Athletics on a two-day a week basis to lead on this project in conjunction with CHRISTIAN MALCOLM and (performance director) SARA SYMINGTON.”

On the sprints and relays news, MALCOLM said: “These are great appointments for the sport. DARREN and TIM bring a wealth of experience to the roles following their successful careers in and out of the sport. I am pleased to bring them into the team as we continue to support athletes and coaches to achieve their goals during 2021 and beyond.”
BENJAMIN said: “I am delighted to be offered this role alongside DARREN. I’ve remained a big fan of athletics throughout my retirement and had always wanted an opportunity to give back to my sport. I’ve had 11 years in the commercial world yet my heart has always been here.
“I had a great competitive career and have worked with world-class coaches such as JOCK ANDERSON, TONY LESTER, COLIN JACKSON and LINFORD CHRISTIE. I’ve been exposed to so many differing approaches and I’ve also made my fair share of errors as an athlete which means I can bring this insight and experience to help support the athletes and coaches I work with in this role.”
CAMPBELL said: “I’m really pleased to accept this role and work with TIM, CHRISTIAN and SARA. I felt like it was the right time to get involved with the sport again. I’m excited by the new leadership and the new direction it’s headed in by putting the athlete first.
“I’ve had experience across the board competing, coaching, mentoring and mediating and understand what the athletes and their coaches will be looking for. When I was competing, I don’t feel we always got what we needed, and support wasn’t offered properly. I know I can bring that experience and help to ensure athletes have what they need to be successful.
“I’m looking forward to putting my energy into this, giving encouragement to the athletes so they can perform when they need to.”

GB QUALIFICATION STANDARDS FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS 2021 – These are the following World Athletics qualification standards for al GB athletes:

Men – 100m (10.05), 200m (20.24), 400m (44.90), 800m (1:45.20), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (13:13.50), 10000m (27:28.00), 3000m Steeplechase (8:22.0), 110m Hurdles (13.32), 400m Hurdles (48.90), High Jump (2.33), Pole Vault (5.80), Long Jump (8.22), Triple Jump (17.14), Shot Put (21.10), Discus (66.00), Hammer (77.50), Decathlon (8350), Marathon (2:11.30).
Women – 100m (11.15), 200m (22.80), 400m (51.35), 800m (1:59.50), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (15:10.00), 10000m (31:25.00), 3000m Steeplechase (9:30.00), 100m Hurdles (12.84), 400m Hurdles (55.40), High Jump (1.96), Pole Vault (4.70), Long Jump (6.82), Triple Jump (14.32), Shot Put (18.50), Discus (63.50), Hammer (72.50), Heptathlon (6420), Marathon (2:29.30).

Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020

2021 LEE VALLEY INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEETINGS – Currently Lee Valley is only open for elite athletes.

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – SARACENS have appointed RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION to carry out the demolition and rebuild of the old West Stand. The demolition element commenced on Monday 22 February and completion is planned for 6 May 2022.
Demolition is planned to commence on 22 February with completion due on 23 April. This is a Link to the first Monthly Newsletter for the redevelopment, which shows site access and the initial site activities – C-0045 – West Stand Monthly Newsletter – February 2021 Rev A

UPDATE ON SBH FIXTURE CARD – We are in the process of finalising the 2021 Summer Fixture Card

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 11 March 2021

Posted on 11/03/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 11 March Carole Brown, Hannah Foster, Ashwin Fowkes-Gajan, Amy Goddard, Robert Lightowler, Oliver Massingham, Fellan McGuigan, Naias Morgan, Line Nielsen and Daniel Nichols

LONDON MARATHON EVENTS FUNDING 2021 – Congratulations to LIZZIE BIRD who as 1 of Britain’s leading 29 endurance athletes, will receive funding this year, as part of its ongoing commitment to support distance running.
This is the third-year London Marathon Events has offered direct support to athletes who sit just outside British Athletics’ World Class programmes and Futures programme, but who still have the potential to star at major competitions.

EUROPEAN INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Torun, Poland from Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 March
Day 1 Thursday included the 6 Heats of the Women’s 800m, Shaftesbury’s ELLIE BAKER was in Heat 4 and produced a controlled race to cruise home in 1st place (2:06.15).

Day 2 Friday was 800m Women’s Semi-Final day, in the first Semi-Final KEELY HODGKINSON who turned 19 this week, ran her 800m semi-final like a wily veteran. The Briton posted the fastest time, too, of (2:03.11) as team-mates ELLIE BAKER finished 2nd in Semi-Final 2 (2:03.29) and ISSY BOFFEY finished 2nd (2:03.34) also made the final on Sunday after finishing runners up in their races.
“It’s amazing. It’s really exciting,” said HODGKINSON on the British success. “The girls really deserve it ISSY came through strongly and ELLIE held on at the end. To get three out of three through to the final when most people weren’t expecting it, is really good.” ELLIE added: “It just shows how dominant our GB middle distance girls are. I’m so proud of them as well as myself. I can’t wait for us to put on a show for everyone in the final.”

Day 4 Sunday featured the Final of the Women’s 800m. After ELLIE BAKER made the early running Leigh Harrier KEELY HODGKINSON had moved to the head of affairs, reaching the halfway point in (65.31) before making her move with around 300m to go. She then demonstrated not just her physical prowess but also her mental strength to reach the line first.

The Final was a tactical race, in which they reached the halfway point in (65.31) and KEELY’S winning time was (2:03.88) as she held off the attentions of Polish duo JOANNA JOZWIK (2:04.00) and ANGELIKA CICHOKA (2:04.15). Her fellow Britons, ELLIE BAKER and ISABELLE BOFFEY ran (2:04:40) and (2:07.26) for fourth and sixth respectively.

MARGARET BEACHAM 50TH ANNIVERSARY – On the 13-14 March 1971, MARGARET competed in the 2nd European Indoor Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. Running in the 1500m MARGARET produced an outstanding performance, taking the Gold Medal in a new Indoor World Record (4:17.2), incidentally her time was faster than last weekend’s winning 1500m time in Torun. MARGARET relegated the Russian LYUDMILA BRAGINA to the Silver Medal, who went on to win the 1500m Gold Medal at the 1972 Olympic Games, with a World Record (4:01.38).

MARGARET also won the 800m Title at the 1972 AAA Indoor Championships (2:09.04) at Cosford. MARGARET also won the 1500m Silver Medal at the 1970 AAA Indoor Championships (4:33.1), and at the 1971 Championships (4:20.5) won the 1500m Gold Medal, both at Cosford.

In the Southern Outdoor Championships, Shaftesbury had a 4-year purple patch from 1970 to 1973, 1969 was the first year all Championships distances changed to Metric.

In 1970 the Championships were held at Crystal Palace, in which MARGARET won the 800m (2:08.0). In 1971 the Championships moved to Watford, in which JOYCE SMITH won the first of her two 1500m Titles (4:25.2). 1972 the Championships moved back to Crystal Palace and it was the turn of MARGARET to win the 1500m (4:23.5). Then in 1973 JOYCE took the 1500m title back from MARGARET, winning in a time of (4:19.1).

MARGARET is the Granddaughter of GUNNER MOIR, British Heavyweight Boxing Champion, who fought for the World title against Canadian TOMMY BURNS in 1907.

NSW OPEN, U23 AND PARA OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Sydney, Australia on 5-7 March.
Discus 1kg – SW JADE LALLY 2nd (54.09m)

PAC-12 CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at University Place, Washington, USA on 5 March.
8000m – SM CHARLES HICKS U20 (Stanford University) 2nd (22.42), Stanford University won the title with a total of (28 points – 7 to score), Colorado 2nd (60), Washington 3rd (66)

MAAC CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Galloway, New Jersey, USA on 5 March.
8000m – SM JAMIE DEE U23 (Iona College) 2nd (24.29), Iona College won the title with a total of (15 points – 7 to score), Monmouth 2nd (77), Rider 3rd (94)

HUMP DAY MEET 4 OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Brisbane, Australia on 3 March.
Discus 1kg – SW JADE LALLY 1st (SB 59.10m) adding 67cm to her 20 February throw, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

The Middlesex Young Athletes League (Under 11, 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) dates are as follows – Saturday 22 May (Finsbury Park) plus Sunday 23 May (Perivale), Saturday 5 June (Finsbury Park) plus Sunday 6 June (Perivale or Parliament Hill), Saturday 3 July (Perivale or Parliament Hill), Sunday 18 July (StoneX Stadium).

Eastern Young Athletes League (Under 13, 15 Boys/Girls and 17 Men/Women) dates are still to be announced.

SCVAC Veterans League (35+ and above Men/Women) dates are still to be announced.

UPDATE ON VOLUNTEERS FROM RAY POWELL – Hope that you are all keeping well, and are slowly getting your jabs.

The original list that I sent out for races did not include the Westminster miles on Sunday 30th May, which is the same weekend as the Vitality 10k which is the next day Monday 31 May.
This is normally one of the races we cover, and London Marathon have now confirmed that they would like us to cover our normal duties.
It is the same meeting place, green park volunteer hub, time 8am, Lunch and kit will be supplied and finish time is usually around 3.30-4pm. It is probably the most hectic of all the events, in which we cover 34 – 1 mile races, but also the most enjoyable.

Thank you to all the reply’s I have had to date, this is the current situation of volunteers required.
Westminster Mile Sunday 30th May – 20 volunteers required – 2 at present (Clare and myself)
Vitality 10k Monday 31 May – 20 volunteers required – 17 at present
Standard Charted Monday 19 July – 25 volunteers required – 16 at present
Big Half Marathon Sunday 22 August (new date) – 30 volunteers required – 7 at present
London Mini Marathon Sunday 3 October – 62 volunteers needed – 34 at present

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE FOR THE BIG HALF MARATHON – RAY POWELL has advised me that the Big Half has been re-scheduled from Sunday 25 April to Sunday 22 August.
The new date has meant that i have lost a few more volunteers due to holidays that have been booked, ideally, I am hopefully looking for at least 10 more people who could help.
Meeting time is 6.30am and finish at 11am, kit and lunch supplied. Nearest station is Tower Hill / Tower Gateway.
Please contact CLARE & RAY at ray571m@btopenworld.com

DAVE BEDFORD’S TOP 20 RACES PART 2 OF 2 – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.
Before the final 15 races, I am sure, like me, you,found Part 1 last week very interesting, especially the intensity of DAVE’S training schedule. I know DAVE had so much to thank BOB PARKER from his progression as a young athlete through to being a world record holder. Following his athletic career, his friendship with BOB was second to none, until BOB passed away on 20 January 2018.

6 Southern 12-Stage Road Relay 5M, Wimbledon, March 27 1971
(22:20) Course record
He took 54 seconds off BOB HOLT’S course record with a stunning run – surely one of the greatest road-relay runs in history though his Shaftesbury team could only finish 10th.
He set off 69 seconds behind former National winner GERRY NORTH and 5 miles later finished 49 seconds ahead. DICK NEWBIE (23:12) did actually briefly hold HOLT’S record for a few minutes before BEDFORD finished. NEWBIE ran (13:48) for 5000m early in the summer but probably ran better here but was almost a minute slower than BEDFORD.
It was reported as a totally implausible 5.25M at the time in AW (4:15 miling on a far from flat course!) and then this leg was referred to as a more plausible 5M 125 yards when the lap was remeasured when it was extended in 1973.
Even CLARKE in his then unapproachable world 10,000m track record went through five miles in a similar overall time to what BEDFORD ran (CLARKE went through 8km, which was 40m short of 5M in 22:13.0) but the Briton probably went further and therefore faster and it was a staggering run which was not truly appreciated at the time.

7 British International Games 5000m, Edinburgh, June 12 1971
(13:22.2) European record
In very windy conditions – the 100m wind reading was -6.3m/sec – he produced an astonishing solo run which but for the conditions might well have been a world record.
At 3000m in 7:58.8 he was within a few seconds of CLARKE’S world record pace and though he slowed a little, he still did enough to break IAN STEWART’S European (and track) record set in winning Commonwealth gold and he went second all-time.
MIKE BAXTER followed him home over 100 metres behind in (13:40.2) with DANE KORICA third in (13:43.6).
His lap times were 62.1, 64.0, 63.3, 63.9, 64.3, 63.4, 64.2, 65.4, 65.2, 66.0, 64.3, 64.3 and 31.8 (into wind!).

8 Southern Championships 10,000m, Crystal Palace, April 19 1969
1st (28:24.4) UK 10,000m record
To say this was a major shock was a major understatement. A teenage athlete only 11th in the senior Inter-Counties cross country a few months earlier and fourth in the later Inter-Counties junior race became Britain’s fastest ever senior at 10,000m.
He blasted through 5km in a PB 14:14.4 and everyone expected him to wilt but he actually run a faster second half of 14:10.0 and took a few seconds off MIKE FREARY’S UK record (28:26.0) and run a time that only 12 men in the world had ever beaten and it was four minutes quicker than his previous 10,000m race.
JOHN BEDNARSKI (second to him in the International Junior race a few weeks earlier) was a distant second in (28:51.8) but moved to sixth all-time in the UK rankings.
BEDFORD’S lap times were astonishingly even: 69.4, 66.2, 67.0, 66.8, 68.4, 69.0, 69.2, 68.8, 69.2, 68.4, 68.4, 69.2, 68.4, 68.6, 68.0, 69.2, 68.6, 67.8, 68.2, 69.0, 67.8, 68.0, 68.0, 68.0 and 64.8.

9 AAA 10,000m, White City, August 7 1970
1st (28:26.4)
After a quiet summer with injury causing modest results, he suddenly burst back to form with a run that considering the cinders was a better run than his 1969 British record.
He led at a good, fast pace with (14:14.0) at halfway but still had TREVOR WRIGHT, TIM JOHNSTON, International champion MIKE TAGG and BOB HOLT following. Gradually his surging and some 67 laps jettisoned all bar National champion WRIGHT and then a 66.2 gave him a solo run to the end and he set a championship record.
Lap times: 65.6, 66.4, 67.2, 67.6, 68.8, 69.0, 69.0, 69.0, 69.4, 69.0, 69.4, 70.2, 69.0, 70.4, 69.0, 68.6, 69.6, 67.4, 67.6, 66.2, 67.8, 68.0, 68.4, 68.4 and 65.4.

10 UK v Poland 10,000m, Warsaw, September 12 1970
1st (28:06.2) UK record
Running pretty much the same pace for 25 laps as he managed for eight in a recent two miles at Crystal Palace, he edged DICK TAYLOR’S UK record with a magnificent solo run. It was against just three opponents in a match that otherwise Britain were thrashed by the Poles.
Through halfway in (13:59.8) – the third man in history to go sub-14 on the first half, he held his form well and just missed JURGEN HAASE’S European mark (28:04.4) but did go third all-time with his time supplanting LACHIE STEWART’S Commonwealth win (28:11.8) as the world’s leading mark of the year.
ROGER MATTHEWS (fourth in Edinburgh) finished half a lap behind in (28:35.4). Bedford injured himself in the race and had to be helped off the track.

11 European Championships 10,000m Helsinki, Finland, August 10 1971
6th (28:04.4)
BEDFORD felt he was 40 seconds less fitter than in Portsmouth after injury meant he dropped out of the AAA race but after a steady first lap he kicked in laps of 63.6 and then three 65s and he was on (27:30) world record pace at 3000m (8:15.0) but seven athletes were able to hold on and the pace slowed at 5000m (13:54.4) – nine seconds down on Portsmouth but significantly faster than anyone else in the race had ever run.
Much to the crowd’s delight JUHA VAATAINEN threw in a 63.4 lap at 6km which initially dropped BEDFORD but he caught up and regained the lead and still tried to grind out a sub-28 pace and despite a 65.2 penultimate lap, five runners held on and then 350m out, they all sprinted past. The Finn who covered his last lap in a then unprecedented 53.9 won in (27:52.8) to go third all-time while the next four moved to fifth to eighth all-time in what thanks to BEDFORD was the greatest mass 10,000m race in history.
BEDFORD ran a disillusioned 65.5 last lap but his time would have been a European record a month earlier.

12 Coca-Cola Invitation Meeting 3000m Steeplechase, Crystal Palace, September 10 1971
1st (8:28.6) UK record
Again he attracted a capacity crowd as he aimed to break the British record (8:30.8). He actually set off well inside world record pace with a 61.2 first lap and 66.4 second though gradually he paid for his start and dropped to 68s and 70s and ANDY HOLDEN caught him just before the bell.
BEDFORD followed him until the last hurdle and then with the whole stadium roaring, ‘sprinted’ past though BEDFORD insisted that he was just jogging faster than his rival (8:28.8) who also broke the old UK mark.
At the end of the year BEDFORD won the British Athletics Writers athlete of the year award, the AAA gave him the CN Jackson Cup for outstanding athlete of the year, the Harvey Memorial Cup for the best champion of the year and the Carborundum Golden Jubilee Trophy for the best track performance at the Championships.
Additionally, BEDFORD won the AW British athlete of the year with 370 votes to European 400m champion DAVID JENKINS’ 291 while he was second in the world male with 90 votes to VAATAINEN’S 262.

13 Olympic 10,000m Final, Munich, September 3 1972
6th (28:05.4) 2nd heat (27:53.6)
The period between the glorious AAA double and the Olympics were actually a nightmare for BEDFORD. Apart from mystery stomach pains, Fleet Street’s non athletics press were watching his every move as then as possibly the best known sportsman in Britain. Additionally, the IOC were looking into whether he had broken the amateur rules with his newspaper column and he had also upset team members by allegedly taking shots at them with an air rifle.
Thinking he needed a race and to escape the training he ran a 2 miles in Stockholm on August 4 but after leading much of the race he fell away (6th 8:28.2) as LASSE VIREN shocked with a world record (8:14.0) with IAN STEWART setting a British record in fourth (8:22.0).
A few days after this disastrous race for his confidence, he joined in a 300m rep session with FOSTER who was preparing for the 1500m and at a different level of sharpness and after half the session and trailing FOSTER a disillusioned BEDFORD stopped and by the evening was back in London while the rest of the team stayed in Switzerland.
Despite the pressures he looked back in form in the Olympic heats as he blasted through 3000m in sub 27:30 pace in (8:14.2) and was through halfway in (13:48.6), a time that only he and CLARKE had ever run. He spent the last few laps chatting with EMIEL PUTTEMANS who eased ahead to win in an Olympic record (27:53.4).
In the final there were hopes from the likes of CLARKE that BEDFORD might try a different tactic and attempt a (13:30) second half but instead he ran his most aggressive race from the off. He opened with laps of 60.6, 64.0, 64.4, 64.4 and 65.4 which had he continued would have taken almost a minute off CLARKE’S world record. The pace slowed slightly but 3000m in (8:06.4) – easily the fastest ever split but not surprising as it was still (26:50) pace.
Despite this unprecedented pace, he still had eight followers and though the pace slowed to 68s, BEDFORD started surging every 200 metres but he would stretch the group out but they would close up each time he slowed.
At 4400m, VIREN and 1968 5000m champion MOHAMMED GAMMOUDI fell with VIREN losing a few seconds but still getting back into contact as BEDFORD led through history’s quickest halfway time of (13:44.0) though GAMMOUDI pulled out.
At 6km VIREN went ahead as BEDFORD laboured and the latter dropped back at 7km, seemingly paying for his fast heat and excessively fast front-running and surging.
VIREN went on to produce a (1:56.6) final 800m and despite his fall and very slow 5-8km, he took a second off CLARKE’S world record with his (27:38.4) with PUTTEMANS (27:39.6) challenging until the last 100 metres. BEDFORD finished almost 200 metres back.
A few days later (September 7) he was second in his 5000m heat in (13:49.8) after a sub-60 lap seven out gave him a surprisingly easy qualification and he ambled home alongside GAMMOUDI (13:49.8).
With just two to qualify and the heat being slow, Olympic steeplechase runner-up BEN JIPCHO (13:56.8), 1976 chasing champion ANDERS GARDERUD (13:57.2) and 1976 10,000m medallist CARLOS LOPES (14:29.6) all missed out.
In the final of September 10, he briefly led at halfway but made no real contribution to the race and faded away in the last kilometre which VIREN (13:26.4) covered in a vicious (2:26.4) with GAMMOUDI (13:27.4) and STEWART (13:27.6) taking the other medals and he finished 12th in 13:43.2.

14 Commonwealth Games 10,000m, Christchurch, January 25 1974
4th (28:14.8)
Well adjusted to the New Zealand summer and in good form – having run a 15x400m session in 59 seconds, BEDFORD thought he was fitter than in his world record run and he set off again with the intention of running world record pace.
SIMMONS led the opening three laps at a fast pace before BEDFORD took over and his first 1600m of (4:14.8) and 3000m time of (8:06.0) was up on his record run though half a dozen athletes were still in contention but by 4km it was down to just BLACK and three Kenyans with the Africans crowding BEDFORD and trying to slow the Englishman who was spiked, tripped and lost his balance at their intimidating tactics which involved holding his shorts and pushing him.
The pace slowed though a (13:47.0) 5000m time was still territory that only BEDFORD had past experience of among the leaders but BEDFORD admitted the jostling had destroyed his concentration and he had lost his cool.
Home favourite DICK TAYLOR who had been running evenly up to 50 metres back at one stage caught the leaders on the 16th lap. BEDFORD was still up the front three laps out but when English team-mate DAVE BLACK threw in laps of 62.9 and 62.1 up to the bell only TAYLOR could respond. It was the Kiwi much to the delight of the huge crowd, who proved the strongest in the last 200m and his (27:46.4) – a 42 second PB – moved him to sixth all-time in a run that he had never previously matched or would ever again come close to again.
BLACK was second in (27:48.6) which moved him to world eighth all-time with BEDFORD just edging fourth spot, 100 metres back on the medallists.
Two days later he eased through his heat in (13:59.2) and then another two days later set off with intent in the final with a 61.8 opening lap but at 1600m (4:20) he was well down on his time in the 10,000m and when BLACK went ahead shortly after, he started drifting down the field.
Ultimately he ended up almost a minute behind (11th 14:18.8) in a cracking race which saw JIPCHO (Commonwealth record 13:14.4) narrowly edging FOSTER (UK record 13:14.6) as the pair went second and third all-time.

15 AAA Championships 10,000, Crystal Palace, July 12 1974
1st (28:14.8)
Having stopped running for four months in the winter and still nine pounds overweight and with no quality results, he almost did not compete but he said he enjoyed this race more than any other in the previous five years.
The first half was a slow 14:23.2 and then BERNIE FORD began to string the field out with some 67 second laps and by 8km it was down to seven runners.
FORD covered the 20th lap in 66.4 which was surprisingly too much for DAVE BLACK and then another 66.4 got rid of the rest other than BEDFORD which as TONY SIMMONS and GASTON ROELANTS dropped back.
FORD tried all he could to drop BEDFORD with two laps of 66.6 up to the bell but just short of 300m out, BEDFORD kicked by and completing the last lap in 61.0 (similar to his record finale) he opened up on a second on Ford (28:16.0) with SIMMONS, who would go on to gain European silver third (28:19.4). It meant in unusual circumstances, BEDFORD had won his fifth successive AAA title but his only major race in a sprint finish.
The run did qualify him for the European Championships but he was not interested in selection (the selectors picked FORD, SIMMONS and BLACK) and the Palace race would prove to be his last track race at this level.

16 National Cross-Country Championships, Norwich, March 6 1971
1st (47:04)
Taking the lead after half a mile, he destroyed a top-quality field winning from 1972 champion MALCOLM THOMAS (who had beaten him as a junior) by 40 seconds with defending champion TREVOR WRIGHT, who was the favourite after his Inter Counties and Northern wins a well beaten third (47:58).

17 International Junior Cross-Country Race, Clydebank, March 22 1969
1st (19:38)
While superbly consistent he had not been able to win any major junior races all season but with some of the older UK juniors barred, he dominated on a very tough switchback course and took gold winning easily by 21 seconds with team-mates BEDNARSKI (the reigning champion) and JOHN HARRISON following him home as England scored a perfect six points. Non-scorer Standing finished seventh (20:51).

18 Southern 5000m Championships, West London Stadium, April 27 1977
1st (13:46.0)
This was wrongly reported in AW that this was his first track race since his AAA title and his first 5000m since the 1974 Commonwealth Games, but it was his fastest 5000m for well over four years and his last top quality track win. KEVIN STEERE led most of the way with 66 second laps but it went down to just four at the bell and most expected Loughborough student MALCOLM PRINCE or renowned kicker KEITH PENNY to be favourites but BEDFORD executing a double kick, blasted two consecutive 29.0 splits for a 58.0 final circuit. PRINCE (13:46.6) and PENNY (13:49.4) won the other medals.

19 AAA Junior 2M, White City, July 13 1968
1st (8:59.8)
In front of a 19,000 crowd there to watch the senior championship (including the Olympic trials) with the Queen attending the event for the first time since 1952, he enjoyed his biggest track win to date. Leading early on, only KING could stay with his (4:27.0) first mile and KING (9:03.2) finally crumbled with 660 yards to go.
It’s worth noting though that fellow junior STEWART was competing in the senior 5000m at the same meeting and ran a European junior record (14:02.2) in finishing fourth Briton.

20 English Youth Cross-Country Championships, Sutton Coldfield, March 2 1968
1st (15:07)
A huge favourite, he proved too strong for his rivals winning from Northern champion DAVE WRIGHT while Northern and Southern runners-up JOHN HARRISON and CHRIS REED were third and fourth.

» To read a list of his top 100 races in chronological order (including British records and major wins not included above) please click here/em>
Bedford’s early days – 1964-65 – CLICK HERE
Bedford’s junior promise to British record from 1965-69 – CLICK HERE
Bedford’s International title and Euro records 1970-71 – CLICK HERE
Bedford’s 1972-74 period plus later highlights – CLICK HERE

WORLD ATHLETICS FOOTWEAR RULES TO APPLY ACROSS ALL UKA EVENTS – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

British governing body announces that any competitions under their rules must comply to global guidance. UK Athletics has announced today (March 9) that the World Athletics rules concerning footwear are to be implemented across all competitions which are held under UKA rules. Guidance from athletics’ global governing body, amended in December, which provides criteria to be met for results and performances to be deemed legal, indicated the measures would only apply to “Senior or Junior National Championships”. However, UKA has insisted that any competition held under their rules will be treated in the same fashion, outlining that though footwear will be policed by officials, the responsibility for complying will lie first and foremost with the athletes.

A statement from UK Athletics read, in part: “While World Athletics require that the amendments apply to all ‘Senior or Junior National Championships’ and are not mandated to be applied below this level, after consultation with the Technical Advisory Group and others, the UKA Rules Group has determined that it is appropriate that the amendments to the Rule should apply to all competitions held under UKA rules both as a matter of fairness and also due to the range of events within the UK where qualifying mark, selections standards and records can be set.” The statement added: “Adhering to these rules is therefore a sport-wide responsibility that starts primarily with the athlete. Whilst the excellent officials working within our sport will be part of this process, athletes will need to take responsibility to ensure that their shoes conform to the rules and understand that event officials will have the right to check shoes and take appropriate action.”

Footwear has been a huge and controversial topic in athletics following the technological advances which have shown to improve performance, first in road events but also now on the track. The latest list of approved competition shoes can be found here You can find the full details of World Athletics’ amended Rule 5.2 of their Technical Rules here

2021 LEE VALLEY INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEETINGS – Currently Lee Valley is closed.

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – SARACENS have appointed RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION to carry out the demolition and rebuild of the old West Stand. The works commenced on Monday 15 February and completion is planned for 6 May 2022.
Demolition is planned to commence on 22 February with completion on 23 April. This is a Link to the first Monthly Newsletter for the redevelopment, which shows site access and the initial site activities – C-0045 – West Stand Monthly Newsletter – February 2021 Rev A

UPDATE ON SBH FIXTURE CARD – We are in the process of finalising the 2021 Summer Fixture Card

THE FOLLOWING SBH DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION CAN EITHER BE VIEWED, DOWNLOADED OR PRINTED
SBH 2021 Summer Fixture Card, and will be publishing a draft in the coming weeks.
Cross Country Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/cross-country/team-managers/
Road Running/Relay Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/road-running/team-managers/

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 4 March 2021

Posted on 01/03/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 4 March Page Fairclough, Joshua Faulds, Larissa Giles, Fiona Groom, Eva Higson, Patrick Jacobs, Ebenezer Joseph, Cameron Knight, Cecilia Martinez-Nunez, Lily Parris, Indira Patel, Louisa Pitsialis, Glen Quayle, Sarah Shamia, Dian Taylor and Ruby Vinton

RETURN OF ATHLETICS – The Government announced on Monday that from the 29 March at the earliest, the restrictions on sports will ease further with organised outdoor sport permitted. We are now awaiting England Athletics guidance.

EAVION RICHARDSON IS NOW IN THE U.S.A – EAVION told me that she is currently studying for her masters in Sport and Recreation management at the University of Iowa. EAVION competed for the second time this year (12.58m), after tearing her hamstring in December when coming 2nd at the Big Ten championships.
The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, it is the state’s oldest institution of higher education and is located alongside the picturesque Iowa River in Iowa City.
A member of the Association of American Universities since 1909 and the Big Ten Conference since 1899, the University of Iowa is home to one of the most acclaimed academic medical centres in the country, in 2020 was ranked No.1 academic medical centres for the 29th consecutive year. The total student enrolment for 2020 is 31,730.

LOUGHBOROUGH ELITE OUTDOOR WINTER THROWS – Took place at Loughborough on 28 February.
Discus 2kg – SM NICK PERCY 1st (SB 60.95m) and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021
Hammer 7.26kg – SM CHRIS BENNETT 2nd (SB 72.81m) and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021

JAAA QUALIFICATION OUTDOOR TRIALS – Took place at Kingston, Jamaica on 27 February.
100m – SM 6 ZHARNEL HUGHES 1st (SB 10.37 w-3.8) and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

BIG TWELVE INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Lubbock, Texas, USA on 27 February.
Shot 7.26kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Kansas University) 6th (PB 17.79m) adding 58cm to his 2019 put, and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021

TEXAS QUALIFIER OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place at Austin, Texas, USA on 26-27 February.
1500m – SW B LIZZIE BIRD 6th (SB 4:21.19) and is ranked UK No.9 in 2021

BIG TEN CONFERENCE INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Geneva, Ohio, USA on 25-27 February.
Triple Jump – SW A EAVION RICHARDSON (University of Iowa) 1st (SB 12.58m) and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021

SBH METROPOLITAN LEAGUE STATISTICS PART 2 – Includes all club Team wins from 1966 up to 2020. Initially races were limited to certain age-groups only, and subsequent years changes were made. Below is the timeline on how the league developed.

TIMELINE OF THE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE HISTORY – Identifies the main changes that took place from 1966 until 2016.
From October 1966, the Senior Men’s race incorporated U17, U20 and Veteran age-groups, but only Senior Men were identified in the results – the Under 17 Men’s race incorporated the Under 15 Boys, but only Under 17 Men were identified in the results.
From October 1972, the Under 13 Boys had their own separate race.
From October 1973, the Veteran Men were identified in the Senior Men’s results
From October 1982 until February 1984, the Under 15 Boys were identified in the Under 17 Men’s results.
From October 1984 until February 2007, the Under 15 Boys were then not identified in the Under 17 Men’s results.
From October 1994, Women entered the league, initially the Senior Women’s race incorporated U17, U20 and Veteran age-groups, but only Senior Women were identified in the results – the Under 15 Girls race included Under 13 Girls, but were not identified as Under 13 in the results.
From October 2000, the Veteran Women were identified in the Senior Women’s results.
From October 2007, the Under 13 Girls had their own separate race – the Under 17 Men and Under 17 Women had their own separate race, which incorporated the Under 15 Boys and Under 15 Girls, and both were identified in the results – the Under 20 Men and Under 20 Women were identified in the Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s results.
From October 2014, the Under 11 Boys and Under 11 Girls were incorporated into the league, October 2016 was when the first team results were introduced.

Firstly, In the 18 February edition of the Newsletter, I published the Individual wins for all clubs. The results showed the Combined Totals for SBH Men was (220 wins) and Women (96 wins) giving a total of (316 wins). The next 4 Clubs totals were Woodford Green (202 wins), Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (159 wins), Highgate Harriers (153 wins) and Thames Valley Harriers (139 wins)

Part 2 below shows team wins for all age-group, and includes SBH and the Top 3 teams wins.

The top 5 team wins for the Men for the period 1966 to 2020 were, 1st Woodford Green (38 wins),2nd SBH (32 wins), 3rd Verlea (28 wins), 4th Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (15 wins) and Thames Valley Harriers (15 wins). The top 5 team wins for the Women for the period 1994 to 2020 were, 1st Highgate Harriers (15 wins), 2nd London Heathside and Woodford Green (11 wins), 4th SBH (9 wins), 5th Hillingdon (6 wins). The top 5 team wins for the combined total for the Men and Women were, 1st Woodford Green (49 wins),2nd SBH (41 wins), 3rd Verlea (30 wins), 4th Highgate Harriers (27 wins), 5th London Heathside (24 wins).

Under 11 Boys From 2014 to 2020 Season (4 Seasons)
SBH 1 win (17/18)
The Top 2 team wins – 1st Woodford Green (3 wins 16/17, 18/19, 19/20), 2nd SBH (1 win 17/18)
Consecutive wins – 2 Woodford Green (18/19, 19/20)

Under 11 Girls From 2014 to 2020 Season (4 Seasons)
SBH 0 wins
The Top team win – 1st Woodford Green (4 wins 16/17, 17/18, 18/19, 19/20)
Consecutive wins – 4 Woodford Green (16/17, 17/18, 18/19, 19/20)

Under 13 Boys From 1972 to 2020 Season (48 Seasons)
SBH 17 wins (72/73, 74/75, 75/76, 77/78, 78/79, 79/80, 81/82, 83/84, 84/85, 85/86, 86/87, 87/88, 88/89, 11/12, 12/13, 13/14, 19/20)
The Top 3 team wins – 1st SBH (17 wins), 2nd Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (9 wins), 3rd Herts Phoenix (5 wins)
Consecutive wins – 6 SBH (83/84, 84/85, 85/86, 86/87, 87/88, 88/89)

Under 13 Girls From 1994 to 2020 Season (26 Seasons)
SBH 2 wins (13/14, 14/15)
The Top 3 team wins – 1st Ealing, Southall & Middlesex and Woodford Green (5 wins), 3rd Hillingdon (3 wins), 4th SBH (2 wins)
Consecutive wins – 5 Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (01/02, 02/03, 03/04, 04/05, 05/06), 3 Woodford Green (17/18, 18/19, 19/20), 2 SBH (13/14, 14/15)

Under 15 Boys and Under 17 Men From 1966 to 2020 Season (61 Seasons)
SBH 9 wins (68/69, 78/79, 80/81, 85/86, 86/87, 87/88, 10/11, 11/12, 19/20)
The Top 3 team wins – 1st Woodford Green (10 wins), 2nd SBH (9 wins), 3rd Ealing, Southall & Middlesex and Hillingdon (8 wins)
Consecutive wins – 4 Woodford Green (81/82, 82/83, 83/84, 84/85), 4 Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (00/01, 01/02, 02/03, 03/04), 3 SBH (85/86, 86/87, 87/88)

Under 15 Girls and Under 17 Women From 2007 to 2020 Season (13 Seasons)
SBH 6 wins (10/11, 15/16, 16/17, 17/18, 18/19, 19/20)
The Top 3 team wins – 1st SBH (6 wins), 2nd Herts Phoenix (3 wins), 3rd Ealing, Southall & Mid St Mary’s Richmond (3 wins), 1st SBH (6 wins)
Consecutive wins – 5 SBH (15/16, 16/17, 17/18, 18/19, 19/20), 3 Herts Phoenix (11/12, 12/13, 13/14), 3 St Mary’s Richmond (07/18, 08/09, 09/10)

Senior and Under 20 Men From 1966 to 2020 Season (61 Seasons)
SBH 5 wins (72/73, 87/88, 89/90, 05/06, 07/08)
The Top 3 team wins – 1st Thames Valley Harriers (14 wins), 2nd Woodford Green (13 wins), 3rd Highgate Harriers (8 wins), 5th SBH (5 wins)
Consecutive wins – 8 Highgate Harriers (12/13, 13/14, 14/15, 15/16, 16/17, 17/18, 18/19, 19/20), 5 Thames Valley Harriers (73/74, 74/75, 75/76, 76/77, 77/78)

Senior and Under 20 Women From 1994 to 2020 Season (26 Seasons)
SBH 0 wins
The Top 3 team wins – 1st Highgate Harriers (11 wins), 2nd London Heathside (4 wins), 3rd Hillingdon (3 wins)
Consecutive wins – 7 Highgate Harriers (02/03, 03/04, 04/05, 05/06, 06/07, 07/08, 08/09), 3 London Heathside (17/18, 18/19, 19/20)

Veteran Men From 1979 to 2020 Season (41 Seasons)
SBH 0 wins
The Top 3 team wins – 1st Verlea (16 wins), 2nd London Heathside (11 wins), 3rd Woodford Green (8 wins)
Consecutive wins – 8 Verlea (84/85, 85/86, 86/87, 87/88, 88/89, 89/90, 90/91, 91/92), 8 London Heathside (07/08, 08/09, 09/10, 10/11, 11/12, 12/13, 13/14, 14/15)

Veteran Women From 2001 to 2020 Season (19 Seasons)
SBH 1 win (01/02)
The Top 3 team wins – 1st London Heathside (7 wins), 2nd Highgate Harriers (4 wins), 3rd Serpentine (3 wins)
Consecutive wins – 4 Highgate Harriers (07/08, 08/09, 09/10, 10/11)

Link to the relevant documents – TEAM1 Metropolitan League Men Team Positions – TEAM2 Metropolitan League Women Team Positions – TEAM3 Metropolitan League Summary Of Men Team Wins (From File TEAM1) – TEAM4 Metropolitan League Summary Of Women Team Wins (From File TEAM2) – TEAM5 Metropolitan League Summary Of Men & Women Team Wins (From Files TEAM3 & 4) – TEAM6 Summary Of Men & Women Team & Individual Wins (From Files IND7 & TEAM6)

Finally, apologies but this is it. The top 5 combined totals for the Men and Women Individual and Team Wins are – 1st SBH (357 wins), 2nd Woodford Green (251 wins), 3rd Highgate Harriers (180 wins), 4th Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (179 wins), 5th Thames Valley Harriers (159 wins).

TOKYO DREAMING NO MORE – A LETTER TO MY SPORT – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently. Shaftesbury’s Olympic bronze medallist MARILYN OKORO announces her retirement with a message to athletics. MARILYN OKORO winning the 2013 British 800m title.

Dear Track and Field,

Thank you for all the memories and lessons and even more so, the very many blessings! I started this year sure of one thing and one thing only and that was: it was time to let go, in order for me to continue to GROW!

Hindsight is both a blessing and a curse. The former because it helps give you the processing and coping skills to accept the closure needed to move on to what’s next, yet still a curse because you start to think of all the things you shoulda, woulda, coulda done differently! But hey, that is life, and I endeavour every day to channel those feeling into a positive outlet by giving back as much as possible to the next generation, in the hope that they will go on to ‘Dream Bigger’ and ‘Achieve Greater’. Surprisingly, my decision to retire was rather uneventful. The final run of the final week of the year 2020, and what a year that was! Most say a year to forget but for me it will be the year to remember because by the end of it, it positioned me to find the greatest gift there is in life, MY PEACE. I took off my trainers that day and I just knew I would not be putting them on again any time soon… and it felt absolutely brilliant!

Read More: MARILYN OKORO moves on to her next gold medal hunt – I can tell you it has been seven whole years for me to free myself from this entanglement with Track and Field, this dynamic, fast-paced, diverse and all-encompassing chasm of fun and euphoria, hard work and discipline and not forgetting the inevitable heartbreak. And so, my ‘thank yous’. The words alone will never be enough nor can I possibly begin to mention everyone to whom I owe so much and who has played a part no matter how big or small to my incredible journey. If you are not directly mentioned please take this entire letter as a warm and sincere ‘thank you’ (and send a WhatsApp to cuss me later!).

Good old GEORGE! The stalwart of Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, legendary track and field coach. The catalyst and coach to so many stellar careers. I am humbled I got to call you coach, but so much more than that, you were the father figure and mentor I needed in those early years to ensure I stayed in the sport and made it to where I am today. They say you never forget your first, and I will never forget the life you paved the way for me, GEORGE HARRISON. Thank you will never suffice! In the same breath I would like to say a huge thank you to my club since day one, Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers. #Upthestripes. Thank you for the experiences, the sessions, the competitions and the bonds. What a family. I am blessed to have met and trained with so many incredible people who from the beginning took me in as one of their own. A special mention to STEF and NADEEM who nurtured and continue to mentor me to this day. Also GEOFF MORPHITIS, thank you for always having my back! ‘A club is for life, not just the competition’ and I will treasure my vest with great pride always.

AYO FALOLA. I can hear your bellowing laugh now saying ‘what took you so long, girl?’! I pray you are looking down and proud because as you said to me many a time after a beasty session or race, ‘go shock ’em, MAZ’ and I believe we did just that, quite a fair few times! Thank you for your crazy faith. Rest in easy, Coach AYO.

UK Athletics and British Athletics. A governing body like no other, charged with the most difficult of tasks, to lead and steer a sport with so many moving parts and disciplines, personalities and characters. There is so much I did not understand about the world I was entering as a young 18-year-old just running a foot race as fast as she could. As much as I delivered for our team, I know I have not been the easiest soldier at times, but that’s the beauty of our sport – we all come in different shapes and sizes, colours, creeds and frames of references. There will never be one size to fit all, that is the spice of track and field. Still, you continue to steer the ship and ensure British track and field remains vibrant and inviting and I know you will continue to do everything in your power to ensure British track stars are among the most celebrated and admired across the globe. For that, I will forever be a proud British athlete and do all I can to continue the legacy of British track and field. CHERRY ALEXANDER and KAREN FORBES – my ‘Girls’ – thank you for always fighting my corner! The Fans. Where would we be without our fans? Our biggest and best supporters, always there come rain or shine. Whether live of virtual you are there cheering us on to push ourselves. I know I speak on behalf of many athletes when I say we often owe our final push in the closing stages of competition to the ROAR and spirit of our fans – there is simply nothing that can replicate that feeling! Special mentions to the British Athletes Supporters Club for all you do to support our team!

To my friends and family, my TRIBE, for supporting and championing me, for loving and being proud of MARILYN OKORO the athlete, but always putting first ‘MAZ’ the human, mood swings and all (sorry guys!). You accept me win or lose, medal or no medal. You are there in the highs and most significantly, in the lows, always there to pick me up, dust me off and simply love me – thank you! You all have front row seats to the reality of an elite athlete journey. Thank you for grounding me and keeping me humble and, on many an occasion, going!

My ‘SISTAS in Track’ GEMMA (BENNETT), MONTELL (DOUGLAS), ZAINAB (CEESAY), NUSRAT (CEESAY), SANDRA (ALENEME) LAURA (WALTON nee LANGOWSKI), TASHA (DANVERS), CHRISTINE (OHUROUGU), ANYIKA (ONOURA), DONNA (FRASER), JENNY (MEADOWS), HAZEL (CLARK), TAMSYN (MANOU), KENIA (SINCLAIR). You know what your friendship and support means to me. Our sisterhood weighs more than gold. Respect to my ‘Bros in track’, ABS (BAHARI), SAMSON (ONI) ANDY (TURNER), DWAIN (CHAMBERS), CHRISTIAN (MALCOLM) and MARLON (DEVONISH). I couldn’t ask for better examples of strong, successful and nurturing male role models – I appreciate you! To all I have had the immense privilege to be on a national team with and especially my relay girls, thank you for the memories (and medals) that will last a life time.
LEE MCCONNELL, KELLY SOTHERTON, JENNY MEADOW and MARILYN OKORO after winning silver at the 2011 European Indoor Championships in Paris.

Thank you JOY and DANIEL, my brother and sister. My cheerleaders, always there. It’s not easy having a sporting sibling but you guys are always ‘my why’, so thank you for putting up with me and the many disruptions to our lives, although it did come with some perks too, right?! As family isn’t always blood, I must extend mentions to BENJAMIN MCGUINNESS – a best friend like no other, no matter where I am in the globe, you are there! THE MINTRIDGE FOUNDATION led by my amazing friend and inspiration ALEX WALLACE (founder), incredible to see how are far we have come to harness the power of sporting role models and unlock the potential of so many young minds and budding sports stars of the future! Forever your deputy! This brings me on to the fan favourite, MAMMA OKORO. My mummy, my biggest fan. The beginning was tough, you were my very first ‘NO’, but what a fuel you were. I only ever meant to make you proud. It’s funny now because you are taking this retirement harder than me! From you I learned what strength really looked like, like a true Nigerian Mother, thank you for teaching and equipping me for the fight!

Last but by no means least, thank you ATHLETES, British and worldwide. You share my crazy passion for a sport that comes with zero guarantees, I am in awe of all of you. Sportsmen and women who dedicate their lives to chasing their dreams. I can only say this – it won’t be easy, in fact that word doesn’t exist in sport. Learn to love the bits you hate and accept that in the process you will gain the biggest learnings about your craft but more importantly, yourself. Know that you are never alone, there is always someone who cares, is willing to listen and if you are reading this and feel this is not your reality then I am here to say I personally nominate myself because I know all too well how lonely it can get, but the reality is no one achieves greatness alone. It takes a village, a community and peer-to-peer support and compassion. So, find your tribe and hold them close, savour the wins big and small, stay present and learn from the losses, never stop being a student of your craft and never be afraid to use your voice! I see you, I hear you and I champion you! Remember track is only a fraction of the life you have waiting beyond your sport, so don’t be afraid to start with the end in mind and prepare for the moment when you can ‘sport’ no more.

‘It won’t be easy but in the end it was oh so worth it’. No regrets, just lessons. Thank you, Track and Field!

Yours in Sport – MARILYN OKORO – Olympic bronze medallist

RETURN OF PARKRUN IN ENGLAND SET FOR 5 JUNE – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

After more than a year in limbo due to the pandemic, parkrun plots its long-awaited comeback for June 5 whereas junior parkrun should start on 11 April. The popular series of weekly 5km parkrun events are set to resume in England on 5 June. With Government restrictions lifting, the events could technically re-start much earlier, but parkrun organisers are taking a safety-first approach that gives event organisers and landowners plenty of time to prepare. Plus, after being without the Saturday morning ritual for almost an entire year, waiting another three months does not seem too bad.

Junior parkrun over 2km, however, is set to make its return on 11 April – one week after the busy Easter weekend period – for just 4-10-year-olds to begin with. Children aged 11 will have to be patient for a little longer, but they will be able to volunteer or spectate to start with. “Excitingly, for the first time in six months, we now see a realistic timeframe for the return of 5km events in England,” said NICK PEARSON, chief executive of parkrun. Attempts last autumn to bring parkrun back in late October were scuppered by a second wave of the coronavirus which ultimately led to an English lockdown in November. But now there is more optimism about a successful return. However, parkrun are taking things carefully.

“Unlike junior parkrun, which can return in phases, our 5km events need to all come back at the same time, with the definition of ‘all’ probably being something north of 90%,” PEARSON explained via a statement. “This is due to the relatively large attendances, and significant opportunity for tourism, meaning that if only a subset of 5km events opened they would very likely be overwhelmed with unmanageable levels of attendance.” He added: “Based on the published guidance, our 5km events could technically return from Saturday 4 April. However, due to the other national restrictions in place, the expected level of infection at that time, and a number of our 5km events regularly exceeding 1000 participants, we do not believe it would be appropriate for them to return this early.”

The situation is not as clear in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, though. “As things stand we are unable to pinpoint a date for returning either junior or 5km parkrun across these three devolved nations, but we continue to work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to understand when it may be appropriate,” said PEARSON.

When parkrun is back, too, there are likely to be bans on high fives and spitting, plus courses might be tweaked to create larger start and finish areas. Pre-race briefings will be shorter and hand sanitisers will be available to volunteers, while a contactless scanning process for finishing tokens will be introduced. The news will be well received in the running world as the last parkrun events in the UK were on 14 March last year. If the 5 June return is met, it means there are less than 100 days to go before it restarts.

DAVE BEDFORD’S TOP 20 RACES PART 1 of 2 – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Part 1 a snapshot of DAVE’S history, his training schedule, followed by the first five of DAVE’S top twenty races.
STEVE SMYTHE remembers a British legend and chooses 20 of his best or most famous competitions
Half a century ago, Britons dominated the 5000m and 10,000m lists in the way Kenyans and Ethiopians do now. The 1970 world rankings revealed the UK had the fastest three and four of the six fastest 5000m runners and the top two and four of the fastest seven at 10,000m. They also had six of the top nine at two miles.
IAN STEWART headed the 5000m – and you can read more about him here – but it was DAVE BEDFORD who topped the 10,000m.
This year BEDFORD celebrates the 50th anniversary of his biggest win and the publication of the DAVE BEDFORD STORY. Not too many 21-year-old athletes have had a book detailing their life and career.
However, back in the early 1970s when Crystal Palace was struggling to take over the mantle from White City as Britain’s premier athletics venue, Bedford is largely credited for bringing the crowds flocking back.
With his Mexican bandit looks and moustache, red socks and long stride and aggressive and flamboyant front-running and his boast of upcoming special deeds, Bedford made the headlines with his vibrant personality and a string of brilliant performances. He was unable to translate some of those incredible record runs into medals on the track but he had plenty of success and 50 years on is not forgotten among track fans of the 1970s.
If only a fully fit BEDFORD had the shoes now available, a full London Stadium and pacer lights, he might have beaten YOBES ONDIEKI to the first sub-27 10,000m by over 20 years.
While most will remember his world record 10,000m but question his ability to win races, it’s worth recalling he won both the International Cross Country junior and senior titles when they were effectively the world titles.
And winning five successive AAA 10,000m titles was no easy matter when British athletes had the greatest depth of any distance nation. He did not prove as successful in major Games but without him you wouldn’t have got up to then the fastest and greatest European, Olympic and Commonwealth 10,000m races and a total re-writing of the world all-time lists in those championship races. At the end of 1974, 13 of the top 16 10,000m performers of all time came in races where BEDFORD did all the hard work!
Many believe he could have done better with different tactics – the speed coming later when the others were tired – rather than the speed coming early and then the races getting progressively slower. Of course, it is possible that the likes of VAATAINEN in 1971 and VIREN in 1972 would have won whatever tactics were used.

In all three of his big championship 10,000m races, BEDFORD went into the races as fastest in the knowledge that hardly any of his rivals had times in his vicinity and the belief he was going to go much faster than he had before – especially in 1972 and 1974.
He was actually remarkably consistent in his three big Games races but there is no denying that while the likes of VIREN might have been unbeatable, he did lose to some runners not at his level such as the ultra consistent MARIANO HARO, who beat him in both big races in 1971 and 1972, who could never run the sort of times that BEDFORD was potentially capable of.
Unfortunately injury meant it was a short international track career, many believing the relentless 150 and 200 mile training weeks took their toll on his body and he thought the injuries even affected his ability in some of his biggest races.

BEDFORD made a huge contribution to the sport after he retired. He later became the President of the International Athletes’ Club, secretary of the British Athletics Federation and AAA of England and a fantastically successful race director of the London Marathon, was heavily involved in the organisation of the 2012 Olympic marathon and also served the IAAF’s road running commission. He was appointed OBE in the 2014 New Year Honours for services to athletics and charitable fundraising. DAVE at the finish area of the London Marathon.

His son TOM bettered his father in that he won an English Schools title (at steeplechase in 2002) and also ran a sub-2:20 marathon and he is the organiser of this year’s Olympic trials marathon.
For me, DAVE BEDFORD was a huge presence. I started running in 1969 after he was already a 19-year-old British 10,000m record-holder. As he was absent from both the 1969 Europeans and 1970 Commonwealths, the first time I saw him on television, and I was really aware of him, was when he was a shock winner of the 1970 AAA 10,000m.
I started getting AW shortly after that when he had regained the GB record at the end of the 1970 season and then over the next year he went from being relatively unknown to being the most exciting runner in the world and one of the best known sportsmen in Britain and the glossy DAVE BEDFORD STORY came out and at all of 65p it was a must for all aspiring young runners.

Just to get a picture of his personality and humour but also his gruelling training, in 1971 he answered the AW Questionnaire not long after his senior International win.
What performance has given you the most pleasure?
Breaking 100m, 200m and 400m personal bests all in one race. I ran 14 and 28 en route to a 55!

How many days a week do you train?
7 days – 3 sessions per day (morning, lunchtime and evening).

How long are your training sessions?
30 minutes to 3 hours.

Please give details of a typical week’s training in winter?
Monday: am 8 miles. Lunch: 6 miles. pm 16 miles steady.
Tuesday: am 8 miles. Lunch: 6 miles. pm 14 miles inc 30x200m hill and fartlek.
Wednesday: am 8 miles. Lunch: 6 miles. pm 16 miles inc 5 x 1M efforts.
Thursday: am 8 miles. Lunch: 6 miles. pm 12x400m (62) with 200m recovery, 12x300m (47) with 100m recovery, 12x200m (32) with 100m recovery.
Friday: am 8 miles. Lunch: 6 miles. pm 8 miles steady.
Saturday: am 15 miles. Afternoon: (watching QPR – quite a strain!). pm 10 miles steady.
Sunday: am 20-25 miles from Lauriston (Wimbledon). pm: 5-10M on country
Most of running on road. Approx weekly mileage: 200

Please give details of any weight training?
Lifting pints is the nearest I get to this.

What are your targets?
Olympic, European, Commonwealth golds and world records.

He did at least achieve the latter and compiling his best races (and ploughing through nearly a 1000 AW’s) brought back some great memories to me and hopefully will be of some interest to others too and hopefully nothing too major has been missed due to a few missing copies!

1 AAA Championships 10,000m, Crystal Palace, July 13 1973
1st (27:30.8)world record
As he had not publicised any record attempt or shown any form that suggested anything special was likely, only 3500 fans were present on the Friday night for a programme of predominantly heats but clearly he had a target as he powered through 1600m in 4:17.4. Surprisingly as he was operating at 26:45 pace, he still had four takers. Even at 3000m (8:08.4) – the second fastest ever split after his Olympic opening, TONY SIMMONS, SEPPO TUOMINEN and BERNIE PLAIN remained.
The latter two soon dropped off but at 4000m, SIMMONS surprised BEDFORD by going by and leading before BEDFORD went ahead again and pushed on through the fastest ever halfway time of (13:39.4) with Simmons (13:41.0) also running a time previously unsurpassed even by CLARKE and BEDFORD.
At 6000m he lapped fellow International cross-country winner MIKE TAGG, who tried to briefly help BEDFORD. From 6400m to 8400m and needing 67 second laps, BEDFORD astonishingly reeled off five successive exact 67.0 laps.
At 8000m, he had been 15 seconds up on VIREN’S equivalent but clearly was not going to finish like VIREN did but he had a 19 second buffer at 9km and perhaps more importantly was 10 seconds quicker at that point than CLARKE had ever run.
While he had slowed to a 67.8 four out, knowing the record was almost certainly his, his last three got faster and a 60.8 final circuit was wildly received by a stadium of 10,000m aficionados as he took over seven seconds off VIREN’S world mark and 16 seconds off his own British (and former European) record.
It was the first world record set in London by a Briton since CHRIS CHATAWAY beat VLADIMIR KUTS in an epic 5000m in 1954.
DAVE BEDFORD celebrates his world 10,000m record with coach BOB PARKER at Crystal Palace in 1973.

SIMMONS (28:19.4) and PLAIN (28:30.2) survived their suicidal starts to set PBs despite slowing 40 seconds on their second half’s. BEDFORD’S lap times were: 63.0, 64.4, 64.9, 65.1, 65.8, 66.4, 66.2, 66.2, 66.6, 66.0, 65.4, 66.0, 66.8, 66.2, 67.2, 67.8, 67.0, 67.0, 67.0, 67.0, 67.0, 67.8, 66.0, 65.2 and 60.8.
In the press conference he said: “I planned this from about a week ago. When I left home I was nervous. I’ve been confident in the past and it has not come off. I had four weeks of really good training and it began to click and last week I knew it was on. Recently I did a session of 2 x 6 laps and I did 6:24 and 6:25 with a jog in between and I wanted to go through in 6:30 tonight (he did 6:29.6). I was conscious of the lap times and got worried with 8 or 9 laps to go as it was feeling quite hard but it should be at that pace! I knew if I kept to 67s I should get the record and kept pushing them as hard as I could.”
The following day (to appease the large home crowd) he ran in the 5000m and was 6th in (13:47.54) in a race won by BRENDAN FOSTER (13:23.8).

2 AAA Championships 5000m and 10,000m (Inc Olympic Trials), Crystal Palace, July 14 & 15, 1972
1st (13:17.2) (European & UK record & UK all-comers’ record) & 1st (27:52.4)
As he was primarily targeting the 10,000m at Munich, he almost did not compete at this Friday night event but made a late decision to compete and then ignored coach BOB PARKER’S instructions to just do enough to make the Olympic team. He started fast and was four seconds up on CLARKE’S world record pace at 1000m (2:35.0) and 2000m (5:12.4) and this was enough to move him clear of his final challengers STEWART and MCCAFFERTY, who had battled for Commonwealth gold in 1970.
He was through 3000m in an unprecedented (7:53.6) (3.4 seconds up on CLARKE’S time) but the gap was down to 1.4 seconds at 4000 (10:38.6) as the laps had dropped from 63s to nearer 66. He narrowly fell behind CLARKE’S time with 600m to go and was still only 0.7 of a second down with 200m to go and he was only able to claw a tenth back in his last 200m as his time fell 0.6 short of CLARKE’S seven-year-old (13:16.6) despite a lively 59.6 last lap.
MCCAFFERTY, who at one stage was closing down BEDFORD in the last 800m, set a Scottish record (13:19.8) to go third all-time on the world lists. A subdued STEWART (13:24.2) ensured his selection ahead of HARO (13:26.0) and teenager BLACK (13:28.0) who would have comfortably made any other country’s Olympic team.
His lap times: 61.6, 62.4, 62.8, 62.6, 63.0, 63.8, 65.4, 65.2, 65.8, 66.0, 65.8, 62.4 and 30.0 for the final 200m.
Just 19 hours after his European 5000m mark, he was back in action to secure selection at his premier event. In front of a fervent 20,000 crowd he ignored sizzling hot conditions.
He was through 3000m on world record pace in (8:12.4) (27:20 tempo) and was only a few seconds down on CLARKE’S time at 5000m (13:47.6). He did ease back on the second half but still won by 46 seconds from Commonwealth winner LACHIE STEWART (28:38.8). The three runners most favoured to complete the team – TAGG, SIMMONS and LANE all dropped out due to the combination of the pace and heat.
Surprisingly the third spot on the British team went to DAVE HOLT (28:42.0), who had been told to run in the B race as the A race was limited to 30 but he defied officials to ensure Munich selection.

3 GB v France (inc AAA Championships) 10,000m, Portsmouth, July 10, 1971
(27:47.0) (European record) (6M; 26:51.6 (European record)
He took an astonishing 17 seconds off JURGEN HAASE’S European record despite the temperature being in the 80s and it being on a dusty cinder track and suffering badly from blisters because of the track and the heat. The first lap was a too slow 70.0 and the second a too fast 59.0 but he was well ahead of schedule for Clarke’s (27:39.4) world record after a (2:40.0) opening kilometre.
He was still ahead at 3000m (8:09.0) and 5000 (13:45.2) and at 8000m (22:09.2) was still four seconds up on CLARKE’S split. Thereafter, he was not quite able to maintain the tempo dropping from 67 to around 69 seconds but finished with a 64 and he won by a staggering 52 seconds from Lane (28:39.6) who also secured his European team spot.
His lap times were 70.0, 59.0, 63.6, 65.0, 65.8, 66.6, 66.4, 67.2, 67.2, 67.4, 67.2, 66.6, 67.0, 66.4, 67.4, 66.8, 67.2, 67.2, 66.8, 68.4, 69.2, 68.2, 68.8, 67.2 and 64.4. DAVE on his way to the European Record.

4 International Cross-Country Championships, San Sebastian, Spain, March 20 1971
1st (38:42.8)
After being just an injured 95th the previous year, he proved himself the greatest cross-country in the world with some ease breaking clear after a kilometre and he ran away from the field winning by 22 seconds from TREVOR WRIGHT (39:05.2) with Kiwi EDDIE GRAY in third. The quality of the field is illustrated by the eighth to 12 places of major track or country medallists MARIANO HARO, IAN STEWART, ROD DIXON, PEKKA PAIVARINTA and GASTON ROELANTS. England (56 points) won the team race incredibly easily from Belgium (174).

5 Southern Senior and Junior Cross-Country Championships, Parliament Hill, February 7 1970
Senior 9M: 1st (45:50), Junior 6M, (32:12)
On an astonishing unparalleled afternoon (having already trained in the morning and then done a long warm up), he first destroyed the senior field over nine miles winning by almost a minute from steeplechase international BILL MULLETT (46:45) and BOB HOLT (47:01).
Twenty minutes later he set off in the junior race and though struggling up the first hill, he was soon well clear of the field and he won by a minute from LANE (33:13), who went on finish a very close second in the National Junior and would be in Britain’s 10,000m team alongside BEDFORD in Helsinki 1971 and win the World Student Games cross-country title in 1972.

NEELAM KADERBHOY – For all of you wanting to send her cards etc, please send to the nursing home, as she will be there for the foreseeable future. Forest Care Village, 20 Cardinal Ave, Borehamwood, WD6 1EP

A FEW MORE VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED – RAY POWELL still requires a further 2-3 volunteers for the London Marathon Big Half on Sunday 25th April. Meeting time is 6.30am and finish at 11am, kit and lunch supplied. Nearest station is Tower Hill / Tower Gateway.
Please contact CLARE & RAY at ray571m@btopenworld.com

UPDATE ON PROPOSED TRACK AND FIELD FIXTURES – National Athletic League dates have been agreed – Sunday 6 June, Sunday 4 July, Sunday 8 August and Saturday 28 August – 4 club divisions – we are in Premier London North with Harrow, Newham and Woodford – Probability that most / all fixtures will be at StoneX Stadium. London Inter Club Challenge dates agreed Saturday 26 June, Saturday 31 July and Saturday 21 August all at StoneX Stadium.

Provisional UK Youth Development League dates are; Sunday 2 May, Sunday 30 May, Sunday 27 June, Saturday/Sunday 4/5 September National Final
Provisional Middlesex Young Athletes League dates are; Finsbury Park, Saturday 15 May – Perivale, Sunday 20 June – Parliament Hill and Sunday 18 July – StoneX Stadium
Provisional Eastern Young Athletes League dates are; Sunday 13 June, Sunday 4 July, Sunday 18 July, Sunday 1 August and Final Sunday 12 September (venues to be confirmed).
The SCVAC Veterans League dates are still to be announced.

2021 LEE VALLEY INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEETINGS – Currently Lee Valley is closed.

2021 INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEETINGS – During the first week of January UK Athletics issued a Preliminary list of fixtures for 2021, this is the list – 2021-Fixtures-Calender-15.01.21

Non Lee Valley fixtures – Currently the following competitions are taking place, March 19-21 World Championships (Nanjing, China), 24-28 European Masters Championships (Braga, Portugal) – April 6-12 World Masters Championships (Edmonton, Canada).

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

UPDATE ON SBH FIXTURE CARD – We are in the process of finalising the 2021 Summer Fixture Card

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 25 February 2021

Posted on 25/02/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 25 February Beth Anderson, Joanna Blair, Karl Bulman, Jacob Clement, James Davis, Vanessa Gavenaite, Barry Haws, Amber Henry, Anthony Jackson, Aurora Kaufmann, Andrew Magnall, Ellie McNamara, David Parker and Stephen Potter

ELLIE BAKER SELECTED FOR EUROPEAN INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Congratulations to ELLIE BAKER who has been selected to run the 800m at the European Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland, on 4-7 March. ELLIE ran a personal best Indoors (2:02.73) at Sportcity on 13 February.

IN MEMORY OF GARY KYRIACOU – JEREMY SOTHCOTT recalls when he first met GARY in 2012 when his daughters GABRIELLA and LIDIA joined the club. GARY was ever present at all their training, track, road and XC races up and down the country and was hugely supportive of the girls and all members of the team. Anyone who met GARY would enjoy the banter especially when it was about football and his beloved Arsenal where he was a season ticket holder. GARY will be sorely missed by all.
GEOFF MORPHITIS sent this to ANGELA, GABRIELLA and LIDIA. Just a short note to pass on both my condolences and those of SBH to you following GARY’S recent death.

GARY will be remembered for his cheery disposition and welcoming attitude whenever he was watching the girls be it at twice a week training or in competition. He was an SBH (and Arsenal) supporter throughout. I can still remember his loud voice shouting support to all the team members at both track meetings and cross country events. Whatever was happening, GARY had a smile on his face.

TED NOLAN – It is with great sadness to hear he TED died last week from cancer, aged 86. On behalf of Shaftesbury we send our condolences to his family and friends. TED joined Shaftesbury Harriers in the early 1950s, and was a regular member of our cross country and road teams. TED married CHERRY in 1958.

TED was the club record holder in the Marathon (2:33.29) at Feltham on 12 August 1967. He also won the Club 15 Mile Championships in 1968 and 1969, and was awarded a Hertfordshire vest in 1968. His Marathon record lasted until 24 October 1970, when ROGER LITTLE ran (2:29.10) at Harlow. He also was an ever present in the Shaftesbury 10, which was a 3 lap – 10 mile course from Barnet Copthall Stadium in August. TED’S best time was (56.20).

HAROLD ASHTON wrote in the September 1970 issue of the SBH magazine. Well Done TED – TED has firmly established his place among the leaders of the ultra-long-distance brigade in recent weeks. On 15 August he went up to Lancashire for the “Milk Marathon” from Preston to Morecombe and was 5th in (2:36.43), running into a gale-force wind over the last few miles. Then a couple of “Sprints” against the Valley and at Wycombe. In one of the road “Classics”, the SLH 30 on 5 September, TED took 3rd place of 45 starters in (3:06.06).

“TED’S DAY” was on 12 September, when he brought his experience and judgement to bear in the 38-Mile Woodford to Southend. At 20 miles, he was some 4 minutes down on the leader; at 28 miles, he had gone to the front; and pressing on, he went away to win in grand style by no less than 7 minutes. On 19 September, he had what his wife CHERRY afterwards described as a “Training Run” in the Highgate Marathon rounds the hills of Copthall and Whetstone, and was 6th in (2:45.56).

Note: The 1970 Shaftesbury 10 on 8 August (17th Edition), one of the sponsors was the Green Shield Stamp Company (who remembers them). They presented a special award for the first Under 21 Athlete to finish. The race was won by our own DAVE BEDFORD in a time of (47.55) smashing the course record by 23 seconds, after winning the AAA 10000m Championships the previous evening. DAVE won the Under 21 prize, but generously asked for the prize to be given to the next finisher. This was 18-year old DICK BOBER, running his best race of the season (54.26).

DAVE BEDFORD recalls – Sad News. I remember meeting TED when I was a Youth coming through the club. When I started doing mileage like 25 mile runs on a Sunday morning….TED would meet me before the Club pack went out on the usual 15 mile, for a 5 mile warm up followed by a 5 mile warm down afterwards. TED was kind, considerate, supportive, caring and a great influence on my development along with other people in the group like GERRY ELMORE, JOYCE SMITH (was as good as most men!), DAVE HOWE, DAVE GREEN and so on and so on. TED! Not seen you for ages….but never forgotten. TED …thanks!

PHILIP CUNNINGHAM remembers TED and CHERRY down at Brook Farm – they were good friends with my parents.

YOUTH TALENT PROGRAMME – Apologies to MARLI JESSOP and her coach SCOTT GRACE, also NAOMI PALMER and her coach JANE DIXON who were omitted from last week’s list, and wish them both a happy and rewarding experience. This brings the total of Shaftesbury athletes on the YTL programme to 13.
MARLI our No.1 Hurdler in 2020, ran (8.68) in the Indoor 60m and in the 100m Outdoors ran (12.96 w0.2), which ranked her UK No.5 and 15 respectively.
NAOMI last competed in 2019, and recorded a 300m personal best (40.81) and was an ever present in our outstanding UK Youth Development team.

BRITISH ATHLETICS EUROPEAN INDOOR SELECTION TRIALS – Took place at Sportcity on 20-21 February.
400m – SM H3 KRISHAWN AIKEN 3rd (48.33)
1500m – SW Straight Final ELLIE BAKER 3rd (PB 4:13.66) taking 1.95 seconds off her 2019 Indoor time, and is ranked UK No.5 in 2021. It is inside the European qualifying time (4:17.00)

BRITISH ATHLETICS EUROPEAN INDOOR SELECTION TRIALS – Took place at Loughborough on 21 February.
Shot 7.26kg – SM Straight Final SCOTT LINCOLN (HCA) 1st (19.93m)

BRITISH ATHLETICS EUROPEAN INDOOR SELECTION TRIALS – Took place at Lee Valley on 20 February.
60m – SM H2 DOMINIC ASHWELL U23 3rd (SB 6.79) taking .01 of a second off his 13 February time, and is ranked UK No.1 U23 in 2021, in the Final DOMINIC finished 5th (6.89)

GARY BROWN SHIELD OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place at Nathan, Australia on 20 February.
Discus 1kg – SW JADE LALLY 1st (SB 58.43m) adding 2.64m to her 30 January throw, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

SPIDER PATRIOT CROSS COUNTRY CLASSIC – Took place at Mechanicsville, Virginia, USA on 20 February.
5 Miles – SM JAMIE DEE (Iona College) 2nd (24.24)

A CHANCE MEETING – We received an email from NICK KAUFMANN who was running at Edgwarebury Farm recently, and while there he got chatting to two guys who were doing hill strides in the rain and cold. We chatted about Shaftesbury – they didn’t know FRANK ATTOH who used to jump! Obviously youngsters don’t realise oldies were young once and one day they will be old, but they do know FRANK, just as a coach.

Anyway, it was a lovely conversation and they were really nice guys. I was impressed with their dedication and wanted to pass on to you the nice coincidence and say also that they are a credit to the club. Those athletes were ADE MASON or AKIN COWARD who are cousins and both have been SBH members for 12 years. They live locally, AKIN has a best of (2.15m) in the High Jump and was ranked 6th in the UK in 2019. ADE has a best of (16.38m) in the Triple Jump and was ranked 1st Under 23 and 6th overall in the UK in 2019. Photograph of a windswept NICK, AKIN and ADE.

Unfortunately, neither AKIN of ADE are considered “Elite” by UKA and therefore they are not allowed to train at Copthall during the current lockdown period. We appealed, but unfortunately to no avail.

NICK KAUFMANN – I got to know a fantastic, inspirational gymnast called STEVE FREW who taught my kids and others gymnastics at the weekends at a local fitness club to make ends meet after he was deemed over-the-hill in his late 20s and cut off from funding. He made it to the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and won gold in the rings at the age of 28. What this article tactfully does not mention is that he did it without the Scots government’s help:
https://www.teamscotland.scot/2020/steve-frew-scotlands-first-gymnastics-gold/

ASK THE ATHLETE WITH SHAFTESBURY’S ZHARNEL HUGHES – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

The European 100m champion answers your questions on training with USAIN BOLT, being a pilot and his dream 4x100m relay team

Glimpse into the lives of world-class athletes as they answer questions from YOU each week on ‘Ask the Athlete’. This week we are joined by ZHARNEL HUGHES – European 100m champion and the joint-second fastest Brit of all time. He chats to AW about training with USAIN BOLT, being a pilot and flying a plane around the Caribbean, his dream 4x100m relay team and so much more! Have a read of some of Hughes’ answers below and then enjoy the full 15-minute episode.

How did growing up in Anguilla shape you as an athlete? Was athletics part of your upbringing? “In Anguilla I started out at age 10. My family took part in athletics and I think it was a part of me, my older brothers and sisters run fast but because they got to high school, things started to fade away from them. For me, I’ve always been interested in track and field and I always wanted to see how much faster I could become. So it’s up to me now to continue and to pursue my dream!”

Outside of sprints, what events do you most enjoy watching and why? And who’s your favourite all-time track and field athlete? “I like to watch football. I’m a big Manchester United fan. MARCUS RASHFORD is a big player of mine and I’m always looking forward to watch him play. He’s such an inspiration to the youths and to me because the way he sets up himself is that of somebody who wants to execute his skills and talent to the best of his ability. “My most loved all-time track and field athlete is USAIN BOLT obviously. I train with him, he’s like an older brother to me and I’ve always been looking up to him. TYSON GAY as well, I used to watch these guys regularly on YouTube, when you came home from school you just searched their races! I’ve always been interested in the way they run, their technique, the way they manage themselves under pressure and how they execute those super fast times.”

You’re a private pilot – if we weren’t in a pandemic and you could fly to anywhere in the world right now, where would you most like to visit and why? “Yes, I am! For me I like travelling within the Caribbean as I fly small planes and I don’t think I’d be able to make it to Europe! I’d definitely like to fly in the Bahamas because of the turquoise waters they have over there. I like the Cayman Islands a lot as well because I’ve been there a lot, it’s well kept and the people over there are beautiful. “For me, another place in the Caribbean I’d be flying to will obviously be Anguilla as its nearby to Jamaica I could see family as well. As long as the plane makes it because it’s a small plane and you’d constantly have to stop for fuel! It wouldn’t get over the North Atlantic for sure.”

Who’s in your dream 4x100m men’s relay team for Great Britain and in what order? “Ah, that’s a good question! I’d definitely go with some old guys though (I hope they don’t mind me saying old guys)! I’d probably put CHRISTIAN MALCOLM on the bend, I would run the back straight, I’d probably go with DARREN CAMPBELL as well on the starting leg and I’d go with JOHN REGIS on anchor. That’d be an explosive team and I definitely think we could go and smash the world record. That’s the team I’d definitely go with, the way CHRISTIAN runs the bend is crazy. JOHN does as well but I’d definitely put CHRISTIAN on the bend, DARREN at the start and JOHN on anchor. We’d definitely be a team to be reckoned with.”

What times will it take to make a podium and then gold in the 100m/200m in Tokyo? “The way track and field is going right now, I definitely think that in the 100m anywhere from (9.90) to probably about (9.85) to (9.82) could probably get you a gold in the 100m. As for the 200m, anywhere from (19.95) thereabouts to possibly (19.75) should get you the gold in the 200m. I definitely think this year I can produce those times, it’s within me as I’m much stronger physically and mentally and I just want to go and compete now. I’m staying on my grind on a daily basis and I’m making sure that the work I’m putting in will be something that I’m reaping rewards from when the Olympics comes around!”

ATHLETICS BENEFACTOR SIR EDDIE KULUKUNDIS OBE DIES – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Gentle and generous giant of track and field will be fondly remembered after he passes away aged 88.
Before the era of Lottery funding, British athletes scrimped and saved to afford physiotherapy treatment, warm-weather training camps or air fares to overseas events. In some cases, they were helped by a private sponsor and one of the most generous in the history of the sport was SIR EDDIE KULUKUNDIS who passed away on 17 February.

SIR EDDIE, who has died aged 88, was born into a wealthy family who had made its fortune in the shipping business. An avid athletics fan, from the 1970s through to the turn of the millennium he donated several million pounds in total to promising athletes for little reward other than the simple pleasure of seeing them reach their potential and knowing he helped them along the way.

When MO FARAH moved from Somalia to England, SIR EDDIE paid some of the legal costs that helped him become a British citizen and which would, eventually, lead to him winning 10 global titles for Great Britain.
He also gave financial assistance to athletes such as DENISE LEWIS, DEAN MACEY and JASON GARDENER. Earlier, he helped athletes like STEVE OVETT, SALLY GUNNELL and ROGER BLACK, among many others.
SIR EDDIE became inextricably linked to Belgrave Harriers in London, helping fund their athletes and coaches. In the quest for British Athletics League titles, for example, he would sometimes fly steeplechaser JUSTIN CHASTON from the US to England just to race 3000m over barriers to claim maximum points in that particular event before sending him back to the States so he could be back in time for work on Monday.
“It is with great sadness that we have heard the news about SIR EDDIE,” said JOHN GLADWIN, president of Belgrave Harriers. “He was patron of Belgrave Harriers and couldn’t have been more supportive of us. “We pass on our condolences to the family and our great thanks for everything you did for the club. RIP SIR EDDIE.”

SIR EDDIE did not restrict his generosity to Belgrave alone, though. He helped athletes from various clubs and was an ever-present at major meetings as he mingled with members of the British Athletics Supporters’ Club as they enjoyed the action. With his large 20-stone-plus frame he was an unmissable figure, too. But he had lost weight in recent years as he struggled with diabetes and dementia. He was often described as the ‘godfather of British athletics’ and he was recognised for his philanthropy by receiving an OBE and a knighthood for services to British theatre, charity and sport.
It was well deserved. His generosity aside he was a kind and charming man who always had time to speak to athletes, coaches, or fellow athletics fanatics. His conversations were carried out in a slight American accent, too, as he was born in London but moved to New York as a child and went to university at Yale.
Such was his interest in the sport, he even bankrolled the publication of Athletics Today – a weekly athletics magazine in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Several years later he nearly became the first president of UK Athletics, too, but finished runner-up to David Hemery in a vote and instead took the role of vice-president.
Outside athletics his other big passion was the theatre and he ploughed money into West End plays and musicals and in 1981 he married the film and television actress Susan Hampshire, who has looked after him in recent years as his health deteriorated.
He will be remembered as a generous benefactor who helped unofficially fund athletes and coaches long before the National Lottery system arrived.

From DAVE BEDFORD – His involvement coincided with a golden age for athletics in this country – not really a coincidence. EDDIE probably did more for athletes and athletics in his lifetime than most…if not all. Sadly missed!

From GEOFF MORPHITIS – We sat together on the committees of several athletics related charitable organisations. He supported many athletes and athletics projects. He funded the running costs of over 20 cars he loaned out to athletes to help them to get to training and competitions. We sat next to each at the Manchester Commonwealth Games and had a great time cheering on the British successes. A typical millionaire from a Greek shipping family with a great love for sport, not just athletics. I distinctly remember him having to cancel a meeting as he was flying off that afternoon to Boston, in the US, so as not to miss the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, he lost a large amount of money when Lloyds claims hit him badly, but he still maintained his love of Athletics. He was a real friend. He had been suffering from Dementia in recent years and yet he was still an excellent and regular Bridge player. I was in touch with his wife SUSAN HAMPSHIRE. An excellent actress and a lovely and caring lady.
I am very sad at this loss and will really miss him.

From FRANK ATTOH – I was one of the very lucky coaches to be helped and supported by SIR EDDIE, being able to travel to competitions, to support and help my athletes, helped me to get to know them better. My first trip with SIR EDDIE was in 1994 to Lisbon for the World Under 20 Championships, I did not disappoint him because we won the only individual gold for GB when LARRY ACHIKE won the Triple Jump.
Thereafter, I went to various championships with SIR EDDIE, he always encouraged performances, he loved being with ordinary people like me. Our sport will miss him.

UPDATE ON NEELAM KADERBHOY – I’m still at the home in Borehamwood. I’m going to be here for some time. The staff are lovely day and night and I’m able to relax and be at peace. I am stable at the moment. I do my exercises and walking daily. Any little improvement to me is great. So, I carry on and stay positive and patient and strong.
I’ve thought long and hard and under my current circumstances I have to stand down from Team Management of the Middlesex League. I don’t have enough energy or fitness or confidence or concentration to do a whole day and travelling and then to do corrections before submitting.
Like I say, it has been a hard decision to make, but it is the right decision going forward. I am sad. But that’s life!!! Yours in sports NEELAM.

From her Brother IMTIAZ – NEELAM is in good spirits, despite her ongoing daily challenges, loves receiving all of your messages and gifts. Unfortunately, due to current COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to see NEELAM, but we pray that once lockdown is finished we will see her again.
For all of you wanting to send her cards etc, please send to the nursing home, as she will be there for the foreseeable future. Forest Care Village, 20 Cardinal Ave, Borehamwood, WD6 1EP

SBH METROPOLITAN LEAGUE STATISTICS – Part 2 to follow next week, which will includes all Club and SBH team wins from 1967.

2021 LEE VALLEY INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEETINGS – Currently Lee Valley is closed.

2021 INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEETINGS – During the first week of January UK Athletics issued a Preliminary list of fixtures for 2021, this is the list – 2021-Fixtures-Calender-15.01.21

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

UPDATE ON SBH FIXTURE CARD – We are in the process of finalising the 2021 Summer Fixture Card

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 18 February 2021

Posted on 17/02/202118/02/2021 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 18 February Dara Apoola, Barry Chisholm, Evelyn Barter, Jonathan Boardman, Sarah Butler, Thomas Butler, Roisin Hanlon, Penny Harper-Wilkinson, Emma Imamovic, Yoni Kienwald, Sophia Parvizi-Wayne, Gary Smith, Neil Turner and Aron Yona

WEST STAND REBUILD – Work has started this week on the demolition of the old West Stand

YOUTH TALENT PROGRAMME – In addition to the 10 Athletes in the 2020/2022 YTP as published last month, the Club also has 11 Athletes and their Coaches on the 2019/2021 YTP. We wish them all a happy and rewarding experience;

JUBRIL ADENIJI, JANE DIXON – VANESSA ANSUA, CRAIG ANDREW – AMELIA DALEY, FRANK ATTOH – BRADLEY DAVIES-PUGHE, JAKE AWE/RYAN FRECKLETON – EMILY HATHAWAY, JEREMY SOTHCOTT – CHARLIE KNOTT, CAROL JACKSON – LILY PARRIS (2nd Claim), JULIE PRATT – JAMI SCHLUETER, ALAN RICHARDSON / FRANK ATTOH – FREYA STAPLETON, JEREMY SOTHCOTT – KENAN STEPHENS, ALFREDO MELAO – LUCY WOODWARD, KAREN LE MOTTEE

LOUGHBOROUGH ELITE FIELD 2 INDOOR MEETING – Took place at Loughborough on 14 February.
Long Jump – SM DAN BRAMBLE 3rd (SB 7.40m) and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021
Shot 7.26kg – SM SCOTT LINCOLN (HCA) 1st (SB 20.06m) and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

BRYGGEN SPORTS INVITATIONAL INDOOR MEETING – Took place at Sportcity on 13 February.
800m – SM KYLE LANGFORD 1st (1:48.96)
800m – SW ELLIE BAKER 1st (Indoor PB 2:02.73) taking .58 of a second off her 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.5 in 2021

LOUGHBOROUGH ELITE INDOOR MEETING – Took place at Loughborough on 13 February.
60m – SM 1.1 DOMINIC ASHWELL U23 3rd (SB 6.81), 2.1 DOMINIC finished 4th (SB 6.81) taking .01 of a second off his 1.1 time, and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021

AACT UNDER 20 AND OPEN OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place at Canberra, Australia on 12-14 February.
Discus 1kg – SW JADE LALLY 1st (54.44m)

IOWA STATE CLASSIC INDOOR MEETING – Took place at Ames, Indiana, USA on 12-13 February.
Shot 7.26kg – A GEORGE EVANS (Arkansas University) 3rd (15.53m)
WT 15.88kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Arkansas University) 10th (16.96m)

ATHLETES SEIZE THE CHANCE TO REACH EUROPEAN STANDARDS – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.
Bryggen Sports Invitational meeting provides the stage for fast times and PBs galore in Manchester. With competition opportunities currently so scarce in the UK, a number of athletes seized on the chance to race – and achieve a European Indoor Championships qualifying time – at the Bryggen Sports Invitational in Manchester on Saturday (February 13).

In the 400m heats which opened proceedings, British indoor champion JESSIE KNIGHT got 2021 off to a winning start as she came from behind to beat Olympian JODIE WILLIAMS in what was a tight battle. KNIGHT clocked (52.65), inside the qualifying standard of (53:00) for next month’s continental showpiece in Torun, Poland, while WILLIAMS – running her first indoor 400m in 12 years – ran (53.24). AMA PIPI won the opening heat in (53.47).

In the women’s 1500m, HOLLY ARCHER and KATIE SNOWDEN both laid down convincing markers as they ran inside the European standard. ARCHER clocked an outright PB of (4:10.03) to take victory just in front of SNOWDEN’S (4:10.43). PIERS COPELAND finished strongly and clocked an indoor 1500m PB of (3:38.55) in the men’s race which was well within the Torun mark of (3:42.00) as ANDY BUTCHART finished second in (3:40.82).

The men’s 800m was won by KYLE LANGFORD outside of the European indoor standard (1:48.00) in (1:48.91). ELLIE BAKER won the women’s race in an indoor PB of (2:02.73) which was also a European qualifier, ahead of LOUISE SHANAHAN’S (2:03.52) and KATIE KIRK’S (2:04.49).

SBH METROPOLITAN LEAGUE STATISTICS – Part 1 All SBH Individual winners all age-groups from 1967.
Firstly, the history of how these documents were produced. In 2010 HOWARD WILLIAMS officially retired after running the Met League from its inception in 1967. On speaking to GAVIN COLLETT he had in his possession around 14 lever arch files with paper copies of every result sheet from 1967. He was going to scan each result for posterity security, I discussed this with GAVIN, and we agreed that I could replicate these on Excel Spreadsheets. Whilst doing this I also produced Spreadsheets solely reflecting the performances of SBH athletes. In 2015 JAN BOWMAN took over the role of the Metropolitan League Administrator, and she wanted some quite radical changes to the documents. I believed it was not warranted and very time consuming. I reluctantly stood down as Metropolitan League Statistician. Over the last 3 months, I have updated the documents with the past 4 year’s results.

Under 11 Boys From 2014-2020 Season
5 wins GIANLEO STUBBS (17/18)
3 wins ARTHUR PHILLIPS (19/20)
1 win SAMUEL GREENSTEIN (15), THOMAS CADWALLADER (19)
The Top 3 are – 1st GIANLEO STUBBS and RUAIRI MCGONAGLE London Heathside (5 wins), 3rd THOMAS DAY Slough (4)

Under 11 Girls From 2014-2020 Season
5 wins POSIE SHAW (19,20)
4 wins MAYAAN RADUS (14/15)
1 win AIMI WEIGHTMAN (14)
The Top 3 are – 1st POSIE SHAW (5 wins), 2nd MAYAAN RADUS (4), 3rd ASMAA ABDULAHI and LYDIA LOUW Hillingdon (3)

Under 13 Boys From 1972-2020 Season
8 wins ERIC KIMANI (78/79/80)
7 wins JAMIE HARPER (12/13/14)
5 wins DAVID BULLOCK (87/88), FINN HARVEY (14/15)
4 wins PAUL RYAN (96/97), SAM HALL (97/98), GIANLEO STUBBS (19/20)
3 wins IAN TRAYNER (72/73), MATTHEW HERRING (85/86), DOUG LEWIS (96/97)
2 wins ANDREW SMITH (75/76), PAUL SIMONS (76), JUAN HACELAS (82), COLIN GODFREY (83/84), GERALD FOX (84), JOE STAINER (05)
1 win PAT BROADERS (72), ROBERT DRAPER (82), MARIO DICESARE (83), CHRISTIAN BARRETT (86), MATT MCLAUGHLIN (08), THOMAS FULTON (13), DYLAN MICHEL (15), LUCA STUBBS (16), ZICO JONES (19)
The Top 3 are – 1st G COPPIN Barking Abbey School (9 wins), 2nd ERIC KIMANI (8), 3rd JAMIE HARPER (7)

Under 13 Girls From 2007-2020 Season
2 wins LIA RADUS (15)
1 win ELENA RONCARATI (16), AIMI WEIGHTMAN (18)
The Top 3 are – 1st ABIGAIL REID Woodford Green (8), 2nd CHARLOTTE BUCKLEY Thames Valley Harriers (7), 3rd AVA WHITE Thames Valley Harriers and R POOLE Woodford Green (5)

Under 15 Boys From 1982-2020 Season
2 wins JAMIE DEE (12,13), JAMIE HARPER (15), MUKHTAR MUSA (18/19), SAMUEL GREENSTEIN (19)
1 win PAUL WHELAN (84), RICHARD GOODMAN (07), MATTHEW MCLAUGHLIN (09), BILLY KELSEY (11), KHALID-ALI AHMED (13)
The Top 3 are – 1st MOHAMED SHARIFALI Hillingdon (4 wins), 2nd D WOOD Woodford Green, PAULOS ASGODOM Ealing, Southall & Middlesex, KAI BOGGON Ealing, Southall & Middlesex and ABDIRAHIM HAMUD Hillingdon (3)

Under 15 Girls From 1994-2020 Season
3 wins FREYA STAPLETON (17/18)
2 wins NATALIE CONNOR (10/11), SOPHIA STAAB (16/17), GRACE INGLES (17/18)
1 win LUCY YATES (05), MOLLY GARDEN (12), LYDIA KYRIACOU (16)
The Top 3 are – 1st GEORGIA BELL Ealing, Southall & Middlesex and M POWELL Woodford Green (8 wins), 3rd LINZI SNOW Woodford Green (6)

Under 17 Men From 1966-2020 Season, From October 1984 Until March 2007 U15 Boys Were Incorporated In The U17 Results And Not Identified
5 wins MICHAEL CALLEGARI (11/12)
2 wins DAVE BEDFORD (67/68), JULIAN GOATER (68/70), PAUL KIRBY (85), WAYNE DART (86/87), GERALD FOX (87/89), ANDREW MURPHY (95/96), RICHARD GOODMAN (08/09), TADHG GRANT (09), LIAM DEE (12)
1 win STEVE BOND (69), ROBIN PEPPER (73), PHILIP LLEWELLYN (79), DAVE SWEENEY (79), ERIC KIMANI (81), MARK STREDWICK (83), LAURENCE FREEMAN (86), PAUL TOOGOOD (87), DAVE TILLBROOK (87), KELVIN BIERTON (91), PAUL MURPHY (96), DOUG LEWIS (99), SAM HALL (02), DAVID RUSSELL (03), DOMINIC EASTER (06), JAKE SHELLEY (07), NIALL FLEMING (09), RICHARD CHARLES (10), PHILLIP CROUT (12), GREG COOKE (14), HAMZA KADIR (16), ELIOT DEE (17), THOMAS PATRICK (17), MUKHTAR MUSA (20)
The Top 3 are – 1st J DAVIES Thames Valley Harriers (6), 2nd MICHAEL CALLEGARI, L BOWRON Ealing, Southall & Middlesex, W BYANSI London Irish, A CORNWALL Woodford Green, S EDWARDS Hillingdon and N HALL Verlea (5)

Under 17 Women From 2007-2020 Season
6 wins FREYA STAPLETON (18/19)
5 wins GABRIELLA KYRIACOU (15/16)
4 wins JOANNA MIRANDA (19/20)
2 wins ALICE KEANE (08/09), 2 wins FREYA LENTON (11/12), 2 win LIA RADUS (17/18)
1 win GEORGIA BELL (11), 1 win LYDIA KYRIACOU (17), 1 win SOPHIA STAAB (17)
The Top 3 are – 1st FREYA STAPLETON (6), 2nd GABRIELLA KYRIACOU (5), 3rd JOANNA MIRANDA (4)

Under 20 Men From 2007-2020 Season
6 wins MICHAEL CALLEGARI (13/14/15)
4 wins THOMAS BUTLER (17/18)
3 wins NIALL FLEMING (09/11), JEREMY DEMPSEY (18/19)
2 wins JAKE SHELLEY (08)
1 win RICHARD GOODMAN (10), WILLIAM RYLE-HODGES (12), PHILLIP CROUT (13), BEN ROCHFORD (13), LIAM DEE (13), JAMIE DEE (16), JAMIE PHILPOTT (17), GEORGE GROOM (19)
The Top 3 are – 1st MICHAEL CALLEGARI (6), 2nd THOMAS BUTLER and SEYFU JAMAAL London Heathside (4)

Under 20 Women From 2007-2020 Season
3 wins GEORGIA BELL (11/12), MELISSA COURTNEY (11/12)
2 wins SOPHIE CONNOR (10)
1 win ALICE KEANE (10), CHARLOTTE JOHNSTON (17), GABRIELLA KYRIACOU (17)
The Top 3 are – 1st HANNAH VINER Highgate Harriers (13), 2nd LOTTIE ROWEDDER Herts Phoenix and ELLA WALDMAN London Heathside (5)

Senior Men From 1966-2020 Season
11 wins RICHARD GOODMAN (10/13/15/16/17/18)
6 wins RICHARD SAMUEL (76/77/78/80/81)
5 wins HUGH STARKEY (70/73/74)
4 wins DAVE BEDFORD (72/77/78)
3 wins MIKE WILLIAMS (87/88), RICHARD WILLIAMS (04/06/07), ORLANDO EDWARDS (08/09), DYLAN EVANS (19/20)
2 wins JULIAN GOATER (78/81), MICHAEL CALLEGARI (14)
1 win GUY MCCALLUM (79), STEVE LOWE (83), DOMINIC BANNISTER (89), IAN CORNFORD (90), KOJO KYEREME (03), NEIL GAMESTER (08), WILLIAM RYLE-HODGES (19)
The Top 3 are – 1st JULIAN GENTRY Newham & Essex Beagles (18), 2nd RICHARD GOODMAN and NELSON HALL Herts Phoenix (11)

Note – You may notice that there are 48 individual winners, and 47 team wins. Because on the 25 February 1978 at Cranford DAVE BEDFORD and RICHARD SAMUEL were judged as a Dead Heat

Senior Women From 1994-2020 Season
11 wins RACHEL FELTON (09/12/13/14/15)
6 wins NAOMI TASHIMOWITZ (15/17/18/19)
4 wins VICTORIA WEBSTER (07/08/12)
2 wins AMY CAMPBELL (08)
1 win LUCY ELIOTT (01), JULIE MACKAY (96), LUCY HOLLICK (96), CAROLINA WEATHERILL (96), JADE WRIGHT (06)
The Top 3 are – 1st RACHEL FELTON (11), 2nd SVENJA ABEL Highgate Harriers (9), 3rd TERESA TOOHY London Irish (7)

Veteran Men From 1966-2020 Season
2 wins PETER STAINER (07/08), TONY JACKSON (07/15)
1 win PETER MOLLOY (89), JULIAN GOATER (93), MIKE WILLIAMS (98), KOJO KYEREME (15)
The Top 3 are – 1st MIKE BARRATT Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (31), 2nd TERRY OSBORNE Verlea (14), 3rd HENDRIK ZIETSMAN Serpentine (10)

Veteran Women From 2000-2020 Season
5 wins JO KENT (15/16/17)
4 wins RACHEL FELTON (14/15)
1 win LUCY ELLIOTT (01), SARAH HEATH (02), ANNE RIDLEY (02)
The Top 3 are – 1st KATHERINE GUNDERSON Woodford Green (13), 2nd A WINGLER Highgate Harriers (8), 3rd L JACKSON Woodford Green (7)

Note – The totals of all winners are correct, but generally prior to 2000, different age-groups ran in the same race, but the results did not identify what age-group each runner was. For example, the Under 13 Boys total of 67 wins is inflated, the only way to establish the correct total, is to review each runner, using his date of birth and the year he ran (Under 13 or Under 15). This is a fairly big task, but if anyone has a few hours to spare, please let me know.

It was only up to recent years that the results published athletes christian names. I have managed to find quite a few on the Power of 10 (athletes profile), if anyone can identify those without a christian name, can they email me please.

SBH MEN AND WOMEN No.1 IN THE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE STATISTICS – Part 1 Continued, based on the results above, Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers is now first in both Men and Women sections of the league.

Starting with our Men, who have to date (220 winners) in the 7 age-groups from 1996 to 2020 – Senior Men (48 wins), Veteran Men (8), Under 20 Men (26), Under 17 Men (48), Under 15 Boys (13), Under 13 Boys (67) and Under 11 Boys (10). The SBH C0ombined total wins for all 7 age-groups is (220). The next 4 Clubs totals are Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (120 wins), Woodford Green (116), Thames Valley Harriers (90) and Hillingdon (80)

Next our Women, who have to date (96 winners) in the 7 age-groups from 1994 to 2020 – Senior Women (38 wins), Veteran Women (7), Under 20 Women (11), Under 17 Women (24), Under 15 Girls (12), Under 13 Girls (4) and Under 11 Girls (10). The SBH C0ombined total wins for all 7 age-groups is (96). The next 4 Clubs totals are Highgate Harriers (87), Woodfor0d Green (86), Thames Valley Harriers (49) and Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (39)

The Combined Totals for our Men and Women is (316 winners). The next 4 Clubs totals are Woodford Green (202), Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (159), Highgate Harriers (153) and Thames Valley Harriers (139)

Link to the 2 Individual and 3 Combined documents – AA Metropolitan League Men’s Individual Winners From 1966 to 2020 – AB Metropolitan League Women’s Individual Winners From 1994 To 2020 – AC Metropolitan League Combined Summary Of The 7 Men’s Age-Group Individual Winners From 1966 To 2020– AD Metropolitan League Combined Summary Of The 7 Women’s Age-Group Individual Winners From 1994 To 2020– AE Metropolitan League Combined Summary Of The Men’ And Women’s Age-Group Individual Winners From 1966 To 2020

ATW CROSS COUNTRY SERIES NEXT RACE – The third race is on Saturday 21 February at Merchant Taylor’s School, Sandy Lodge, Northwood HA6 2HT. The races are for Under 11, 13, 15 & 17s. This is the link for all details including entries – https://activetrainingworld.co.uk/events/atw-cross-country-series-round-3-21st-feb/

UPDATE ON PROPOSED TRACK AND FIELD FIXTURES – National Athletic League dates have been agreed – Sunday 6 June, Sunday 4 July, Sunday 8 August and Saturday 28 August – 4 club divisions – we are in Premier London North with Harrow, Newham and Woodford – Probability that most / all fixtures will be at StoneX Stadium. London Inter Club Challenge dates agreed Saturday 17 April Lee Valley, Saturday 26 June, Saturday 31 July and Saturday 21 August all at StoneX Stadium.

Provisional UK Youth Development League dates are; Sunday 2 May, Sunday 30 May, Sunday 27 June, Saturday/Sunday 4/5 September National Final
Provisional Middlesex Young Athletes League dates are; Sunday 25 April – Finsbury Park, Saturday 15 May – Perivale, Sunday 20 June – Parliament Hill and Sunday 18 July – StoneX Stadium
Provisional Eastern Young Athletes League dates are; Sunday 13 June, Sunday 4 July, Sunday 18 July, Sunday 1 August and Final Sunday 12 September (venues to be confirmed).
The SCVAC Veterans League dates are still to be announced.

2021 LEE VALLEY INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEETINGS – Currently Lee Valley is closed and awaiting an update.

2021 INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEETINGS – During the first week of January UK Athletics issued a Preliminary list of fixtures for 2021, this is the list – 2021-Fixtures-Calender-15.01.21

Non Lee Valley fixtures – February 27-28 England Athletics U15/U17 Open Meeting (Sheffield) – March 19-21 World Championships (Nanjing, China), 24-28 European Masters Championships (Braga, Portugal) – April 6-12 World Masters Championships (Edmonton, Canada). On the UKA fixture list they show various regional Indoor fixtures for Scotland, Wales Etc. Recently Cancelled – February 6-7 England Athletics U18/Elite Open Meeting (Sheffield), 20-21 British Athletics Championships (Glasgow).

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Use of this area has been prohibited whilst London is subject to National Lockdown, with the NHS now using this facility as a Covid-19 vaccination centre for a period of 4 to 12 months.

UPDATE ON SBH FIXTURE CARD – We are in the process of finalising the 2021 Summer Fixture Card

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 11 February 2021

Posted on 11/02/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 11 February January Vanessa Ansuaa, Lucy Campos, Eva Chalisey, Natalie Connor, Davies-Pughe, Sophia Dempsey, Vera Doudko, Alexander Edu, Rebecca Jeggo, Tara Kafke, Rufus Kent, Mya Mairs-Ingram, Angus McInroy, Dalton McGuigan, Nadia Potter, Antoine Rey, Natan Rubeck and Morgan Webster

Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.

PHILLIP RICHARDSON – Last week I mentioned PHILLIP, who this year will have been a member of SBH, 61 years. I gave him a call over the weekend, which brought back my early days at Shaftesbury (I am a Junior, 37 years with the club). PHILLIP sent me these recollections.

In finding myself ranked 6th in the current all-timers membership list, causes me to think of where it all began. I had no idea until many years later that at my school William Ellis, were BRYAN SMITH and GEOFF MORPHITIS. It was DAVE HOWE, a year ahead who got me to join Shaftesbury, and later honoured me to be best man at his wedding to JANET ATKINSON. Although William Ellis was by name a rugby school, and with Parliament Hill on our doorstep, running on the Heath and away from an oval ball as quickly as possible was the best for the both of us. I had previously been caught by RON LAMBERT on Parliament Hill Track to join Wigmore Harriers. I found however that they ignored me. I then tried to join Highgate Harriers and got no further. So, I joined Shaftesbury Harriers and immediately HAROLD ASHTON said “OK for Saturday—yes” and he walked away I had no chance to reply I never then looked back. The moral is: Our officials are like the NHS, the greatest and without them we have nothing.

I met RON many decades later when he appeared to my surprise as a marshal in the car park of St Judes Church, Hampstead Garden Suburb at their annual Proms Festival. He still wore his smart black blazer proudly displaying his gold Middlesex AAA officials badge. I decided not to bring up my Wigmore Harriers snub and was rewarded with an excellent parking space.

My fondest early memories competing for SBH in the News of the World London to Brighton Relay of which Shaftesbury managed to keep just within the top 20 clubs eligible each year. I did Leg 11 and had the dubious treat to watch BRUCE TULLOH hand over to MARTIN HYMAN. It was some time after, that I began my 4-mile leg to hand over to TONY SUNDERLAND and believed that if anyone in the club could catch MARTIN it was TONY. I was met at the finish by JIM CUNNINGHAM who held the club record for my leg. He was so pleased to have his record still intact that I almost finished up in A&E with broken ribs. I vowed on that day never to beat any of his times.

The pre-race ritual of collecting snow in the tin baths to heat up the caldron at Brook Farm Cross Country headquarters was an experience. Tell me we have moved on!. This however was particularly irksome as it usually ended all for the young, and precocious DAVE BEDFORD to have first dip.

Another high was for GERRY ELMORE and I to hold the first one lap record for the then Copthall Stadium. They had just finished laying the track that day and we bunked over the fence in the dark.

I am still living around the Heath and still running past Parliament Hill track and can`t help thinking how fortunate I have been to have joined Shaftesbury/Barnet and then looking down to realise that I have been through a cinder and two tartan track surfaces in my lifetime. Surely I haven’t done that amount of training.

DAVE BEDFORD recalls meeting PHILLIP on the heath for their weekly efforts, and when JOHN DRYDEN lived locally he would also join them.

METROPOLITAN LEAGUE STATISTICS – Firstly, the history of how these statistics/documents were produced. In 2010 HOWARD WILLIAMS officially retired after running the Met League from its inception in 1967. On speaking to GAVIN COLLETT he had in his possession around 14 lever arch files with paper copies of every result sheet from 1967. He was going to scan every one for security, I discussed with GAVIN that I could replicate these on Excel Spreadsheets, whilst doing this I also Spreadsheets solely for SBH athletes. In 2015 JAN BOWMAN took over the role of the Metropolitan League Administrator, and she wanted some quite radical changes to the documents. I believed it was not warranted and very time consuming. I reluctantly stood down as Metropolitan League Statistician.

Since the start of the year I have started to update the documents, with the past 4 year’s results. In next weeks Newsletter I will publish the following, Part 1 will include all SBH Individual winner by age-groups from 1966.

INDOOR MEETING HAUTE-DE-FRANCE-PAS-DE-CALAIS – Took place at Levin, France on 9 February.
800m – SM B KYLE LANGFORD 7th (SB 1:43.38) and is ranked UK No.6 in 2021

AMERICAN TRACK LEAGUE 3 INDOOR MEETING – Took place at Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA on 7 February.
200m – SW H1 LINA NEILSEN 2nd (SB 24.28) and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021
400m – SW H1 LINA NEILSEN 4th (53.85)

ARKANSAS QUALIFIER INDOOR MEETING – Took place at Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA on 5 February.
Shot 7.26kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Arkansas University) 6th (15.92m)
WT 15.88kg – SM GEORGE EVANS (Arkansas University) 5th (17.35m)

4J STUDIOS SCOTTISH ATHLETICS INDOOR MEETING – Took place at Emirates Arena, Glasgow on Saturday 30 January.
60m – SX KRISHAWN AIKEN 1st (PB 6.90) taking .07 of a second off his 30 January time, and is ranked UK No.6 in 2021
400m – SX KRISHAWN AIKEN 1st (48.42)

METROPOLITAN LEAGUE 2019-2020 ROUNDUP – Well it is almost 1 year since the final
ATW CROSS COUNTRY SERIES NEXT RACE – The third race is on Saturday 21 February at Merchant Taylor’s School, Sandy Lodge, Northwood HA6 2HT. The races are for Under 11, 13, 15 & 17s. This is the link for all details including entries – https://activetrainingworld.co.uk/events/atw-cross-country-series-round-3-21st-feb/

ASK THE PHYSIO – SHIN SPLINTS – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

PAUL HOBROUGH of IchatPhysio takes a look at how to treat what can be a painful leg problem. The title of shin splints is not actually using a correct medical term. Shin splints fall into a category of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). Wherever we see an injury being classified as a ‘syndrome’ we fall into a knowledge black hole, whereby we cannot be sure of a single symptom, rather a collection of signs and symptoms that can correlate to a certain injury. It means that a whole host of complaints can in fact be diagnosed as medial tibial stress syndrome. “(MTSS) is an overuse injury or repetitive-stress injury of the shin area. Various stress reactions of the tibia and surrounding musculature occur when the body is unable to heal properly in response to repetitive muscle contractions and tibial strain” – www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Shin splints (as we will continue to call them) are often caused by an increase in load on the lower limbs – and running has an uncanny ability to provide this increased load. Doing too much too soon in training is a major factor and, frankly, it’s the reason why I see so many marathon runners with this compliant six to eight weeks into their new training programmes. It’s not the only culprit, however.

Other factors are: Running downhill too much – Worn out trainers – Some say running on hard surfaces (see ‘worn out trainers’ and ‘increase training’ before this, however) – Past history of ankle, shin injuries – Biomechanics

The actual problem occurs within the muscle and inflammation of the fibrous tissue that surrounds the tibia and fibula (the two long bones in the lower leg) called the ‘periostitis’. There is a link to stress response and stress fracture in the tibia – many think that shin splints could be a precursor to this more serious bone issue.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE – Shin splints produce a pain in the lower third of the medial (central) shin bone. This initially seems to occur just as you start or finish a run, however progress is swift and you can be plagued by the sensation almost all the time within a very short time period.

UPHILL OPTION – When you consider that downhill running is probably the worst thing you can do, then one trick is to take to the treadmill and put the machine on a five per cent incline and run consistently uphill. This has, on many occasions, allowed someone with mild shin splints to continue running while they do their rehabilitation. There is also the option to buy an off-the-shelf insole for running which may just lift the inner edge of the heel and medial longitudinal arch up and give the tibialis posterior (the key stabilising muscle of the lower leg) a little break from being overworked. These can be used for a couple of months and either taken out once you have more strength or exchanged for a properly fitted pair of bespoke insoles if you feel you need to keep them longer term.

WHAT CAN BE DONE – The sooner you seek help the better with shin splints. The longer you keep trying to run through it, the worse things are going to get and therefore the longer you will be with a physio and in rehabilitation. If you look at the reasons for the injury outlined previously, you will see that simply googling exercises to do is potentially foolhardy, as a trained expert needs to work through the issues that have led to the injury and help you work through the process to eliminating the cause, as well as providing the right treatment for you to recover. I see a large number of athletes via the ichatphysio app for this and it is easy to work through the issues on a zoom call and provide the very best exercises for the fastest result. There some key exercises you can do, but first make sure you are certain of the cause before entering into just following these.

Toe raises – Stand with your back to a wall, feet about one foot forwards of the wall. Lift the toes up and down metronomically for 20 repetitions x 3.

Tibialis posterior strength – Sit on a chair and cross one foot over the other thigh. Wrap a resistance band around the involved foot and place your other foot on the band on the floor to create resistance. Raise your foot upwards (arch first) and slowly lower down. 3 x 20 reps. Perform calf raises while holding a tennis ball between the backs of your ankles. As you rise up, squeeze to keep the ball in the place. Do this 4 x 15-20 reps.

All of these exercises can be done daily to either prevent shin splints or help with recovery from the injury.

UPDATE ON PROPOSED TRACK AND FIELD FIXTURES – National Athletic League dates have been agreed – Sunday 6 June, Sunday 4 July, Sunday 8 August and Saturday 28 August – 4 club divisions – we are in Premier London North with Harrow, Newham and Woodford – Probability that most / all fixtures will be at StoneX Stadium. London Inter Club Challenge dates agreed Saturday 17 April Lee Valley, Saturday 26 June, Saturday 31 July and Saturday 21 August all at StoneX Stadium.

Provisional UK Youth Development League dates are; Sunday 2 May, Sunday 30 May, Sunday 27 June, Saturday/Sunday 4/5 September National Final
Provisional Middlesex Young Athletes League dates are; Sunday 25 April – Finsbury Park, Saturday 15 May – Perivale, Sunday 20 June – Parliament Hill and Sunday 18 July – StoneX Stadium
Provisional Eastern Young Athletes League dates are; Sunday 13 June, Sunday 4 July, Sunday 18 July, Sunday 1 August and Final Sunday 12 September (venues to be confirmed).
The SCVAC Veterans League dates are still to be announced.

2021 LEE VALLEY INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEETINGS – Currently Lee Valley is closed and awaiting an update.

2021 INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEETINGS – During the first week of January UK Athletics issued a Preliminary list of fixtures for 2021, this is the list – 2021-Fixtures-Calender-15.01.21

Recently Cancelled – February 6-7 England Athletics U18/Elite Open Meeting (Sheffield), 20-21 British Athletics Championships (Glasgow)

UPDATE ON SBH FIXTURE CARD – We are in the process of finalising the 2021 Summer Fixture Card

SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently Suspended.

PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Currently Suspended

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.

ALAN WELLER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 4 February 2021

Posted on 03/02/202103/03/2022 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from this Thursday 4 February January to Emma Ania, Philip Cunningham, Zamaan Dudhia, Carole Harris, Matti Harris, Chinwe Iwunze, Alexander Lepretre, Michael Ohioze, Maria Onisiforou, Daniel Onochie-Williams, Rohan Oyewele, Rachel Pearlman, Glen Quayle, Daniel Seechan, Louisa Staab, John Sean Tarrant, Maisie Taylor and Daniel Watson-Brown

GOOGLE MEET – A big thank you to JENNY POLL, who currently uses it with her schoolchildren. After an excellent tutorial, I arranged trial with GEOFF MORPHITIS, which was very successful. He was able to view my laptop screen, which enabled me to demonstrate to him how the SBH website works.

THE YEARS ROLL BY – Currently our membership stands at – 589 Men and 287 Women. This year on the Men’s list 130 will have been with the Club 10 years or more, and on the Women’s list 53 will have been with the Club 10 years or more.

The Top 10 Men in how many years with the club – TONY SUNDERLAND and BRYAN SMITH (67 Years), KEN TOLLADY (66), ROGER SIMONS (63), GERRY ELMORE (62), PHILIP RICHARDSON (61), DAVE BEDFORD and GEOFFREY MORPHITIS (57), TONY PACKHAM and HUGH RICHARDS (56).

The Top 10 Women in how many years with the club – PADDY HICKS (73 Years), BRENDA ATKINSON (70), JOYCE SMITH (67), LINDA ELMORE (61), DIAN TAYLOR (60), MARGARET BEACHAM (56), CAROLE BACKHOUSE (53), COLETTE HURLEY (42), IRENE PEATY MILLER (41), NEELAM KADERBHOY (38).

PHIL CUNNINGHAM RESPONSE – You included a bit about STUART MOORE in the last weekly newsletter. By coincidence, ROB from Barnet AC sent me a picture of STUART from Facebook.
He said it was from the Middlesex at Trent Park back in January 1979 in which STUART finished 5th in the Junior race behind CLIFF BARLEY who was 2nd. It was stated that the picture was taken by our very own KEN TOLLADY!

I asked him to see if he could dig out the results.

And by coincidence (OK probably due to the same facebook post), ANDREW SMITH called for a catch up and mentioned that I had a great run in the County that year too, 5th place in the Youths race (bottom of the age group) behind some top runners and in front of the likes of NEIL OVINGTON 6th and our own great DAVE SWEENEY 7th! But can’t see big RAY POWELL in the results! In the Boys race PAUL SIMONS came second and DAVE PHOMBEAH in third!

The 2 major cross country championships of 1979 were the Southern and National.

The Southern took place at Parliament Hill on 10 February. The Boys started us off well by taking 2nd place in the team placings, PAUL SIMONS 9th, DAVE PHOMBEAH 16th and OWEN HENDER 34th. The Youths were 5th with PHILLIP LLEWELLYN 10th, DAVE SWEENEY 32nd, PHILIP CUNNINGHAM 37th and ANDREW SMITH 47th. The Juniors were 9th, JAMES ESPIR finished 7th after falling over at a ditch on the second lap when in the lead, STUART MOORE 56th, DAVE THOMSON 70th and ANDREW BEATTIE 99th. DAVID and PHILLIP LIGHTOWLER running for their school finished 57th and 61st respectively, currently they for a hardship judge before they can join us as 1st claim members. The Seniors were 2nd for the fourth year running, with PETER BAKER 19th, RICHARD SAMUEL 24th, JOHN PICKFORD 36th, MARTIN MCEVILLY 43rd, JOHN DRYDEN 65th and HUGH STARKEY 66th.

The National took place at Luton on 3 March. This year 1555 athletes finished in the Senior race, 482 in the Junior and 569 in the Youths. When considering these numbers and that only 12 clubs in the South managed to finish 3 teams our performance was truly magnificent. Of these Clubs, only ourselves and Birchfield are National Track and Field League clubs, also it was Birchfield and Shaftesbury who also reached the final of the National Young Athletes League.
Coming back to the Cross Country Championships our finishers were – Seniors JULIAN GOATER 5th, PETER BAKER 21st, HUGH STARKEY 97th, MARTIN MCEVILLY 153rd, JOHN DRYDEN 161st, JOHN BROE 223rd, SIMON KEENE 404th and HUGH RICHARDS 414th. Photograph Left to Right NICK ROSE, BERNIE FORD, MICK MCLEOD, BARRY SMITH and JULIAN GOATER.

The Junior team was JAMES ESPIR 52nd, STUART MOORE 137th, ANDY KING 148th, DAVE THOMSON 172nd, ANDREW BEATTIE 331st and CHRIS ARMITAGE 440th. The Youths were PHILLIP LLEWELLYN 15th, DAVE SWEENEY 50th, PHILIP CUNNINGHAM 58th, ANDREW SMITH 272nd. RAY POWELL 394th and KIRTESH TALSANIA 483rd

Footnote – Currently I have paper copies of the Shaftesbury Harriers Quarterly Magazines from 1956 to1959, 1969 to 1993, then the magazines as they were issued. The above Southern and National reports were from April 1979 edition of the Magazine. The Editor of the Magazines up to 1980 was Mr Shaftesbury HAROLD ASHTON, who could make an article or result a pleasure to read. As current Editor of the SBH Weekly Newsletter, I can honestly say I have learnt so much by reading those magazines. I joined the club in 1984 and was an average club road runner (although RAY POWELL mat disagree). The country was a nightmare to me, and especially on the Metropolitan League races, but I always remember at Welwyn, with that hill approaching there was HAROLD, he said “Only 2 laps to go ALAN, so pace yourself”. I managed a wave and smile, and yes he was there on the next lap.

METROPOLITAN LEAGUE 2019-2020 ROUNDUP – Well it is almost 1 year since the final fixture took place on 8 February at Trent Park. The Club had another outstanding season, with outstanding support from all age-groups. Photograph was taken at a muddy Hillingdon House Farm, Uxbridge on 7 December 2019.

These are some of the highlights;
Under 11 Boys concluded the season with ARTHUR PHILLIPS winning his 3rd race in succession after finishing 2nd in the first two fixtures. The team finished in 2nd place overall.
Under 11 Girls saw POSIE SHAW invincibility throughout the season and ended up winning all 5 races. The team finished in 2nd place overall.
Under 13 Boys almost repeated POSIE’S achievement, with GIANLEO STUBBS won the final race after missing the Uxbridge race, giving him 4 wins for the season. The other race at Uxbridge was won by ZICO JONES making it a clean sweep of all 5 races. The team were equally as dominant winning 4 of the 5 races, and 3rd at Uxbridge, meaning they were league winners by a margin of 98 points.
Under 13 Girls It has been an inconsistent season for the girls, and due to various reasons, we were understrength in two of the fixtures. This has been reflected in our final league position of 7th. EVIE REDPATH finished 19th which was her 4th race of the season.
Under 15 Boys and Under 17 Men’s Congratulations to you all on a very successful season in which they averaged 13 runners throughout the season, Individually SAMUEL GREENSTEIN won the 1st and 3rd Under 15 races and finished 2nd in the final two races, in the Under 17 races JUDE MIRANDA finished 2nd in the first 2 races and MUKHTAR MUSA won the 4th race and finished 2nd at Trent Park. The team have not looked back since they finished a close 2nd to Woodford Green & Essex Ladies at Claybury, and become league champions by 105 points.
Under 15 Girls and Under 17 Women’s Congratulations to you all on a very successful season in which they averaged 9 runners throughout the season, Individually JOANNE MIRANDA has won the last 4 races and was 3rd at Claybury to FREYA STAPLETON. The team had an excellent start to the season at Claybury, winning by 22 points, and their success has grown culminating becoming league champions at Trent Park by a margin of 127 points.
Under 20, Senior & Veteran Men’s Overall the season has finished very promisingly, and the last 2 fixtures we averaged 15 runners and we finished the season in 9th place overall. Our Veterans team just held onto their status in Division 2, but again we have not had the 5 to score at most of the fixtures. Individually we have seen the emergence of DYLAN EVANS, who won his 3rd race in succession at Trent Park, THOMAS BUTLER U23 and PHILLIP CROUT have been consistent top 10 finishers, our Under 20 Men had JEREMY DEMPSEY winning at Welwyn after finishing 4th in the race and GEORGE GROOM who was 3rd U20 at Welwyn and 1st at Uxbridge. ROBERT RIGBY won the V55 age-group at Alexandra Palace and was 3rd at Trent Park.
Under 20, Senior & Veteran Women’s It was a season that we managed to finish just below mid-table in 7th place, and with having only 4 runners twice meant that as you need 5 to score you are penalised. Individually NAOMI TASCHIMOWITZ won the first race at Claybury, INDIRA PATEL finished 2nd twice and SOPHIA STAAB was 3rd twice in the Under 20 category. JO KENT finished 1st three times in the V50 category.

Currently in all age-groups up to the Under 17s, all athletes can compete in a maximum of 10 Metropolitan League fixtures for each age-group. The Under 20s have a maximum of 15 Metropolitan League fixtures. Once you are a Senior the world is your oyster, as you will see further on, we have 4 old timers who have completed over 100 races. There are some exceptions, the Under 13 ran with the Under 11s but they were not identified as Under 11s until 2014. I will produce a separate schedule for the Under 13s pre & post 2014.

Here are the Top 3 showing total races completed up to the 2019-2020 season;
Under 11 Boys – THOMAS CADWALLADER (9 races), ARTHUR PHILLIPS (8), SAMUEL GREENSTEIN (7)
Under 11 Girls – POSIA SHAW (10 races), EVIE REDPATH (8), OLIVE ARVEY-DEW (7)
Under 13 Boys – PAUL DUKES (14 races), JAMIE HARPER (13), PHILIP CUNNINGHAM (13)
Under 13 Girls – From 2007 MIA GROOM, SCARLETT KENT, ANNA MURPHY (10 races)
Under 15 Boys – THEO BODEN, RUFUS KENT (9 races), MATTHEW MCATEER (8)
Under 15 Girls – EMMA DWAN, LIDIA KYRIACOU, ELENA RONCARATI (9 races)
Under 17 Men – OLIVER GREENSTEIN, BEN KELLY (10 races), JUDE MIRANDA (9)
Under 17 Women – SARAH BUTLER, EMILY HATHAWAY, SOPHIA STAAB (9 races)
Junior Men – PHILLIP CROUT (10 races), MICHAEL CALLEGARI (9), OLIVER GREENSTEIN (8)
Junior Women – SARAH BUTLER, KAYLA MICHEL (8 races), CHARLOTTE JOHNSTON, SOPHIE PROFITT (7)
Senior Men – PHILIP CUNNINGHAM, RAY POWELL (124 races), RUSSELL DEVITT (113), JOHN KELLY (109)
Senior Women – REBEKAH GARDINER (24 races), JO KENT (21), VICTORIA PRITCHARD (20)

JOANNA STONE SHIELD OUTDOOR MEETING – Took place at Nathan, Australia on Saturday 30 January.
Discus 1kg – SW JADE LALLY 2nd (SB 56.79m) and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021

4J STUDIOS SCOTTISH ATHLETICS INDOOR MEETING – Took place at Emirates Arena, Glasgow on Saturday 30 January.
60m – SX KRISHAWN AIKEN 1st (PB 6.97) taking .05 of a second off his 2016 time, and is ranked UK No.5 in 2021
200m – SX KRISHAWN AIKEN 1st (SB 22.1) and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021
400m – SX KRISHAWN AIKEN 1st (SB 48.14) and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021

NIGHT OF 10000m CANCELLED – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

“I’m gutted to announce we’ve made the decision to cancel the 2021 edition of Night of the 10,000m PBs,” said event organiser BEN POCHEE. “The safety of all involved from officials, to athletes and spectators has to be our obvious priority and the nature of our event and our venue facility have been key in this decision. “I feel for everyone who was looking forward to celebrating our 25-lap festival, but please note we will return in 2022, and when we do I have no doubt how much we’ll appreciate the unique atmosphere created by our closely gathered #Lane3BeerNCheer community. “Wishing everyone well during these tough times and we can’t wait to welcome our sport back to Parliament Hill in the near future.”

GOVERNANCE OF OUR SPORT, CHANGES AHEAD – Attached is the signed off circular from the Chairman of the NAL to all member clubs of the NAL. This will be discussed at the clubs next council meeting.

Link to the document – AA L-Governance of Athletics in the UK in 2021 (1)