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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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/

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.

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

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 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