Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 23 January 2025

Posted on 22/01/202525/01/2025 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from Thursday 23 January to Wednesday 29 January –Lily Carroll, Charly Doyon, Emilia Economu, Omar Miah, Michael Nicholls, John Otogade, Chloe Xun and Benjamin Zeffertt

NEW LOOK SBH WEBSITE – Firstly, my thanks to HELEN BETTRIDGE for her recent input into the development of the SBH website. Around two months ago GEOFF MORPHITIS spoke to me about a discussion he had with HELEN on the SBH website.
I therefore contacted HELEN, in which we had a very informative discussion. HELEN’S main views were, that the SBH website was very infomative to existing members, which includes the SBH Weekly Newsletter. But when new viewers and prospective new members look at the website, the ‘Home Page’ is lacking on, who we are, what we can offer, training etc.
This being the case HELEN offered and developed the first 3 new slides with appropiate photographs, and I think you will agree it shows what Shaftesbury offers to future members. The next 2 slides HELEN updated them in the same format, the final 4 slides I updated myself including new photographs.

NEW CLUB RECORD – Congratulations to DAMI ADEKUNLIE who set a New Under 13 Girls Indoor Long Jump Club Record, with a jump of (4.26mi) at the Southern U13/U15/U17 Championships at Lee Valley on 11 January 2025

NEW CLUB RECORD – Congratulations to NOAH VAN DEN BERGH who broke his own Under 15 Boys Indoor Pole Vault Club Record, with a vault of (3.60mi) at the Southern U13/U15/U17 Championships at Lee Valley on 12 January 2025. His previous Indoor record was (3.34mi) at Lee Valley on 1 December 2024

NEW CLUB RECORD – Congratulations to HARLEY HENRY who broke his own Under 17 Men’s Indoor Triple Jump Club Record, with a jump of (14.51mi) at the Southern U13/U15/U17 Championships at Lee Valley on 12 January 2025. His previous Indoor record was (13.15mi) at Lee Valley on 3 March 2024

NEW CLUB RECORD – Congratulations to KOJO KYEREME who set a New Masters Men 50-54 Indoor 3000m Club Record, with a time of (8:41.06i) at the BMC Sheffield Grand Prix at Sheffield on 19 January 2025

SBH AWARDS NIGHT – This is the first time the Cross Country, Track & Field and Road Best Performance Award winners, are being held as a separate event. Normally they were presented following the SBH Annual General meeting.

The awards will be presented on Sunday 2 February at Hendon Rugby club. We hope as many of our award winners can attend, including their guests and parents. The following are the details of the Awards Night. 2024 was another outstanding year for Shaftesbury, with many performances from our Cross Country, Track & Field and Road athletes.

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS
BEST PERFORMANCE TRACK AWARDS 2024 & CROSS COUNTRY AWARDS 2023-24 – MEN

	MEN
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR	ZHARNEL HUGHES
SENIOR TRACK	MARK PEARCE
SENIOR FIELD	NICK PERCY
MASTERS TRACK	KOJO KYEREME
MASTERS FIELD	GABOR KISS
UNDER 23 TRACK	KRISTIAN IMROTH
UNDER 23 FIELD	JAMI SCHLUETER / KIMANI JACK
JUNIOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR	HENRY DOVER
UNDER 20 TRACK	TEDDY WILSON
UNDER 20 FIELD	ANGUS BROWN
UNDER 17 TRACK	JAIAN SAUNDERS
UNDER 17 FIELD	ISAAC VAN DEN BERGH / HARLEY HENRY
UNDER 15 TRACK	JOSHUA NYMAN
UNDER 15 FIELD	RAMSEY GILL / CHU ONONOGBU
UNDER 13 TRACK	DENNYS PASCAL
UNDER 13 FIELD	JAMES TSUI
NAL AWARD	STEVEN GARRETT
YDL (U20) AWARD	RAFI GAYER / JACOB CLEMENT
YDL (U17) AWARD	JAIAN SAUNDERS
EYAL (U17) AWARD	KHYAN MARKLAND
EYAL (U15) AWARD	JOSHUA NYMAN / MILO RYNEHART
EYAL (U13) AWARD	DENNYS PASCAL
SPRINTERS CUP AWARD	JOHN OTUGADE / EBUKA NWOKEJI
HURDLES CUP AWARD	RUBEN HEDMAN
U20 800M CUP AWARD	HENRY DOVER
DISTANCE RUNNER OF THE YEAR	CHARLES HICKS
LONG DISTANCE ROAD RUNNER	LIAM DEE
MASTERS DISTANCE RUNNER	GARY PELOSI
SERVICES TO THE CLUB	DAVE BRADLEY
COACH OF THE YEAR	ANNA HIGSON / JACQUI AGYEPONG
OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR	GERALD ALTERMAN
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS U11	DENNYS PASCAL
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS U13	EDWARD PASCAL
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS U15	ARTHUR PHILLIPS
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS U17	ADAM O’GORMAN
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS U20	N/A
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS SENIOR	THOMAS BUTLER
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS MASTER	PHILIP CUNNINGHAM
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPION U11	WILLIAM STOCKDALE
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPION U13	EDWARD PASCAL
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPION U15	ARTHUR PHILLIPS
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPION U17	GIANLEO STUBBS
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPION U20	N/A
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMP SENIOR	THOMAS BUTLER (5 MILES)
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMP SENIOR	DYLAN EVANS (9 MILES)
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMP MASTER	JOEL PHILLIPS

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS
BEST PERFORMANCE TRACK AWARDS 2024 & CROSS COUNTRY AWARDS 2023-24 – WOMEN

	WOMEN
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR	ELIZABETH BIRD
SENIOR TRACK	LINA NIELSON
SENIOR FIELD	EVELYN FONTEYNE
MASTERS TRACK	SHEREEN CHARLES
MASTERS FIELD	STACEY GONZALEZ
UNDER 23 TRACK	EMILY NEWNHAM
UNDER 23 FIELD	ALEXANDRA BALTAZAR-HALL
JUNIOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR	RENEE REGIS
UNDER 20 TRACK	MYA MAIRS INGRAM
UNDER 20 FIELD	MANON BAINES
UNDER 17 TRACK	TAMI GEORGE / POSIE SHAW
UNDER 17 FIELD	ELSA SHABANI
UNDER 15 TRACK	HOLLY RYAN
UNDER 15 FIELD	GRACE NYAONGO
UNDER 13 TRACK	ANU JAIYEOLA
UNDER 13 FIELD	ANU JAIYEOLA
NAL AWARD	HAYLEY MCLEAN
YDL (U20) AWARD	AZARIA NWANKWO
YDL (U17) AWARD	TAMI GEORGE
EYAL (U17) AWARD	ADANNA MAZINWOSU/MILLI BRIDGMAN-ATHANASATOS
EYAL (U15) AWARD	HOLLY RYAN / AIMEE PORTER
EYAL (U13) AWARD	SIENNA DARCY / DAMI ADEKUNLE
SPRINTERS CUP AWARD	RENEE REGIS
HURDLES CUP AWARD	JESSICA HUNTER
U20 800M CUP AWARD	MYA MAIRS INGRAM
DISTANCE RUNNER OF THE YEAR	NAOMI TASCHIMOWITZ
LONG DISTANCE ROAD RUNNER	NAOMI TASCHIMOWITZ
MASTERS DISTANCE RUNNER	N/A
SERVICES TO THE CLUB	DAVE BRADLEY
COACH OF THE YEAR	ANNA HIGSON / JACQUI AGYEPONG
OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR	GERALD ALTERMAN
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS U11	GRACE ROONEY
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS U13	AIMEE PORTER
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS U15	POSIE SHAW
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS U17	PHOEBE MUSIC
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS U20	EVIE WINSTON
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS SENIOR	NICOLA PAYNE
CROSS COUNTRY POINTS MASTER	N/A
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPION U11	GRACE ROONEY
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPION U13	AIMEE PORTER
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPION U15	POSIE SHAW
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPION U17	N/A
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPION U20	EVIE WINSTON
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMP SENIOR	N/A
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMP SENIOR	N/A
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMP MASTER	N/A

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS SUBSCRIPTIONS – Our new Club year started on 1 October 2024. The current SBH annual subscription is £85 (following the recent 2024 SBH AGM) and the current England Athletics annual registration from 1 April 2024 is £19. The current total is £104 and should be paid NOW to; ACCOUNT NAME: SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS, BANK: HSBC, ACCOUNT NUMBER: 41308378, SORT CODE: 400426 – Please advise GEOFF MORPHITIS by email (geoffrey.morphitis@capeandd.com) when payment has been made.

RESULTS
Just to clarify, that the results I publish can be different to those that are shown on the Power of 10. The differences relate to seasons and personal best performances. For example in the recent EYAL results, an athlete in the 200m ran (24.1), and on his profile his season’s best was shown as (23.88) indoors. As the 200m indoors and outdoors are totally different type of events, I had shown the (24.1) as a season’s best.
The Power of 10 publishes separate UK rankings for indoor and outdoor performances, I wil record any UK rankings from the 23 January Newsletter.

NORTH WEST LONDON LEAGUE – The fourth fixture of five took place at Hampstead Heath Extension on 18 January.
Still awaiting the results to be published

SENIOR/U20 COMBINED EVENTS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Sheffield on 18-19 January.
Heptathlon – SM CRAIG MONCUR U23 6th (PB 5173 points) adding 41 points to his 2024 total – 60m (PB 7.26i) taking .11 of a second off his 2024 time, 1000m (SB 2:49.23i), 60m Hurdles (8.54i), High Jump (SB 1.78mi), Pole Vault (SB 4.10mi), Long Jump (SB 6.95mi), Shot 7.26kg (13.52mi)

Pentathlon – SW LILY HOLT U23 7th (PB 3713 points) adding 97 points to her 2024 total – 800m (PB 2:22.09i) taking .98 of a second off her 2024 time, 60m Hurdles (PB 9.14i) taking .01 of a second off her 2023 time, High Jump (SB 1.72mi), Long Jump (SB 5.35mi), Shot 4kg (PB 9.57mi) adding 21cm to her 2024 put

BMC SHEFFIELD GRAND PRIX – Took place at Sheffield on 19 January.
3000m – B ISAAC HIRSHMAN CHANDLER 1st (PB 8:05.13i) taking 4.01 seconds off his 2023 time, D KOJO KYEREME V50 6th (PB 8:41.06i) taking 4.01 seconds off his 2023 time, this is a New UK and Club Record taking 8.29 seconds of NIGEL GATES (4:49.37) set in Birmingham on 14 March 2004. The European and World Record is (8:37.73) by JUAN BARRANCO of Spain, set in Ourense, Spain on 26 November 2021

LONDON INDOOR GAMES U20/SENIOR – Took place at Lee Valley on 18-19 January
Awaiting track results to be published
Pole Vault – U20/SW MANON BAINES U 4th equal (3.70mi)
Shot 4kg – U20/SW LYDIA ROGERS 5th (SB 8.28mi)

DARTFORD – YALE – COLUMBIA – Took place at Hanover, New Hampshire, USA on 18 January
200m – SW 4 LARISSA GILES U23 (Yale University) 2nd (SB 26.98i)
60m Hurdles – SW H1 LARISSA GILES U23 (Yale University) 6th (PB 8.14i)

4J STUDIOS SCOTTISH ATHLETICS NATIONAL INDOOR OPEN – Took place at Emirates Arena on 18 January
60m – SX 1 KRISHAWN AIKEN 1st (SB 7.01i) taking .01 of a second off his 5 January time
200m – SX 1 KRISHAWN AIKEN 1st (SB 21.74i) taking .12 of a second off his 5 January time

UW PREVIEW/MILE CITY – Took place at Seattle, Washington, USA on 17-18January
60m – SM H6 JAMI SCHLEUTER (University of Washington) 2nd (PB 7.01i) taking .03 of a second off his 2023 time
Pole Vault – SM JAMI SCHLEUTER (University of Washington) 5th (SB 4.47i)

QUAKER INVITATIONAL – Took place at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA on 17-18January
60m Hurdles – SW H1 LILY PARRIS U23 (Princeton University 2nd Claim) 3rd (SB 8.81i) in the Final LILY finished 5th (SB 8.76i) taking .05 of a second off her H1 time

ARKANSAS INVITATIONAL – Took place at Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA on 17 January
1000m – SM 2 HENRY DOVER U23 (Oklahoma State University) 4th (PB 2:27.20i)

SPOKANE SPORTS SHOWCASE – Took place at Spokane, Washington, USA on 17 January
1000m – SM THOMAS PATRICK (Boise State University) 3rd (PB 2:25.64i)

NEWHAM AND ESSEX BEAGLES INDOOR OPEN MEETING – Took place at Newham on 15 January
60m – SM A04 JUBRIL ADENIJI U23 2nd (PB 7.16i) taking .02 of a second off his 2024 time, B03 JUBRIL ADENIJI U23 4th (PB 7.15i) taking .01 of a second off his A04 time

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.

PARKRUNS MILESTONE VESTS – You can purchase these from 50 to 500, this is the link – https://shop.parkrun.com/collections/milestone-run-walk-vests

PARKRUNS IN THE UK – Last Saturday at parkruns in the UK, there were…
1,247 events – 227,810 walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers – 13,786 first timers – 26,753 PBs

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Aldenham on 18 January
PAUL LEWIS V50 1st (21.21) this was his 244th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Canons Park on 18 January
JOSHUA FISHER U20 1st (PB 16.24) this was his 14th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Cassiobury on 18 January
KEVIN WALDEN V40 14th (19.21) this was his 19th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Dover Waterfront on 18 January
CLIFF GOLDING V70 66th (26.43) this was his 181st Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Hackney Marshes on 18 January
BARRY CHISHOLM V65 394th (31.57) this was his 361st Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Houghton Hall on 18 January
JAMES DAVIS U23 24th (23.11) this was his 77th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Oak Hill on 18 January
STUART SINGER V60 78th (24.08) this was his 451st Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Panshanger on 18 January
RUSSELL DEVITT V75 271st (59.53) this was his 332nd Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Priebnitzgrund, Germany on 18 January
AMY REBECCA FRY V40 1st (PB 19.07) this was her 18th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Princes, Liverpool on 18 January
DYLAN MICHEL U23 8th (18.51) this was his 52nd Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Pymmes on 18 January
SCARLETT KENT U23 11th (PB 20.39) this was her 79th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the St Albans on 18 January
ROBBIE LIGHTOWLER 317th (35.39) this was his 9th Parkrun

UPCOMING FIXTURES FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS, WHICH COVERS THE PERIOD THURSDAY 23 JANUARY WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH – The SBH 2024-2025 Winter Fixture Card can be found on the SBH website, in which you can Access/Print a copy for future reference. Also the majority of fixtures Information can be found on the SBH Website under the ‘Upcoming Fixtures’ section.

SOUTHERN CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 25 January at Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham (SatNav BR3 1SY).
Start Times – 11.00am U15 Boys (4.5k), 11.20am U13 Girls (3k), 11.35am U13 Boys (3k), 11.50am U15 Girls (4.5k), 12.10pm U17 Men (6k), 12.40pm U20 Women (6k), 13.05pm U17 Women (5k), 13.30pm U20 Men (8k), 14.05pm Senior Women (8k), 14.50pm Senior Men (15k). In the Senior Men’s any athlete has not started his 3rd lap by 50 minutes they are advised they will be unlikely to complete the course in 90 minutes when times will stop being recorded. Start times to be confirmed, as those shown were for the 2022 race.
Entries Closed

WINTER XC POINTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – The Southern Championships is the fifth fixture for the Under 13 and above age-groups in their seventh race series.

SBH WINTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS – The Southern Championship fixture is the club championship race for the Under 13 and 15 Boys, Under 17 Men and 9 Mile Senior Men. Under 13 and 15 Girls, Under 17 and 20 Women, Senior Women and Masters Women 40+

NORTH WEST LONDON LEAGUE – The fourth fixture of five which takes place on Saturday 1 February at Hampstead Heath Extension, Hampstead Way (Satnav NW1 7DY).
Age-Groups U11 to U17.
Timetable – The first race starts at 12.00 noon–
Note: You do not have to be pre-entered, just turn up and run. Will our athletes please see TY HOLDEN who will give you a race number

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE – The fifth fixture of five takes place on Saturday 8 February at Trent Park, Cockfosters Road, Middlesex (SatNav EN4 0JZ).
The following information is from the 2023 race, and will be updated when published.
Race Headquarters – Located just beyond “Go Ape”, on the right-hand side (south) of Lime Avenue.
Refreshments – Unfortunately, the Trent Park café is currently closed. However, refreshments will be available to purchase from a mobile provider which is based close to the café and close to the Start/Finish area. In addition, the Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (Enfield), located at the eastern end of the access road known as Lime Avenue (approx. 600 metres from the Start/Finish area), has a tea shop which is open until 4 pm.
Course Location – The main start/finish area is adjacent to the race HQ, located just beyond “Go Ape”, on the right-hand side (south) of Lime Avenue.
Additional Notes – A Club/Team assembly area has been identified adjacent to the start area. This is in the area to the south of Lime Avanue and close to the pond. Please see map attached. Please note that the area shown hatched in red must be kept clear.
Course Description – Very undulating course on open, rough, lumpy park land. Liable to be soft underfoot throughout. Some exposed tree roots in places, and two small wooden bridges that could be slippery. The course is likely to be very muddy and slippery in places so is not suitable for ordinary trainers. Spikes are strongly recommended for this event
Public Transport – London Underground – Cockfosters station is the northern end of the Piccadilly Line. The station is 300 metres to the south of the Cockfosters Road entrance to Trent Park (approximately 5 minute walk). Turn right out of the station, walk north along Cockfosters Road, past the BP Garage (with M&S). Use of public transport is strongly recommended due to the proximity of the underground station and limited car parking at Trent Park.
Directions From Major Roads – Cockfosters Road (A111) entrance; approximately two miles to the south of Junction 24 of the M25, on the left hand side, or just over half a mile to the north of the junction of the A111 and A110 (Bramley Road), on the right hand side (SatNav EN4 0JZ).
Parking – Parking is available within Trent Park but is likely to be very limited. Given the proximity of Trent Park to Cockfosters underground station, use of public transport is therefore strongly recommended. If you intend to drive, please car-share as much as possible.
The main car parking facility is at the Cockfosters Road entrance to Trent Park. PLEASE NOTE: The private car park close to the Southgate Hockey Centre at the top of Snakes Lane is NOT available. Please do not attempt to park there – you WILL be turned back. Cars must not be parked on any of the roads within Trent Park.
Trent Park closes at sunset, which will be at approximately 17:00. The gate at the Cockfosters Road entrance is usually closed at this time, but drivers must take care to check the closing time which will be shown on the sign inside the main entrance.
Timetable – 12.00 U11 (Over 9) Boys (2km), 12.02 U11 (Over 9) Girls (2km), 12.10 U13 Boys (3km), 12.12 U13 Girls (3km), 12.30 U17 Men and U15 Boys (4km), 12.32 U17 Women and U15 Girls (4km), 12.50 U20, Senior and Veteran Women (8km), 13.30 U20, Senior and Veteran Men (8km).
Please Note: This is the link to all information issued by the organisers, which include the course description and maps –
Note: You do not have to be pre-entered, just turn up and run.
Please collect your race numbers from the respective team managers – SIMON KEENE, JEREMY SOTHCOTT and JO KENT.

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE END OF SEASON PRESENTATION – Please join us after the last race for the end-of-season presentations (and tea and cakes!), which will be held at:11th Southgate Scout Group, 1c Chalk Lane, Cockfosters, Barnet (EN4 9JQ).
Directions – Leave Trent Park by the main Cockfosters Road entrance and turn left down Cockfosters Road back towards the Underground station. Just after the BP Garage (with M&S), turn right down Chalk Lane. The Scout Hut is approximately 50 metres along the road on the left hand side (see map). Please note there is no car parking at this venue.
Please also note that the Scout Hut is quite small so there is limited space available. Polite Request; the Scout Hut has a wooden parquet floor so muddy shoes must be taken off and left at the entrance..

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE RACE NUMBERS – I have been asked to remind you that your race number must be kept by yourselves, and is to be used for all 5 fixtures.

WINTER XC POINTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – The Metropolitan League fixture is the sixth and final fixture for the Under 11 Boys and Girls in their six race series. It is the sixth fixture for the Under 13 and above age-groups in their seven race series.

ENGLAND ATHLETICS U15, U17 AND U20 INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place at the English Institute of Sport, Coleridge Road, Sheffield (Satnav S9 5DA) on Saturday 8 February and Sunday 9 February.
To enter please use this link for information and entries – https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/about?id=25845
Entries Closing Sunday Date 26 January
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

VAC AND EMAC INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR) on Sunday 9 February.
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2025/GBR/emac-vac-indoor/
Entries Closing Date Sunday 2 February – Please be advised that events may be full before the closing date.
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

LEE VALLEY AYO FALOLA DREAM MILE – Takes place at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR) on Wednesday 12 February.
Events are Track 400m, 800m, Mile and Long Jump. For age-groups Under 13 and above.
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2025/GBR/ayofaloladreammile/
Entries Closing Date Tuesday 4 February – Please be advised that events may be full before the closing date.
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

BUCS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place at the English Institute of Sport, Coleridge Road, Sheffield (Satnav S9 5DA) on Friday 14 February to Sunday 16 February.
Entries Closed

ENGLAND MASTERS (INTER AREA) INDOOR CHALLENGE – Takes place at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR) on Sunday 16 February.
Note: Team selection will be via area clubs

LEE VALLEY MIDDLE DISTANCE OPEN MEETING – Takes place at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR) on Wednesday 19 February.
Events are 800m for U13 and above, 1500m for U15 and above.
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2025/GBR/lvacmiddledistance/
Entries Closing Date Sunday 16 February – Please be advised that events may be full before the closing date.
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 22 February at Parliament Hill Fields
Start Times 11.00am 58th U17 Women (5000m), 11.25am 22nd U15 Boys (4000m), 11.45pm 55th U13 Girls (3000m), 12.05pm 79th U17 Men (6000m), 12.30pm 21st U13 Boys (3000m), 12.45pm 59th U15 Girls (4000m), 1.05am 33rd U20 Women (6000m), 1.35pm 92nd Senior Women (8000m), 2.20pm 77th U20 Men (10000m), 3.00pm 137th Senior Men (12000m)
This is the link to the National website, giving information, travel and site map http://www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk/the-national-cross-country-championships/venue/
Entries Closing Date Friday 31 January
Note: You will have to be pre-entered by your Team Manager

UK ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS AND EUROPEAN TRIALS – Takes place at the Utilita Arena, King Edwards Road, Birmingham (Satnav B1 2AA) on Saturday 22 February and Sunday 23 February.
Athletes will be invited to compete In January, deadline to accept your invitation is Sunday 9 February.
Link to apply for tickets – https://www.koobit.com/uk-athletics-indoor-championships-e5431

BRITISH MASTERS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place at the English Institute of Sport, Coleridge Road, Sheffield (Satnav S9 5DA) on Saturday 22 February and Sunday 23 February.
To enter please use this link, entries not open as yet – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2025/GBR/bmaf-itfc/
Entries Closing Date Wednesday 5 February
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

LEE VALLEY MINITHON INDOOR FIXTURES – Is for School years 3 to 7, in which you compete in 3 events from the following – 60m, 200m, 600, 60m Hurdles, High Jump (Year 6 and 7 only), Long Jump, Shot Put and Javelin (Year 6 and 7 only).
The final fixture is on Saturday 22 March.
Link to information guide on the Minithon – Information Guide For Lee Valley Minithon
To enter please use this link – https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/athletics-centre/kids-activities#%20
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

MOUTH-WATERING LINE-UPS AT THE 2025 LONDON MARATHON – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

The 45th edition of the race on April 27 looks set to boast arguably its strongest fields in history.p HUGH BRASHER, chief executive of London Marathon Events, describes the elite fields for the 2025 TCS London Marathon, as the greatest in the history of the event – and it’s difficult to disagree.

The event on April 27 is set to feature all four reigning Olympic and Paralympic champions – SIFAN HASSAN, TAMIRAT TOLA, CATHERINE DEBRUNNER and MARCEL HUG plus defending champions ALEX MUTISO and PERES JEPCHIRCHIR and the owner of the new women’s world record of (2:09:56), RUTH CHEPNGETCH.

Brits racing include EMILE CAIRESS, fresh from his Olympic fourth place last summer, EILISH MCCOLGAN, CHARLOTTE PURDUE, ROSE HARVEY, MAHAMED MAHAMED and PHIL SESEMANN, together with DAVID WEIR and EDEN RAINBOW-COOPER in the wheelchair races. There is also excitement in seeing how Olympic triathlon champion ALEX YEE will fare on his marathon debut. After a week-long period of elite athlete announcements, the organisers have today added TIGIST ASSEFA of Ethiopia, the two-time BMW Berlin Marathon champion and Olympic Games silver medallist, whose personal best of (2:11:53) is the second fastest of all time for women.

What’s more, the race will include JOYCILINE JEPKOSGEI of Kenya, the 2021 London Marathon champion, and ALEMU MEGERTU of Ethiopia, the two-time podium finisher at the London Marathon MADISON DE ROZARIO and winner of the 2024 Valencia Marathon. EPKOSGEIand MEGERTU were third and fourth at the 2024 TCS London Marathon and bring the total of women in the field with PBs under (2:17) to a record-breaking six. There is an exciting marathon debut in the elite men’s race as JACOB KIPLIMO, as the Ugandan joins TOLA, CAIRESS and MUTISO on the start line of his first 26.2-mile race. The 24-year-old is the reigning world cross country champion and has won Olympic and World Championship medals over 10,000m on the track. He is also a double (5000m and 10,000m) Commonwealth champion from Birmingham 2022 and is the second-fastest man in history over the half-marathon distance with (57:31). Also confirmed for the elite men’s race is SABASTIAN SAWE of Kenya, who ran the fifth-fastest time in history when he won the 2024 Valencia Marathon in (2:02:05) on his debut over the 26.2-mile distance; the reigning BMW Berlin Marathon champion, MILKESE MANGESHA of Ethiopia; and TIMOTHY KIPLAGAT of Kenya, who ran (2:02:55) to finish second at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon.

ABDI NAGEEYE from the Netherlands, the reigning TCS New York City Marathon champion, is one of five national marathon record-holders in the men’s field with his PB of (2:04:450 the fastest of a set which also includes Germany’s AMANAL PETROS (2:04:58), Norway’s SONDRE MOEN (2:05:48), Australia’s ANDREW BUCHANAN (2:06:22) and Denmark’s JACOB SOMMER SIMONSEN (2:07:51). Italy’s half marathon record-holder, YEMAN CRIPPA, is also among those heading to London. In the wheelchair categories, MANUELA SCHAR of Switzerland, the three-time London Marathon champion, SUSANNAH SCARONI of the United States, the reigning TCS New York City Marathon champion, and of Australia will all do battle with DEBRUNNER in the women’s race while DANIEL ROMANCHUK of the United States, the reigning TCS New York City Marathon champion, will be challenging HUG and WEIR in the men’s wheelchair race.

HUGH BRASHER, CEO of London Marathon Events, said: “This is quite simply the greatest elite field in the history of the London Marathon. We have all four Paralympic and Olympic marathon champions, not to mention an Olympic triathlon champion in Alex Yee. We are welcoming back all our defending champions and, excitingly, RUTH CHEPNGETICH who produced one of the most outstanding athletic performances of all time when she became the first woman to run inside (2:10) at Chicago last year. “In RUTH, SIFAN HASSAN and TIGIST ASSEFA we have the three fastest women of all time in the field in a thrilling showdown. All three have run inside 2:14 and no marathon in history has ever had a faster line-up. We are always proud when we hear athletes say that the TCS London Marathon is harder to win than the Olympic or Paralympic marathon. The reason they say that is because of the quality of the fields we assemble here in London and this year, our historic 45th edition, is stronger than ever before.”

ELITE MEN – Alexander MUTISO (KEN, Personal best 2:03:11), Sabastian SAWE (KEN, 2:02:05), Timothy KIPLAGAT (KEN, 2:02:55), Milkesa MENGESHA (ETH, 2:03:17), Tamirat TOLA (ETH, 2:03:39), Mohamed ESA (ETH, 2:04:39), Abdi NAGEEYE (NED, 2:04:45), Hillary KIPKOECH (KEN, 2:04:45), Amanal PETROS (GER, 2:04:58), Sondre Nordstad MOEN (NOR, 2:05:48), Yemaneberhan CRIPPA (ITA, 2:06:06), Andrew BUCHANAN (AUS, 2:06:22), Emile CAIRESS (GBR, 2:06:46), Mahamed MAHAMED (GBR, 2:07:05), Brett ROBINSON (AUS, 2:07:31), Jacob Sommer SIMONSEN (DEN, 2:07:51), Philip SESEMANN (GBR, 2:08:02), Adam LIPSCHITZ (RSA, 2:08:54), Jonathan MELLOR (GBR, 2:09:06), Dewi GRIFFITHS (GBR, 2:09:49), Weynay GHEBRESILASIE (GBR, 2:09:50), Jake SMITH (GBR, 2:11:00), Jack RAYNER (AUS, 2:11:06), Marc SCOTT (GBR, 2:11:19), Kevin SALVANO (USA, 2:11:26), Luke CALDWELL (GBR, 2:11:33), Marcelo LAGUERA (MEX, 2:11:54), Dan NASH (GBR, 2:12:59), Andrew HEYES (GBR, 2:13:52), Alexander LEPRETRE (GBR, 2:15:01), David BISHOP (GBR, 2:15:19), Logan SMITH (GBR, 2:15:49), William MYCROFT (GBR, 2:15:54), James HOAD (GBR, 2:16:29), Alex MILNE (GBR, 2:16:30), Chris THOMAS (GBR, 2:16:32), Carl AVERY (GBR, 2:17:01), Sean HOGAN (GBR, 2:17:02), Jacob KIPLIMO (UGA, Debut), Alex YEE (GBR, Debut), Jonathan DAVIES (GBR, Debut), Jacob ALLEN (GBR, Debut), Jack ROWE (GBR, Debut)

ELITE WOMEN – Peres JEPCHIRCHIR (KEN, 2:16:16), Ruth CHEPNGETICH (KEN, 2:09:56), Tigist ASSEFA (ETH, 2:11:53), Sifan HASSAN (NED, 2:13:44), Joyciline JEPKOSGEI (KEN, 2:16:24), Megertu ALEMU (ETH, 2:16:34), Stella CHESANG (UGA, 2:18:26), Haven Hailu DESSE (ETH, 2:19:29), Susanna SULLIVAN (USA, 2:21:56), Charlotte PURDUE (GBR, 2:22:17), Sofiia YAREMCHUK (ITA, 2:23:16), Rose HARVEY (GBR, 2:23:21), Fatima Ezzahra GARDADI (MAR, 2:24:12), Philippa BOWDEN (GBR, 2:25:47), Lucy REID (GBR, 2:26:37), Emily DURGIN (USA, 2:26:46), Molly BOOKMYER (USA, 2:28:52), Louise SMALL (GBR, 2:29:33), Eilish MCCOLGAN (GBR, Debut), Holly ARCHER (GBR, Debut)

ELITE MEN WHEELCHAIR – Marcel HUG (SUI), Rafael BOTELLO JIMENEZ (ESP), Sean FRAME (GBR), Kota HOKINOUE (JPN), Jake LAPPIN (AUS), Simon LAWSON (GBR), Ludwig MALTER (AUT), Michael McCABE (GBR), Patrick MONAHAN (IRL), Hiroki NISHIDA (JPN), Aaron PIKE (USA), Jetze PLAT (NED), Samuel RIZZO (AUS), Daniel ROMANCHUK (USA), Geert SCHIPPER (NED), Jeyna SENBETA (USA), Brian SIEMAN (USA), John Boy SMITH (GBR), Tomoki SUZUKI (JPN), Sho WATANABE (JPN), David WEIR (GBR)

ELITE WOMEN WHEELCHAIR – Catherine DEBRUNNER (SUI), Noemi ALPHONSE (MRI), Christie DAWES (AUS), Madison DE ROZARIO (AUS), Vanessa DE SOUZA (BRA), Patricia EACHUS (SUI), Yen HOANG (USA), Jade JONES-HALL (GBR), Tatyana MCFADDEN (USA), Merle MENJE (GER), Tsubasa NAKAMINE (JPN), Eden RAINBOW-COOPER (GBR), Aline ROCHA (BRA), Susannah SCARONI (USA), Manuela SCHÄR (SUI), Wakako TSUCHIDA (JPN), Michelle WHEELER (USA)

60 YEARS ON: RON CLARKE’S WORLD RECORD-BREAKING YEAR – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Today marks 60 years since the Australian runner broke the 5000m world record. On January 16, 1965, Australian middle-distance legend RON CLARKE made history by breaking his fourth world record. This time, he took down VLADIMIR KUTS long-standing 5000m mark by a fifth of a second with a time of (13:34.8). CLARKE’S time was set on a grass track in Hobart, Tasmania, where he dominated the race from start to finish, almost lapping all of his competitors. At the time, CLARKE was no stranger to the world record books. Already holding the records for the three miles (13:07.6), six miles (27:17.8), and 10,000m (28:15.6) distances, he became the first athlete since Finland’s Taisto Maki (1939-42) to hold all four records simultaneously. The year 1965 would go on to be a ground-breaking year for CLARKE, as he set an astounding 11 world records across eight different distances. Less than three weeks after his triumph in Hobart, CLARKE returned to action in Auckland on February 1, once again improving his own mark with a new time of (13:33.6) at Western Springs Stadium.

By June, CLARKE had travelled to Los Angeles, where he obliterated his 5000m record once again, posting a blistering (13:25.8) at the Compton Invitational. During this race, he also broke another of his own records, running three miles in (13:00.4). But CLARKE’S feats didn’t stop there. In March, he had already established a world record for the 10-mile distance, finishing in (47:12.8). In June of 1965, he travelled to Turku, Finland, where he bettered his 10,000m record with (28:14.0), though it was never officially ratified due to an issue with race authorisation. Nonetheless, he continued to refine his form, lowering his three-mile mark in London in July to 12:52.4 and further improving his six-mile record in Oslo with a (26:47.0) performance, as part of a new 10,000m world record of (27:39.4). He capped off his extraordinary year in Geelong, Australia, where he set both the 20,000m world record with (59:22.8) and the one-hour record, completing an impressive 20,232 metres in that time.

On top of all the world records he broke during his successful career, his achievements also included Olympic 10,000m bronze at the 1964 Games in Tokyo and four Commonwealth medals. After his athletics career CLARKE went on to become mayor of the Gold Coast from 2004 to 2012 and was also awarded the Order of Australia and made an MBE. To celebrate the 60-year anniversary, you can find our coverage of all of RON CLARKE’S records via the Athletics Weekly archive, and look through all of our copies over the years.

ENGLAND ATHLETICS THROWS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER – Just received the December issue from NICK RIDGEON of England Athletics – EA Throws Newsletter December 2024

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS NEW INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT– Many thanks to SEAN SUTHERLAND who undertook a review on the best way forward, following this a decision was made to set up a new account, and SEAN has now set that account up.

To follow our newInstagram account, from your own account, by searching for ‘shaftesbury_barnet’ or by clicking https://www.instagram.com/shaftesbury_barnet/
To Members and Parents, if you wish for any photographs to be posted on Instagram, please email them to sbh.instagram@outlook.com If you can at the same time give details on when and where the photographs was taken, plus any other comments.
Please feel free to post photographs of any special occasion, for example, your wedding day, an addition to the family.

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS ON INSTAGRAM – Since the account was setup, there has been an amazing amount of Videos and Photographs contributed with many comments. There are 4 posts this week.

The following 4 photographs were taken at the Southern U13/U15/U17 Indoor Championships at Lee Valley on 11-12 January 2025.

DAMI ADEKUNLE – Who won the Under 13 Girls Long Jump title, with a Club Record (4.26mi)

NOAH VAN DEN BERGH U15, ISSAC VAN DEN BERGH U17, THOMAS ROBERTSON U17 and WILLIAM SYLVESTER U17 – our current Pole Vaulters. NOAH won the Under 15 title with a new Club Record (3.60mi), ISSAC won the Under 17 Silver Medal with a season best (3.80mi), THOMAS won the Under 17 Bronze Medal with a season best (3.70mi) and WILLIAM finished 6th with a personal best (3.45mi)

SIENNA DARCY – Who is on the left, won the Under 13 Girls 800m Silver Medal, with a season best (2:36.14i)

HOLLY RYAN – Won the Under 17 Women’s 200m title, with a personal best (24.77i), HOLLY also finished 7th in the 60m Final with a time of (7.86i)

THE FOLLOWING IS CLUB INFORMATION ON VARIOUS TOPICS

SBH 2024-2025 WINTER FIXTURE CARD – The Updated SBH 2024-2025 Winter Fixture Card and Information Sheet is now available on the SBH Website. Please access these and print a copy for your reference

The Fixture Card has been updated on 14 November, and those changes are as follows – Cross Country – SEAA Inter-County Championships on 7 December, venue is now Croydon – BUCS Championships on 1 February, venue is now Cardiff – CAU Inter Counties on 8 March at Nottingham – English Schools on 15 March at West Sussex – Indoors all at Lee Valley – VAC and EMAC on 9 February – British Masters on 16 February – Middlesex, Hertfordshire and Kent Championships on 15/16 March – Essex and Eatern Championships on 1/2 March.

Link to the Fixture Card and Information Sheet – https://sbharriers.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixture-cards/
Document explaining what is contained on the Fixture Card and Information Sheet – SBH 2024-2025 Winter Fixture Card – Information on Front Sheet, Fixtures And Information Sheet
Any changes/information will be published in the SBH Weekly Newsletter as and when available, this is the link to the current and previous SBH Weekly Newsletter – https://sbharriers.co.uk/news/

SBH 2024-2025 CROSS COUNTRY POINTS RACES – Take place throughout the season, these are races that are available to run.
Under 11 Boys and Girls – All 5 Start Fitness Metropolitan League fixtures, plus Hertfordshire or Middlesex Championships. Best 4 out of 6 results to count.
Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 20, Senior and Masters Men and Women – All 5 Start Fitness Metropolitan League fixtures, plus Southern and National. Best 5 out of 7 results to count.
Link to the updated Men and Women’s points tables, following the 11 January Victoria Park Sports Medicine Metropolitan League – Mens Cross Country Points Tables 2024-2025 Updated 11-01-25 Womens Cross Country Points Tables 2024-2025 Updated 11-01-25

SBH 2024-2025 CROSS COUNTRY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RACES – Take place throughout the season, these are races that are available to run.
Under 11 Boys and Girls – Start Fitness Metropolitan League on 11 January at Welwyn Garden City.
Under 20 Men, 5 Miles Senior Men and Masters Men 40+ – Start Fitness Metropolitan League on 30 November at Uxbridge.
Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, and 9 Miles Senior Men – Southern Championships on 25 January at Beckenham.
Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 20, Senior and Masters 40+ Women – Southern Championships on 25 January at Beckenham.
Link to the updated Men and Women’s Club Championship winners, following the 11 January Victoria Park Sports Medicine Metropolitan League – SBH Cross Country Club Championship Winners 2024-2025 Updated 11-01-25

STONEX STADIUM MEMBERSHIP – To use the StoneX Stadium facilities for training, SBH members are required to pay a fee. You can register as a member (which is free) which then entitles you to a discount. This is the link to the form to apply for membership – SBH StoneX Membership 2024-2025 The entrance fee on the membership form, cover the period 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2025.

GEORGE HARRISON MBE MEMORIAL DOCUMENT – The document has been put together with contributors from LISA WEBB, MARTIN ROCHFORD, NADEEM SHAIKH, RACHEL FELTON, LIAM and JAMIE DEE, JAMES LOVELL, EMILIA ECONOMU, ALAN WELLER, KAREN HARRISON, TIM UNDERHILL, GLEN WATTS, JOANNA WINFIELD, SHAUN CLIFFORD and EUAN MACKENZIE – Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Memorial To George Harrison From Friends And Members 20 April 2023
If you wish to contribute your own memories and/or photographs of GEORGE, please email them to me, either within the email or as a separate attached word document.

CODES OF CONDUCT – SBH have now adopted the UK Athletics (UKA) and the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAF) Codes of Conduct which set out national standards of conduct for all clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers and athletes in the sport. The purpose of the codes are to clarify what behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable, the standards of practice expected and the basis for challenging and improving practice. The Codes are similar to our previous Codes of Conduct which were part of the previous ClubMark scheme. All club member and anyone undertaking a relevant role must agree to abide by the codes of conduct. The Codes of Conduct have now been put onto our Website, please read these to understand the commitments you are making by being a member of SBH.
Link to the Code of Conduct document – Codes Of Conduct Booklet 2021 (1)

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OF INTEREST CAN BE FOUND ON THE SBH WEBSITE BY USING THIS LINK – http://sbharriers.co.uk/
Section ‘About Us’, includes Annual Reports, Best Performance Trophy Awards, Individual And Relay Best Performances By Year, Club Records and SBH All-Time Top 10 T&F Performances.
Section ‘Team Managers And Competitions’, shows details of Track & Field, Cross Country and Road Relays Team Managers.
Section ‘Future Information/Results’, includes Information On Each Fixture, Summer & Winter Fixture Cards, Winter X/C Points Tables and Winter Club Championships Winners.

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS NEW CLUB KIT – They are now available to purchase from our club kit supplier, Supreme Sports – click on the link for the full range – https://www.supreme-sports.co.uk/webshop/schools-and-clubs/shaftesbury-barnet-harriers/
By opening the link, you will be on the front page, which displays the men’s items. Click on SBH LADIES for the women’s items, or click on SBH KIDS for the young athletes’ items.

CLUB HOODIES– With well over eight hundred hoodies already in circulation, this is your opportunity to join the club. The bright red hoody is made to order and has your name embroidered on the front along with the club badge and has the Club name on the back. We now have 2 styles, the original pull over style at £37 + P&P or the new one with a full zip at £40 + P&P.
Here is the link to the Supreme Sports website which if you click on it, will take YOU to the new Club Hoody and allow you to then view the full range of Club kit online – https://www.supreme-sports.co.uk/webshop/schools-and-clubs/shaftesbury-barnet-harriers/

ACCESS TO SBH CLUBHOUSE – The new Keyholders to the outside door are TY HOLDEN, CLYDE GORDON, NEVILLE THOMPSON, GREG THOMPSON, COLIN GODFREY and YAMILLE ALDAMA who all use the Clubhouse outside of normal stadium opening hours. GEOFF MORPHITIS and DAVE BEDFORD will also have a key. All other key fob holders can continue to gain access to the clubhouse via the (New) West Stand Entrance and the Trackside Door to the Clubhouse.
Link to note and details for further information – SBH Club House Door 20-01-23

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.

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

CAN YOU HELP PLEASE – 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.

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 MIDWEEK POLE VAULT CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM – The current arrangements until further notice are that Pole Vault training is on Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 18.30pm to 21.00pm. Please contact the session administrator CLYDE GORDON at clydeg67@hotmail.co.uk in advance and let him know if you are planning to attend.

SBH HIGH JUMPS GROUP AT STONEX STADIUM – High Jump training takes place on Monday’s from 19.00pm to 21.00pm. These sessions will be run by our High Jump Coach GRANT BROWN. There will be a charge of £10 per session.
Please contact the session administrator CLYDE GORDON at clydeg67@hotmail.co.uk in advance and let him know if you are planning to attend

SBH TRAINING AND COACHING – Please see the 2024-2025 Winter Fixture Card, which gives details of Training and Coaching – A SBH Winter 2024-2025 Fixture Card Front Sheet Issued 02-09-24

POLE VAULTERS REQUIRED FOR 2025 – To all athletes young & old – are you aware of the SBH Pole Vault sessions held at StoneX Stadium on Monday & Wednesday evenings from 18.30pm. We have room to coach more of you, why not come along and watch a session and the get involved – give it a try NOW.
Please contact the session administrator CLYDE GORDON at clydeg67@hotmail.co.uk for more details.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Check with your Coach for details of training times.

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 – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

STONEX STADIUM AWARDED TRACKMARK STANDARD – Congratulations on achieving the UK Athletics Quality Assurance Standards for StoneX Stadium. This is the letter from UK Athletics and certificate showing all area that achieved compliance – StoneX Stadium Award Letter 09.11.21 StoneX Stadium Certificate

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBSITE MANAGER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 16 January 2025

Posted on 10/01/202525/01/2025 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from Thursday 16 January to Wednesday 22 January – Alastair Brown, Jolomi Demeyin, Asher Escobar, George Evans, Suraya Frost, Matei Frunze, Matthew Grant, Kristian Imroth, Jade Ive, Lani Jaiyeola, Jo Kent, Azaria Nwanko, Mark Pearce, Aran Patel and Alex Stapleton

Link to Best Performance Award winners for 2024 – SBH Best Preformance Awards 2024

SBH CROSS COUNTRY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS – Congratulations to LUCAS XIE and KEENYAH ADELISE who became Under 11 Boys and Girls Club Champions, following the Metropolitan League fixture at Welwyn Garden City on 11 January.

PARKRUN 450 CLUB – Congratulations to STUART SINGER, who completed his 450th parkrun at Oak Hill last Saturday.

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE – The fourth fixture of five took place at Welwyn Garden City on 11 January.
The following is a comparison between the Uxbridge and Welwyn Garden City results.

The Under 11 Boys finished in 6th place, and overall are now still in 2nd place, 94 points behind Woodford Green & Essex Ladies. Going into the final fixture at Trent Park on 8 February, we need a solid performance from the team, which means the team will finish in 2nd place as Woodford Green & Essex Ladies B team are currently 80 points behind us.
The Under 11 Girls finished in 6th place, which means that overall the team has moved up from 8th to 7th. Therefore at Trent Park we have the opportunity of moving up at least 1 place.
The Under 13 Boys made it four wins out of four, which means at Trent Park we should finish up as league winners.
The Under 13 Girls had an excellent turnout with 3 runners, which meant overall we moved up from 9th to 8th place. Let’s see if we carry that on at Trent Park.
The Under 15 Boys and Under 17 Men finished in 3rd place as at Uxbridge, with 9 runners. Being realistic at Trent Park we will in all probability finish the season in 3rd place.
The Under 15 Girls and Under 17 Women with 3 runners, improved to finish in 7th place. Trent Park should see us in with a chance of improving on our 7th place overall.
The Senior Men showed a marked improvement with 4 runners in the first 20, which meant the team position improved from 8th to 6th place. Overall now we have moved up from 9th to 8th place, and at Trent Park with a few more runners, we can move up possibility another place. .
The Senior Women has been a challenging season, although we finished in 7th place at Welwyn. We are now in 9th place overall, and at Trent Park we should avoid being relegated.
The Veterans Men finished 13th place at Welwyn, maintain our 3tt place overall. This being our 1st season in Division 1 has been challenging. Trent Park should see us avoiding relegation comfortably.

These are our individual top 10 finishers – Under 11 Boys – LUCAS XIE 6th – Under 11 Girls KEENYAH ADELISE 8th – Under 13 Boys DENNYS PASCAL 4th, BEN KASPAR 7th, JENSON DAY 7th – Under 15/U17 Men EUAN PHILLIPS U17 7th, ARTHUR PHILLIPS U17 10th – Under 15/U17 Women POSIE SHAW U17 3rd – Under 20 Men GIANLEO STUBBS 2nd – Senior Men THOMAS BUTLER 5th, JAMIE DEE 9th

Under 11 Boys (1400m) – LUCAS XIE 6th (5.26), ETHAN SLUTKIN 11th (5.35) the winner was Jesse Geller of Woodford Green & Essex Ladies (5.05) 38 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Woodford Green & Essex Ladies A (135 points), 2nd Woodford Green & Essex Ladies B (98), 3rd Herts Phoenix (94), 6th Equal SBH (61) 13 teams finished.
Team Result After 4 Fixtures – 1st Woodford Green & Essex Ladies A (624 points), 2nd SBH A (530), 3rd Woodford Green & Essex Ladies B (450), 18th SBH (27)

Under 11 Girls (1400m) – KEENYAH ADELISE 8th (6.01), ELSIE BETTRIDGE 23rd (6.49), CATHERINE SMITH 26th (6.59) the winner was Sophie Davis of Thames Valley Harriers (5.16) 27 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Woodford Green & Essex Ladies A (82 points), 2nd Barnet & District (46), 3rd Enfield & Haringey (44), 6th SBH (27) 12 teams finished.
Team Result After 4 Fixtures – 1st Woodford Green & Essex Ladies A (421 points), 2nd Thames Valley Harriers (241), 3rd London Heathside (219), 7th SBH A (163), 16th SBH B (6)

Under 13 Boys (3200m) – DENNYS PASCAL 4th (11.36), BEN KASPAR 5th (11.39), JENSON DAY 7th (11.49), HARRISON HENDERSON 12th (11.52) the winner was Joshua Maiden of Herts Phoenix (11.24) 50 runners finished
Team Result – 1st SBH A (176 points), 2nd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (163), 3rd Herts Phoenix (127), 11th SBH B (37) 17 teams finished.
Team Result After 4 Fixtures – 1st SBH A (724 points), 2nd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (660), 3rd Herts Phoenix (563), 12th SBH B (151)

Under 13 Girls (3200m) – GRACE ROONEY 12th (13.25), ABIGAIL ROSS 20th (13.49), LOIS CLARKE 33rd (16.00) the winner was Violet Muralidhar of Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (12.32) 35 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Woodford Green & Essex Ladies A (110 points), 2nd Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (100), 3rd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (88), 6th SBH (43) 15 teams finished.
Team Result After 4 Fixtures – 1st Woodford Green & Essex Ladies A (518 points), 2nd Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (465), 3rd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (416), 8th SBH (232)

Under 15 Boys/Under 17 Men (4200m) – EUAN PHILLIPS U17 8th (14.17 6th U17), ARTHUR PHILLIPS U17 10th (14.27 10th U17), AIDAN MCAVOY U17 20th (14.44 13th U17), MATTHEW MAY U17 32nd (15.27 21st U17), CALEB HILTON U15 46th (15.55 20th U15), EDWARD PASCAL U15 52nd (16.08 24th U15), THOMAS CADWALLADER U17 53rd (16.16 29th U17), SAM CLEMENTS U15 61st (16.53 29th U15), JOSHUA BOWMAN U15 78th (18.14 42nd U15) the U15 winner was Arjuna Pflug of Highgate Harriers (13.40) and the U17 winner was Luke Dunham of Herts Phoenix (13.25) there were 51 U15 runners finished and 38 U17 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Herts Phoenix (324 pints), 2nd Woodford Green & Essex Ladies (313), 3rd SBH A (284), 14th SBH B (144), 25th SBH C (19) 28 teams finished.
Team Result After 4 Fixtures – 1st Woodford Green & Essex Ladies (1422 points), 2nd Herts Phoenix (1402), 3rd SBH A (1314), 14th SBH B (717), 23rd SBH C (144)

Under 15 Girls/Under 17 Women (4200m) – POSIE SHAW U17 3rd (16.35 2nd U17), AMBER JACKSON U15 20th (18.43 12th U15), EDIE WOODINGS U17 27th (19.07 11th U17) the U15 winner was Alya Johnson of Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (16.11) and the U17 winner was Ruby James of Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (16.23) there were 33 U15 runners finished and 16 U17 runners finished.
Team Result – 1st Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (145 points), 2nd Harrow (143), 3rd London Heathside (141), 7th SBH (100) 16 teams finished.
Team Result After 4 Fixtures – 1st London Heathside (721 points), 2nd St Marys Richmond (698), 3rd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (683), 7th SBH (432)

Senior Men (8100m) – THOMAS BUTLER 5th (26.40), JAMIE DEE 9th (27.00), GIANLEO STUBBS U20 10th (27.02 2nd U20), JACK PARSLOW 21st (27.44), GARY PELOSI V40 57th (29.19), DANIEL GREENSTEIN U23 94th (30.39), RAFI GAYER U20 98th (30.53), FINN MACCARTHY U23 119th (31.35), JACOB CLEMENT U20 129th (31.58), JOEL PHILLIPS V45 166th (33.06), ROBERT RIGBY V60 189th (33.44), MARK COTTLE V35 219th (34.27), JONNY SHAW V50 253rd (36.07), DAVID GREENSTEIN V60 285th (37.14), BARRY HAWS V50 336th (40.01), ANDREW PORTER V50 343rd (40.19), PAUL MACCARTHY V55 351st (40.51), TIM UNDERHILL V55 356th (41.12), PHILIP CUNNINGHAM V60 388th (45.44) the winner was Alexander Lepretre of Highgate Harriers (25.38) 401 runners finished.
Team Result – Senior Men Division 1 1st Highgate Harriers A (1932 points), 2nd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (1882), 3rd London Heathside (1607), 6th SBH (1279) 15 teams finished, Veteran Men Division 1 1st London Heathside (455 points), 2nd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (452), 3rd Harrow (373), 13th SBH (163) 15 teams finished.
Team Result After 4 Fixtures – Senior Men Division 1 1st Highgate Harriers A (7584 points), 2nd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (7512), 3rd London Heathside (5978), 8th SBH (3760), Veteran Men Division 1 1st Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (1898 points), 2nd London Heathside (1688), 3rd Serpentine (1461), 13th SBH (724)

Senior Women (8100m) – NICOLA PAYNE 14th (33.18), ELANA DIMMER 30th (34.57) the winner was Khahisa Mhlanga of Herts Phoenix (31.35) 176 runners finished
Team Result – Division 2 1st Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (298 points), 2nd London Heathside (198), 3rd Eton Manor (197), 7th SBH (133) 13 teams finished
Team Result After 4 Fixtures – Division 2 1st Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (1265 points), 2nd London Heathside (997), 3rd Eton Manor (747), 9th SBH (481)

Howard Williams Trophy Juniors – 1st Woodford Green & Essex Ladies (86 points – 14 wins), 2nd London Heathside (73 points – 1 win), 3rd SBH (72 points – 4 wins)

Howard Williams Trophy Seniors – 1st Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (45 points), 2nd Highgate Harriers (43), 3rd London Heathside (43), 12th SBH (21)

Link to the Victoria Park Sports Fitness Metropolitan League results –

THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL PLACINGS FOR ALL AGE-GROUPS, FOLLOWING THE FOURTH METROPOLITAN LEAGUE FIXTURE AT WELWYN GARDEN CITY ON 11 JANUARY. THE BEST 4 OUT OF 5 RESULTS COUNT AFTER THE FIFTH FIXTURE

Link to the individual positions for each age-group, to find your own age-group select it from the column ‘Category’ – https://metleague.run/results/individual-results-2024/

The points allocated per race for each age-group are as follows – Under 11 and 13 Boys and Girls 1st 100 points, 2nd 99, then downwards – Under 15 and 17 Men and Women 1st 200 points, 2nd 199, then downwards – Under 20, Senior and Veteran Men 1st 600 points, 2nd 599, then downwards – Under 20, Senior and Veteran Women 1st 300 points, 2nd 299, then downwards

SBH leading position for each age-group;
Men Under 11 Boys LUCAS XIE 5th (362 points), Under 13 Boys DENNYS PASCAL 2nd (395 points), Under 15 Boys EDWARD PASCAL 14th (610 points), Under 17 Men EUAN PHILLIPS 5th (756 points), Under 20 Men ADAM O’GORMAN 8th (1139 points) in 3 of the 4 races, Senior Men FINN MACCARTHY 13th (2089 points) THOMAS BUTLER 36th (1791) has competed in 3 of the 4 races, Veteran Men V45 JOEL PHILLIPS 7th (2257 points), Veteran Men V50 JONNY SHAW 9th (2022 points), Veteran Men V55 TIM UNDERHILL 11th (1836 points), Veteran Men V60 PHILIP CUNNINGHAM 13th (1650 points)

Women Under 11 Girls KEENYAH ADELISE 7th (277 points), Under 13 Girls SIENNA DARCY 28th (184 points) has competed in 2 of the 4 races, Under 15 Girls AMBER JACKSON 5th (723 points), Under 17 Women PHOEBE KEMP 20th (333 points) has competed in 2 of the 4 races, Senior Women NICOLA PAYNE 24th (826 points) has competed in 3 of the 4 races

Under 11 and 13 Girls positions are not published at present

THESE ARE THE SBH ATHLETES CURRENT CONSECUTIVE RACES, FOLLOWING THE FOURTH METROPOLITAN LEAGUE FIXTURE AT WELWYN GARDEN CITY ON 11 JANUARY

(14) JOEL PHILLIPS V45
(13) PHILIP CUNNINGHAM V55/V60
(12) AIDEN MACAVOY U15/U17, ARTHUR PHILLIPS U15U17
(9) LUCAS XIE U11, HARRISON HENDERSON U11/U13, EDWARD PASCAL U13/U15
(6) BARRY HAWS V50, FINN MACCARTHY U20/U23
(5) AMBER JACKSON U15
(4) KEENYAH ADELISE U11, DENNYS PASCAL U13, SAM CLEMENTS U15, EUAN PHILLIPS U17, JONNY SHAW V50, TIM UNDERHILL V55
(3) ELSIE BETTRIDGE U11, CALEB HILTON U15, THOMAS BUTLER SM, MARK COTTLE V35, PAUL MACARTHY V55, ANDREW PORTER V50, NICOLA PAYNE SW
(2) ETHAN SLUTKIN U11, JENSON DAY U13, MATTHEW MAY U17, JACK PARSLOW SM
The current record for consecutive appearances is held by JOHN KELLY, who completed 28 races between 1985 to 1990.

THESE ARE THE SBH WINTER POINTS FIRST THREE POSITIONS, FOLLOWING THE FOURTH METROPOLITAN LEAGUE FIXTURE AT WELWYN GARDEN CITY ON 11 JANUARY

Men – Under 11 Boys 1st LUCAS XIE (25 points), 2nd DANIYAL JANMOHAMED (20), 3rd ARI RUBENSTEIN (15), Under 13 Boys 1st DENNYS PASCAL (31), 2nd HARRISON HENDERSON and BEN KASPAR (22), Under 15 Boys 1st EDWARD PASCAL (29), 2nd SAM CLEMENTS and CALEB HILTON (24), Under 17 Men 1st EUAN PHILLIPS (28), 2nd ARTHUR PHILLIPS (26), 3rd AIDEN MCAVOY (25), Under 20 Men 1st ADAM O’GORMAN (16), 2nd TOMMY NARVAEZ-WHITE (14), 3rd JACOB CLEMENT (12), Senior Men 1st FINN MACCARTHY (42), 2nd THOMAS BUTLER (36), 3rd MARK COTTLE V35 (26), Masters Men 40-49 1st JOEL PHILLIPS V45 (28), 2nd GARY PELOSI V40 (16), 3rd DANIEL NICHOLS V40 (15), Masters Men 50-59 1st JONNY SHAW V50 (30), 2nd TIM UNDERHILL V55 (23), 3rd BARRY HAWS V50 (20), Masters Men 60-69 1st PHILIP CUNNINGHAM V60 (29), 2nd DAVID GREENSTEIN V60 (15), 3rd ROBERT RIGBY V60 (8)

Women – Under 11 Girls 1st KEENYAH ADELISE (32 points), 2nd ELSIE BETTRIDGE (27), 3rd RUBY KONVISOR (11), Under 13 Girls 1st SIENNA DARCY (16), 2nd GRACE ROONEY (15), 3rd ABIGAIL ROSS 147), Under 15 Girls 1st AMBER JACKSON (31), 2nd OLIVIA ABBOTT (13), 3rd AIMEE PORTER (8), Under 17 Women 1st PHOEBE KEMP (16), 2nd POSIE SHAW (8), 3rd EDIT WOODINGS (7), Senior Women 1st NICOLA PAYNE (24), 2nd ELANA DIMMER (15), 3rd EMILIA ECONOMU (14)

Link to full list of Men and Women points total following the Victoria Park Sports Medicine Metropolitan League fixture at Welwyn Garden City on 11 January – Mens Cross Country Points Tables 2024-2025 Updated 11-01-25 Womens Cross Country Points Tables 2024-2025 Updated 11-01-25

SOUTHERN U13/U15/U17 INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Lee Valley on 11-12 January.
60m – U13B H1 KORE OMIDIJI U13 6th (PB 8.93i), H2 MICHAEL OBIWULU U13 3rd (PB 8.60i) taking .30 of a second off his 2024 time, JAMES TSUI U13 6th (SB 8.97i), H4 SETH SAUNDERS U13 4th (SB 8.82i) in Semi-Final 2 MICHAEL finished 6th (8.67i)
60m – U13G H4 DAMI ADEKUNLE U13 1st (SB 8.68i) taking .22 of a second off her 1 January time, in Semi-Final 2 DAMI finished 3rd (SB 8.60i) taking .08 of a second off her H4 time, in the Final DAMI finished 7th (8.73i)
60m – U15B H6 KAIDEN SIMMONDS U15 1st (PB 7.54i) taking .02 of a second off his 2024 time, LUCAS DAVIS U15 6th (PB 8.42i) taking .08 of a second off his 2024 time, in Semi-Final 2 KAIDEN finished 1st (PB 7.32i) taking .22 of a second off his H6 time, in the Final KAIDEN finished 4th (PB 7.29i) taking .03 of a second off his SF2 time
60m – U15G H2 ALEXANDRA MAI U15 6th (PB 8.87i), H3 ISLA BRASSNET U15 4th (PB 8.43i) taking .42 of a second off her 2024 time, H5 ERYHAH–MONAE QUARTEY U15 1st (SB 8.17i) equalling her 5 January time, H6 ERYHAH OSOBU U15 3rd (PB 8.28i) taking .05 of a second off her 2024 time, H7 KAYIKUNMI OMIDIJI U15 3rd (PB 8.37i) taking .23 of a second off her 2024 time, KAYLA ESCOBAR-REINA U15 8th (PB 9.15i), H10 ANU JAIYEOLA U15 1st (PB 8.09i) taking .13 of a second off her 2024 time, in Semi-Final 1 ANU finished 4th (8.13i), in Semi-Final 3 ERYHAH–MONAE finished 6th (8.29i), ERYHAH finished 8th (8.34i)
60m – U17M H3 KEYLLAN GENTET U17 6th (PB 7.73i) taking .05 of a second off his 2024 time, H4 EESA ADEKUNLE-ALI U17 4th (PB 7.35i) taking .27 of a second off his 2024 time, ASHER ESCOBAR U17 6th (PB 7.57i) taking .05 of a second off his 2024 time, H9 LANI JAIYEOLA U17 2nd (PB 7.48i) taking .34 of a second off his 2024 time, H10 TYLER HOLDEN-AIKHOMU U17 3rd (SB 7.48i) in Semi-Final 2 LANI finished 7th (PB 7.46i) taking .02 of a second off his H9 time, in Semi-Final 3 EESA finished 8th (7.57i)
60m – U17W H3 HOLLY RYAN U17 1st (PB 7.74i) taking .13 of a second off her 1 January time, H7 TIA AKINOLA U17 1st (PB 7.81i), H9 ELLA BUCKLEY U17 5th (PB 8.38i) in Semi-Final 2 TIA finished 2nd (PB 7.78i) taking .03 of a second off her H7 time, in Semi-Final 3 HOLLY finished 3rd (7.86i) in the Final TIA finished 5th (7.79i), HOLLY finished 7th (7.86i)
200m – U15B H1 LUCAS DAVIS U15 5th (SB 27.91i), H5 BEN BAMISAIYE U15 4th (SB 26.65i)
200m – U15G H3 ANU JAIYEOLA U15 1st (PB 26.73i) taking 1.00 seconds off her 202 time, H3 ERYHAH OSOBU U15 3rd (SB 27.91i), H5 KAYIKUNMI OMIDIJI U15 2nd (PB 27.83i) taking 1.08 seconds off her 2024 time, H10 ERYHAH–MONAE QUARTEY U15 1st (SB 27.16i) in Semi-Final 2 KAYIKUNMI finished 5th (PB 27.78i) taking .05 of a second off her H5 time, in Semi-Final 3 ANU finished 1st (PB 26.46i) taking .27 of a second off her H3 time, ERYHAH–MONAE finished 2nd (SB 27.00i) taking .16 of a second off her H10 time, in the Final ANU finished 4th (PB 26.68i) taking 1.00 seconds off her 202 time
200m – U17M H1 TYLER HOLDEN-AIKHOMU U17 2nd (SB 24.19i), H2 KEYLLAN GENTET U17 5th (SB 25.58i), H6 LANI JAIYEOLA U17 4th (SB 23.95i), ASHER ESCOBAR U17 5th (PB 24.49i) taking .74 of a second off his 2024 time, in Semi-Final 1 TYLER finished 4th (24.52i), in Semi-Final 3 LANI finished 5th (SB 23.93i) taking .02 of a second off his H6 time
200m – U17W H2 HOLLY RYAN U17 1st (SB 25.09i) taking .11 of a second off her 1 January time, ELLA BUCKLEY U17 5th (SB 33.65i), in the Semi-Final 1 HOLLY finished 1st (26.28i), In the Final HOLLY won the Gold Medal (PB 24.77i) taking .32 of a second off her H1 time
300m – U15B H2 BEN BAMISAIYE U15 3rd (SB 42.58i) taking .56 of a second off his 1 January time, in the Final BEN finished 5h (SB 42.38i) taking .20 of a second off his H2 time
400m – U17M H4 DIJANI BARNOR U17 2nd (PB 52.99i), in Semi-Final 2 DIJANI finished 2nd (PB 52.73i) taking .26 of a second off his H4 time, DIJANI did not start in the Final
800m – U13G H1 SIENNA DARCY U13 2nd (SB 2:37.15i) taking 6.28 seconds off her 1 January time, KEENYAH ADELISE U13 4th (PB 2:50.32i in the Final SIENNA won the Silver Medal (SB 2:36.14i) taking 1.01 seconds off her H1 time
60m Hurdles – U15G H5 ALEXANDRA MAI U15 6th (PB 11.41i)
60m Hurdles – U17M H2 ASHER ESCOBAR U17 6th (SB 9.38i), H3 SETH RENNIE-RODDY U17 4th (SB 8.56i)
60m Hurdles – U17W H3 SURAYA FROST U17 4th (9.23i)
High Jump – U13B Straight Final JAMES TSUI U13 won the Silver Medal (SB 1.40mi)
Pole Vault – U15B Straight Final NOAH VAN DEN BERGH U15 won the Gold Medal (PB 3.60mi) equalling his 8 September height
Pole Vault – U17M Straight Final ISSAC VAN DEN BERGH U17 won the Silver Medal (SB 3.80mi), THOMAS ROBERTSON U17 won the Bronze Medal (SB 3.70mi), WILLIAM SYLVESTER U17 6th (PB 3.45mi) adding 5cm to his 2024 height
Long Jump – U13B Straight Final JAMES TSUI U13 4th (SB 4.38mi), SETH SAUNDERS U13 8th (PB 3.98mi) adding 18cm to his 2024 jump, KORE OMIDIJI U13 16th (SB 3.36mi)
Long Jump – U13G Straight Final DAMI ADEKUNLE U13 won the Gold Medal (SB 4.26mi)
Long Jump – U15G QB ISLA BRASSNET U15 8th (SB 4.31mi)
Long Jump – U17W QB GRACE NYAONGO U17 4th (SB 5.15mi) in the Final GRACE finished 12th (4.86mi)
Triple Jump – U17M Straight Final HARLEY HENRY U17 won the Gold Medal (PB 14.51mi) adding 1.36m to his 2024 jump
Shot 5kg – U17M Straight Final TOBILOBA AYETAN U17 5th (PB 12.22mi)

LOUGHBOROUGH INDOOR OPEN MEETING – Took place at Loughborough on 11-12 January.
60m – SM A11 GARY SMITH V50 (2nd Claim) 2nd (SB 7.80i)
60m Hurdles – SM A2 GARY SMITH V50 (2nd Claim) 1st (8.72i), A4 CRAIG MONCUR U23 6th (SB 8.53i), B1 GARY finished 1st (8.71i), B5 CRAIG finished 2nd (SB 8.45i) taking .08 of a second off his A4 time
High Jump – SM KIMANI JACK U23 4th (SB 2.10i)
Triple Jump – SX TRINITY O’CONNOR 11th (SB 9.85i)
Shot 4kg – SW ALEXANDRA BALTAZAR-HALL U23 3rd (SB 12.16i)
Shot 7.26kg – SM CRAIG MONCUR U23 3rd (PB 13.61i) adding 23cm to his 2024 put

NORTHERN SENIOR, U20 & U17 INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Loughborough on 11-12 January.
400m – SM H3 ROBERT SHIPLEY (HCA) 1st (SB 49.80i) in the Final ROBERT won the Silver Medal (SB 49.13i) taking .67 of a second off his H3 time
800m – SM H1 ROBERT SHIPLEY (HCA) 1st (SB 2:05.64i) in the Final ROBERT won the Gold Medal (SB 1:55.23i) taking 10.41 seconds off his H1 time

LOUGHBOROUGH INDOOR POLE VAULT MEMORIAL – Took place at Loughborough on 12 January.
Pole Vault – SW MANON BAINES U23 10th (PB 3.75i) adding 4cm to her 2024 height

10K VALENCIA IBERCAJA – Took place at Valencia, Spain on 12 January
LIAM DEE 107th (PB 29.16) taking 20 seconds off his 2024 time

RUNNING2TIME BRUNEL OPEN MEETING – Took place at Uxbridge on 8 January.
60m – SX A8 EMMANUEL IJAOLA U20 3rd (SB 7.86i), B9 EMMANUEL finished 3rd (PB 7.83i) taking .01 of a second off his 2024 time

PARKRUNS MILESTONE VESTS – You can purchase these from 50 to 500, this is the link – https://shop.parkrun.com/collections/milestone-run-walk-vests

PARKRUNS IN THE UK – Last Saturday at parkruns in the UK, there were…
625 events – 138,143 walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers – 5,647 first timers – 13,182 PBs

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Aldenham on 11 January

PAUL LEWIS V50 15th (26.05) this was his 243rd Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Dulwich on 11 January
JOSH CLIFFORD 1st (PB 16.30) this was his 7th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Hackney Marshes on 11 January
BARRY CHISHOLM V65 401st (36.53) this was his 360th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Kesgrave on 11 January
ROSS HAMMOND U20 27th (22.07) this was his 68th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Northala Fields on 11 January
LILY JANMOHAMED U11 32nd (23.08) this was her 29th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Oak Hill on 11 January
BRADLEY SINGER V35 41st (23.58) this was his 303rd Parkrun, STUART SINGER V60 66th (25.04) this was his 450th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Panshanger on 11 January
RUSSELL DEVITT V75 289th (51.25) this was his 331st Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the Southampton on 11 January
ROBBIE LIGHTOWLER 81st (21.23) this was his 8th Parkrun

UPCOMING FIXTURES FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS, WHICH COVERS THE PERIOD THURSDAY 16 JANUARY WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY – The SBH 2024-2025 Winter Fixture Card can be found on the SBH website, in which you can Access/Print a copy for future reference. Also the majority of fixtures Information can be found on the SBH Website under the ‘Upcoming Fixtures’ section.

ENGLAND ATHLETICS U20 AND SENIOR INDOOR COMBINED EVENTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place at the English Institute of Sport, Coleridge Road, Sheffield (Satnav S9 5DA) on Saturday 18 January and Sunday 19 January.
Entries Closed

WINTER XC POINTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – The Southern Championships is the fifth fixture for the Under 13 and above age-groups in their seventh race series.

LEE VALLEY LONDON U13, U15 & U17 INDOOR GAMES – Takes place on Saturday 25 January and Sunday 26 January, at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR).
Events are Saturday U17s only 60m, 200m, 300m, 400m.800m, 60m Hurdles, Pole Vault, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump and Shot – Sunday U13 and U15s only 60m, 200m, 300m, 800m, 60m Hurdles, Pole Vault, High Jump, Long Jump and Shot
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2025/GBR/ligu13u15u17/
Entries Closing Date Thursday 16 January – Please be advised that events may be full before the closing date.
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

SOUTHERN U20 AND SENIOR INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place at Lee Valley Athletics Centre are 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR) on Saturday 1 February and Sunday 2 February
Events Saturday – 60m, 60m Hurdles, Long Jump, Shot.
Events Sunday – 200m, 400m, 800m, High Jump, Triple Jump, Pole Vault.
To enter please use this link – https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/about?id=25932
Entries Closing Date Tuesday 21 January
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE RACE NUMBERS – I have been asked to remind you that your race number must be kept by yourselves, and is to be used for all 5 fixtures.

BUCS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place at the English Institute of Sport, Coleridge Road, Sheffield (Satnav S9 5DA) on Friday 14 February to Sunday 16 February.
To enter please use this link – https://www.bucs.org.uk/events-page/athletics-indoor-championships-2024-25-part-of-bucs-nationals.html
Entries Closing Date Tuesday 21 January
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

LEE VALLEY INDOOR FIXTURES – The following 2 fixtures are now open to enter from 1 October. Please remember to enter as early as possible, to avoid not to be disappointed. London U13, U15 and U17 Indoor Games 25/26 January (Closing Date Thursday 16 January) and Middle Distance Open Meeting 19 February (Closing Date Sunday 16 February)
Link to the final 2 fixture details – Lee Valley 4 Indoor Fixture Fixtures Opening 1 October 2024

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF ATHLETICS WEEKLY – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

We look back on AW’s history as we celebrate 80 years of the publication in 2025. As we step into 2025, AW is celebrating a huge milestone – 80 years since it all started. Back in 1945, JIMMY GREEN had an idea to launch a magazine dedicated to athletics and it has since grown into the iconic publication we know today. It all began with GREEN, a former RAF man, who got the ball rolling from the bedroom of his bungalow in Kent. When he first launched the magazine in December 1945, it was called Athletics, a pocket-sized, 24-page publication. The cover featured long jumper JIM MORRISH and despite the fact that post-war rationing meant no new publications could be launched, GREEN found a way around the rule and told a small white lie. He called the first issue “Vol II No.1” in order to get the project off the ground.

As the now late former AW editor MEL WATMAN wrote, “As his war service in the RAF neared its end and ‘Civvy Street’ beckoned, the 36-year-old JIMMY GREEN wondered about the possibility of creating an athletics magazine. He sought advice and was told unequivocally that such a venture would never pay for itself and he should forget it.” But GREEN ignored the advice and went ahead anyway, determined to bring something new to the world of athletics. The magazine’s mission statement was to “bring all enthusiasts in the athletics world details of recent results, the latest information regarding coming events, club notes and news, results and news from the Colonies and other countries overseas, and articles of interest to the athlete generally”. By the end of 1949, AW had sold around 5000 issues and demand was growing. To meet that demand, GREEN made the leap from monthly to weekly, with Athletics Weekly making its debut on January 7, 1950, priced at sixpence for 16 pages. As v remembers: “To mark the occasion JIMMY doubled the size of the staff by taking on a typist to help him out.”

Fast forward another 75 years and AW has evolved even more. In the autumn of 2020, it shifted back to a monthly format, while still delivering the same mix of event coverage, interviews, training advice, results and stats that readers have come to expect. As we celebrate 80 years of AW in 2025, it’s incredible to think how far the magazine has come from those humble beginnings in JIMMY GREEN’S Kent bungalow.

To celebrate our 80-year anniversary this year, you can find our first ever issue of AW via the Athletics Weekly archive, and look through all of our copies over the years. From the first ever issue in December 1945 through to the present day, current subscribers to our magazine are able to dip into this resource for free whereas non-subscribers can pay just £3.99 per month for full access.

SIFAN HASSAN: “MY CURIOSITY WINS OVER MY FEAR” – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

London Marathon-bound distance runner talks about the psychology behind her multiple medal-winning challenges, the “beauty” of doing difficult things and the lessons the new generation of athletes need to learn. SIFAN HASSAN is human, after all. Just a couple of days before this interview had taken place last month, the woman who created history by winning Olympic 5000m and 10,000m bronze and then marathon gold in Paris had gone for a short run. After a long break and an autumn spent slowing down, catching up with old friends and family, “wasting a lot of time and just feeling a bit lazy”, the 31-year-old was getting back to work. It was an inauspicious start. “I ran 5km and it hurt,” she says. “The pain in my legs when I started running… it hurt a lot.” A wide grin, and a hearty chuckle are never far away when HASSAN is concerned, however. The pleasure she experienced during 2024 from that medal haul clearly outweighs the pain. “I still have a big smile whenever I think about it.” And rightly so. HASSAN became the first athlete since EMILE ZATOPEK in 1952 to win medals in those three events at a single Games, a feat that had followed hot on the heels of her completing the 5000m/10,000m double and winning 1500m bronze at the Tokyo Olympics three years previously.

The woman who has run a total of four marathons so far has suggested that her next big goal will be to tackle that same number of 26.2-mile efforts within the space of a single year and, given the eye-wateringly difficult nature of these challenges, the very fact that she gives herself such enormous workloads would suggest an innate fearlessness and unshakeable confidence. The reality is rather different. HASSAN has spent much of her life feeling the fear and doing it anyway. It was the case in 2008 when the then 15-year-old moved as a refugee from her native Ethiopia to the Netherlands, the country for which she now competes with such distinction. It was the case, too, when she moved to America in 2017 to work with the now disgraced coach ALBERTO SALAZAR at the now defunct Nike Oregon Project (TIM ROWBERRY became her lead coach after SALAZAR’S ban). These were huge leaps to make but they have been life changing.

“When I came to the Netherlands and then decided to go to America, these were the hardest moments, but also beautiful things happened to me because of the challenge,” she says. “I made some decisions that I thought were impossible, but I tried. You know, that’s why I’m not scared of trying. “Things come into my mind. I’m a normal person. I can be scared. I always doubt but, because I have been through so many challenges, even when I’m scared I still try. Whenever I look back, that’s actually the key to me. It was hard but also beautiful.” How difficult was it for the teenage HASSAN, who had grown up in the Ethiopian countryside, to adjust to life in central Europe? Upon her arrival, she moved to a shelter for young asylum seekers but has always kept her counsel on why she left her home country in the first place. “It’s a totally different culture and then you’ve got to make friends, you have to adjust to the way you live, the way you eat, the way people live life, and even the weather,” she says. “[It’s like] I have to live that way. Time makes it better.”

When she moved into a house with other asylum seekers HASSAN told her supervisor she would like to run. She joined an athletics club, where her talent soon became evident. The first honour of her career arrived in 2013 with under-23 gold at the European Cross Country Championships and, by the time the next difficult decision of her life needed to be made, more success had followed. “The hardest moment came when I had to make a decision to move forward, to dream bigger and move to America,” she says. “I was already really good. I was world indoor champion and winning Diamond Leagues and Diamond League finals but then it was: ‘I’m going to go to America. What if that doesn’t work?’ “It made me so scared. ‘What if I don’t do well, what if I go there and it doesn’t work?’ But I’m also somebody who, when I’m into something, I go until the end. I’m not going to give up immediately. “If I go to America and it doesn’t work for one year, two years, I won’t immediately give up. I’m going to try. I don’t lose hope. I imagined myself having nothing, and I was imagining myself also successful so I still made that decision. “It made [my success] beautiful so, when it comes to things like taking on three events in Tokyo and Paris, because those moments [in my life] were so hard it makes those [racing] decisions easy. My curiosity wins over my fear.”

That inquisitiveness has been a key driving force in the decisions HASSAN has taken in her professional career and the multi-faceted Olympic missions she has undertaken. Her next big challenge will be in the London Marathon on April 27 – a distance that HASSAN admits keeps teaching her lessons. Her first attempt came in London in 2023, when an erratic performance that included having to stop and stretch twice ended with her sprinting to victory down The Mall. Later that year came Chicago and a European record of (2:13:44), before a fourth place in Tokyo last year that preceded the extraordinary flying finish in Paris that saw off TIGIST ASSEFA. “I’m crazy curious and I’m also a high risk taker,” adds HASSAN. “I’m learning to go to the fear and being scared but then thinking ‘let’s find out’. I think when you finish [a marathon], the endorphins release the happiness and that’s why it makes people curious. “I’ve run four marathons, all of them different. In London, I was new to it all and in the last 5km I was already celebrating – I didn’t even feel the pain. Then, in Chicago, I was suffering so much in the last three or four kilometres. I was in world record shape but the marathon sucks your energy very slowly so in the closing stages I was hating the marathon and saying: ‘No way am I going to do this to myself.’ I just wanted to sit down. “Tokyo was totally different and Paris was so hard doing the three distances but in the last 200m/300m I didn’t feel the pain. My brain took over my body and I was so empowered. The brain was just telling the body what to do. I felt like someone who had just been sleeping but woke up at that moment.”

“It feels so special to come back to the TCS London Marathon,” says HASSAN. “This is where I ran my very first marathon and began my journey in this incredible distance. London is also where I learned to be patient, to trust myself, and to keep pushing even when it feels impossible. It is a place where I grew, not just as an athlete, but as a person.” Another marathon performance that gained global attention last year was RUTH CHEPNGETICH’S world record-blitzing run of (2:09:56) in Chicago. It was a run that gave the sport a seismic jolt but, rather than be suspicious or frustrated about such a massive jump forward, HASSAN – a former mile and 10,000m world record-holder – insists she felt excited. “It was unbelievable and at that moment my brain couldn’t process it,” she says of CHEPNGETICH’S run. “We already had (2:11), Assefa’s previous record of (2:11:53) and that was also shocking but after I processed it I was really happy that she did it. I don’t care how she did it, how she trained or any of that but she has shown that it’s possible. “Maybe it takes me longer to work hard and to achieve but she has shown me that it is possible. A female can run sub (2:10) and that makes things easy for me. Now, when I train, I’m not wondering if it’s possible or not possible. I’m trying to hit that thing. In my time I want to see how females can go further, to see what is inside me and what I can do. “I don’t want to get to 55 and see a female running amazingly well and be thinking: ‘Oh man, I wish I was back there so I could try’. When FAITH KIPYEGON broke my mile world record people were saying to me: ‘You must be so sad’ but I said: ‘It’s great! She showed me [it can be broken]’. I want to put out what’s inside me so that I don’t have any regrets.”

The role of shoe technology in the pushing of those limits is a talking point that will not go away. The advance of carbon-plated footwear has undoubtedly played its part, but it irks HASSAN that what an athlete is wearing on their feet gets so much of the credit and the attention. In fact, she believes it is affecting the mental resilience of some competitors. “It really annoys me because it doesn’t matter what shoe it is, the athlete still has to work,” she says. “It’s good that we have it and that they have improved the technology, but it’s not [just] the shoe. I have to freaking work hard. “I overtrained before Paris, so if the shoe [is doing all the work] then how the hell can I overtrain? Also, the athlete finishes number one and the athlete that finishes number 20, they wear the same shoes. It annoys me that they always say ‘it’s the technology’.

“JOS [HASSAN’S manager and former athlete JOS HERMENS] used to run (13:21) [for 5000m] in a heavy shoe and [his generation] really had a strong mentality but the new generation don’t [all] have that tough mentality. Now we always believe [a performance is] because of doping, because of the shoes or something else. “We don’t have to point to these other things. [Do it properly] and you will be consistent and every morning you’ll be able to wake up, look in the mirror and be able to say ‘I did this’ and be proud of yourself. “The young generation have to suffer but because of the shoes, when they feel the pain they think ‘I’m not talented’. They go home because they have the wrong idea in their head. I suffer, I throw up, I cry [and the shoes can’t help that].” Speaking to HASSAN is never dull and the same can be said when she races. Just don’t ever assume that getting to that start line has been straightforward.

Factfile – Sifan Hassan, Born: January 1, 1993, Events: 800m/1500m/Mile/3000m/5000m/10,000m/Half Marathon/Marathon, PBs: 1:56.81/3:51.95/4:12.33/8:18.49/14:13.42/29:06.82/65:15/2:13:44

Major Honours: 2024: Olympic marathon gold, 5000m and 10,000m bronze, 2023: World Championships 5000m silver and 1500m bronze, 2021: Olympic 5000m and 10,000m gold, 1500m Bronze, 2019: World Championships 1500m and 10,000m gold, 2018: World Indoor Championships 3000m silver and 1500m bronze; European Championships 5000m gold, 2017: World Championships 5000m bronze, 2016: World Indoor Championships 1500m gold; European Championships 1500m silver, 2015: World Championships 1500m bronze; European Indoor Championships 1500m gold; European Cross Country Championships senior gold, 2014: European Championships 1500m gold and 5000m silver, 2013: European Cross Country Championships U23 gold

ENGLAND ATHLETICS THROWS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER – Just received the December issue from NICK RIDGEON of England Athletics – EA Throws Newsletter December 2024

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS ON INSTAGRAM – Since the account was setup, there has been an amazing amount of Videos and Photographs contributed with many comments. There are 4 posts this week.

First, Invitation to attend sprint training for adults, please view for SEAN SUTHERLAD details

Photograph of COLUMBA BLANGO T20/F20 opened 2025 with a (50.60i) at the Lee Valley New Year’s Day meeting.

Notification of the SBH Awards Night, which is on Sunday 2 February at the Hendon Rugby Club

JOHN OTUGADE started his 2025 season at the BFTTA Indoor Meeting at Lee Valley on 5 January. His outstanding time of (6.60i) was a new Meeting Record, and a personal best, equalling his 2018 time

THE FOLLOWING IS CLUB INFORMATION ON VARIOUS TOPICS

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

SBH TRAINING AND COACHING – Please see the 2024-2025 Winter Fixture Card, which gives details of Training and Coaching – A SBH Winter 2024-2025 Fixture Card Front Sheet Issued 02-09-24

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Check with your Coach for details of training times.

STONEX STADIUM – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBSITE MANAGER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 9 January 2025

Posted on 09/01/202525/01/2025 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from Thursday 9 January to Wednesday 15 January – Oluwatishe Adesanya, Jackie Agyepong, Gemma Bennett, Isla Brassnet, Ronan Brean, Chinera Ezeonwuka, Julian Goater, Mark Goddard, Sarah Heath, Ty Holden, Traydean Hunt, Trayon Hunt, Rebecca Jeggo, Prince-Moses John, Benjamin Klein, Gabriella Kyriacou, Phoenix Lyon, Mittio Mohammadian, Eitan Mor, Stephen Murphy, Jordan Ngige, Stephanie Paparizos, Edward Pascal, Seth Saunders, David Stone, Macie Sutherland, Graham Taylor and Tim Underhill,

SBH COUNTY CROSS COUNTRY WINNERS 2025 – Congratulations to the following winners – Hertfordshire GIANLEO STUBBS Under 20 Men – Middlesex BEN KASPAR Under 13 Boys and SAMUEL GREENSTEIN Under 20 Men

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE – The fourth fixture of five takes place this Saturday 11 January at at Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire (SatNav AL8 6DF).

Link to the organisers fixture information, which included Parking and Course maps – Metropolitan League Race 4 All Information – Stanborough Park Welwyn – 11-01-25

SBH WINTER POINTS WINTER XC POINTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – The Metropolitan League fixture is the fifth fixture for the Under 11 Boys and Girls in their six race series. It is the fourth fixture for the Under 13 and above age-groups in their seven race series.

SBH BEST TRACK AND FIELD PERFORMANCES FROM OCTOBER 2023 UP TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2024 – Firstly I wish to thank CLYDE GORDON for the updated information he issued on the Under 11 Boys to Under 17 Men. The remaining age-groups I have updated myself.

SBH ALL-TIME TRACK AND FIELD TOP 10 UP TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2024 – Firstly I wish to thank CLYDE GORDON for the updated information he issued on the Under 11 Boys to Under 17 Men. The remaining age-groups I have updated myself. Except the following, Under 20, Under 23 and Veteran Men and Women which have never produced. I intend creating these documents using the data on the Power of 10, these documents will be from 2005 up to the end of September 2024.

Men – A SBH Under 11 Boys All Time T&F Top 10 Up To September 2024 C SBH Under 13 Boys All Time T&F Top 10 Up To September 2024 E SBH Under 15 Boys All Time T&F Top 10 Up To September 2024 G SBH Under 17 Men All Time T&F Top 10 Up To September 2024 M SBH Senior Men’s All Time T&F Top 10 Up To September 2024

Women – B SBH Under 11 Girls All Time T&F Top 10 Up To September 2024 D SBH Under 13 Girls All Time T&F Top 10 up To September 2024 F SBH Under 15 Girls All Time T&F Top 10 Up To September 2024 H SBH Under 17 Women All Time T&F Top 10 Up Tp September 2024 N SBH Senior Women’s All Time T&F Top 10 Updated To September 2024

HERTFORDSHIRE AND MIDDLESEX CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Trent Park on 4 January.
Photographs were sent to me from HELEN BETTRIDGE
The results only show the first three teams in each age-group, although in some cases there were less than three teams finishing.

Hertfordshire
Under 11 Boys – No SBH runners, the winner was Harry McDonald of Dacorum (7.20) 29 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Watford Harriers (14 points), 2nd St Albans Striders (31), 3rd Herts Phoenix (34)
Under 11 Girls – No SBH runners, the winner was Chloe Wilson of Watford Harriers (7.59) 12 runners finished
Team Result – 1st St Albans Striders (12 points)
Under 13 Boys – No SBH runners, the winner was James-Dean Docherty of Dacorum (10.28) 18 runners finished
Team Result – 1st St Albans Striders A (12 points), 2nd St Albans Striders B (36)
Under 13 Girls – No SBH runners, the winner was Anya Rochester of Watford Harriers (11.27) 19 runners finished
Team Result – 1st St Albans Striders A (9 points), 2nd St Albans Striders B (20), 3rd Watford Harriers (22)
Under 15 Boys – No SBH runners, the winner was Teddy Murphy of Dacorum (13.11) 19 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Dacorum (10 points), 2nd Herts Phoenix (20), 3rd Watford Harriers (33)
Under 15 Girls – No SBH runners, the winner was Eimar McGinley of Watford Harriers (16.07) 9 runners finished
Team Result – 1st St Albans Striders (11 points), 2nd Stevenage & North Herts (18)
Under 17 Men – MATTHEW MAY 10th (21.36), the winner was Luke Dunham of Herts Phoenix (18.44) 16 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Herts Phoenix (6 points), 2nd St Albans Striders A (18), 3rd St Albans Striders B (37)
Under 17 Women – No SBH runners, the winner was Lily Johnson of Dacorum (22.18) 13 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Dacorum (18 points), 2nd St Albans Striders A (22), 3rd St Albans Striders B (34)
Under 20 Men – GIANLEO STUBBS won the Gold Medal (24.32), TOMMY NARVAEZ-WHITE 5th (25.57), 10 runners finished
Team Result – 1st St Albans Striders (11 points)
Under 20 Women – No SBH runners, the winner was Antonia Jubb of St Albans Striders (22.15) 9 runners finished
Team Result – 1st St Albans Striders (7 points)
Senior Men – THOMAS BUTLER won the Bronze Medal (34.31), GARY PELOSI V40 6th (38.36), BARRY HAWS V50 69th (51.53), PAUL MACARTHY V55 73rd (54.35), the winner was Brett Rushman of Herts Phoenix (33.25) 79 runners finished
Team Result – 1st St Albans Striders (92 points), 2nd Herts Phoenix (112), 3rd Ware Joggers (148)
Senior Women – EMILIA ECONOMU 20th (36.33), the winner was Annabel Gummow of Herts Phoenix (27.07) 47 runners finished

Photograph of Under 20 Men’s winner GIANLEO STUBBS

Middlesex
Under 11 Boys – PRINCE-MOSES JOHN 6th (7.49), LUCAS XIE 12th (7.56), ZURRELL QUAYE-MURRAY 14th (7.56), the winner was Edward Polubryukhov of Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (7.32) 40 runners finished (22)
Team Result – 1st SBH (32 points), 2nd Highgate Harriers (34), 3rd Harrow (49)
Under 11 Girls – KEENYAH ADELISE 9th (8.36), ELSIE BETTRIDGE 18th (9.05), the winner was Sophia Davies of Thames Valley Harriers (7.25) 27 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Barnet & District (38 points), 2nd Highgate Harriers (40), 3rd London Heathside (42)
Under 13 Boys – BEN KASPAR won the Gold Medal (10.36), DENNYS PASCAL won the Silver Medal (10.38), LEWIS WARD 11th (11.20), HARRISON HENDERSON 14th (11.34), TAHA COCKERILL 25th (12.28), 37 runners finished
Team Result – 1st SBH (14 points), 2nd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (20), 3rd Highgate Harriers (41)
Under 13 Girls – SIENNA DARCY 15th (13.04), LUCIA CASALENUOVO 22nd (13.36), KAIRI CAVERO-TAKI 24th (14.19), ISOBELL HUDSON 33rd (16.08), the winner was Violet Muralidhar of Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (11.44) 36 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (18 points), 2nd St Mary’s Richmond (50), 3rd London Heathside (52)
Under 15 Boys – JESSE ABRAHAMS 21st (15.26), EDWARD PASCAL 23rd (15.29), LADDIE SHAW 25th (15.41), SAM CLEMENTS 29th (15.57), ETHAN MOSS 30th (16.02), the winner was Arjuna Pflug of Highgate Harriers (13.09) 46 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (20 points), 2nd London Heathside (31), 3rd Highgate Harriers (42)
Under 15 Girls – AMBER JACKSON 13th (18.02), OLIVIA ABBOTT 18th (18.30), the winner was Jorjia March of Barnet & District (15.31) 41 runners finished
Team Result – 1st St Mary’s Richmond (25 points), 2nd Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (30), 3rd London Heathside (35)
Under 17 Men – EUAN PHILLIPS 6th (19.54), ARTHUR PHILLIPS 12th (20.51), AIDAN MACAVOY 13th (21.16), the winner was Harris Austin of Highgate Harriers (18.25) 26 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Highgate Harriers (25 points), 2nd Enfield & Haringey (28), 3rd London Heathside (30)
Under 17 Women – No SBH runners, the winner was Ruby James of Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (22.59) 12 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (8 points), 2nd Highgate Harriers (19)
Under 20 Men – SAMUEL GREENSTEIN won the Gold Medal (25.25), ADAM O’GORMAN 5th (26.43), RAFI GAYER 7th (26.51), GUY FAWCETT 14th (29.21), 22 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Highgate Harriers (12 points), 2nd SBH (13), 3rd Harrow (37)
Under 20 Women – No SBH runners, the winner was Allegra Massey of Thames Valley Harriers (22.22) 9 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Thames Valley Harriers (14 points), 2nd London Heathside (15)
Senior Men – TREVOR CUMMINS V40 24th (38.54), OLIVER GREENSTEIN 40th (40.39), JOEL PHILLIPS V45 53rd (43.08), ROBER RIGBY V60 55th (43.24), MARK COTTLE V35 71st (44.50), JONNY SHAW V50 78th (46.12), DAVID GREENSTEIN V60 103rd (49.33), the winner was Terry Fawden of Highgate Harriers (33.58) 132 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Thames Valley Harriers (67 points), 2nd London Heathside (84), 3rd Serpentine (169)
Senior Women – No SBH runners, the winner was Hannah Viner of Highgate Harriers (28.16) 67 runners finished
Team Result – 1st St Albans Striders A (35 points), 2nd St Albans Striders B (70), 3rd Watford Joggers (81)

Photograph of TY HOLDEN with PRINCE-MOSES JOHN with the Under 11 winners team trophy

Photograph of Under 13 Boys winner BEN KASPAR with the winners team trophy

Photograph of the winning Under 20 Mens team, RAFI GAYER, SAMUEL GREENSTEIN and ADAM O’GORMAN

The Under 20 Mens winners medals

BE FIT TODAY TRACK ACADEMY OPEN MEETING – Took place at Lee Valley on 5 January.
60m – SM A18 KRISHAWN AIKEN 7th (SB 7.07i), 19 JOHN OTUGADE 3rd (SB 6.72i), JIMMY THORONKA 5th (SB 6.92i), B01 JOHN finished 1st (PB 6.60i) equalling his 2018 time, 02 JIMMY finished 3rd (SB 6.87i) taking .05 of a second off his A19 time, 04 KRISHAWN finished 3rd (SB 7.02i) taking .05 of a second off his A18 time
60m – SW A05 EYKAH-MONAE QUARTEY 3rd (SB 8.17i), B06 EYKAH-MONAE finished 3rd (8.23i)
200m – SM 14 KRISHAWN AIKEN 1st (SB 21.86i)
200m – SW 13 VANESSA ANSUAA U23 2nd (SB 26.23i), 16 HAYLEY MCLEAN 4th (SB 25.54i)
300m – SX 2 EYKAH-MONAE QUARTEY 6th (PB 45.46i)
400m – SX 2 ADANNA MAZINWOSU U20 1st (PB 59.67i), MYA-MAIRS INGRAM U20 5th (SB 61.96i), 3 LARISA WILSON U20 (DNF), 4 LARISA WILSON U20 5th (SB 59.38i)
60m Hurdles – U13B A02 SETH SAUNDERS U13 1st (SB 11.06i), B02 SETH finished 1st (SB 11.01i) taking .05 of a second off his A02 time
60m Hurdles – U17W A04 SURAYA FROST U17 2nd (PB 9.15i) taking .44 of a second off her 2024 time, B03 SURAYA finished 5th (9.86i)
60m Hurdles – SW A05 NIA FORBES-AGYEPONG U20 3rd (SB 9.06i), B05 NIAH finished 7th (SB 9.04i) taking .025 of a second off her A05 time
60m Hurdles – V50 A08 GARY SMITH V50 (2nd Claim) 2nd (SB 8.67i), B07 GARY finished 1st (8.98i)

LEE VALLEY NEW YEARS DAY OPEN MEETING – Took place at Lee Valley on 1 January.
60m – SX1 MALACHI AMADI U 3rd (7.02i), 13 HOLLY RYAN U15 2nd (PB 7.87i) taking .12 of a second off her 7 January time, which would have ranked her UK No.8 U15 in 2024, 17 DAMI ADEKUNLE U13 6th (SB 8.90i)
200m – SX7 ASHER ESCOBAR U17 1st (PB 24.51i) taking .72 of a second off his 10 March time, 9 HOLLY RYAN U 2nd (PB 25.20i) which would have ranked her UK No.4 U15 in 2024, 10 BEN BAMISAIYE U15 2nd (PB 26.24i) taking .08 of a second off his 8 December time, 16 KAYLA SOFIA ESCOBAR REINA U13 5th (PB 30.81i)
300m – SX3 HAYLEY MCLEAN 5th (PB 39.87i) taking .66 of a second off her 2011 time, 6 BEN BAMISAIYE U15 5th (SB 43.14i)
400m – SX1 COLUMBA BLANGO T20 3rd (SB 50.60i), 9 SEAN SUTHERLAND V50 2nd (SB 58.49i) taking .47 of a second off his 7 January time, which would have ranked him UK No.7 V50 in 2024, NATHAN TADESSE 6th (SB 1:20.19i), 10 MACIE SUTHERLAND U2o 2nd (PB 1:02.11i)
800m – SX8 SAM DARCY U15 5th (PB 2:28.02i), 12 SIENNA DARCY U13 4th (PB 2:43.43i)

ST ALBANS NEW YEARS EVE 10K – Took place at St Albans on 31 December
PAUL LEWIS V50 39th (PB 39.14) taking 1 second off his 2024 time

PARKRUNS MILESTONE VESTS – You can purchase these from 50 to 500, this is the link – https://shop.parkrun.com/collections/milestone-run-walk-vests

PARKRUNS IN THE UK – Last Saturday at parkruns in the UK, there were…
870 events – 274,875 walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers – 10,550 first timers – 19,104 PBs

COMPLETELY USELESS RANDOM FACT – Did you know that there are up to 25 different volunteer roles that you can get involved with at parkrun? There’s so much scope to support you local event team, and expand your skills at parkrun!

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Aldenham on 4 January
PAUL LEWIS V50 18th (25.55) this was his 242nd Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Battersea on 4 January
KOJO KYEREME V50 2nd (PB 15.20) this was his 23rd Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Bury Field on 4 January
JAMES DAVIS U23 9th (23.53) this was his 75th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Canons Park on 4 January
LENARD MICHEL V55 19th (23.32) this was his 133rd Parkrun, KAYLA MICHEL U23 34th (24.50) this was her 49th Parkrun, SHONA MICHEL V50 85th (28.50) this was her 135th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Cassiobury on 4 January
CHRIS PURDUE V35 79th (23.04) this was his 21st Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Dulwich on 4 January
JAMES TRAPMORE V45 70th (20.16) this was his 75th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Felixstowe on 4 January
ROSS HAMMOND U20 29th (21.37) this was his 67th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Guildford on 4 January
TIM PARKIN V45 44th (23.09) this was his 4th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Hackney Marshes on 4 January
BARRY CHISHOLM V65 355th (33.42) this was his 359th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Maidstone River Park on 4 January
CLIFF GOLDING V70 137th (27.30) this was his 180th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Oak Hill on 4 January
BRADLEY SINGER V35 42nd (22.42) this was his 302nd Parkrun, HELEN BETTRIDGE V40 81st (PB 24.22) this was her 20th Parkrun, STUART SINGER V60 99th (24.56) this was his 449th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Panshanger on 4 January
RUSSELL DEVITT V75 296th (54.58) this was his 330th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the Street on 4 January
ROBBIE LIGHTOWLER 92nd (35.46) this was his 7th Parkrun

UPCOMING FIXTURES FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS, WHICH COVERS THE PERIOD THURSDAY 9 JANUARY WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY – The SBH 2024-2025 Winter Fixture Card can be found on the SBH website, in which you can Access/Print a copy for future reference. Also the majority of fixtures Information can be found on the SBH Website under the ‘Upcoming Fixtures’ section.

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE – The fourth fixture of five takes place on Saturday 11 January at at Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire (SatNav AL8 6DF).
Race Headquarters – Race HQ and Registration will be adjacent to the Start/Finish at the south side end of the North Side of the park.
Changing Facilities – There will be no dedicated changing rooms or showers, so please arrive ready to run. Toilets are available in the amenity block by the Splashlands playground. Extra toilets will be provided at the end of the car park, close to the amenty block. There are also toilets located at the Sailing Centre on the south side of the Park.
Refreshments – Will be from the kiosk in the amenity block on the north side of the park or from the cafe at the Sailing Centre on the south side of the Park.
Course Location – North Side Stanborough Park – See course maps.
Course Description – Start and Finish in grassed field, remainder undulating parkland course suitable for spikes.
Public Transport – Welwyn Garden City Station (Main Line) 1.25 miles.
Directions From Major Roads – Leave the A1(M) at Junction 4, (after the Hatfield Tunnel). At the roundabout take the second exit to A414/A6129. At the next roundabout take the first exit A6129. At the bottom of the dual carriageway take the second exit out of the roundabout. The entrance to the car park on the north side is on your left after around 100m. The entrance to the car park on the south side is more or less opposite but you cannot gain access from the left side of the carriageway. As early arrivers will undoubtedly fill the car park on the north side, you may be advised to go straight to the one on the south side.
Parking – There is a fairly large car park on the north side of the Park, adjacent to the course. There is a very large car park on the south side of the Park, 5 minutes walk to the course.
These car parks are camera operated and you must pay or you may incur a fine. You can pay at a meter by card. However, payment does not have to be immediate. We have not been able to negotiate a reduced rate.
There is a footpath under the road bridge, providing traffic-free access between the South Side and the North Side of the Park.
Course Details – The start and finish are in grassed parkland. The remainder is an undulating parkland course with two short woodland sections on each longer loop and a short climb and then descend on each of the shorter loops, all being suitable for spikes.
Additional Notes – The finish has been relocated and is now adjacent to the boundary with the school, and is outside the large loop of the course.
Timetable – 12.00 U11 (Over 9) Boys (1400m), 12.02 U11 (Over 9) Girls (1400m), 12.10 U13 Boys (3200m), 12.12 U13 Girls (3200m), 12.30 U17 Men and U15 Boys (4200m), 12.32 U17 Women and U15 Girls (4200m), 12.50 U20, Senior and Veteran Women (8100m), 13.30 U20, Senior and Veteran Men (8100m).
Note: You do not have to be pre-entered, just turn up and run.
Please collect your race numbers from the respective team managers – SIMON KEENE, JEREMY SOTHCOTT and JO KENT

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE RACE NUMBERS – I have been asked to remind you that your race number must be kept by yourselves, and is to be used for all 5 fixtures.

SBH WINTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS – The Metropolitan League fixture is the club championship race for the Under 11 Boys and Girls.

SOUTHERN U13, U15 AND U17 INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place at Lee Valley Athletics Centre are 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR) on Saturday 11 January and Sunday 12 January.
Entries Closed

LEE VALLEY LONDON U20 AND SENIOR INDOOR GAMES – Takes place on Saturday 18 January and Sunday 19 January, at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR).
Events are 60m, 200m 400m, 800m, 60m Hurdles, Pole Vault, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump and Shot. For age-groups U20, Senior and Veterans.
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2025/GBR/ligu20sen/
Entries Closing Date Thursday 9 January – Please be advised that events may be full before the closing date.
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

WINTER XC POINTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – The Southern Championships is the fifth fixture for the Under 13 and above age-groups in their seventh race series.

BRITISH MASTERS PENTATHLON AND 3000M INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place at the English Institute of Sport, Coleridge Road, Sheffield (Satnav S9 5DA) on Sunday 26 January.
To enter please use this link, Due to open 19 December – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2025/GBR/bmaf-ipen/
Entries Closing Date Sunday 12 January
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

BRITISH UNIVERSITIES CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 1 February at Blackweir Fields, Cardiff Castle & Bute Park, Castle Street, Cardiff (Satnav CF10 3FD)
Start Times – To be confirmed.
Link to enter and all information – https://www.bucs.org.uk/events-page/athletics-cross-country-championships-2024-25.html
Entries Closing Date Tuesday 14 January
Note: You will have to enter yourselves.

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE RACE NUMBERS – I have been asked to remind you that your race number must be kept by yourselves, and is to be used for all 5 fixtures.

LEE VALLEY INDOOR FIXTURES – The following 4 fixture are now open to enter from 1 October. Please remember to enter as early as possible, to avoid not to be disappointed. London U20 and Senior Indoor Games 18/19 January (Closing Date Thursday 9 January), London U13, U15 and U17 Indoor Games 25/26 January (Closing Date Thursday 16 January) and Middle Distance Open Meeting 19 February (Closing Date Sunday 16 February)
Link to the 4 fixture details – Lee Valley 4 Indoor Fixture Fixtures Opening 1 October 2024

FEAR AND LOATHING AS A FEMALE RUNNER – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

British international athlete VERITY OCKENDEN writes about a traumatic experience on a recent training run that underlined the safety issues female athletes still have to face. As I write this column on November 11, the reminders are everywhere. I open Instagram for a casual scroll and read La Repubblica’s latest headline; today marks one year since the Italian student GIULIA CECCHETTIN’S death at the hands of her partner, one year in which a further 113 femicides have occurred in the country I live in.

My reels replay the viral clips of SAOIRSE RONAN reminding PAUL MESCAL that self defence is “what girls have to think about all the time”. I have experienced my fair share of cat calling in pretty much every country I have ever been to and learned to brush it off. I was followed by a cyclist in the dark a few years back and even had a driver swerve toward me once for a laugh before racing off again, but I had pretty much forgotten about all of that until Saturday. When I say forgotten, what I really mean is that I had internalised all of the subsequent behaviours I had since adopted so that they became second nature and I no longer actively thought about the precautions I was taking while out running. I was lucky enough to be able to stick to daylight hours, I didn’t wear earphones and I automatically switched sides of the road to give myself a decent gap on passing strangers.

All this I had normalised, so familiar was I with the routes I ran every day that I wasn’t afraid when I passed the local farmer out with his shotgun slung over his shoulder, or the goatherd and his pack of dogs. We all knew and respected each other, just minding our business, doing our jobs. On Saturday, I was one hour and thirty minutes into a long run that finished at tempo pace. I had waited for the fog to clear before heading out, and it had turned into a gorgeously sunny day. My husband had asked if I was going to take my phone with me, and I said I wouldn’t since I found it too cumbersome and distracting on faster paced runs. I told him the route I planned on taking and left without a second thought, with only my watch on my wrist and a gel in my pocket. I was enjoying myself, feeling excited about holding my tempo pace for longer this week, and feeling quietly confident despite the burn with 15 minutes remaining on the clock.

I had hardly seen a soul all morning as I hammered the country lanes that stretched for miles into the distance, so I jumped in surprise when a horn blared behind me. Perhaps it was somebody I knew, or a “friendly encouragement”. I took no notice. I noticed, however, when the driver pulled over and turned the car around ahead of me, and thought perhaps they were lost. They advanced slowly toward me with the window rolled down, and leered “ciao bella” as they passed. These kind of comments always made my skin crawl, but it was nothing I hadn’t heard before so I wrote it off and carried on, until seconds later I heard the rev of a motor again behind me and indistinct shouting as he passed closer and faster this time. This unnerved me completely, and I lost my cool. I threw my arms up in frustration and told him in no uncertain terms to “f*** off and leave me alone”.

It was a red rag to a bull, and the man turned his car again, this time driving his car straight at me. I dodged and he turned again, overtaking me and stopping the car in front of me to block my path. We had reached a fork in the road, and I feigned a left turn before doubling back behind the car and going right, screaming as loudly as I could to try and attract any kind of help, though I knew there were likely to be very few people within earshot. I’m very fortunate that, at that point, another motorist passed by, and was conscientious enough to pull over and observe the scene from a distance. I ran toward them, and my aggressor drove off. I asked for a lift home as I was in no fit state to continue running and frightened that the man might return. Reflecting on the incident, I have obviously put much thought into how better to protect myself in future and what I might have done differently. From now on, I’m prepared to be weighed down with both my phone and a can of pepper spray, to invest some time into practising self-defence techniques and to seek out company wherever possible.

Being well-equipped to respond to an attack does not prevent one from happening, however, and as much as I love running with friends, relying on strength in numbers for one’s safety does not solve the problem at its root, either. One of the first things I said to the person who drove me home after Saturday’s attack was: “I thought I was going to end up like one of those girls you hear about on the news.” The sad part about the news that I have since read is that the promise made by the Italian government following GIULIA’S death to provide structured sex education classes in Italian schools in an attempt to eradicate gender-based violence at its societal roots has still not been put into action. Emergency calls made by women fearing for their safety have also since increased significantly.

Though I got away unharmed this time around and I won’t let my unfortunate experiences stop me from doing what I love, I am angry that what has been taken from me is my freedom and my confidence. I am saddened by the simultaneous thought that what I see as a basic right of mine is actually a privilege that doesn’t even exist in some societies, for example in Afghanistan where women are currently forbidden even from talking about their daily experiences, let alone counting running as one of them. Running is something that usually makes me feel great both mentally and physically and that is something I think everybody deserves to feel, but it feels far less empowering no matter how fit and fast you are when somebody else seizes it as an opportunity to make you feel completely powerless.

ENGLAND ATHLETICS THROWS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER – Just received the December issue from NICK RIDGEON of England Athletics – EA Throws Newsletter December 2024

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS ON INSTAGRAM – Since the account was setup, there has been an amazing amount of Videos and Photographs contributed with many comments. There are no posts this week.

THE FOLLOWING IS CLUB INFORMATION ON VARIOUS TOPICS

SBH 2024-2025 CROSS COUNTRY POINTS RACES – Take place throughout the season, these are races that are available to run.
Under 11 Boys and Girls – All 5 Start Fitness Metropolitan League fixtures, plus Hertfordshire or Middlesex Championships. Best 4 out of 6 results to count.
Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 20, Senior and Masters Men and Women – All 5 Start Fitness Metropolitan League fixtures, plus Southern and National. Best 5 out of 7 results to count.
Link to the updated Men and Women’s points tables, following the 4 January Hertfordshire and Middlesex County Cross Country Championships, the update is for the Under 11 age-groups only, there were no runners at the Hertfordshire Championships – Mens Cross Country Points Tables 2024-2025 Updated 04-01-25 Womens Cross Country Points Tables 2024-2025 Updated 04-01-25

SBH 2024-2025 CROSS COUNTRY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RACES – Take place throughout the season, these are races that are available to run.
Under 11 Boys and Girls – Start Fitness Metropolitan League on 11 January at Welwyn Garden City.
Under 20 Men, 5 Miles Senior Men and Masters Men 40+ – Start Fitness Metropolitan League on 30 November at Uxbridge.
Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, and 9 Miles Senior Men – Southern Championships on 25 January at Beckenham.
Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 20, Senior and Masters 40+ Women – Southern Championships on 25 January at Beckenham.
Link to the updated Men and Women’s Club Championship winners, following the 30 October Start Fitness Metropolitan League fixture at Uxbridge –

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

SBH TRAINING AND COACHING – Please see the 2024-2025 Winter Fixture Card, which gives details of Training and Coaching – A SBH Winter 2024-2025 Fixture Card Front Sheet Issued 02-09-24

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Check with your Coach for details of training times.

STONEX STADIUM – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBSITE MANAGER

Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Weekly Newsletter Thursday 2 January 2025

Posted on 02/01/202525/01/2025 by sbharriers

Happy Birthday from Thursday 19 December to Wednesday 1 January – Helena Agholor, Angela Barrett, Dave Bedford, Miko Brai-Aloye, Milli Bridgman-Athanasatos, Willem Coertzen, Alannah Fashanu, Nathan Fernandes, Shivan Feifel, Michael Fox, Colin Godfrey, Harley Henry, Jay Herbert, Ben Kaspar, Christopher Kirwin, Kojo Kyereme, Angus McKenzie, Abiodun Oyepitan, Beth Potter, Henry Ryan, Posie Shaw, James Tsangpurides and Tani Sonoiki,

WELCOME TO 2025 – On behalf of the club and myself, we wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year.

RECENT NEW MEMBERS – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to ELSIE BETTRIDGE and JONAH GLAUSIUSZ

PARKRUN 300 CLUB – Congratulations to BRADLEY SINGER V35 who completed his 300th Parkrun at Oak Hill on 21 December.

BOXING DAY BONANZA RUN – Took place at StoneX Stadium, with some 55 runners taking part, 42 completed the 2 laps and 13 finishing the 1 lap race.

2 Lap Race – 1 LEO RONCARATI U20 (11.06.7), 2 AIMEE PORTER U15 (11.09.8), 3 ROAN PARKES U15 (11.10.8), 4 PRINCE VICTORUS JOHN U17 (11.27.4), 5 WILLIAM STOCKDALE U11 (11.28.6), 6 SAM DARCY U15 (11.43.31), 7 JAKE MICHALIK U11 (11.48.28), 8 PRINCE-MOSES JOHN U11 (12.01.7), 9 GERALD FOX V50 (12.06.9), 10 BEN BROWNLEADER U20 (12.21.2), 11 ETHAN SLUTZKIN U11 (12.23.6), 12 ANDREW PORTER V50 (12.40.2), 13 RYLE SINGARAYER U13 (12.50.14), 14 HARRY MCCANN EZEKIEL U15 (12.59.9), 15 MASSIMO RONCARATI U20 (13.12.7), 16 SIMON BROWNLEADER V50 (13.26.8), 17 SEAN SUTHERLAND V50 (13.40.5), 18 WYETH PARKES U11 (14.13.8), 19 MARIA BRANAGHAN V55 (14.27.6), 20 KAIRI TAKI CAVERO U13 (14.38.50), 21 ANAYA EVANS U11 (14.45.7), 22 NICK SAUNDER V40 (14.49.9), 23 LAWRENCE KITT V35 (14.54.7), 24 CHARLIE STOCKDALE U9 (15.17.0), 25 JOANNE STOCKDALE V45 (15.39.0), 26 KATIE ALCOCK V35 (15.46.0), 27 TAHA COCKERILL V13 (15.46.7), 28 KASIE BUBIENICE V60 (16.16.0), 29 EUGENE RIZZA SENIOR (16.39.0), 30 JOHNSON OGUNNIYI V55 (16.50.0), 31 RAY POWELL V60 (16.52.0), 32 ALESSIO CORBO V65 (16.55.0), 33 JOHN KELLY V70 (17.09.0), 34 ISABELA LABORIUEX U11 (17.12.0), 35 ARCHIE STOCKDALE U13 (17.51.0), 36 EMMA REINER U11 (17.51.8), 37 ADAM NEIDLE V35 (18.00.5), 38 ZENA RONCARATI U17 (18.18.2), 39 SABRINA SINGARAYER U13 (18.21.4), 40 ANDREW ALCOCK V35 (18.30.0), 41 GARY ALCOCK V35 (18.31.0), 42 ANGELA CORBO V60 (18.44.0)

1 Lap Race – 1 MATTIO MICHALIK U9 (6.58.6), 2 OLLIE REDWOOD U11 (7.39.9), 3 SETH SAUNDERS U13 (7.54.3), 4 MEGAN MICHALIK U9 (9.29.2), 5 BENJY REDWOOD U9 (10.04.7), 6 MIA NEIDLE U9 (10.11.7), 7 NINA LABORIEUX U11 (10.24.6), 8 SIENNA LABORIEUX U9 (10.25.0), 9 JORDAN REINER U11 (13.47.6), 10 LIBBY REINER U9 (13.50.0), 11 MICHAEL REINER V40 (13.51.0), 12 JIMMY STOCKDALE U9 (13.58.0), 13 JANET MONTGOMERY V65 (14.16.0)

ENGLAND ATHLETICS THROWS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER – Just received the December issue from NICK RIDGEON of England Athletics – EA Throws Newsletter December 2024

SAN SILVESTRE INTERNACIONAL CREVILLENTINA 10K – Took place at Alicante, Spain on 31 December.
10K Road – SAMUEL GREENSTEIN U20 14th (PB 33.06) taking 15 seconds off his 2022 time

FRIDAY NIGHT UNDER THE LIGHTS 5 MILES – Took place at Battersea Park on 20 December.
5 Miles Road – THOMAS BUTLER 8th (SB 23.48m), NAOMI TASCHIMOWITZ V35 78th (PB 26.57 1st Female), MATTHEW GRANT V35 94th (SB 27.19)

PARKRUNS MILESTONE VESTS – You can purchase these from 50 to 500, this is the link – https://shop.parkrun.com/collections/milestone-run-walk-vests

PARKRUNS IN THE UK – Last Saturday at parkruns in the UK, there were…
1,216 events – 368,828 walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers – 14,068 first timers – 35,171 PBs

COMPLETELY USELESS RANDOM FACT – Over the last 20 years, 491,853 unique people have walked, jogged, run or volunteered at a parkrun on New Year’s Day! That’s a lot of people bringing in the New Year in parkrun style

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Aldenham on 28 December
PAUL LEWIS V50 4th (20.32) this was his 241st Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Fell Foot, Newby Bridge on 28 December
RUSSELL DEVITT V75 218th (51.30) this was his 329th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the Harrogate on 28 December
ARTHUR PHILLIPS U17 2nd (PB 17.45) this was his 68th Parkrun, JOEL PHILLIPS V45 21st (PB 20.19) this was his 104th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the Kingston on 28 December
JAMES DAVIS U23 75th (24.07) this was his 74th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the Luton Wardown on 28 December
CHRIS PURDUE V35 57th (23.54) this was his 19th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the Moors Valley on 28 December
ROBBIE LIGHTOWLER 49th (20.55) this was his 6th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Oak Hill on 28 December
JESSE ABRAHAMS U15 2nd (PB 18.24) this was his 9th Parkrun, BRADLEY SINGER V35 27th (21.40) this was his 301st Parkrun, STUART SINGER V60 76th (24.36) this was his 448th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Stratford Park, Stroud on 28 December
ORLANDO EDWARDS V45 4th (20.45) this was his 27th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Thornham Walks on 28 December
ROSS HAMMOND U20 2nd (19.42) this was his 66th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the Old Showfield on 28 December
RICHARD SAMUEL V70 31st (21.38) this was his 43rd Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the Walmer and Deal on 28 December
BARRY HAWS V50 26th (21.19) this was his 58th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the Albert Parkrun, Middlesborough on 21 December
JAMIE HARPER U23 80th (23.32) this was his 25th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Aldenham on 21 December
PAUL LEWIS V50 7th (24.25) this was his 240th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the Bushey on 21 December
EUAN PHILLIPS U17 7th (PB 16.43) this was his 46th Parkrun, ARTHUR PHILLIPS U17 8th (16.57) this was his 67th Parkrun, DENNYS PASCAL U13 24th (PB 18.16) this was his 8th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa on 21 December
DYLAN MICHEL U23 1st (21.10) this was his 51st Parkrun, LENARD MICHEL V55 14th (26.46) this was his 132nd Parkrun, KAYLA MICHEL U23 24th (30.20) this was her 48th Parkrun, SHONA MICHEL V50 41st (34.06) this was her 134th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the Huddersfield on 21 December
HELEN BETTRIDGE V40 112th (PB 24.31) this was her 18th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Oak Hill on 21 December
AMBER JACKSON U15 25th (21.39) this was her 25th Parkrun, STUART SINGER V60 76th (24.39) this was his 447th Parkrun, BRADLEY SINGER V35 77th (24.46) this was his 300th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Panshanger on 21 December
RUSSELL DEVITT V75 210th (55.56) this was his 328th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Priebnitzgrund, Germany on 21 December
AMY REBECCA FRY V40 1st (PB 19.14) this was her 17th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Rendlesham Forest on 21 December
PHILIP SHELLEY V65 53rd (34.43) this was his 69th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Sunny Hill on 21 December
CALEB HILTON U15 3rd (PB 17.49) this was his 21st Parkrun, JACOB CLEMENT U20 4th (PB 18.05) this was his 10th Parkrun, MYA MAIRS-INGRAM U20 6th (PB 19.33) this was her 4th Parkrun, MATTHEW MAY U17 7th (20.13) this was his 6th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Sutton Park on 21 December
INDIRA PATEL U23 1st (17.52) this was her 45th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at the Whitstable on 21 December
JAKE SHELLEY 1st (17.04) this was his 20th Parkrun

UPCOMING FIXTURES FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS, WHICH COVERS THE PERIOD THURSDAY 2 JANUARY WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY – The SBH 2024-2025 Winter Fixture Card can be found on the SBH website, in which you can Access/Print a copy for future reference. Also the majority of fixtures Information can be found on the SBH Website under the ‘Upcoming Fixtures’ section.

HERTFORDSHIRE AND MIDDLESEX CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 4 January at Trent Park, Cockfosters (Satnav EN4 0JZ).
Race HQ: Will be at the western end of Trent Park.
Registration: The races will be chip timed. Numbers, disposable chips and pins will be available from the registration area for Team Managers and those runners who entered individually. Registration will open from 10.00am.
Changing Facilities: There are no changing rooms, so please arrive ready to run.
Public Toilets: Are located close to the main Cockfosters Road car park.
Refreshments: It is hoped that the cafe will be open for refreshments.
Team Tents and Assembly Area: Team Tents and meeting points should be along the Limes Avenue footpath, in the area beyond Go Ape. Please be aware that the ground can become very muddy.
Travel: Parking is available within Trent Park via the main entrance on Cockfosters Road, but will be limited. Given the proximity of Trent Park to Cockfosters and Oakwood underground stations (Piccadilly Line), use of public transport is strongly recommended.
If you intend to drive, please car-share as much as possible. There is NO parking available at Southgate Hockey Club. You must not attempt to park there.
Cockfosters tube station car park has 311 spaces, cost £8, and Oakwood tube has 114 spaces, cost £8. There may be street parking on Mount Pleasant and roads off this (EN3 9HQ. This is about 10-minutes walk from Trent Park. Please be aware that Spurs will be playing at home with a 12.30pm kick-off.
Start / Finish: Will be at the western end, close to Go Ape.
Start Times 11.00am U11 Boys (1500m), 11.05am U11 Girls (1500m), 11.15am U13 Boys (3000m), 11.20am U13 Girls (3000m), 11.40am U15 Boys (4500m), 11.42am U15 Girls (4500m), 12.00pm U17 Men (6000m), 12.05pm U17 and U20 Women (6000m), 12.40pm U20 Men (8000m), 12.40pm Senior Women (8000m), 1.30pm Senior Men (11750m).
Entries Closed

WINTER XC POINTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – The Hertfordshire and Middlesex fixture is the fourth fixture for the Under 11 Boys and Girls in their six race series.

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE – The fourth fixture of five takes place on Saturday 11 Janauary at at Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire (SatNav AL8 6DF).
The following information is from the 2023 race, and will be updated when published.
Race Headquarters – Race HQ and Registrtion will be adjacent to the Start/Finish at the south side of the North Side of the park.
Changing Facilities – There will be no dedicated changing rooms or showers, so please arrive ready to run. Toilets are available in the amenity block by the Splashlands playground. Extra toilets will be provided at the end of the car park, close to the amenty block. There are also toilets located at the Sailing Centre on the south side of the Park.
Refreshments – Will be from the kiosk in the amenity block on the north side of the park or from the cafe at the Sailing Centre on the south side of the Park.
Course Location – North Side Stanborough Park – See course maps.
Course Description – Start and Finish in grassed field, remainder undulating parkland course suitable for spikes.
Public Transport – Welwyn Garden City Station (Main Line) 1.25 miles.
Directions From Major Roads – Leave the A1(M) at Junction 4, (after the Hatfield Tunnel). At the roundabout take the second exit to A414/A6129. At the next roundabout take the first exit A6129. At the bottom of the dual carriageway take the second exit out of the roundabout. The entrance to the car park on the north side is on your left after around 100m. The entrance to the car park on the south side is more or less opposite but you cannot gain access from the left side of the carriageway. As early arrivers will undoubtedly fill the car park on the north side, you may be advised to go straight to the one on the south side.
Parking – There is a fairly large car park on the north side of the Park, adjacent to the course. There is a very large car park on the south side of the Park, 5 minutes walk to the course.
These car parks are camera operated and you must pay or you may incur a fine. You can pay at a meter by card. However, payment does not have to be immediate. We have not been able to negotiate a reduced rate.
There is a footpath under the road bridge, providing traffic-free access between the South Side and the North Side of the Park.
Course Details – The start and finish are in grassed parkland. The remainder is an undulating parkland course with two short woodland sections on each longer loop and a short climb and then descend on each of the shorter loops, all being suitable for spikes.
Additional Notes – The finish has been relocated and is now adjacent to the boundary with the school, and is outside the large loop of the course.
Link to the full information, include Course Maps – https://metleague.run/fixture/race-4-welwyn-13-1-2024/
Timetable – 12.00 U11 (Over 9) Boys (2km), 12.02 U11 (Over 9) Girls (2km), 12.10 U13 Boys (3km), 12.12 U13 Girls (3km), 12.30 U17 Men and U15 Boys (4km), 12.32 U17 Women and U15 Girls (4km), 12.50 U20, Senior and Veteran Women (8km), 13.30 U20, Senior and Veteran Men (8km)..
Note: You do not have to be pre-entered, just turn up and run.
Please collect your race numbers from the respective team managers – SIMON KEENE, JEREMY SOTHCOTT and JO KENT
Please go to Start Fitness Metropolitan League web site www.metleague.co.uk for any other final information.

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE RACE NUMBERS – I have been asked to remind you that your race number must be kept by yourselves, and is to be used for all 5 fixtures.

WINTER XC POINTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – The Metropolitan League fixture is the fifth fixture for the Under 11 Boys and Girls in their six race series. It is the fourth fixture for the Under 13 and above age-groups

SBH WINTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS – The Metropolitan League fixture is the club championship race for the Under 11 Boys and Girls.

LEE VALLEY LONDON U20 AND SENIOR INDOOR GAMES – Takes place on Saturday 18 January and Sunday 19 January, at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR).
Events are 60m, 200m 400m, 800m, 60m Hurdles, Pole Vault, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump and Shot. For age-groups U20, Senior and Veterans.
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2025/GBR/ligu20sen/
Entries Closing Date Friday 9 January – Please be advised that events may be full before the closing date.
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

WINTER XC POINTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – The Southern Championships is the fifth fixture for the Under 13 and above age-groups in their seventh race series.

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE RACE NUMBERS – I have been asked to remind you that your race number must be kept by yourselves, and is to be used for all 5 fixtures.

2025 ATHLETICS CALENDAR – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

All the key fixtures for the coming year in the world of track and field

January 11 UK Athletics Cross Challenge, Glasgow, 29 Belgrade Indoor Meeting

February 1 BUCS Cross Country Champs, Cardiff, 2 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, Boston, 4 Czech Indoor Gala, Ostrava, 7 INIT Meeting Karlsruhe, 8 UK Athletics Cross Challenge Inc UK Home International & Area Match & Celtic Challenge, Leeds and Millrose Games, New York City, 13 Lievin indoor meeting, 15 Keely Classic, Birmingham and Copernicus Cup, Toruń, 22 English National Cross Country Championships, Parliament Hill, London and Lindsays Scottish Athletics Cross Country Championships, Falkirk, 22-23 UK Athletics Indoor Championships , Birmingham, 28 World Indoor Tour Gold Madrid

March 2 Tokyo Marathon, 6-9 European Athletics Indoor Championships, Appeldoorn, 8 UKA Cross Challenge Final and UK Inter Counties Championships, Nottingham, 15 English Schools Cross Country Champs, Ardingly Showground, 15-16 European Throwing Cup, Nicosia, 21-23 World Athletics Indoor Championships, Nanjing, 29 Maurie Plant Meet, Melbourne

April 4-6 Grand Slam Track, Kingston, 12 Botswana Continental Tour, 12-13 European Running Championships, Brussels, 21 Boston Marathon, 26 Xiamen Diamond League, 27 London Marathon

May 2-4 Grand Slam Track, Miami, 3 Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League, 10-11 World Athletics Relays, Guangzhou, 16 Doha Diamond League, 18 European Race Walking Team Championships, Podebrady, 24 European 10,000m Cup, Pacé and British Milers Club Grand Prix, Bury, 25 Rabat Diamond League, 30 Irena Szewińska Memorial, Bydgoszcz, May 30 – June 1 Grand Slam Track, Philadelphia, 31 Kip Keino Classic, Nairobi

June 6 Rome Diamond League, 7 British Milers Club Grand Prix, Birmingham, 8 USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix, 9 FBK Games, Hengelo, 12 Oslo Diamond League, 15 Stockholm Diamond League, 17 Paavo Nurmi Games, Turku, 20 Paris Diamond League, 21 British Milers Club Grand Prix, Loughborough, 24 Ostrava Golden Spike, 27 – 29 European Team Championships, Division 1, Madrid and Grand Slam Track, Los Angeles, 29 USATF New York City Grand Prix

July 5 Eugene Diamond League, 11 Monaco Diamond League, 12 British Milers Club Grand Prix, Watford, 17-20 European U23 Championships, Bergen, 19 London Diamond League, 27 ISTAF 2025, Berlin

August 2-3 UK Athletics Championships, Birmingham, 7-10 European Athletics U20 Championships, Tampere, 9 British Milers Club Grand Prix, Manchester, 12 Gyulai István Memorial, Székesfehérvár, 16 Silesia Diamond League, 20 Lausanne Diamond League, 22 Brussels Diamond League, 27-28 Zurich Diamond League, 30 Monument Mile, Stirling, 31 Sydney Marathon

September 7 Great North Run, Tyneside and Continental Tour, Beijing, 13-21 World Athletics Championships, Tokyo, 21 Berlin Marathon, 26-28 World Athletics Road Running Championships, San Diego

October 12 Chicago Marathon

November 5 New York City Marathon

December 14 European Cross Country Championships, Lagoa

SEB COE: “ATHLETICS IS NOT AT A TIPPING POINT” – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

World Athletics president insists new, more track-focussed, events on the calendar point to a position of strength for the sport. World Athletics president SEB COE doesn’t believe that the sport is heading towards “a tipping point” as we move into what looks like being a year of change. Events such as MICHAEL JOHNSON’S Grand Slam Track League will take place for the first time in 2025, with the opening meeting in April. It has attracted a host of big names, is generating plenty of attention and is promising much. However, projects such as this and the women-only ATHLOS meeting that took place in September are both entirely focused on track disciplines, something which has attracted criticism and in some cases outright anger from field athletes who feel their events are being marginalised. While many observers might feel that track and field is in danger of starting to splinter, Coe insists that these new additions to the athletics landscape are to be encouraged and in fact point to a position of growing strength. Speaking during an end-of-year media call, COE said: “I take comfort from the fact that we now have created, in World Athletics, a platform where people think that the sport is something that is worth investing in. Those are external investments and the market is a fairly unforgiving place. They tend not to put money where they don’t think there is a trajectory or the organisation is moving in the right direction. “Long before MICHAEL or ATHLOS came up with this thought, I’ve always been encouraging opportunities for people to innovate, come to the table with ideas and ideally activate around fresh investment, so I don’t see it as being a tipping point. I hope that these events add luster to what we’re already creating.”

Part of World Athletics’ creation is their Ultimate Championships that will take place in Budapest in the summer of 2026. The condensed program will feature 16 track events and 10 field events – all featuring straight finals. That, too, has come under some fire for the disciplines that won’t be featured and, as asked, about the reaction from some of the field athletes, COE added: “I would encourage anybody that wanted to invest in that space to do so. “If I narrowly talk for a moment about Budapest, it’s not really about winners and losers. I’m unashamed about this. This is an event designed for television. It’s three hours over three nights. We can’t possibly put all the disciplines [in there]. We don’t have every track discipline in there. “What we’ve tried to do is meld the best events at this moment into the right format. It may be that when we come to 2028 it’s different disciplines. But the main point here is there aren’t winners and losers. It’s not like we’re going to suddenly lose those events that are not appearing in Budapest. They’re not going to go from the Europeans or the area championships or our national championships, or the World Championships, or even the Olympic Games. This is very much about attracting new audiences, about taking our sport as mainstream as we can, tapping into people that like big events but may not watch athletics… all of these things.”

The sport’s schedule is looking increasingly packed, with the arrival of new events meaning that athletes have more choices to make about where and when to compete. However, COE added: “I would rather give them more opportunities than sitting there going: ‘We’re having to scrape a season together and we don’t have the pathways and the programs to choose’. [As an athlete] I had to make a judgment about where I was going and what suited me. I’m never going to force feed athletes into programs that aren’t going to work for them, but I think that I would rather have more events. “If we want to be a professional sport, we have to do more than be a professional sport from May through to September. We really do have to broaden it. We need to have more competition and we need to be able to do that, not only to give the athletes the pathways, but hopefully to create better financial stability for them.”

COE potentially faces a year of great change on the professional front, too, given that he is one of seven candidates vying to become the next president of the International Olympic Committee. Were he to win the vote in March, senior vice president XIMENA RESTREPO, former Olympic 400m bronze medallist, will replace him as World Athletics president. The man who made such a success of staging London 2012 would not speak about IOC matters on the call, but did reiterate his desire to see cross country added to the Winter Olympic programme. The scheduling of the World Cross Country Championships is currently under close consideration, with COE adding that discussions are ongoing with European Athletics about the prospect of the biennial global championships being staged before Christmas – a potential clash with the European Cross Country Championships that take place in December. The World Cross will next be staged in Tallahassee in January of 2026 and COE said: “[Cross Country is] a really important part of the endurance paradigm and you’ve only got to look at the way African athletes have used it as part of their overall conditioning to know that it actually works. “But we also know that it needs help. It needs space and the opportunity to do that – particularly around discussions that we’re having with [the Winter Games of] Paris 2030 and also Salt Lake City in 2034 as the potential for a reintroduction – is part of our focus.”

HOW TO COMBAT OSTEOARTHRITIS IN YOU KNEES – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Physiotherapist PAUL HOBROUGH looks at a new treatment for joint pain in the knees of a runner. For many athletes, the joy of running can be overshadowed by the realities of joint pain, particularly for those grappling with osteoarthritis of the knee. This condition is on the rise and has led to many runners hanging up their trainers. Traditionally, the most effective treatment has been knee replacement surgery, a procedure that comes with its own set of challenges, including lengthy rehabilitation periods of nine to 12 months with varying outcomes, rarely resulting in a return to running.

However, there is a new alternative to surgery, or at least an opportunity to stave off knee replacement. Arthrosamid is a gel implant that can be injected into your knee, with barely any down time, and it’s keeping people on their feet. This therapy is designed to provide long-lasting pain relief through a single-dose injection of a hydrogel-like substance and research shows that it delivers sustained results, significantly improving the quality of life for patients. According to a recent study presented at the European Orthopaedic Research Society meeting in Aalborg, Denmark in late September, patients experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain levels and improved mobility lasting over four years from one single treatment. The best part is that so many on the study were able to return to their pre-injury activity levels. I have tried the therapy myself. I was once on the verge of undergoing a knee replacement due to debilitating osteoarthritis. I’m a keen runner and member of the Masters Great Britain over 50s basketball team but I couldn’t run any more, I was limping as I walked and was sure my sporting days were over.

The pain in my knee was so intense that I couldn’t train, much less compete, and I was considering a knee replacement. There has been little successful innovation in treating osteoarthritis over the past 20 years and, apart from surgery, there are few treatment options that can offer long-term benefits to patients, so I was keen to find out more when I first heard about Arthrosamid. I decided to have the treatment and, just two days after having the injection, I was back on my feet, jogging, twisting and turning on the basketball court. Not only could I run again, but I was performing at a level I thought was lost to me forever. Many patients have reported similar experiences. The hydrogel is the first and only injectable treatment that is biocompatible and permanently combines with the knee’s synovial tissue, decreasing joint stiffness, diminishing pain, improving the function of the knee and enhancing quality of life. Athletes don’t have to resign themselves to surgery. There are alternatives out there that can help you reclaim your active lifestyle. While Arthrosamid might not be a viable option for everyone, it is very much worth taking a few minutes to talk to an expert to find out if it will work for you.

For more information, visit: hobrough-healthcare.com/arthrosamid

ENGLAND ATHLETICS THROWS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER – Just received the December issue from NICK RIDGEON of England Athletics – EA Throws Newsletter December 2024

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS ON INSTAGRAM – Since the account was setup, there has been an amazing amount of Videos and Photographs contributed with many comments. There are 2 posts this week.

Video of NAOMI TASCHIMOWITZ V35 in the final straight when winning the Friday night under the lights 5 mile road race, at Batterseas Park on 20 December. NAOMI finished 1st Female with a personal best (26.57)

Second is a photograph taken at the SBH Boxing Day races, showing athletes registering for the 1 or 2 lap races. In the foreground is the event organisor DAVE BEDFORD.

THE FOLLOWING IS CLUB INFORMATION ON VARIOUS TOPICS

SBH 2024-2025 CROSS COUNTRY POINTS RACES – Take place throughout the season, these are races that are available to run.
Under 11 Boys and Girls – All 5 Start Fitness Metropolitan League fixtures, plus Hertfordshire or Middlesex Championships. Best 4 out of 6 results to count.
Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 20, Senior and Masters Men and Women – All 5 Start Fitness Metropolitan League fixtures, plus Southern and National. Best 5 out of 7 results to count.
Link to the updated Men and Women’s points tables, following the 30 November Start Fitness Metropolitan League fixture at Uxbridge –

SBH 2024-2025 CROSS COUNTRY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RACES – Take place throughout the season, these are races that are available to run.
Under 11 Boys and Girls – Start Fitness Metropolitan League on 11 January at Welwyn Garden City.
Under 20 Men, 5 Miles Senior Men and Masters Men 40+ – Start Fitness Metropolitan League on 30 November at Uxbridge.
Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, and 9 Miles Senior Men – Southern Championships on 25 January at Beckenham.
Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 20, Senior and Masters 40+ Women – Southern Championships on 25 January at Beckenham.
Link to the updated Men and Women’s Club Championship winners, following the 30 October Start Fitness Metropolitan League fixture at Uxbridge –

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

SBH TRAINING AND COACHING – Please see the 2024-2025 Winter Fixture Card, which gives details of Training and Coaching – A SBH Winter 2024-2025 Fixture Card Front Sheet Issued 02-09-24

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Check with your Coach for details of training times.

STONEX STADIUM – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBSITE MANAGERl