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

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.

 

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.

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.

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

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…
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

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

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.
Entries Closed

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+

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

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.
Entries Closed

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

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.
Entries Closed

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 – 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.
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

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 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

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

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 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.

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 09.11.21StoneX Stadium Certificate

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBSITE MANAGER