Happy Birthday from Thursday 19 December to Wednesday 1 January – Helena Agholor, Angela Barrett, Dave Badford, 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,

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR – On behalf of the club and myself, we wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year. The SBH Weekly Newsletter will also be enjoying the Christmas break, and will return on Thursday 2 January.

RECENT NEW MEMBERS – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to SAVAN MALLIK, ZAYNE SERVIS-HOBSON, KAIRI CAVERO TAKI and ZURRELL QUAYE-MURRAY

BOXING DAY BONANZA RUN – Takes place on Thursday 26 December at StoneX Stadium.
DAVE BEDFORD will be organising this event, with the racing starting at 11.00. 
The issuing of numbers, refreshments and prize giving takes place in the Indoor Track area. Distance 2 miles and  1 mile for Under 11. Only £2 entry fee! There will be prizes, raffle (bring cash) and free refreshments……why not come in fancy dress.
A run or even walk for all the family including pets!. Last year we had 50 runners!  Donations to the raffle welcome with winners galore!

THE SECOND RE-UNION AT THE SHAFTESBURY TAVERN – The photographs of the SBH team from the 1890s, has now been mounted on the wall of the Shaftesbury Tavern.

SOUTHERN INDOOR COMBINED EVENTS CHAMPIONSHIONSHIPS – Took place at Lee Valley on 14/15 December. Congratulations to LILY HOLT U23 who won the Senior Women’s Pentathlon Gold Medal with 3616 points. Also congratulations to RAMSEY GILL U15 who won the Under 17 Mens Heptathlon Bronze Medal with 3860 points. This was RAMSEY’S first Heptathlon, and the photographs shows him after receiving his Bronze Medal.

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

SOUTHERN MASTERS AND INTER COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIONSHIPS – Due to take place on 7/8 December, was cancelled due to extremely high winds – SEAA Masters and Inter Counties Statement

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.

SOUTHERN INDOOR COMBINED EVENTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Lee Valley on 14/15 December.
Heptathlon – U17M RAMSEY GILL U15 won the Bronze Medal (PB 3860 points) 60m (PB 7.66i), Long Jump (PB 5.51mi) adding 2cm to his 21 September jump, Shot 5kg (PB 8.82mi), High Jump (1.74mi) adding 3cm to his 21 September height, 60m Hurdles (PB 10.04i), Pole Vault (3.60mi), 1000m (PB 2:58.30i)

Heptathlon – SM EVAN CAMPBELL 5th (PB 5056 points) 60m (PB 7.31i) taking 16 of a second off his 2022 time, Long Jump (6.49mi), Shot 7.26kg (13.43mi), High Jump (1.89mi), 60m Hurdles (SB 8.66i), Pole Vault (PB 4.00mi) adding 20cm to his 2023 height, 1000m (PB 2:51.65i) taking 40.82 seconds off his 2019 time

Pentathlon – SW LILY HOLT U23 won the Gold Medal (3616 points) 60m Hurdles (SB 9.26i), Shot 4kg (9.03mi), Long Jump (5.31mi), High Jump (SB 1.71mi) equalling her 20 July height, 800m (PB 2:23.07i) taking 3.86 seconds off her 28 July time

ON ZATOPEK 10 – Took place at Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia on 14 December.
Shot 7.26kg – SM SCOTT LINCOLN (HCA) 1st (19.61m)

SPOKANE INDOOR INVTATIONAL – Took place at Spokane, Washington, USA on 14 December.
60m Hurdles – SM H4 JAMI SCHLUETER U23 (University of Washington) 3rd (PB 8.00i) taking .15 of a second off his 26 January time, in the Final JAMI finished 6th (PB 8.00i) equalling his H4 time
High Jump – SM B JAMI SCHLUETER U23 (University of Washington) 6th (1.85mi)
Shot 7.26kg – SM A JAMI SCHLUETER U23 (University of Washington) 1st (13.90mi)

IOWA STATE HOLIDAY INVTATIONAL – Took place at Ames, Iowa, USA on 13-14 December.
60m – SM H3 JOSEPH PURBRICK U23 (Iowa State University) 3rd (PB 7.08i) taking .04 of a second off his 2022 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…
1,230 events – 188,967 walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers – 5,486 first timers – 17,589 PBs

COMPLETELY USELESS RANDOM FACT – Santa is that you?  Christmas is just around the corner, and here at parkrun we have 2575 registered parkrunners with the first name Nicolas, Nicolaas, Nicolaus or Nikolas!

UPCOMING FIXTURES FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS, WHICH COVERS THE PERIOD THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER UNTIL WEDNESDAY 29 JANUARY – 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.

LEE VALLEY NEW YEARS INDOOR OPEN MEETING – Takes place on Wednesday 1 January, at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR).
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2025/GBR/lvacnewyearsopen/
Entries Closing Date Sunday 29 December – 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

MIDDLESEX AND HERTFORDSHIRE 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 Closing Date Friday 27 December
Note: You will have to be pre-entered by your respective Team Manager 

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

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.
To enter please use this link – http://www.seaa.org.uk/index.php
Entries Closing Date Monday 30 December
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

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.
To enter please use this link – https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/registration?id=24425
Entries Close Friday 20 December
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

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 Open Tuesday 1 October
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

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 Closing Date Friday 27 December
Note: You will have to be pre-entered by your respective Team Manager

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.
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

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. New Years Open Meeting 1 January (Closing Date Sunday 29 December), 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

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).
There are 2 fixtures on Saturday 17 December and 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

UK ATHLETICS SUFFERS EIGHT PER CENT CUT TO FUNDING AHEAD OF LA 2028 – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

UK Sport has provided most Olympic and Paralympic sports more money for this four-year cycle but athletics is not one of them. UK Athletics has suffered an eight per cent cut to its funding from UK Sport for the LA 2028 Games. Despite Great Britain securing 10 track and field medals at the Paris Olympics – the biggest tally in athletics since 1984 – funding will be slashed from £22.2m to £20.5m.

KEELY HODGKINSON, who is favourite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year prize on Tuesday, was crowned Olympic 800m champion in Paris and became Great Britain’s first female track and field gold medallist since JESSICA ENNIS-HILL at London 2012. Every single one of the five relay teams also won medals in the French capital. UK Sport has granted a record £330m to Team GB for the LA 2028 Games and 44 out of 46 sports have received either the same or more money in this four-year cycle.

Athletics and canoeing are the only two sports that have had their funding reduced. Rowing was granted the biggest increase, seeing its funding grow from £22.7m to £24.9m. Cycling and sailing, with £30.13m and £23.95m, have also fared well. “We are disappointed we did not receive the settlement we were hoping for from UK Sport for the Olympic programme,” JACK BUCKNER, UK Athletics’ chief executive said. “We felt the progress we have made in the last few years culminating in 10 medals in both the World Championships and the Olympics, not to mention the wholesale improvements in governance and our events and commercial model deserved a higher level of investment. “Unfortunately, UK Sport could not be convinced of the merits of our case at this time. Whilst our budgets will be tighter for the next four years, we shall keep building momentum and finding ways to support athletes to realise their potential at major championships.  We can assure our many great athletes, coaches and volunteers of our absolute commitment to support your aspirations to succeed in our sport.”

However, UK Sport’s chief executive SALLY MUNDAY insisted that UK Athletics’ total grant – once the £9.8m of Paralympic funding was factored in – would be around the £30m mark. “I’m responsible for public money so we wouldn’t be giving them £30m [if it was a rebuke against UK Athletics],” she said. “We wouldn’t be investing in the events, we wouldn’t be talking about bringing the World Championship here [in 2029]. If they were on the naughty step, we wouldn’t be giving them £30m. “You can leave with no doubt we are backing this sport [athletics] and we are giving them the money that we believe will enable them to be successful.” In October, chancellor RACHEL REEVES announced a 10% increase in funding for UK Sport to support British athletes in the lead in to LA 2028.

THE RICH HISTORY OF ATHLETICS AT BBC SPOTY – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

A total of 18 athletes from athletics have picked up the prestigious award over the years, more than double the number of the next best sport. All eyes will be on BBC Sports Personality of the Year this week (December 17), with Olympic 800m gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson the current favourite to take home the top prize. The 22-year-old, who became just the third British Olympic female 800m champion after KELLY HOLMES (2004) and ANN PACKER (1964), is one of six nominees for this year’s award. HODGKINSON is up against ALEX YEE, LUKE LITTLER, SARAH STOREY, JUDE BELLINGHAM and JOE ROOT in Salford. YEE, after becoming Olympic and world champion, will be hoping to become the first ever triathlete – ALISTAIR BROWNLEE was closest with second in 2016 – to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

If the odds are anything to go by however, then HODGKINSON’S closest challenger for the prize will be teenage darts sensation LUKE LITTLER, who made the World Championship final on debut and backed it up with 10 major trophies. The last person from athletics to become BBC Sports Personality of the Year was MO FARAH in 2017 and the last female athlete in athletics to claim the award was HOLMES in 2004. Th 18 winners from the sport include: CHRISTOPHER CHATAWAY (1954), GORDON PIRIE (1955), DOROTHY HYMAN (1963), MARY RAND (1964), DAVID HEMERY (1968), MARY PETERS (1972), BRENDAN FOSTER (1974), STEVE OVETT (1978), SEB COE (1979), DALEY THOMPSON (1982), STEVE CRAM (1983), FATIMA WHITBREAD (1987), LIZ MCCOLGAN (1991), LINFORD CHRISTIE (1993), JONATHAN EDWARDS (1995), PAULA RADCLIFFE (2002) and KELLY HOLMES (2004).

CHRISTOPHER CHATAWAY (1954) – CHRISTOPHER CHATAWAY’S1954 was one for the record books. Not only was he a pacemaker for ROGER BANNISTER’S first sub-four-minute mile but CHATAWAY also secured a gold medal over three miles at the then British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver. His greatest achievement however came in the 5000m. At the European Championships in Bern, CHATAWAY placed second behind the Soviet Union’s VLADIMIR KUTS, before setting a world record over the distance two weeks later with (13:51.6) at White City. KUTS would have the last laugh though, running (13:51.2) just 10 days after CHATAWAY clocked his mark in London. CHATAWAY was the first ever winner of BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

GORDON PIRIE (1955) – GORDON PIRIE won the award in 1955 after famously beating the legendary EMIL ZATOPEK – a triple Olympic champion in the 5000m, 10,000m and marathon from Helsinki 1952 – three times that year. His trio of wins against ZATOPEK came in both the 5000m and 10,000m, with perhaps the most famous coming over the latter distance at White City. At the time, ZATOPEK, who was the first man in history to run a sub-29 minute 10,000m, was the world record-holder over 25 laps.

DOROTHY HYMAN (1963) – There were no International championships in the 1963 season but DOROTHY HYMAN dominated domestically and almost set a world 100m record. Her personal best of (11.3) was enough for the fastest European mark and so close to WILMA RUDOLPH’S world record of (11.2). HYMAN, who secured Olympic 100m silver and 200m bronze at the Rome 1960 Games, also contributed to a world record in the 4×110 yard relay in 1963, with the British quartet setting a time of (45.2).

MARY RAND (1964) – MARY RAND’S historic achievements at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo meant she was a deserved winner of BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1964. The Brit set a world long jump record of 6.76m in the final, beating favourite TATYANA SHCHELKANOVA to the gold medal in the Japanese capital. RAND also claimed silver in the pentathlon and was part of the Great Britain team that picked up bronze in the 4x100m relay.

DAVID HEMERY (1968) – DAVID HEMERY won the Olympic 400m hurdles crown at the 1968 Mexico Games in a world record time of (48.12). The Brit beat West Germany’s GERHARD HENNIGE by almost a second and it was the largest winning margin in the 400m hurdles at the Olympics since 1924. HEMERY’S world record would last until 1972 when Uganda’s JOHN AKII-BUA ran (47.82) at the Munich Olympics.

MARY PETERS (1972) – MARY PETERS fine all-round performance in the pentathlon secured Great Britain’s only gold medal in athletics at the 1972 Munich Olympics. In one of the closest ever finishes in combined events at the Games, PETERS saw off West Germany’s HEIDE ROSENDAHL by just 10 points. PETERS set a world record score of 4801 points and got the gold by just one-tenth of a second in the 200m, which was the final event.

BRENDAN FOSTER (1974) – BRENDAN FOSTER’S 1974 season was one for the ages. At the European Championships in Rome, he demolished a world class field, running a championships record of (13:17.21) to win by over six seconds at the Stadio Olimpico. The Brit was also narrowly beaten to Commonwealth 5000m gold in Auckland, with Kenya’s BEN JIPCHO edging out Foster – the pair clocking (13:14.4) and (13:14.6) respectively. FOSTER’S world 3000m record at his home stadium in Gateshead attracted global headlines and his time of (7:35.1) was so quick that it lasted until 1978, when Kenya’s HENRY RONO ran (7:32.1).

STEVE OVETT (1978) – STEVE OVETT was already starting to become a household name before 1978 but that season took his fame to another level. At the 1978 European Championships in Prague, OVETT secured a gold medal in the 1500m and then took home silver over 800m. He recorded a championships record of (3:35.59) in his 1500m victory, seeing off Ireland’s EAMONN COUGHLAN and fellow Brit DAVE MOORCROFT. Before his 1500m race, OVETT looked like he was destined for the top of the podium in the 800m but both he and SEC COE were chased down by East Germany’s OLAF BEYER. OVETT also clocked a world best of (8:13.51) over two miles in 1978, handing a rare defeat to HENRY RONO that year.

SEB COE (1979) – SEB COE’S three world records in 41 days in 1979 will never be forgotten. The first two – (1:42.33) in the 800m and (3:48.95) over the mile – came in Oslo, with the third – (3:32.03) in the 1500m – set in Zurich. It meant that COE became the first person to hold these three specific records at the same time. COE was voted athlete of the year by AW in 1979 and his achievements that season no doubt helped him secure an Olympic 1500m gold and 800m silver at the 1980 Moscow Games. He was also presented with the Lifetime Achievement award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2012.

DALEY THOMPSON (1982) – DALEY THOMPSON raised the decathlon world record not once but twice during his 1982 season. The Olympic champion from the Moscow Games won that year’s Götzis in a record 8730 points, before West Germany’s JURGEN HINGSEN bettered it months later with 8741 points. However, THOMPSON soon regained his place on the top of that list after recording 8774 points in his win at the European Championships in Athens. THOMPSON also retained his Commonwealth decathlon title in 1982.

STEVE CRAM (1983) – STEVE CRAM was crowned world 1500m champion in 1983, in the inaugural championships in Helsinki. After claiming European and Commonwealth gold medals over the distance a year earlier, CRAM knew that he was in good form. However, injuries disrupted the early part of his 1983 season, making that win in the Finnish capital even more special, with the Brit clocking (3:41.59) in a close race. Later that summer CRAM defeated STEVE OVETT, who was the world 1500m record-holder at the time, in an all-time classic mile at Crystal Palace.

FATIMA WHITBREAD (1987) – FATIMA WHITBREAD struck gold on the global stage in 1987 after defeating East Germany’s PETRA FELKE in a captivating final in Rome. The Brit threw a championships record of (76.64m), with FELKE, who was the world record-holder at the time, way back with a best throw of (71.76m). WHITBREAD’S winning mark wasn’t far off her personal best of (77.44m), which was the previous world record, set a year earlier. She was also given the HELEN ROLLASON award for “outstanding achievement in the face of adversity”  at last year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

LIZ MCCOLGAN (1991) – LIZ MCCOLGAN had a historic 1991 season, with success across both track and road racing. At the World Championships in Tokyo, MCCOLGAN took apart the field to strike gold over 10,000m, winning by over 20 seconds. Just a few months later she secured victory at the New York Marathon – her first race over 26.2 miles – in a time of (2:27:13) – the fastest ever marathon debut by a female athlete. MCCOLGAN also claimed an individual bronze medal at that year’s 1991 World Cross Country Championships.

LINFORD CHRISTIE (1993) – In 1993, LINFORD CHRISTIE became the first man in history to hold the Olympic, world, European and Commonwealth titles in the 100m. His winning time of (9.87) at the 1993 World Championships in Stuttgart was that quick that it stood as the British record until 2023, when ZHARNEL HUGHES ran (9.83) in New York. CHRISTIE was also part of the British quartet that secured 4x100m silver behind the Americans at those championships. Such was the strength in athletics that year, SALLY GUNNELL finished second behind CHRISTIE at BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

JONATHAN EDWARDS (1995) – JONATHAN EDWARDS went unbeaten throughout his 1995 season and topped it off by claiming a world triple jump title in Gothenburg. On his way to the gold medal, EDWARDS broke the world record not once but twice in the Swedish city. On his first jump, he became the first man to legally pass the 18 metre barrier with clearance of (18.16m). That lasted for a matter of 20 minutes as he jumped a staggering 18.29m in his second round, with that mark still the world record to this day.

PAULA RADCLIFFE (2002) – PAULA RADCLIFFE’S success in 2002 came on the track, roads and grass. At the European Championships in Munich, she became 10,000m champion, while the Brit also claimed 5000m gold at a home Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Earlier on that year, Radcliffe triumphed in the senior women’s race at the World Cross Country Championships, defeating the American pair of DEENA KASTOR and COLLEEN DE REUCK in Dublin. RADCLIFFE also made her marathon debut in 2002, setting a women’s-only world record of (2:18:55) in London and then an outright mark of (2:17:18) in Chicago.

KELLY HOLMES (2004) – KELLY HOLMES became just the third woman in history to complete the Olympic 800m/1500m double after the Soviet Union’s TATYANA KAZANKINA in 1976 and Russia’s SVETLANA MASTERKOVA in 1996. The Brit clocked (1:56.38) in her 800m victory and then ran a British record of (3:57.90) in the 1500m. HOLMES also took home the Diamond League 1500m crown in 2004, triumphing in Monaco.

MO FARAH (2017) – MO FARAH’S world 10,000m title at the London Stadium brought back memories of Super Saturday from London 2012. Once again, Farah triumphed over 25 laps on a global stage, all in front of a partisan home crowd. It was the Brit’s seventh world gold medal, with the tally starting all the way back in Daegu in 2011. Farah also secured a 5000m silver at the World Championships in London and became Diamond League champion over the distance later that year

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 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 –

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