Happy Birthday from Thursday 25 January to Wednesday 31 January – Onochie Achike, Gerald Alterman, Lily Carroll, Russell Devitt, Emmanuel Duruiheoma, Emilia Economu, Micah Forbes-Agyepong, Giles Kerry-Roger, Omar Miah, Nicholas Nieland, Michael Nicholls and Benjamin Zeffertt

RECENT NEW MEMBERS – We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to SAMUEL BRODIE, HARLEY HENRY, GENOA HOWAT and JAI-SHAMMAH LEWIN

CROSS COUNTRY POINTS CHAMPIONSHIP – The Southern XC Championships this Saturday, is the 5th race of 7 to count for all age-groups excluding Under 11s.

CROSS COUNTRY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP – The Southern XC Championships this Saturday, is the championships for Under 13, 15, 17 and 9 miles Senior Men, also all Women age-groups excluding Under 11.

NOW OPEN TO ENTER, HERTFORDSHIRE, MIDDLESEX AND KENT INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place at Lee Valley on Saturday 16 March and Sunday 17 March, for all age-groups excluding U13s.
Link to Hertfordshire online entries – https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions?cc=GBR&page=0&from=2024-03-01&to=2024-03-30
Link to Middlesex entries online – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/?o=&page=7&date__gte=&date__lte=&type=&q=&country_id=&uses_ot=on
Link to Kent entries online – http://kcaa.org.uk/onlineregs/newmeeting9.php?MeetID=1
Link to Middlesex full fixture information – Middlesex Indoor Championships 16-03-24
Closing Dates for Hertfordshire, Middlesex and Kent is Friday 1 March
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS SUBSCRIPTIONS – Our new Club year started on 1 October 2023. The current SBH annual subscription is £80 and the current England Athletics annual registration from 1 April 2023 is £17. The current total is £97 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.

FEBRUARY AND MARCH INDOOR FIXTURES NOW OPEN TO ENTER – The following 6 fixtures are now open for you to enter – 11 February VAC and EMAC championships, 14 February Lee Valley Middles Distance open meeting,  17-18 February British Masters championships, 23-25 February BUCS championships, 2-3 March Essex and Eastern Counties championships, 16-17 March Hertfordshire, Middlesex and Kent championships.
Link showing full details of all 6 fixtures – February 2024 Indoor Fixtures Now Open To Enter

RESULTS
VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE – The fourth fixture of five took place at Welwyn Garden City on 13 January.
I now have the team positions after 4 fixtures, which follow my summary as the where each team positions are after 4 of the 5 fixtures.

The following is a summary of our team positions after 4 fixtures;
Under 11 Boys are leading Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets by 86 points, not being too optimistic but with 1 fixture left, we are looking favourites. Last season we were league champions, with Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets finishing 2nd by 134 points.
Under 11 Girls finished in 5th place, and with 1 fixture left, we have maintained 2nd place overall to Woodford Green & Essex Ladies who lead by 48 points, we need a good turnout at Trent Park, although 3rd place London Heathside are some 46 points behind us.  Last season we were also 2nd to Woodford Green & Essex Ladies.
Under 13 Boys finished in 4th place, and with 1 fixture left, we are now in 5th place. A very good season, especially as many of last seasons team have now moved up to the U15/U17 age-group. Last season we were league champions, with Woodford Green & Essex Ladies 14 points behind.
Under 13 Girls finished in 5th place, and with 1 fixture left, we are now in 3rd place. Realistically we could catch Harrow, although Barnet are only 16 points behind us. Last season we finished in 6th place.
Under 15 Boys/Under 17 Men made it 4 wins out of 4 races, although Woodford Green & Essex Ladies finished just 12 points behind us. We now go into the final fixture with a confortable 107 point lead. Last season we were league champions, with Woodford Green & Essex Ladies 24 points behind us.
Under 15 Girls/Under 17 Women finished in 8th place, and with 1 fixture left, we are now in 4th place. Realistically we will find it a hard task to catch 3rd place London Heathside who won at Welwyn. Last season we finished in 8th place.
Senior Men the results throughout the season has been disappointing, we finished 10th in Welwyn, and after 4 fixture we are in 12th place, relegation to Division 2 is a certainty, so next season guys we need a rethink. Last season we were promoted from Division 2 in 2nd place.
Senior Women unfortunately we need more numbers, as we averaged 2 runners throughout the season. We finished 12th at Welwyn and 12th overall after 4 fixtures, therefore we will be relegated to Division 3. Last season we finished in 10th place.
Veteran Men it has been an outstanding season, with 13 runners at Welwyn, the team won, beating the undefeated Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets by 72 points. Going into the final fixture at Trent Park, the team are in 2nd place, London Heathside are 3rd some 201 points behind us Promotion to Division 1 looks pretty good. Last season we finished in 5th place.

Unfortunately there was a fixture clash, which affected the young athletes teams, as the Southern U13, U15 & U17 took place at Lee Valley on the 13/14 January.

Under 11 Boys  
Team Results – 1st SBH A (125 points), 2nd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (114), 3rd Herts Phoenix (81), 13th SBH B (14) 14 teams finished
Team Results After 4 Fixtures – 1st SBH (605 points), 2nd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (519), 3rd Woodford Green & Essex Ladies (376), 14th SBH B (119) 19 teams finished
Under 11 Girls  
Team Results – 1st Woodford Green & Essex Ladies A (97 points), 3rd Harrow (69), 3rd Woodford Green & Essex Ladies B (59), 5th Equal SBH(48) 15 teams finished
Team Results After 4 Fixtures – 1st Woodford Green & Essex Ladies (359), 2nd SBH (311), 3rd London Heathside (265) 19 teams finished
Under 13 Boys
Team Results – 1st Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (117 points), 2nd Herts Phoenix (97), 3rd London Heathside (81), 4th SBH (75) 13 teams finished
Team Results After 4 Fixtures – 1st Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (683 points), 2nd Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow (609), 3rd London Heathside (526), 5th SBH (493) 28 teams finished
Under 13 Girls
Team Results – 1st Harrow (75 points), 2nd St Mary’s Richmond (68), 3rd Barnet & District (59), 5th SBH (47) 14 teams finished
Team Results After 4 Fixtures – 1st St Mary’s Richmond (518 points), 2nd Harrow (383), 3rd SBH (368), 19th SBH B (19) 23 teams finished
Under 15 Boys and Under 17 Men
Team Results – 1st SBH A (286 points), 2nd Woodford Green & Essex Ladies (274), 3rd Herts Phoenix (269), 4th SBH B (219), 16th SBH C (59) 23 teams finished
Team Results After 4 Fixtures – 1st SBH A (1400 points), 2nd Woodford Green & Essex Ladies (1293), 3rd Herts Phoenix (1257), 6th SBH B (1020), 18th SBH C (391) 29 teams finished
Under 15 Girls and Under 17 Women
Team Results – 1st London Heathside (113 points), 2nd Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (76), 3rd Woodford Green & Essex Ladies (74), 8th SBH (39) 12 teams finished
Team Results After 4 Fixtures – 1st London Heathside (613 points), 2nd Woodford Green & Essex Ladies (413), 3rd London Heathside (397), 4th SBH (375), 18th SBH B (35) 23 teams finished
Senior Men
Team Results Division 1 – 1st Highgate Harriers (1456 points), 2nd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (1399), 3rd London Heathside (1341), 10th SBH (599) 12 teams finished
Team Results Division 1 After 4 Fixtures – 1st Highgate Harriers (6005 points), 2nd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (5548), 3rd London Heathside (5251), 12th SBH (2007) 12 teams finished
Team Results Veterans Division 2 – 1st SBH (279 points), 2nd Herts Phoenix (271), 3rd London Heathside (243) 12 teams finished
Team Results Veterans Division 2 After 4 Fixtures – 1st Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (1003 points), 2nd SBH (952), 3rd London Heathside (751) 12 teams finished
Senior Women
Team Results Division 2 – 1st Herts Phoenix (302 points), 2nd Ealing Eagles (260), 3rd Trent Park (202), 12th SBH (12) 12 teams finished
Team Results Division 2 After 4 Fixtures – 1st Herts Phoenix (1128 points), 2nd Ealing Eagles (979), 3rd Trent Park (894), 12th SBH (234) 12 teams finished

Howard Williams Trophy (Juniors) After 4 Fixtures – 1st SBH (10 wins – 104 points), 2nd Woodford Green & Essex Ladies (3 – 101), 3rd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (0 – 87)
Howard Williams Trophy (Seniors) After 4 Fixtures – 1st Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (2 wins – 46 points), 2nd London Heathside (2 – 46), 3rd Highgate Harriers (4 – 41), 20th SBH (0 – 11)

VICTORIA PARK SPORTS MEDICINE METROPOLITAN LEAGUE – Individual Positions after 4 fixtures. The final results are based on the best 4 results out of the five fixtures. These are the SBH athletes that are in the top 10, also the No.1 is shown if not SBH.

Under 11 Boys – 1st Joshua Maiden of Herts Phoenix (4 races – 396 points), 3rd HARRISON HENDERSON (4 – 384), 5th LUCAS XIE (4 – 365), 10th DENNYS PASCAL (3 – 299)
Under 11 Girls – 1st GRACE ROONEY (4 races – 389 points), 10th SIENNA DARCY (3 – 291)
Under 13 Boys – 1st Aidan Wolpert of Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (4 races – 396 points), 4th EDWARD PASCAL (4 – 375)
Under 15 Boys – 1st ARTHUR PHILLIPS (4 races – 780 points), 10th EUAN PHILLIPS (3 – 567)
Under 15 Girls – 1st Alya Johnson of Ealing, Southall & Middlesex (4 races – 781 points), 13th POSIE SHAW (3 – 586)
Under 17 Men – 1st ADAM O’GORMAN (4 races – 788 points), 6th JACOB CLEMENTS (4 – 719), 8th AIDAN MCAVOY (4 – 663)
Under 17 Women – 1st Matilda Frith of Woodford Green & Essex Ladies (4 races – 661 points), 7th PHOEBE MUSIC (3 – 477)
Senior Men – 1st Roger Pulman of Highgate Harriers (4 races – 2398 points), 30th THOMAS BUTLER (3 – 1784)
Senior Women – 1st Stephanie Ainley of Thames Valley Harriers (4 races – 1183 points), 93rd NICOLA PAYNE (2 – 557)
Veteran Men V40 – 1st Paul Martelletti of Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (4 races – 2398 points), 19th DANIEL NICHOLS (3 – 1710)
Veteran Men V45 – 1st Jim Cooper of Harrow (4 races – 2356 points), 8th JOEL PHILLIPS (4 – 2173)
Veteran Men V50 – 1st Scott Aiken of Trent Park (4 races – 2324 points), 18th BARRY HAWS (3 – 1338)
Veteran Men V55 – 1st Rob Shulman of London Heathside (4 races – 2185 points), 4th PAUL MACCARTHY (4 – 1988), 5th TIM UNDERHILL (4 – 1969)
Veteran Men V60 – 1st Chris Finill of Harrow (4 races – 2171 points), 10th PHILIP CUNNINGHAM (4 – 1651)

Link to the Individual tables – https://metleague.run/results/individual-results-2023/
Select Category to change age-groups.

BRITISH ATHLETICS CROSS CHALLENGE, INCLIDING UK WORLD XC TRIALS – Took place at Parliament Hill on 20 January
The London International Cross Country is a new event with big plans. Organiser EAMONN MARTIN hopes it will fill the void left by the much-missed Great Edinburgh XC. Ambitiously, there is even the dream of staging the European Championships at the iconic Parliament Hill venue in future.
Amid the cheers and the cow bells, the testing course and a bracing wind ripping through north London, EAMONN had created a spectator-friendly course at the spiritual home of cross-country running with hairpin turns, beer tent and a big screen.

Under 13 Boys (3000m) – DENNYS PASCAL 8th (11.41), EDWARD PASCAL 9th (11.41), ETHAN MOSS 18th (12.42), ROAN PARKES 20th (13.06), the winner was Craig Calver of West Suffolk (11.07), 21 runners finished
Under 13 Girls (3000m) – AIMEE PORTER 11th (12.48), OLIVIA ABBOTT 13th (13.27), the winner was Maisie Mullett of Wreake and Soar Valley (11.14), 23 runners finished
Under 15 Boys (4000m) – ARTHUR PHILLIPS 8th (14.37), EUAN PHILLIPS 10th (14.44), JESSE ABRAHAMS 30th (17.11), LADDIE SHAW 37th (17.15), the winner was Joseph Scanes of Blackheath & Bromley (13.42), 34 runners finished
Under 15 Girls (4000m) – POSIE SHAW 10th (16.38), the winner was Olivia Forrest of Brentwood Beagles (13.42), 30 runners finished
Under 17 Men (6000m) – RAFI GAYER 7th (20.49), ADAM O’GORMAN 22nd (22.10), TOMMY NARVAEZ-WHITE 34th (23.42), GUY FAWCETT 37th (24.47), the winner was Alden Collier of Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow (20.00), 39 runners finished
Under 17 Women (6000m) – EDIE WOODINGS 27th (29.18), the winner was Zara Redmond of Kilbarchan (23.14), 28 runners finished
Under 20 Men (8000m) – JOSHUA FISHER 30th (29.24), the winner was James Dargan of Aldershot, Farnham & District (25.32), 35 runners finished
Under 20 Women (6000m) – EMMA MCCLUSKEY (2nd Claim) 30th (26.45), CHARLOTTE HARRIS (2nd Claim) 32nd (27.06), the winner was Innes Fitzgerald of Exeter (21.08), 35 runners finished
Open Men & BUCS Trial (4000m) – NOAH CLAKE (2nd Claim) 20th (16.21), the winner was Alex Melloy of Cambridge & Coleridge (12.57), 24 runners finished
Open Women & BUCS Trial (4000m) – The winner was Bethan Morley of Leeds City (14.20), 19 runners finished
Senior Men (10000m) – JEREMY DEMPSEY 5th (30.26), THOMAS BUTLER 26th (31.56), BENJAMIN WILLS (HCA) 38th (32.17), the winner was Hugo Milner of Derby (29.58), 99 runners finished
Senior Women (10000m) – INDIRA PATEL 29th (38.06), the winner was Abbie Donnelly of Lincoln Wellington (34.32), 49 runners finished

AAARHUS SPRINT’N’JUMP – Took place at Aarhus, Denmark on 23 January
60m – SW H1 LINA NIELSEN 3rd (PB 7.47i) taking .16 of a second off her 2019 time, in the next race LINA finished 4th (PB 7.39i) taking .08 of a second off her H1 time, and is ranked UK No.8 in 2024
60m Hurdles – SW H1 JESSICA HUNTER 2nd (SB 8.27i) taking .09 of a second off her 13 January time, in the next race JESSICA finished 2nd (PB 8.14i) taking .13 of a second off her H1 time, and is ranked UK No.2 in 2024

CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY NON THOMAS OPEN – Took place at Cardiff on 21 January
60m – SM H2 JOSH WOODS U23 2nd (SB 7.10i), in the next race JOSH finished 6th (PB 7.07i) taking .03 of a second off his H2 time
60m Hurdles – SM H2 CRAIG MONCUR U23 1st (PB 8.44i) taking .14 of a second off his 2023 time, in the next race CRAIG finished 1st (8.45i) 
High Jump – SM KIMANI JACK U23 1st (2.05mi)
Long Jump – SM JOSH WOODS U23 1st (SB 6.98i) and is ranked UK No.5 U23 on 2024
Shot 7.26kg – SM CRAIG MONCUR U23 1st (PB 13.19mi) adding 9cm to his 2023 put, and is ranked UK No.6 U23 on 2024

ENERGYVISION CROSS CUP HANNUT – Took place at Hannut, Belgium on 21 January
9000m XC – SW NAOMI TASCHIMOWITZ 15th (35.27)

LONDON UNDER 20/SENIOR GAMES – Took place at Lee Valley on 20-21 January
As of this moring the track results are still to be published.
High Jump – SM AKIN COWARD 1st (SB 2.09mi)
High Jump – SW A EVELYNE FONTEYNE U23 1st equal (SB 1.69mi) and is ranked UK No.5 U23 in 2024
Pole Vault – SW ROSALIND ZEFFERTT V60 9th (SB 2.24mi)
Triple Jump – SW A ROSALIND ZEFFERTT V60 13th (SB 7.51mi)

CAMPEONATO DE ANDALUCIA U23 – Took place at Antequera, Spain on 20 January
200m – SM H5 CAI CRAWFORD U20 1st (SB 22.54i), in the next race CAI finished 1st (SB 22.38i) taking .16 of a second off his H5 time, and is ranked UK No.6 U20 in 2024

KULDIGA CATHERINE’S CUP – Took place at Kuldiga, Latvia on 20 January
60m – SM A JORDAN WATSON-BROWN 2nd (6.79i), in the next race JORDAN finished 1st (6.80i)

SPARKASSEN INDOOR MEETING – Took place at Dortmund, Germany on 20 January
1500m – SW GEORGIA BELL 1st (PB 4:03.54i) taking 7.20 seconds off her 7 January time, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2024

STARPERCHE – PERCHE ELITE TOUR – Took place at Bordeaux, France on 20 January
Pole Vault – SW JADE IVE (HCA) 3rd (SB 4:33mi) and is ranked UK No.1 in 2024

VAULT MANCHESTER – Took place at Sportcity on 20 January
Pole Vault – SX B CRAIG MONCUR U23 5th (3.96mi), D TRINITY O’CONNOR U23 8th (SB 2.96mi)

VILLANOVA INVITATIONAL – Took place at Staten Island, New York, USA on 20 January.
60m Hurdles – SW H3 LILY PARRIS U23 (Princeton University 2nd Claim) 2nd (PB 8.63i) taking .006 of a second off her 2021 time, in the next race LILY finished 3rd (PB 8.61i) taking .02 of a second off her H3 time, and is ranked UK No.10 U23 in 2024

YALE – DARTMOUTH – COLUMBIA – Took place at New Haven, Connecticut, USA on 20 January.
60m – SW H2 LARISSA GILES U23 (Yale University) 6th (SB 8.08i)

NEWHAM 60M SPRINT SERIES – Took place at Newham on 17 January
60m – SM R1 H1 JORDAN WATSON-BROWN 3rd (6.78i), JIMMY THORONKA 5th (6.98i), 10 KHYAN MARKLAND U17 2nd (7.24i), BRYAN OGBEBOR 3rd (7.42i), 11 ISAAC MOORE 3rd (7.47i), R2 H1 JORDAN finished 1st (6.75i), 2 JIMMY finished 1st (6.90i), 6 KHYAN finished 6th (7.28i), 9 BRYAN finished 2nd (7.40i), ISAAC finished 6th (7.58i)
60m – SW R1 H8 ESTHER AKITI 2nd (8.42i), R2 H6 ESTHER AKITI finished 2nd (8.36i)

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…
1,061 events – 194,104 walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers – 8,592 first timers – 20,751 PBs

COMPLETELY USELESS RANDOM FACT – Did you know … With the 2024 Australian Open well under way, did you know there are 481 parkrun events located in Australia?

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Aldenham on 20 January.
PAUL LEWIS V50 17th (22.50) this was his 201st Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Canons Park on 20 January.
DANIYAL JANMOHAMED U11 16th (PB 22.00) this was his 5th Parkrun, LILYL JANMOHAMED U11 41st (PB 25.07) this was her 4th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Hackney Marshes on 20 January.
BARRY CHISHOLM V60 332nd (29.48) this was his 317th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Kesgrave on 20 January.
ROSS HAMMOMD U17 1st (18.04) this was his 30th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Maidstone on 20 January.
CLIFF GOLDING V65 76th (25.23) this was his 159th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Norwich on 20 January.
JOSEPH HEATHER U23 10th (18.35) this was his 46th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Oak Hill on 20 January.
STUART SINGER V60 34th (23.31) this was his 403rd Parkrun, BRADLEY SINGER V35 37th (23.50) this was his 254th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Panshanger on 20 January.
RUSSELL DEVITT V70 266th (42.04) this was his 288th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Peery Lakes, Perth, Australia on 20 January.
STUART MOORE V60 134th (30.05) this was his 219th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at The Old Showfield on 20 January.
RICHARD SAMUEL V70 15th (21.30) this was his 28th Parkrun

PARKRUN 20 YEARS OLD IN 2024 – 20 years ago parkrun’s founder, PAUL SINTON-HEWITT, organised the Bushy Park Time Trial. on Saturday 2 October 2004. 13 runners and five volunteers turned up to Bushy Park in Teddington, London, for a free, timed, 5k run, known then as the Bushy Park Time Trial.
People started telling their families and friends about it and the number of people taking part at Bushy Park slowly grew and grew. Three years later, the Time Trial went from a single event to seven in one year.

This is the link to the Parkrun newsletter, which gives details of the Parkruns first five years – https://blog.parkrun.com/uk/2024/01/19/the-first-five-years-of-parkrun/

UPCOMING ROAD RELAY AND CROSS COUNTRY FIXTURES FOR THE NEXT 5 WEEKS, WHICH COVERS THE PERIOD THURSDAY 25 JANUARY UNTIL WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY – The SBH 2023-2024 Winter Fixture Card and Information Sheet are available on the SBH website – http://sbharriers.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixture-cards/ 

SOUTHERN CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 27 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 above were for the 2022 race.
Entries Closed

NORTH WEST LONDON LEAGUE – The fourth fixture of five which takes place on Saturday 3 February at Hampstead Heath Extension, Hampstead Way (Satnav NW!! 7DY).
Age-Groups U11 to U17.
Timetable – 12.00noon U11B&G 1 medium blue lap 1700m, 12.15pm U13B&G 2 medium blue laps 3000m, 12.35pm U15B&G 1 small yellow lap & 1 large red lap 3800m, 13.00pm U17M&W 1 medium blue map & 1 large red lap 4800.
Link to all information including course map – NWLL Hampstead Heath Course Map 03-02-24
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

START FITNESS METROPOLITAN LEAGUE – The fifth fixture of five takes place on Saturday 10 February at Trent Park, Cockfosters Road, Middlesex (SatNav EN4 0JZ). Please note; because of its size, Trent Park has several different post codes. The one given is the most appropriate and closest to the Cockfosters Road entrance to the Park.
Awaiting 2024 race details from the organiser.
Race Headquarters – Located just beyond “Go Ape”, on the left hand side (south) of Lime Avenue.
Refreshments – Are available for purchase in the Trent Park café which is near 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. HQ to course walk time, less than a minute.
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.
Start Times – 12.00pm U11 (Over 9) Boys & Girls (up to 1800m), 12.15pm U13 Boys (3000m), 12.30pm U13 Girls (3000m), 12.45pm U17 Men and U15 Boys (4000m), 1.00pm U17 Women and U15 Girls (4000m), 1.15pm U20, Senior and Veteran Women (7800m), 2.15pm U20, Senior and Veteran Men (7800m).
Please Note: This is the link to all information issued by the organisers, which include the course description and maps – Race 5 – Trent Park – 11 February 2023
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 course maps, and any other final information.

START FITNESS 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. Still to be confirmed.

START FITNESS 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.

NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 24 February at Western Park, Telford, Shropshire.
Start Times 11.00am 57th U17 Women (5000m), 11.25am 21st U15 Boys (4000m), 11.45pm 54th U13 Girls (3000m), 12.05pm 78th U17 Men (6000m), 12.30pm 20th U13 Boys (3000m), 12.45pm 58th U15 Girls (4000m), 1.05am 32nd U20 Women (6000m), 1.35pm 91st Senior Women (8000m), 2.20pm 76th U20 Men (10000m), 3.00pm 136th 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 Close Friday 26 January
Note: You will have to be pre-entered by your Team Manager.

NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS VENUE – The venue for this season’s English National Cross Country Championships returns to the Midland’s and another new one has been chosen with the event taking place this time at Weston Park, near Telford along the A5 to Cannock. With the entrance via Shrewsbury Gate on that road and is scheduled for Saturday 24th February.

The address of the venue is Weston under Lizard, which is a small village nearby. In appearance it is very much an estate village because of Weston Park the family seat of the Earls of Bradford. The lizard bit coming from the proximity of Lizard Hill. The element ‘Weston’ deriving from the Old English, west-tun meaning ‘west farmstead.’

Situated minutes from major motorways and with easy access to mainline train stations, Weston’s location and road network can deal with all sorts of capacity. There is over a 1000 acres of Capability Brown parkland at Weston and this will be a good test for those taking part in the 2024 event with undulating parkland and quality grass.

This will be 136th time a Senior Men’s Championship will be staged since the first in 1876 while the latest ones are the Under 13 and Under 15 Boys first stage in 2003. Once again, the traditional distances will be raced with Senior Men running 12K and the Senior Women 8K. and the finish is adjacent to the wonderfully named Temple of Diana.

UPCOMING INDOOR FIXTURES, WHICH COVERS THE PERIOD THURSDAY 25 JANUARY UNTIL WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY – Please enter yourself and pay the appropiate fee. Also note, especially Lee Valley, that events may close before any closing date, if that event is fully subscribed.

LEE VALLEY LONDON U13, U15 & U17 INDOOR GAMES – Takes place on Saturday 27 January and Sunday 28 January, at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR).
Events to be advised. For age-groups U13, U15 & U17.
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/ligu20sen/
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 3 February and Sunday 4 February
To enter please use this link,although entries are not open as yet – http://www.seaa.org.uk/index.php
Entries Closed

LEE VALLEY AYO FALOLA DREAM MILE – Takes place at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR) on Wednesday 7 February.
Events are Track 400m, 800m, Mile and Triple Jump. For age-groups Under 15 and above.
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/ayofaloladreammile/
Entries Close Wednesday 31 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

ENGLAND ATHLETICS U15, U17 AND U20 INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place at the English Institute of Sport, Coleridge Road, Sheffield (Satnav S9 5DA) on Saturday 10 February and Sunday 11 February.
To enter please use this link for information and entries – https://www.englandathletics.org/competitions-and-events/national-championships/2024-championships/#nat
Entries Closed

VAC AND EMAC INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR) on Sunday 11 February.
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/?o=&page=5&date__gte=&date__lte=&type=&q=&country_id=&uses_ot=on
Entries Closing Date Thursday 1 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 MIDDLE DISTANCE OPEN MEETING – Takes place at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR) on Wednesday 14 February,
Events 800m and 1500m. Age-groups Under 13 and above.
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/?o=&page=5&date__gte=&date__lte=&type=&q=&country_id=&uses_ot=on
Entries Closing Date Monday 12 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  (LOOK FOR INFO)

UK ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS AND EUROPEAN TRIALS – Takes place at the Utilita Arena, King Edwards Road, Birmingham (Satnav B1 2AA) on Saturday 17 February and Sunday 18 February.
Athletes will be invited to compete.
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 17 February and Sunday 18 February.
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/?o=&page=5&date__gte=&date__lte=&type=&q=&country_id=&uses_ot=on
Entries Closing Date Wednesday 7 February
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 23 February to Sunday 25 February.
To enter please use this link – https://www.bucs.org.uk/events-page/athletics-indoor-championships-2023-24-part-of-bucs-nationals.html#
Entries Closing Date Tuesday 30 January
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

ENGLAND MASTERS INDOOR CHALLENGE – Takes place at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR) on Sunday 25 February.
Note: Team selection will be via area clubs

UNDER 11, 13, 15 AND 17 WOMEN ALL-TIME T&F TOP 10 FROM 2005 TO 2023 – I produced the following lists from the ‘Clubs’ section on the Power of 10.

60m – U11 1st Sienna Corbyn (9.39i), 2nd Temi Jaiyeola (9.44i), 3rd Dami Adekunle (9.61i) – U13 1st Moiesha Savage (8.19i), 2nd Nia Akintokun (8.25i), 3rd Jessica Gibbs (8.34i) – U15 1st Nia Akintokun (7.55i), 2nd Angel McLeod (7.63i), 3rd Tosin Jokosenumi (8.09i) – U17 1st Latifa Harris-Osman (7.68i), 2nd Tami George (7.76i), 3rd Esther Fatuade (7.83i)
75m – U11 1st Anu Jaiyeola (10.72), 2nd Dami Adekunle (11.00), 3rd Tosin Jokosenumi (11.0) – U13 1st Esther Pickering and Tiffiny Ojie (10.4), 3rd Emma Babalola (10.41)
100m – U11 1st Anu Jaiyeola (14.2), 2nd Azaria Nwankwo (15.4), 3rd Vera Doudko (15.3) – U13 1st Angel McLeod (12.88), 2nd Nia Akintokun (13.04), 3rd Moiesha Savage (13.15) – U15 1st Angel McLeod (12.08), 2nd Nia Akintokun (12.1), 3rd Moiesha Savage (12.61/12.54w) – U17 1st Niah Akintokun (12.20), 2nd Latifa Harris-Osman (12.2), 3rd Makida Lewis (12.28)
150m – U11 1st Anu Jaiyeola (20.8), 2nd Vera Doudko (22.4), 3rd Nia Forbes-Agyepong (22.68) – U13 1st Amy Robertson and Chisom Nwachukwu (20.2), 3rd Tahlia Weller-Harris (20.3)
200m – U11 1st Anu Jaiyeola (30.0), 2nd KeeNyah Adelise (32.43i), 3rd Dami Adekunle (32.51i) – U13 1st Angel McLeod (26.49), 2nd Nia Akintokun (26.8), 3rd Tosin Jokosenumi (27.42) – U15 1st Nia Akintokun (24.68), 2nd Chisom Nwachukwu (25.69), 3rd Angel McLeod (25.71) – U17 1st Hannah Foster (24.26), 2nd Chisom Nwachukwu (24.76), 3rd Tami George (24.86)
300m – U15 1st Sophie Forbes-Laird (41.9), 2nd Jessica Hurley (42.2), 3rd Holly Ryan (42.33i) – U17 1st Sabrina Bakari (38.43), 2nd Hannah Foster (38.46), 3rd Naomi Palmer (40.81)
600m – U11 1st Posie Shaw (1:52.90), 2nd Sienna Darcy (1:57.96), 3rd Sydney Allen (1:59.51) – U13 1st Olivia Abbott (1:55.23), 2nd Sophia Staab (2:01.4), 3rd Vera Doudko (2:01.70i)
800m – U11 1st Sienna Darcy (2:42.47), 2nd Posie Shaw (2:42.7), 3rd Aimi Weightman (2:45.3) – U13 1st Posie Shaw (2:27.40), 2nd Danni Newman (2:24.03), 3rd Dina Silverman (2:25.46i) – U15 1st Katherine Deal T13 (2:14.8), 2nd Sophie Connor (2:15.91), 3rd Posie Shaw (2:16.19) – U17 1st Mya Mairs-Ingram (2:09.01), 2nd Nicola McGovern (2:10.16), 3rd Aimi Weightman (2:12.34)
1200m – U13 1st Natalie Connor (3:55.5), 2nd Danni Newman (3:58.5), 3rd Karis Mimms (3:59.1)
1500m – U11 1st Posie Shaw (5:29.15), 2nd Maayan Radus (5:31.64), 3rd Aleya Khadr (6:49.26) – U13 1st Posie Shaw (4:54.79), 2nd Aimi Weightman (4:56.9), 3rd Lia Radus (4:59.5) – U15 1st Sophie Connor (4:36.84), 2nd Katherine Deal T13 (4:38.48), 3rd Natalie Connor (4:43.52) – U17 1st Aimi Weightman (4:26.67), 2nd Nicola McGovern (4:28.90), 3rd Sophie Connor (4:30.68)
3000m – U15 1st Maayan Radus (10:20.41), 2nd Katherine Deal T13 (10:36.29), 3rd Natalie Connor (10:37.51) – U17 1st Sophia Parvizi-Wayne (9:49.02), 2nd Ruby Vinton (9:49.77), 3rd Freya Stapleton (9:59.43)
1500m Steeplechase – U17 1st Emily Hathaway (5:10.88), 2nd Mia Groom (5:18.11), 3rd Sophia Parvizi-Wayne (5:21.58)
70m Hurdles – U11 1st Vera Doudko (14.59) – U13 1st Rachel Carter (11.3), 2nd Cristina Potter (12.0), 3rd Azaria Nwankwo (12.1)
75m Hurdles – U15 1st Alina Cofie (11.32), 2nd Nia Forbes-Agyepong (11.74), 3rd Angel McLeod (11.79)
80m Hurdles – U17 1st Nia Forbes-Agyepong (11.64), 2nd Eavion Richardson (11.69), 3rd Sophia Obi (11.88)
300m Hurdles – U17 1st Hannah Foster (43.51), 2nd Rachel Carter (46.48), 3rd Macie Sutherland (46.85)
Heptathlon – U17 1st Lucy Woodward (4642 points), 2nd Makeda Lewis (4472 points), 3rd Eavion Richardson (4449 points)
Pentathlon – U13 1st Holly Taylor (1441 points) – U15 1st Abigail Lambden (2958 points), 2nd Alina Cofie (2662 points), 3rd Moe Sasegbon (2534 points)
High Jump – U11 1st Vera Doudko (1.05) – U13 1st Rebecca Wheeler-Henry (1.49), 2nd Hannah Caton (1.36), 3rd Sian Sinclair, Nia Akintokun, Sienna Corbyn, Anu Jaiyeaola and Precious Eboh (1.35) – U15 1st Gabriella Walters (1.70), 2nd Rebecca Wheeler-Henry (1.63), 3rd Evelyne Fonteyne (1.60) – U17 1st Gabriella Walters (1.71), 2nd Kara Onuiri(1.70), 3rd Evelyne Fonteyne (1.66)
Pole Vault – U15 1st Natalia Ivanov (3.35), 2nd Anya Rodriguez (3.30), 3rd Abigail Edwards (3.21) – U17 1st Manon Baines (3.50), 2nd Sarah Clifford (3.40), 3rd Abigail Edwards (3.20)
Long Jump – U11 1st Anu Jaiyeola (4.00), 2nd Azaria Nwankwo (3.56), 3rd Dami Adekunle (3.51) – U13 1st Tahlia Weller-Harris (4.73), 2nd Isla Brassnet (4.50), 3rd Grace Nyaongo and Anu Jaiyeola (4.41), – U15 1st Jade Attoh (5.23), 2nd Abigail Lambden (5.15), 3rd Alina Cofie (5.07) – U17 1st Eavion Richardson (5.91), 2nd Amelia Daley (5.53), 3rd Alessa Lewis (5.50)
Triple Jump – U17 1st Jazz Sears (12.58), 2nd Amelia Daley (11.99/12.08w), 3rd Jade Attoh (11.87)
Shot 2.72kg – U13 1st Ebony Coward (8.13), 2nd Jasmin Clarke (8.05), 3rd Sophia Parvizi-Wayne (7.83)
Shot 3kg – U15 1st Gabriella Walters (10.72), 2nd Ulani McCabe-Huggins (9.27), 3rd Chuba Onyedibia (9.18) – U17 1st Lindsey Jonker (12.64), 2nd Lucy Woodward (11.52), 3rd Eavion Richardson (10.61)
Shot 3.25kg – U15 1st Simisola Oyesanya (10.57), 2nd Abigail Lambden (10.03), 3rd Shereen Doughty (9.07)
Shot 4kg – U17 1st Simisola Oyesanya (10.20), 2nd Kayomie Thompson (10.16), 3rd Makeda Lewis (9.86)
Discus 0.75kg – U13 1st Samra Richardson (19.28), 2nd Precious Eboh (18.95), 3rd Hannah Ogunniyi (18.22)
Discus 1kg – U15 1st Shereen Doughty (26.88), 2nd Georgina Christophorou (24.14), 3rd Chubi Onyedibia (23.48) – U17 1st Jessica Emery (42.32), 2nd Katie Webb (36.82), 3rd Kayomie Thompson (33.98)
Hammer 3kg – U15 1st Lauren Daymer (26.87), 2nd Harriet Morrison (25.76), 3rd Emma Babalola (22.08) – U17 1st Lucy Koehigsberger (53.31), 2nd Louisa Pitsialis (37.49), 3rd Harriet Mollinson (29.43)
Hammer 4kg – U17 1st Louisa Pitsialis (24.01), 2nd Patricia Mbata (23.27), 3rd Kayomie Thompson (22.07)
Javelin 400g – U11 1st Vera Doudko (8.31), 2nd Jasmyn Perrinr (6.51) – U13 1st Millie Roxburgh (30.34), 2nd Samra Richardson (30.11), 3rd Cristina Potter (28.61)
Javelin 500g – U15 1st Maisie Taylor(33.18), 2nd Klaudia Debreczani (31.01), 3rd Emma Taylor (30.87) – U17 1st Cristina Potter (43.64), 2nd Isabella Brunskill (37.87), 3rd Samra Richardson (35.65)
Javelin 600g – U15 1st Sherayne Scott (23.84), 2nd Magan Liley (23.24), 3rd Catryn Langley (22.94) – U17 1st Makeda Lewis (38.31), 2nd Klaudia Debreczani (32.42), 3rd Lindsey Jonker (29.86)

Link to Under 11 Girls all-time T&F top 10 from 2012 to 2023 – 8 SBH Under 11 Girls All Time T&F Top 10 From 2012 To 2023
Link to Under 13 Girls all-time T&F top 10 from 2005 to 2023 – 9 SBH Under 13 Girls All Time T&F Top 10 From 2005 To 2023
Link to Under 15 Girls all-time T&F top 10 from 2005 to 2023 – 10 SBH Under 15 Girls All Time T&F Top 10 From 2005 To 2023
Link to Under 17 Women all-time T&F top 10 from 2005 to 2023 – 11 SBH Under 17 Women All Time T&F Top 10 From 2005 To 2023

ATHLETICS CALENDAR 2024 – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

The Paris Games will dominate the athletics world in 2024 but pretty much every week this year will be packed with action ranging from the Diamond League to big city marathons, the World Cross Country Championships in Serbia and World Under-20 Championships in Lima.

February – 3 US Olympic Marathon Trials, Orlando, Florida, BUCS Cross Country Championships, Temple Newsam, Leeds, 4
New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, Boston, 6 ORLEN Copernicus Cup, Toruń, 10 Meeting Hauts-de- France Pas-de-Calais, Liévin, 10-11 
England U20/17/15 Indoor Championships, Sheffield, 11 Millrose Games, New York, 15 Maurie Plant Meet, Melbourne, 17 Welsh Cross Country Championships, Brecon, 17-18 UK Athletics Indoor Championships, Birmingham, British Masters Indoor Championships, Lee Valley, 18 Zurich Maratón de Sevilla, Spain, NI & Ulster Senior Cross Country Championships, Donegal, 23 World Indoor Tour Gold Madrid 2024, Madrid, 23-25 BUCS Indoor Championships, Sheffield, 24 nglish National Cross Country Championships, Weston Park, Telford, Lindsays Scottish National Cross Country Championships, Falkirk, 25 Napoli City Half Marathon, European Champion Clubs Cup Cross Country, Albufeira 

March – 1-4 World Indoor Championships, Glasgow, 3 Tokyo Marathon, 8-23 African Games, 9 UK Inter-Counties Champs & Cross Challenge Final, Wollaton Park, Nottingham, 9-10 European Throwing Cup, Leiria, 10 Zurich Marató de Barcelona, Nagoya Women’s Marathon, 16 English Schools Cross Country Championships, Pontefract, Podium 5km inc England Championships, Leicester, 17 Run Rome the Marathon, EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, Seoul Marathon, 23 SIAB Schools Cross Country, Santry Park, Dublin, English area road relays, various venues, 30 World Cross Country Championships, Belgrade

April – 6 Prague Half Marathon, English National 12 & 6-Stage Road Relay Championships, Sutton Park, 7 Generali Berlin Half Marathon, Brighton Marathon, 14 Botswana Golden Grand Prix, Gaborone, 15 Boston Marathon, 20 Xiamen Diamond League, Kip Keino Classic, Nairobi, 21 TCS London Marathon, World Race Walking Team Championships, Antalya, 26-27 Drake Relays, Des Moines, 27 Shanghai Diamond League

May – 3-5 BUCS T&F Championships, 4-5 World Athletics Relays, Bahamas, 5 Prague International Marathon, Great Birmingham Run, 10 Doha Diamond League, 11 Belfast Irish Milers Meet, 17-25 World Para Athletics Championships, Kobe, Japan, 18 Night of the 10,000m PBs, London, USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix, 19 Rabat Diamond League, Loughborough International, Seiko Golden Grand Prix, Tokyo, Rimi Riga Marathon, Great Bristol Run, 25 Eugene Diamond League, BMC Grand Prix, Sportcity, Manchester, 26 AJ Bell Great Manchester Run, 28 Ostrava Golden Spike, Ostrava, 30 Oslo Diamond League, 31-2 European Off-Road Running Championships, Annecy

June – 2 Stockholm Diamond League, 7-12 European Championships, Rome, 8 BMC Grand Prix, Watford, 9 USATF New York City Grand Prix, Comrades Marathon, South Africa, 15 Night of Athletics, Heusden, 18 Paavo Nurmi Games, Turku, 21 Irena Szewinska Memorial, Bydgoszcz, Meeting Madrid 2024, 21-30 US Olympic Team Trials, Eugene, Oregon, 22 BMC Grand Prix, Loughborough, 28-30 UK Athletics Championships, Mancheste

July – 6 BMC Grand Prix, Birmingham University, 7 Paris Diamond League, FBK Games, Hengelo, 9 Gyulai István Memorial, Székesfehérvár, Cork City Sports, 10 Loughborough EAP, 12 Monaco Diamond League, Morton Games, Dublin, 12-13 English Schools T&F Championships, Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, 16 Spitzen Leichtathletik Luzern, 18-21 European Under-18 Championships, Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, 20 London Diamond League

August – 1-11 Paris Olympic Games, 10 BMC Grand Prix, Trafford, 22 Lausanne Diamond League, 25 The Monument Mile Classic, Stirling, 25 Silesia Diamond League, 27-31 World Under-20 Championships, Lima, Peru, 30 Rome Diamond League, 30–8 Paris Paralympics

September – 1 ISTAF 2024, Berlin, The Big Half, London, 3 60° Palio Città della Quercia, Rovereto, 5 Zurich Diamond League, 8 AJ Bell Great North Run, Tyneside, Memorial Borisa Hanžekovića, Zagreb, 9 Galà dei Castelli, Bellinzona, 13-14 Brussels Diamond League, 21 Vitality Westminster Mile, 22 Vitality London 10,000, 29 BMW Berlin Marathon

October – 6 Great Scottish Run, 13 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, 20 TCS Amsterdam Marathon, AJ Bell Great South Run, 27 Mainova Frankfurt Marathon, Irish Life Dublin Marathon, Half Marathon Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich

November – 3 TCS New York City Marathon, French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes, 17 Great Ethiopian Run 10km, 24 Firenze Marathon, Italy

December – 1 Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Marathon, 8 European Cross Country Championships, Antalya, Turkey

BIRCHFIELD IN ROW WITH BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL OVER USE OF ALEXANDER STADIUM – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently. Photograph taken by MARK SHEARMAN.

DEREK REDMOND says the cash-strapped authorities are trying to “kill” the Commonwealth Games legacy. After months of disgruntlement and behind-the-scenes legal battles, Birchfield Harriers has broken its silence over its struggle to access facilities at the Alexander Stadium. DEREK REDMOND, the Birchfield vice-president and former UK 400m record-holder, told ITV News Central that Birmingham City Council is trying to “kill” the legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The row centres on usage of the Alexander Stadium, with Birchfield claiming they are unable to enjoy the same access they had prior to the Commonwealth Games taking place 17 months ago. The club points to a 125-year “ground agreement” that was signed in 1975 when they moved out of their old stadium in Perry Barr (which is now a greyhound stadium) and into the Alexander Stadium just over a mile away. Birmingham City Council, however, argue the agreement is no longer applicable due to the stadium having changed so much during the redevelopment ahead of the Games. Originally, Birchfield were pleased that the Commonwealth Games were coming to Birmingham. Negotiations with Birmingham City Council were also seen to be going well until the Covid pandemic struck in 2020. Access to the stadium soon became difficult and Birmingham City Council began to question the club’s long-standing “ground agreement”. During the redevelopment of Alexander Stadium the club had to train at Wyndley track in Sutton Coldfield, with competitions held at Wyndley and Nuneaton before eventually returning to use the main track in April 2023. However, club officials are angry that they can only use the facilities, which include their club office, during certain hours on club nights.

The club has seen its membership decimated – although it is now recovering – with an estimated £100,000 lost in membership and training fees plus income from staging events. Birmingham City Council has also spent £89,000 on legal fees relating to the row, with Birchfield claiming they have spent £100,000 so far. This comes at a time when the council has declared itself to be in “financial distress” this winter. The club is three years away from its 150th anniversary and its members include more than 100 Olympians. Related to this, Birchfield also claim council officials were disinterested in an idea to create an historical heritage area in the stadium. REDMOND told ITV: “They [Birmingham City Council] are actually driving athletes away because if this was me now and we were in this situation, I’d think ‘do I want to be at Birchfield?’ “There is a legacy up to a point and all of a sudden now Birmingham City Council seem to want to kill that legacy. They want to seem to put a lid on it. “You know, there are some things that I’ve been hearing that Birmingham City Council are fighting against Birchfield Harriers for the rights to be here and to use the facilities that are here.”

AW contacted Birchfield several times in 2023 about the issue but the club was reluctant to talk about the problems. For one, Birmingham City Council insisted on confidentiality during negotiations. Also, the club was keen for it not to escalate into a public row. One club official from Birchfield told AW: “It should really be referred to as a scandal. Birchfield have been very careful so far. Perhaps too patient. We have been too occupied trying to keep the club going and trying to rebuild our numbers.”

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “The redevelopment of the Alexander Stadium into a state-of-the-art £72 million world-class venue means there has been a need to review the licence arrangements that were originally agreed with Birchfield Harriers in 1975, which applied to a completely different stadium. “As a publicly funded body, the council has a duty to ensure value for money and that we maximise the use and community benefit of this new facility. As such we have been in discussions with the club about how we best accommodate their needs and others wishing to utilise the venue.

“These ongoing discussions are based on the existing peppercorn rent terms being maintained at the rates agreed back in 1975, so in reality the use of the new facilities will represent a better cost-benefit outcome for the club. “We look forward to reaching an agreement that enables Birchfield Harriers to benefit from the new and enhanced facilities on offer within this context of achieving a wider community good.” In recent weeks the likelihood of the 2026 European Athletics Championships being staged at Alexander Stadium has also been thrown into doubt although West Midlands Combined Authority has now committed extra funding to enable it to go ahead.

OLYMPIC GAMES 2024 – Take place in Paris from the 26 July until the 11 August. The Athletics take place from the 1 August until the 11 August.
Link to the Olympic Games website for the schedule for all events – https://www.paris2024.org/en/competition-schedule-olympic-games/
Detailed schedule for events will be issued later this year
Link to the Olympic Games website to register for tickets – https://tickets.paris2024.org/en/

PARALYMPIC GAMES 2024 – Take place in Paris, from the 28 August until the 8 September.
Link to the Paralympic Games website for the schedule for all events – https://www.paris2024.org/en/competition-schedule-paralympic-games/
Link to the Paralympic Games website to register for tickets – https://tickets.paris2024.org/en/

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

3 photographs were taken at the Southern U13, U15, U17 Championships at Lee Valley on 13/14 January.

TAMI GEORGE at the presentation ceremony, after winning the U17 60m title with a personal best (7.68), also TAMI won the U17 60m silver medal (25.20)
POSIE SHAW at the presentation ceremony, after winning the U17 800m silver medal with a personal best (2:14.05)
ELSA SHABANI at the presentation ceremony, after winning the U17 Shot bronze medal with a personal best (12.59m)

The final photograph was taken at the British Athletics cross challenge at Parliament Hill on 20 January.

From left to right on the top row – THOMAS BUTLER and LADDIE SHAW
From left to right on the bottom row – ARTHUR PHILLIPS and POSIE SHAW

THE FOLLOWING IS CLUB INFORMATION ON VARIOUS TOPICS

SBH 2023-2024 WINTER FIXTURE CARD – The 2023-2024 Winter Fixture Card and Information Sheet can be found on the SBH website. Link to the Winter Fixture Card and Information Sheet – http://sbharriers.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixture-cards/
Please select a document, following this you can print a copy for future reference.

SBH 2023-2024 WINTER POINTS AND CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP TABLES – Currently the updated Winter Points and Club Championship tables are published on the SBH website.
Link to the updated Winter Points tables, following the 13 January Metropolitan League – Mens Cross Country Points Tables 2023-2024 Updated 13-01-24    Womens Cross Country Points Tables 2023-2024 Updated 13-01-24
Link to the updated Club Championships table, following the 13 January Metropolitan League – SBH Cross Country Club Championship Winners 2023-2024 Updated 13-01-24
Please select a document, following this you can print a copy for future reference.

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 – StoneX Membership (1) as of 30 October 2023

JAMIE BATH MEMBERS MASSAGE SERVICE – Since joining SBH he has been working closely with TY HOLDEN in his quest for Athlete and Athletics Development. To help support the club members he has (with the club’s support) set up a Members Massage Service available on club nights at a small charge of £15 (as compared to outside masseurs who charge £60) to simply cover materials and insurance.
Please contact JAMIE at jamiebath@live.co.uk or text him on 07902 592961. You can also see him on training nights for availability.

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 £35 + 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 JUMPS 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. High Jump training is on Wednesday’s from 18.45pm 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 FAST FORWARD SCHOOL ATHLETICS CLUB – ‘Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers now run the school athletics club on Tuesday and Thursday at 4.30pm and which progresses to a more advanced club at 5.45 as a segue into the club. This is for ages 5 years -10 years of age. Please contact TY HOLDEN on 07737803260 for further information

POLE VAULTERS REQUIRED FOR 2024 – 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