Summer catch up.

All change at West Bromwich Harriers

It’s been all change since our last update, we have said goodbye to Dave and Kate Long who have been the backbone of this club for the last few years in their positions as secretary and ladies captain respectively, they put their heart and soul into the club! Unfortunately, Dave has had to relocate for work and he and Kate are greatly missed but they have left us in a strong position, and I know they will be watching to make sure we continue to build on what they have already achieved, making West Bromwich harriers a club to be proud of.

Gary Cliffton volunteered to take on the secretary roll but has now decided to step down for personal reasons. Gary is one of our longest members and we hope he will still be training and competing in the maroon vest for as long as he is still enjoying running.

Dominic Ashton will take the secretary position and I’ll fill Dom’s previous title as Chair. Alex is continuing as woman’s captain and I’m still men’s captain and we have big hopes for the upcoming Cross Country season.

On the 24^th of September we took part in the Autumn Road relays held in Sutton Park and finished 65^th for the ladies and 73^rd for the men, both improvements on last year’s positions. Congratulations to everyone.  Exceptional running by Ryan and Oli who had the standout performances!

A few of you have been getting the miles in this past few months with Laura Davis completing the London Marathon, (6.31.17) Steve Plummer the Virtual London Marathon, (4.05.54) Laura Walton the Loch ness Marathon, (4.41.44),

Rob Mann ran the Worcester half (1.45.42), and David and Leah Kendall ran Leah’s first half for Birmingham Children’s Hospice at the Birmingham and Black Country Half. (2.19.25).

Oli and I completed the Snowdonia trail half marathon in July Steve Plummer took on the full marathon but unfortunately took a tumble around the halfway point breaking his glasses and felt it was unsafe to continue but is not giving up and has already entered for next year’s race.

We also had good showings at the Dudley Kingswinford 10k, the Aldridge 10k, Birmingham Black country half Cannock chase half amongst others. Well done to all who raced over the summer.

Gulshanara Begum hit a milestone of 100 park runs at Sandwell Valley where she is a regular volunteer along with Kevin Wise, Paul Mansell and Steve Plummer. I also completed my 100th at Kingsbury water park run but didn’t realise till after!

Looking forward we have the cross-country season and I’m hoping we can complete the season with a full team and who knows possibly challenge for promotion!? Also, we have the Boxing Day handicap where all members have a chance of getting their name on the trophy currently held by Tom Heyes. So till the next update keep working the hills and keep the easy runs easy. Karl.