The light evenings have now gone and training is now out of the park and on the streets around West Bromwich, I’m pleased to report we achieved our largest attendance since lock down of 33 for a hill session of all things! (So, I now know what you all like)! It’s nice to see our numbers increasing but it was a perfect storm for the car park, what with the snooker team having a home match the same night! So parking was at a premium, if you need to get off straight after training Primark may be a better option for parking. I’m expecting our numbers to further increase with some fliers created by Alex to promote the club, so if you know of any notice boards with a bit of space please collect some on Wednesday. Talking of potential new members Laura, assisted by Chris, have volunteered to look after our novice runners with a Couch to 5k program, I’m sure Laura will inspire any new members as she has completed this herself and gone on to become a regular ‘park run’ runner, and this year completed the London marathon! We would also like to increase the amount of run leaders, so if your interested please let me know and I’ll give you some more details of what’s involved.
Sandwell Valley Park Run celebrated it’s 5th anniversary and Terri the run director asked for donations for the local food bank instead of the traditional cake. Expectations were exceeded, so a big thank you to all who donated and I’m sure it will be much appreciated.
The maroon vests of West Bromwich have been on show at quite a few races these last few months but the award for the furthest from home goes to Bev Ward who has been running the park runs down under! Her original trip was cancelled due to lock down but now she’s enjoying the Australian summer! We’re looking forward to hearing all about your adventure when you return to training next year. Ryan ran the Manchester half in a fantastic time of 1:17:39 Guaranteeing him a place in next April’s London marathon, Harjot ran her 1st ever race, the Great Eastern Half Marathon in an impressive 2hrs 50! Daniel ran the Leicester half in 1:33:04, just outside his sub 1:30 target. Steve got a PB at the Richmond Run fest Marathon in 3:40:59! Ben finished 2nd in the Malvern 10K fell race with Mercia fell runners (his second claim club) and Oli achieved 3rd at the Action Heart ‘Tuff Un’ 10K with myself, Louis and Dan Floyd supporting. We had Laura, Chris, Ryan and Kevin representing the club at the Sneed 10 mile Christmas pudding run. Rob White ran the Derby 10 mile in 1:18:08, a PB! and John has now collected every second from 00 to 59 at the park runs?!
A big well done to all who have been racing over the Autumn this year and keep me updated on any events you are entering over these cold, dark months for the Winter update. Keep grinding out the miles and my next post should be the Boxing Day handicap, 5.4K 4 laps in Dartmouth park. See you there, Karl.
West Bromwich Harriers 