Lighter evenings have returned, and we’re back in Dartmouth Park training on Wednesdays’ I’m sure everyone enjoys the park and Valley sessions. If you are reading this and are not a member come along to any of our sessions, our club is for all abilities and the first 4 sessions are free so you have nothing to loose!
Club membership was due for renewal on the 1st of April, thank you for choosing West Bromwich Harriers. A few have not renewed and hopefully will return at a later date; you are always welcome back. Dom, our secretary, is having a break and hopefully will return later this year and Ben has relocated to Litchfield and has decided not to renew his membership. We wish him all the best and thank him for the work he put in as men’s captain over the years. He will be missed by all and especially at next seasons cross country where he was always in the finishing six.
Talking of the XC we had our most successful season in recent years finishing 5th overall and a better points total, what was most pleasing is that we were not depending on the same runners for each race it was a fantastic team effort! Well done everyone who competed in any of the 4 races. A special mention must go to Ryan who finished 3rd overall in the senior men’s category only just missing out on second! Hopefully we can maintain our position in the division next season were just a couple of faster runners short of a promotion team, I’m looking forward to be knocked out of the top 6 and be leading the ‘B’ team! Now is one of the best times to join and help us win promotion into division 2!
The XC Nationals have been rescheduled to the 14th September, I will be resubmitting our team closer to the date and anyone not able to compete will be refunded.
Well done to the ladies who also had another successful year fielding a full team for each race finishing the season in 23rd from 28. We really enjoy the races when we’re at the same venue and certainly mis the support when they’re not there. (The tent and cakes are just a bonus, honest).
We have two runners representing the harriers in the London Marathon this April in Oli and Ash, Ash was fortunate to secure a place in the ballot and Oli is using our club place. He will be raising money for a charity supporting men’s mental health in memory of his good friend Dan.
We also have quite a few runners taking on the Manchester Marathon a week before the London, and hopefully we will have a full review of both events. I know Rob, Ryan and Daniel will be there.
With so many training for an April marathon we had a plenty of runners at the Ashby 20. A special well done to David and Leah Kendall, Leah who took on the distance for the first time who thanked Kelly for supporting her over the last few miles and David who finished 9th in his age category! Very impressive and well done to all our other runners.
Some of the races you have competed in and are planning to run this year,
Chase water easter egg 10k, 7 pools. Dk 10k, wolves 10k, Stafford half, woman’s day pr take over, Malta marathon, Birmingham half (Craigs 1st half), Snowdonia Ultra and 10k, Pennine Barrier 50k, Summer spine Race, Snowdon 100,Belvoir Marathon, Big Bear 50,Shropshire way 80k,Sea to summit Rat Race, DK10k, Offa’s Dyke 15…congratulations and good luck!
I’m sure there are more and if anyone would like to write a blog about any of the events you are doing it would be great to post it and the camera is available if you would like to do some filming.
Thanks to all our Park run volunteers and a special mention to Gulshanara who completed her 100th! The majority at Sandwell Valley, Fantastic!
Remember the park runs wouldn’t happen without the volunteers so if you can spare a Saturday morning…
Here’s looking forward to another successful year ahead what ever your running goals are.
Karl (Chairman).
West Bromwich Harriers 