MICHAEL YOUNG is hoping to celebrate more than his 33rd birthday this Saturday.

The West Cheshire Athletic Club member is preparing to run 69 miles on a treadmill to raise money for the National Health Service.

“My wife, Harriet, has agreed to act as my support crew. I’m hoping there will be birthday cake at one of the virtual check points! She’ll also post some updates throughout the day on my Instagram page @theultrabear,” Michael said.

“I have signed up to the Possum Revenge 69 mile virtual ultra-marathon. This ultra-marathon is normally held in Texas in May but due to current events has gone virtual. I was drawn to this ultra due to the location having competed in the Austin marathon in February.

“The ultra-marathon will be ran on my treadmill in our conservatory, so I’ll be praying for a cool day, whilst totting up the miles on the running app.”

Michael is looking forward to contributing towards the NHS and is hoping to receive plenty of support.

He added: “NHS staff and volunteers are doing amazing work right now in caring for COVID-19 patients. Together, let’s show our respect and gratitude as they work tirelessly in the face of the virus. It’s our turn to make sure we look after them, to ensure they can keep doing their vital work.

“This national campaign, endorsed by NHS England, acknowledges and supports all NHS staff and volunteers who are looking after those affected by coronavirus. In these difficult times, it gives us all as individuals, groups and organisations the chance to show we care and to make a difference. Funds generated will be granted to member NHS Charities supporting the health and emotional well-being of those at the front-line of the NHS, so they can deliver the best care possible to coronavirus patients.

“The grants will cover above and beyond what the NHS alone can provide, such as well-being packs, accommodation, travel, parking and volunteer expenses. Supporting the longer term mental and rehabilitation of NHS staff, volunteers, patients and carers after the pandemic is over. Supporting NHS patients to leave hospital quickly and safely and to remain or stay out of hospital.”

Anyone wanting to donate can follow this link.

Further details about West Cheshire Athletic Club can be found at this link: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

STAYING IN TOUCH

I hope you are all staying fit, healthy and upbeat in these unprecedented times. It’s so important to keep in touch, so please forward me your contributions for the Club Newsletter by email to: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

I hope you enjoy this latest weekly issue of the Club Newsletter which features news, work-outs, links to video clips, and a list of club members who are celebrating birthdays. Remember that you can all play your part in communicating and sharing your thoughts and ideas during this lull in Club training and competition.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Please remember to renew your Club Membership to help support West Cheshire AC prepare for life after the lockdown when the Club is aiming to organise a Club Track & Field Championships in September and hopefully host the Cheshire Track & Field Championships if restrictions are lifted.

The link to the Club Membership payment page on the website is here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Many happy returns to the following Club members who celebrate their birthdays this week:

Tony Kennedy, Jean Claude Randon, Freddie Cogan-Williams, Adam Gloyne-Phillips, Michael Maxwell, Ava Longman, Thomas Chalmers, Callum Stow-Povall, Daniel Thwaites, Eloise Eccles, Evelyn Hogan, Wullie McGarrell, Neil McIntyre, Jack Nash, Harvey Tegg.

And Next Week: Holly Coates, Johnny Goodall, George Mann, Milly James, Alex Duffey, Hannah Moorhourse, Matthew Smithdale, Thomas Wilde, Thomas Wilson, Andrew Leishman, Michael Young, Harley Shakespeare-Wetton.

CARYS EARNS ENGLAND VEST…

Carys Roberts will be receiving an England vest when the lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

The West Cheshire AC youngster finished ninth in the Junior Girls race and was first home for Cheshire at the English Schools Cross Country Championships staged at Sefton Park, Liverpool, in March.

Her top-10 finish would have earned her selection for England at the Schools International Cross-country Relay Championships scheduled to have been held in Scotland. But the fixture north of the border was cancelled due to the Covid-19 Crisis and Roberts has been waiting to find out whether she would be receiving her international vest.

Carys won the Cheshire Schools Cross Country Championship title in February and was looking forward to making her international debut. Cheshire Schools Athletics Association, who had contacted the English Schools Executive to complain that no recognition had been made to those who had achieved top 10 positions at the National Finals in Liverpool in March, were delighted to receive a positive response.

GET BEHIND MICHAEL YOUNG’S BIRTHDAY BASH…

West Cheshire AC’s Michael Young will be celebrating his 33rd birthday on 2nd May running 69 miles on a treadmill to fundraise for the NHS because of all the amazing work they are doing. Please feel free to donate – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/theultrabear – any donation would be sincerely appreciated! 

WORK-OUT OF THE WEEK…

Double Olympic champion Jade Jones and her flatmate, Olympic bronze medallist Bianca Walkden, have put together a short workout perfect for trying at home.

OLYMPIANS IN LOCKDOWN 

With the Olympics pushed back to 2021, the world’s best athletes have had to train and entertain themselves at home. Liam Loftus is back with our favourite clips from lockdown.

HOME CHALLENGES WITH JENNY MEADOWS…

If you need something to brighten up your week, then the Jenny Meadows Weekly Challenge is just for you! Our friend, World and European medallist at 800m and coach Jenny Meadows, will be setting a special fun challenge each week, that you can do within your home. This week is an agility challenge.

LOCKDOWN PHYSIOTHERAPY 

Jason Oswell has been in touch to say he is doing Physiotherapy video consultations during lockdown. If anybody has any issues, he is prepared to provide a consultation to anybody from the club for £10. His email address is: jason_oswell@live.com

HOME PENTATHLON UPDATE…

There has been a poor response so far to my request for everyone to send me results of the Home Pentathlon.

I have received results so far from Macy Brett: 5x20m shuttle run 35.1 secs; Target Throw 16; 20 secs Speed Bounce 60; Vertical Jump 55; Standing Long Jump 2.19m – Silver with 259 points. 

Holly Bosworth: 5x20m shuttle run 36.2 secs; Target Throw 16; Speed Bounce 63; Vertical Jump 42 cms; Standing Long Jump 1.96m.

Finn Howard: 5x20m shuttle run 38 secs, Target Throw 16, Speed Bounce 47, Vertical Jump 39 cms, Standing Long Jump 1.97m.

And photo evidence of Teresa Arvidsson completing the challenge.

If you haven’t completed the Home Pentathlon yet, please give it a go and let me know how you get on. The link can be found here.

LIZ IS A TOP 10 HIT…

Liz Renondeau, who won the British Masters Cross Country Championships at Aintree, Liverpool, is ranked second in Athletics Weekly magazine’s UK over-40 women’s cross-country ranking list. Congratulations Liz!

VIRTUAL BANNISTER MILE 

Club members might be interested to learn that a Virtual Bannister Mile is being organised on May 6^th – the 66th anniversary of the first sub4 mile. More details will appear in next week’s newsletter.

VIRTUAL WIRRAL SEASIDE 5KM RUN

The Second Race of the Seaside Run Series was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 29th April. However, there has been a request for a Virtual 5K Race.

The Start Time will be 7pm on Wednesday 22nd April and you will have One Week to upload One (and only 1) 5K Run using Strava, Garmin etc. The finish time will be 8pm on Wednesday 29th April.

The Winners will be announced on Thursday 30th April. This is for fun and so is free. ANYONE can enter.

Please give your Name, Gender, Category, Club, and photo. Please run from your home if possible and follow the guidelines: Stay a safe distance. Run on your own and STAY SAFE. 

TRAVEL TO TOKYO CHALLENGE

Many thanks for Glenys Potter for providing news about Team GB challenging schools to take part in the Travel to Tokyo challenge to get active in the run up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. More details can be found here.

THIS SUNDAY’S 2.6 CHALLENGE

We’ve missed out on fun events, seeing friends and family and we’re spending more time at home than many of us would like. It’s also had an especially large impact on the UK’s charities, whose work is as vital as ever in this difficult time.

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of thousands of fundraising events and the loss of billions in income. To help them to continue to help people during this period, the 2.6 Challenge will launch this Sunday – 26th April.
Sunday should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon, the world’s biggest one-day annual fundraising event, which raised £66.4 million for charities in 2019. The 2.6 Challenge can be anything that works for you. You can run or walk 2.6 miles, 2.6km or for 26 minutes.

You can do it in your home, or garden if you have one. For instance, you could go up and down the stairs 26 times, do a 26-minute exercise class or get 26 people on a video call and do a 26-minute workout – anything you like.
so get involved and take part in a physical activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26. You can fundraise here.

The challenge will last for a week and is open to anyone of any age – the only requirement is that the activity must follow the government guidelines on exercise and social distancing, so remember to stay local.

HELP AND SUPPORT

Anyone requiring help and support while self-isolating can contact the local council hotline number of 0300 123 7031.

This is a dedicated hotline number for those self-isolating and who don’t have anyone to help. A call to this number will provide help organising food or medicine deliveries, or some sort of social contact. The number for the most in need is 0300 123 7031. It is open Monday to Sunday (8am-7pm).

ALSO – Please feel free to ring me (Dennis) if you want a chat or need any help or support. My numbers are: 0151 201 1254 and 07968 643038.

UPDATED ONLINE ATHLETICS WEBINARS

England Athletics are continuing to offer a variety of online webinars of interest to athletes, coaches, officials, parents, and fans of the sport we all love.

The link to the updated list of webinars covering Throws, Sprints, Endurance Running, Jumps, Steeplechase, Race Walking, Pole Vault, Combined Events, and Running Drills can be found here, here and here.

STAYING FIT AND HEALTHY

The links below offer a range of advice on exercises we can all do while confined indoors.

MIND provides a series of workouts here. 

Joe Wicks has become a household name with his daily online morning workouts which can be found here.

Sport England is offering tips, advice and guidance on how to stay active around the home on this link.

Youth Sport Trust is providing healthy tips including a series of 60-second Challenges on this link.

Realbuzz has provided a 4-minute flat stomach workout which can be found here.

MORE GREAT MEMORIES…

Here are my latest clips to bring a smile back to your faces. Enjoy!

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

Members and parents are reminded to look at the following links for updates about the Club:

FACEBOOK: West Cheshire AC, West Cheshire AC Road Running, West Cheshire AC Jnr to U20 middle distance group

WEBSITE: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/westcheshireac

Dennis Wall

CARYS ROBERTS will be receiving an England vest when the lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

The talented West Cheshire Athletic Club youngster finished ninth in the Junior Girls race and was first home for Cheshire at the English Schools Cross Country Championships staged at Sefton Park, Liverpool, in March.

Her top-10 finish would have earned the youngster selection for England at the Schools International Cross Country Relay Championships scheduled to have been held in Scotland.

But the fixture north of the border was cancelled due to the Covid-19 Crisis and Roberts has been waiting to find out whether she would be receiving her international vest.

Roberts won the Cheshire Schools Cross Country Championship title in February and was looking forward to making her international debut.

Cheshire Schools Athletics Association had contacted the English Schools Executive to complain that no recognition had been made to those who had achieved top 10 positions at the National Finals in Liverpool in March, were delighted to receive a positive response.

“Whilst the vests may be a while in arriving, it is justification for your excellent achievements at the event,” Cheshire Schools AA said. “Cheshire Schools had five athletes achieve the top-10 and my congratulations go to you all.”

English Schools had emailed Cheshire AA to say: “The Officers have discussed the situation regarding the athletes who would have qualified for the SIAB Cross Country Championship in Scotland. We wanted to recognise the achievement of not only the top eight in the two age groups, but also the two relay runners from each race who would also be going to Scotland.”

The English Schools Track and Field Championships, scheduled to have taken place on July 10 and 11 at Manchester, have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 Crisis.

STAYING IN TOUCH

Our lives have dramatically changed in the last few weeks with the lockdown restrictions and left us all confused as to what to do and how to handle this new order of things.

But I hope you are all staying fit, healthy and upbeat in these unprecedented times. It’s so important to keep in touch, so please forward me your contributions for the Club Newsletter by email to: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

I hope you enjoy this latest weekly issue of the Club Newsletter which features news, work-outs, links to video clips, and a list of club members who are celebrating birthdays. Remember that you can all play your part in communicating and sharing your thoughts and ideas during this lull in Club training and competition.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Please remember to renew your Club Membership to help support West Cheshire AC prepare for life after the lockdown when the Club is aiming to organise a Club Track & Field Championships in September and hopefully host the Cheshire Track & Field Championships if restrictions are lifted.

The link to the Club Membership payment page on the website is here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Many happy returns to the following Club members who celebrate their birthdays this week:

Phil Woodley, Noah Woolgar, Mike Lamb, Matthew Coombes, Tanja Dwight.

And next week’s: Tony Kennedy, Jean Claude Randon, Freddie Cogan-Williams, Adam Gloyne-Phillips, Michael Maxwell, Ava Longman, Thomas Chalmers, Callum Stow-Povall, Daniel Thwaites, Eloise Eccles, Evelyn Hogan, Wullie McGarrell, Neil McIntyre, Jack Nash, Harvey Tegg.

CONGRATULATIONS JAMIE!

Jamie Richardson has earned a top 20 spot in the UK under 15 boys’ cross-country ranking list.

He secured 17th position in the rankings produced by Athletics Weekly magazine thanks to his ninth-place finish at Loughborough in the UK Inter Counties Championships.

Other highlights of Jamie’s winter campaign included third placed finishes at both the Cheshire AA County Championship and Cheshire Schools Championship.

He also achieved eighth place at the Northern Championships, 13th spot at the UK Cross Challenge fixture at Sefton Park, Liverpool, and 40th position in the English Schools Intermediate Boys Championship race.

VIRTUAL NATIONAL ROAD RELAY RESULTS

Joseph Morrison headed West Cheshire AC’s charge at the Virtual English National 12 Stage Road Relay Championships.

He was one of 14 club members to complete a 5km run between Saturday, April 4 and Wednesday, April 8, and then uploading the Strava/Garmin performance online by April 9.

Morrison, who was the 17th fastest under 20 man after posting 15 minutes 11 seconds, was backed up by Michael Young (16:26); Tom Booth (17:08); Andrew Cooper (17:30); Steve Fernyhough (17:59); Danny Paddock (18:09); Andy Carter (18:40); Rob Little (18:59); Steve King (19:03); Richard Hayes (19:27); Phil Woodley (19:51); Dave Irving (20:36); Kerry Riley (21:07); and Kay Hayes (31:01).

AT HOME WITH KJT…

World heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson shares her tips on how to maintain motivation while in lockdown with help from her two workout buddies.

WORK-OUT OF THE WEEK…

Former Team GB modern pentathlete Sam Murray takes us through this 15-minute workout you can do at home.

HOME CHALLENGES WITH JENNY MEADOWS…

If you need something to brighten up your week, then the Jenny Meadows Weekly Challenge is just for you! Our friend, World and European medallist at 800m and coach Jenny Meadows, will be setting a special fun challenge each week, that you can do within your home. Here are her first two challenges:

FIXTURES UPDATE

Northern Athletics have provided an update about three scheduled track and field championship fixtures.

The Senior and under 20 Championships, due to be held at Wavertree, Liverpool, on June 27 and 28, has been postponed subject to further decisions being made regarding the end of the Covid-19 epidemic and fixture arrangements and advice from UK Athletics.

The under 17 and under 15 Inter County Championships, due to be held at York University Stadium on July 5 has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled because county team selections will not be possible due to the cancellation of County Championships.

And no decision has yet been taken about the under 17, under 15, and under 13 Championships, due to be held at Costello Stadium, Hull, on August 15 and 16, but updates will be posted on the Northern Athletics website and Facebook page.

HELP AND SUPPORT

Anyone requiring help and support while self-isolating can contact the local council hotline number of 0300 123 7031.

This is a dedicated hotline number for those self-isolating and who don’t have anyone to help. A call to this number will provide help organising food or medicine deliveries, or some sort of social contact. The number for the most in need is 0300 123 7031. It is open Monday to Sunday (8am-7pm).

ALSO – Please feel free to ring me (Dennis) if you want a chat or need any help or support. My numbers are: 0151 201 1254 and 07968 643038.

UPDATED ONLINE ATHLETICS WEBINARS

England Athletics are continuing to offer a variety of online webinars of interest to athletes, coaches, officials, parents, and fans of the sport we all love.

The link to the updated list of webinars covering Throws, Sprints, Endurance Running, Jumps, Steeplechase, Race Walking, Pole Vault, Combined Events, and Running Drills can be found here, here and here.

STAYING FIT AND HEALTHY

The links below offer a range of advice on exercises we can all do while confined indoors.

MIND provides a series of workouts here. 

Joe Wicks has become a household name with his daily online morning workouts which can be found here.

Sport England is offering tips, advice and guidance on how to stay active around the home on this link.

Youth Sport Trust is providing healthy tips including a series of 60-second Challenges on this link.

Realbuzz has provided a 4-minute flat stomach workout which can be found here.

MORE GREAT MEMORIES…

Here are my latest clips to bring a smile back to your faces. Enjoy!

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

Members and parents are reminded to look at the following links for updates about the Club:

FACEBOOK: West Cheshire AC, West Cheshire AC Road Running, West Cheshire AC Jnr to U20 middle distance group

WEBSITE: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/westcheshireac

Dennis Wall

JAMIE RICHARDSON has earned a top 20 spot in the UK under 15 boys cross country ranking list.

The talented West Cheshire Athletic Club teenager secured 17th position in the rankings produced by Athletics Weekly magazine thanks to his ninth-placed finish at Loughborough in the UK Inter Counties Championships.

Other highlights of Jamie’s winter campaign included third placed finishes at both the Cheshire AA County Championship and Cheshire Schools Championship.

He also achieved eighth place at the Northern Championships, 13th spot at the UK Cross Challenge fixture at Sefton Park, Liverpool, and 40th position in the English Schools Intermediate Boys Championship race.

JOSEPH MORRISON headed West Cheshire AC’s charge at the Virtual English National 12 Stage Road Relay Championships.

He was one of 14 club members to complete a 5km run between Saturday, April 4 and Wednesday, April 8, and then uploading the Strava/Garmin performance online by April 9.

Morrison, who was the 17th fastest under 20 man after posting 15 minutes 11 seconds, was backed up by Michael Young (16:26); Tom Booth (17:08); Andrew Cooper (17:30); Steve Fernyhough (17:59); Danny Paddock (18:09); Andy Carter (18:40); Rob Little (18:59); Steve King (19:03); Richard Hayes (19:27); Phil Woodley (19:51); Dave Irving (20:36); Kerry Riley (21:07); and Kay Hayes (31:01). 

NORTHERN ATHLETICS have provided an update about three scheduled track and field championship fixtures.

The Senior and under 20 Championships, due to be held at Wavertree, Liverpool, on June 27 and 28, has been postponed subject to further decisions being made regarding the end of the Covid-19 epidemic and fixture arrangements and advice from UK Athletics.

The under 17 and under 15 Inter County Championships, due to be held at York University Stadium on July 5 has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled because county team selections will not be possible due to the cancellation of County Championships.

And no decision has yet been taken about the under 17, under 15, and under 13 Championships, due to be held at Costello Stadium, Hull, on August 15 and 16, but updates will be posted on the Northern Athletics website and Facebook page.

THE British Track and Field Championships at the Manchester Regional Arena have been rescheduled from its original date of June 20 and 21 to August 8 and 9.

FURTHER details about West Cheshire Athletic Club can be found at: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

STAYING IN TOUCH

I hope you are all staying fit, healthy and upbeat in these unprecedented times. It’s so important to keep in touch, so please forward me your contributions for the Club Newsletter by email to: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

I hope you enjoy this latest weekly issue of the Club Newsletter which features news, work-outs, competitions, and links to video clips. Remember that you can all play your part in communicating and sharing your thoughts and ideas during this lull in Club training and competition.

TIPS FROM A FAMOUS MUM…

You’ll love this! Five-time Olympian Jo Pavey supervising a training session with her two children, plus a really interesting interview (free video; you will need to subscribe to thetimes.co.uk to see the full article).

CHESHIRE POSTER COMPETITION

Junior Club Members are being invited to take part in a competition to design a Cheshire poster. Many thanks to Sarah Scott for sending the information and link. Children up to the age of 11 can take part and further details can be found at this link.

VIRTUAL EASTER RUN INVITE

With social gatherings no longer able to take place due to the Coronavirus why not support some of the most vulnerable people within our communities during the crisis.

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation Virtual Easter run costs just £6 to enter. Runners can pick a distance that best suits their ability and run any day until the end of May to get an exclusive Easter medal and Roy Castle running buff. Every runner is also invited to join the Strava Club to meet other like-minded runners.

As a charity, a lot of the activity focuses on getting people active and looking after the lungs which makes running the perfect activity to do this. Therefore, why not promote and/or share the virtual running event? To register to be part of the Roy’s Runners team this Easter, visit here.

Every person that signs up will be actively supporting the most vulnerable people within our communities during the crisis. Sadly, lung cancer patients are being faced with some impossible decisions right now; should they access treatment and put themselves at risk of catching COVID or delay their life-saving treatment. Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is determined to raise more money to provide extra support to all patients during this worrying time for them.

TRY THESE BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES…

For the club athlete some simple bodyweight exercises can be as effective as those using gym equipment, so take a look and try these examples.

NEW DATE FOR BRITISH TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Müller British Athletics Championships will now be held on August 8-9, provided competition can recommence during this outdoor season. Further details here.

PRE-RACE YOGA WARM-UP WITH LILY PARTRIDGE…

The British half-marathon champion demonstrates a lower leg and hip routine which can help to wake up your key running muscles and get you ready for the miles ahead. See here.

LATEST CASUALTIES

Unfortunately, the Youth Development Track & Field League and Northern Track & Field League have both decided to cancel this season’s fixtures.

HELP AND SUPPORT

Anyone requiring help and support while self-isolating can contact the local council hotline number of 0300 123 7031.

This is a dedicated hotline number for those self-isolating and who don’t have anyone to help. A call to this number will provide help organising food or medicine deliveries, or some sort of social contact. The number for the most in need is 0300 123 7031. It is open Monday to Sunday (8am-7pm).

ALSO – Please feel free to ring me (Dennis) if you want a chat or need any help or support. My numbers are: 0151 201 1254 and 07968 643038.

UPDATED ONLINE ATHLETICS WEBINARS

England Athletics are continuing to offer a variety of online webinars of interest to athletes, coaches, officials, parents, and fans of the sport we all love.

The link to the updated list of webinars covering Throws, Sprints, Endurance Running, Jumps, Steeplechase, Race Walking, Pole Vault, Combined Events, and Running Drills can be found here and here.

STAYING FIT AND HEALTHY

The links below offer a range of advice on exercises we can all do while confined indoors.

MIND provides a series of workouts here. 

Joe Wicks has become a household name with his daily online morning workouts which can be found here.

Sport England is offering tips, advice and guidance on how to stay active around the home on this link.

Youth Sport Trust is providing healthy tips including a series of 60-second Challenges on this link.

Realbuzz has provided 10 strengthening exercises for runners which can be found here.

MORE GREAT MEMORIES…

Here are my latest clips to bring a smile back to your faces. Enjoy!

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

Members and parents are reminded to look at the following links for updates about the Club:

FACEBOOK: West Cheshire AC, West Cheshire AC Road Running, West Cheshire AC Jnr to U20 middle distance group

WEBSITE: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/westcheshireac

Dennis Wall

ALEX DUFFEY and Andrew Clague head the women’s and men’s competitions in the West Cheshire Athletic Club Endurance Running League.

The pair both enjoyed two-point leads in the annual club event before England Athletics guidance to stop training sessions and competitions due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Duffey accumulated 17 points from her appearances in cross country and road running fixtures and her closest rivals, all in joint second spot, are Ellie Robinson, Clare Mallon, and Debra Bemand.

And Clague enjoys top position in the men’s competition, two points clear of Andy Carter, with Steve Fernyhough in third place, five points off top spot.

WEST CHESHIRE Athletic Club has been told that both the Northern Track and Field League and the Youth Development League fixtures have been cancelled this year.

The purple-vested club were looking forward to competing in Division One of the Northern League and were scheduled to start the campaign at Blackburn on May 2, before travelling to Trafford on June 7, Preston on July 12, and hosting the final round on August 1 at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.

League secretary, Alan Johnson, released the following statement: “The management committee has been following the current crisis with regards to Coronavirus (COVID-19) very closely. 

“Having had communications from both the government and our governing bodies, your league management have come to the conclusion that it would be prudent to cancel all of the matches in the league for 2020. This decision hasn’t been taken lightly.

“We have constantly been monitoring government guidelines and communications from our governing bodies.

“Clubs were asked about this in a recent email and the vast majority of replies were in agreement with the league management committee over this crisis.

“Schools and colleges are closed until September. We have also taken into account our officials. Many are over 70 or have underlying health issues which means they have to self-isolate themselves for at least 12 weeks. This date would take us to mid-June anyway.

“There are doubts over when stadia will be re-opening • Having lost 2 matches already, it is clear that the last two matches needed to be considered.

“Making this decision means clubs can hopefully cancel any travel arrangements or track bookings without any loss of monies. All league subscription fees will be carried over into 2021.

“If the restrictions are removed before the dates of our matches, it will allow some clubs to put on open meetings on those dates, so that athletes have a path back into sport without too much stress being put on them through league competition.”

The Youth Development League also released the following statement: “In the light of the continuing uncertainty around the Coronavirus situation the YDL management committee held a Skype meeting on March 29 to look at all the possibilities for the 2020 season and have decided regretfully that all matches scheduled for the 2020 season will be cancelled forthwith.

“This decision was based on advice being communicated at the Government daily briefings where restrictions may be turned on and off and has not been made lightly; we would like to ask our clubs for their forbearance and thank you all for your support. It’s not a situation of our choosing but we hope that being pro-active will help clubs with any forward planning and help cut down any additional costs being incurred.”

West Cheshire AC were scheduled to host the opening round of the YDL under 17/under 20 Competition on April 26 at Ellesmere Port Sports Village as well as the second round of the YDL under 13/under 15 Competition on June 6.

HELP AND SUPPORT

Anyone requiring help and support while self-isolating can contact the local council hotline number of 0300 123 7031.

This is a dedicated hotline number for those self-isolating and who don’t have anyone to help. A call to this number will provide help organising food or medicine deliveries, or some sort of social contact. The number for the most in need is 0300 123 7031. It is open Monday to Sunday (8am-7pm).

ALSO – Please feel free to ring me (Dennis) if you want a chat or need any help or support. My numbers are: 0151 201 1254 and 07968 643038.

CHALLENGING TIMES

This week should have seen the club organising the pre-season Track and Field Trials, hosting the Year 7 Cheshire v Merseyside Schools Cross Country Races, and preparing to host the Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race which was scheduled for Wednesday, April 8.

But all of these fixtures have fallen victim to the Covid-19 crisis and we are faced with weeks and months of trying to adapt to drastic changes due to restrictions and guidance from the Government.

Many Club members have been finding ways of staying fit and healthy – using indoor treadmills, participating in a standing long jump competition, and following online exercise classes.

England Athletics have now told Clubs to suspend all face to face activity such as club training sessions, events, competitions, club committee and face to face meetings, athlete camps, running groups, and social events until the end of May.

But please stay upbeat and pass on your ideas and initiatives to help everyone stay fit and healthy in these unprecedented times. And please forward your contributions to me by email: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

I hope you enjoy this issue of the Club Newsletter and hope you can all play your part in communicating and sharing your thoughts and ideas during this lull in Club training and competition.

VIRTUAL NATIONAL ROAD RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS

The England Road Running Association (ERRA) relays, scheduled for Sutton Park, Birmingham on Saturday (4 April), are the first national road running championships to be called off due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, thanks to modern technology, there will be a record ‘entry’ this year for a virtual competition to discover the top club teams.

This year’s virtual road relay can be entered by any club athlete here:

• Clubs must ensure they can field at least 12 men and/or 6 women before entering.
• Individuals enter themselves via Open Track – no limits on numbers per club.
• Entries will close at 23:59 on Friday 3 April.
• Qualifying runs of 5K must be completed by 23:59 on Wednesday April 8th. 
• Strava segments must be uploaded by 12:00pm on Thursday April 9th. 
• One performance per athlete and no significant negative elevation permitted!

The results will be based on 12-to-score (men and women) with an additional women’s six ‘stage’ result in line with the normal relay format. Organisers have emphasised that social distancing rules must be observed, participants must run solo, avoid busy locations (such as your usual parkrun route) and must not drive to a favoured location for their run.

ONLINE ATHLETICS WEBINARS

England Athletics are offering a variety of online webinars of interest to athletes, coaches, officials, parents, and fans of the sport we all love.

The link to the updated list of webinars covering Throws, Sprints, Endurance Running, Jumps, Steeplechase, Race Walking, Pole Vault, Combined Events, and Running Drills can be found here and here. 

STAYING FIT AND HEALTHY

There are a range of websites offering a range of advice on exercises we cando while confined indoors.

MIND provides a series of workouts here.

Joe Wicks has become a household name with his daily online morning workouts, which can be found here: 

Sport England is offering tips, advice and guidance on how to stay active around the home on this link.

Youth Sport Trust is providing healthy tips including a series of 60-second Challenges on this link.

Realbuzz has provided 10 strengthening exercises for runners which can be found here.

FIXTURES CANCELLED

The Under 13/Under 15, and Under 17/Under 20 Youth Development Track and Field League have cancelled this seasons fixtures.

The Cheshire Track and Field Season has been formally cancelled. League secretary Alan Johnson emailed to say: “It is sad that we have had to do this but the circumstances of the current crisis makes it impossible to carry on. Of the clubs who have responded 13 were in favour of cancelling with just 2 wanting to continue. The four officers also back cancelling the league for 2020.” 

The Welsh Castles Road Relay and the first two Wirral Seaside 5k Races have both been cancelled.

GREAT MEMORIES…

If you want to bring a smile to your face then I’d recommend casting your mind back to the 2012 Olympics and looking at these three links. Enjoy!

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

Members and parents are reminded to look at the following links for updates about any Club training sessions being cancelled due to adverse weather conditions:

FACEBOOK: West Cheshire AC, West Cheshire AC Road Running, West Cheshire AC Jnr to U20 Middle Distance Group

WEBSITE: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/westcheshireac 

Alex and Andrew led the women’s and men’s competitions when things stood still in the middle of March, with Ellie, Clare, Andy and Steve filling out the top threes.

No opportunities to unfreeze the standings for a while yet, but plenty of time to check them out near the bottom of the Races – Road Running page.