JOSEPH MORRISON and Harriet Wheeler have both demonstrated record-breaking form.
The West Cheshire Athletic Club duo claim new club records with impressive performances at the weekend.
Morrison sliced 10 seconds off his own club 1500m record and became his club’s first sub-four minute 1500m member after clocking 3:51:37 at a British Milers Club fixture held at Nuneaton.
And Wheeler powered her way to a new under 13 girls javelin club record with a throw of 33.77m at the Trafford Open Meeting.
Wheeler beat the previous record of 31.04m achieved by England international Emma Howe and also hit a new personal best of 8.32m in the shot put.
Wheeler was joined at Trafford by club mates Lewis Parsons and Robert Austin who celebrated new personal bests.
Parsons ran a new under 15 boys 100m best after dipping under 12 seconds for the first time to clock 11.98 seconds, and posted 24.57 seconds in the 200m.
And Austin sliced two tenths of a second off his under 15 boys 100m best to clock 12.32 seconds.
Other West Cheshire AC members in action at Trafford included Luke Parker who clocked 43.65 seconds in the under 15 boys 300m, and Holly Bosworth who cleared 1-32m in the under 13 girls high jump.
GEORGE HYDE of West Cheshire AC hit 14.64m in the under 20 men’s shot put competition at the England Throws Camp at Moulton.
THE Farndon 10k Road Race on Sunday was cancelled after the organisers were told by the Director of Public Health Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council that the race could no longer be staged.
Many congratulations and best wishes to John and Natalie Manning who were married on Saturday. John said: “We managed to get married on Saturday BUT WE WILL be celebrating on the 7th May 2021!!”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Many happy returns to the following Club members who celebrate their birthdays this week:
Colin Berry, Xander Brocklehurst, Eve Cochrane, Madison Cobb, Rhianna Cooke, James Haslam, Dave McKay, Ava Byrne, Rose Duggan, Ethan Gilgeours, Craig Smith, Javier Arechaga, Ian Carscadden, Georgia Broomfield, Matthew Jones, Hugo McLintock, Jamie Richardson, Mark Davies, Laura Parry.
And Next Week: Emma Ashcroft, Jack Falkingham, Tom Ogilvie, Kara Stoll, Daniel Pagan, Charlotte Austin, Daisy Cooke, Bernard Longman, Eva Renshaw, Joshua Wollaston, Nicholas Nowell, Sharon Dodd, Uzezi Onomerike, Nathan Partington, Thomas Robinson.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KEELY, MICHAEL AND CARYS!
Michael Young, Keely Smith and Carys Roberts are all celebrating record-breaking performances.
Michael finished 11th in a new senior men’s club record time of 71 minutes 28 seconds at the Cheshire Half Marathon held at Capesthorne Hall where Keely clocked a new over-35 ladies club record time of 86 minutes 47 seconds for third place in her age group.
And Carys broke her own under 15 girls 1500m club record by posting 4:46.54 at the latest Trafford Open Meeting.
Brian Wright was first in his over-65 age group in 1:42:31 at Capesthorne Hall, while Chris Shaw was eighth in his over-45 age category in 1:18:54, and Sarah Hibbert posted 2:11:18 for 10th spot in her over-50 age group.
STAYING IN TOUCH WITH DAN GILROY
Our Club President, Dan Gilroy, rang Dennis Wall on Thursday to pass on best wishes to everyone at the club. Dan said he would welcome members to ring him and have a chat. His number is: 07594 464287.
COVID-19 UPDATE
England Athletics has updated its restricted return to activity guidelines following the Government’s announcement on Tuesday.
BARTLETTS FARNDON 10k ROAD RACE CANCELLED
The Director of Public Health Health at Cheshire West & Chester Council has told the organisers that they are no longer able to stage this Sunday’s scheduled 10k race.
Whilst the race complies with Covid 19 guidance from both the UK government and UK Athletics/Run Britain, Cheshire West & Chester Council are concerned with the “current increase in infection rates and the footprint of the event”. There is also the concern that “Entrants coming from outside the area risk ‘seeding’ of the virus locally”. It was also commented that “…since the end of August our daily rates have doubled, our 7 day and 14 day rates have trebled.”
HURDLES INVITATION
Club coach Karl Fenney is keen to hear from any Club members wanting to attend his hurdles training sessions at the EPSV Track on Mondays (6-8pm). Please email Karl if you are wanting to attend at:kmfenney@gmail.com
CLUB AGM
The date for this year’s West Cheshire AC Annual General Meeting is Tuesday, December 1. More details will be announced soon.
PLEASE HELP OUR CLUB WHEN YOU SHOP…
West Cheshire Athletic Club has registered with easyfundraising, which means over 4,000 shops and sites will now donate to the Club for FREE every time you use easyfundraising to shop with them. These donations will help SO MUCH, so please sign up to support us – it’s completely FREE and doesn’t take long at this link.
A PURR-FECT MOMENT…
Watch the moment a stray cat runs across the finish line just as the athletes are about to cross during the 100m final at the Balkan U20 Men’s Athletics Championship in Istanbul, Turkey.
VOLUNTEERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED AT TRACK & FIELD TRAINING SESSIONS
Eddie Gore and Dennis Wall are currently the Club’s Covid-19 Liaison Officers during track and field training at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.
But Dennis will be self-isolating later this month with his mum because she is waiting for a hospital operation, so Eddie will need assistance before and after training sessions with the Covid-19 signs, tables and hand sanitizers.
Only athletes who have been invited by their coaches shall be allowed on to the track facility for training sessions.
Athletes will arrive through the Black Entrance Gate ONLY (adjacent to Ellesmere Port Sport Village), Parents/ Guardians will drop their children here, remembering to keep social distancing.
Parents/Guardians do not come past the Black Entrance Gate or go on to the track side.
At the Black Entrance Gate, the athletes will then sanitise their hands.
Then they will put their track fees in a box (correct change would be good, £1.00 per hour or £2.00 for 2 hours), then they will go direct to their coach. There must be no socialising between groups.
Exit is via the Blue gates ONLY near the Old Sportshall Annexe to the Car Park to avoid mixing of groups. Parents/guardians to collect their children at Blue gates exit gates, parents/guardians do not come past the Blue Exit Gates on to the trackside to collect their children.
Athletes should bring their own named water bottle. The trackside toilets will not be open, but in an emergency athletes can use the EPSV toilet facility and must wear a face mask. All athletes must apply the one-way system.
Athletes and coaches MUST not attend training if they or any of their household are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms or if local lockdown rules apply or if anyone has just travelled back from abroad from areas that lockdown applies to must NOT ATTEND TRAINING.
Only fully paid up members of EA and West Cheshire AC are eligible for training.
PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH
I hope you enjoy this latest weekly issue of the Club Newsletter during these strange times. This week’s edition 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.
I would welcome any contributions from yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents. Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next week’s Newsletter – please email me.
Hopefully you are continuing to stay fit, healthy and upbeat in these strange times. Please forward me your contributions for the Club Newsletter by email to: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com
PLEASE PAY YOUR CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Please remember to renew your Club Membership to help support West Cheshire AC prepare for life after the lockdown.
In line with the Club’s hopes and aspirations, UK Athletics has confirmed that due to the extreme impact of Covid-19 on competition structures within the sport, the 2020 outdoor track and field competition year will be extended from September 30 to October 31.
Gain the confidence to support people experiencing mental health problems by taking Mind’s FREE Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity eLearning module (usually £18) – Mind have extended the FREE access to Wednesday 30th September. Access the module here: http://bit.ly/MindEModule
CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING UPDATE
A collaboration of England Athletics, the English Cross Country Association and other competition providers have publish the return to limited competition guidance for Cross Country. Read the full update and access the guidance at: http://bit.ly/EAXC18Sep
North Wales League AGM at start of October: possibly three fixtures in the new year. Manchester League has canvassed clubs’ appetite for renewed fixtures, though no news as yet as to their plans.
2021/22 NORTH STAFFS CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE IS CANCELLED
The 2020/21 North Staffordshire Cross-country League season has been cancelled due to the impracticality of staging such events under current conditions.
TRAFFORD AC OPEN MEETING NEWS
Reece Munro smashed his under 15 boys 800m personal best with a time of 2:17:37 at Saturday’s Trafford Open Track and Field Meeting.
He was joined at the fixture by West Cheshire AC team mates Ruby Phillips who posted a new under 13 girls 800m best of 2:27:38, and her sister, Aimee, who clocked a new under 15 girls 800m best of 2:28:52.
Megan White rounded the under 15 girls 800m in a new season’s best of 2:36:16, Luke Parker clocked 2:19.80 in his under 15 boys 800m, and Cosette Wearden rounded the under 13 girls 1200m in 4:46:26.
Following the re-opening of the English Institute of Sport Sheffield, Northern Athletics and Sheffield City Trust have been working closely together reviewing the guidelines in the hope of bringing athletic events back to the arena.
After careful consideration of the guidelines imposed by both the UK Government and UK Athletics the difficult decision has been made to cancel the Northern Athletics open events that were scheduled for 7th November and 5th December 2020.
ONLINE COURSES FOR BECOMING A QUALIFIED ATHLETICS OFFICIAL
BOOK NOW! Start your journey to becoming a qualified athletics Official with our new online Field Judge Level 1 qualification here. The 4-hour practical course introduces participants to the key roles, responsibilities and duties of a Field Official. Only £20pp. Available dates: Tuesday 1 September & Sunday 13 September.
HELP AND SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Club member Mark Shepherd is offering help to anyone who has been furloughed or are employed and looking to up-skill in a certain area.
The basic criteria are that an individual must live or work in Cheshire / Warrington and they have to be employed or self-employed. For businesses employing less than 50 people the funding his business (Accelerate) cover 100% of all training costs and for larger businesses it’s 40%.
Training can be anything from a short CPD type course to a full ILM leadership and Management qualification. From level 2 up to Level 7 (post degree).
If anyone shows interest please feel free to pass on Mark’s contact details and he will do his best to get their training funded.
You can BOOK NOW for our new LiRF-CiRF online workshop – a great Development opportunity helping individuals who are Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualified to prepare for the step up to the Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) course. The workshop lasts 2 hours & costs only £20. New dates available – Tuesday 14 July, Sun 26 July & Tuesday 4 August.
ATHLETICS WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES
All the latest athletics news can be found on the Athletics Weekly website here.
HEATHER McLINTOCK’S REHAB EXERCISES…
Club member and physio Heather McLintock has provided a webpage developed for athletes to access over the COVID period. The link contains video exercises which can be used to rehabilitate whilst you can’t visit her at the practice.
HOME PENTATHLON UPDATE…
If you haven’t completed the Home Pentathlon yet, please give it a go and let me know how you get on.
VIRTUAL MULTI-EVENT@HOME COMPETITION
England Athletics has linked up with Sportshall Athletics to offer clubs a free platform to create their own Virtual Multi-Event @ home competition! Clubs can now use the Sportshall scoring system, and online OpenTrack virtual competitions platform, to create their own fun ‘at home’ challenges and competitions featuring up to 13 events.
With athletics training and competition currently limited due to the coronavirus pandemic, Virtual Multi-Event @ home provides a fantastic opportunity for athletes to compete against others from their own club or against other clubs, within their home or close-to-home environment and in line with government guidelines.
CATHRYN WOODALL’S WORK-OUT INVITE…
Club member and Farndon physio Cathryn Woodall has posted crab walk and squat video exercises on her Farndon physio Facebook page.
Cathryn is also thinking of doing a Facebook live/Zoom video of a 20-30 minute exercise routine, if anyone is interested.
JASON OSWELL’S 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
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
In these unprecedented times, I wanted to draw the club’s attention to some of the great resources available online. England Athletics is expanding its campaign to support Athletics and Running for everyone @home, with a focus on ‘Running @home’ support and advice. The homepage can be accessed here.
There are many webinars, interviews and tips from top coaches and athletes on how to stay conditioned and focused.
In addition, there are some fantastic videos for 4-11 year olds on the Funetics webpage put together in conjunction with England Athletics. The videos demonstrate parents and children (aged 4-11) taking part in FUN activities based on fundamental core movement skills: running, jumping and throwing. Funetics is a programme that has been designed to reflect the requirements of the National Curriculum Key Stage 1 and 2. At this time when our children are currently schooling at home, we hope that these video activities will support the need for education to continue at home. You can access the videos here.
The link to other updated webinars 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.
MICHAEL YOUNG and Keely Smith celebrated record-breaking performances at the Cheshire Half Marathon.
The West Cheshire Athletic Club duo impressed at the 13.1 miles event which attracted 736 finishers at Capesthorne Hall.
Young finished 11th in a new senior men’s club record time of 71 minutes 28 seconds, and Smith clocked a new over-35 ladies club record time of 86 minutes 47 seconds for third place in her age group.
Brian Wright was first in his over-65 age group in 1:42:31, while Chris Shaw was eighth in his over-45 age category in 1:18:54, and Sarah Hibbert posted 2:11:18 for 10th spot in her over-50 age group.
REECE MUNRO smashed his under 15 boys 800m personal best with a time of 2:17:37 at Saturday’s Trafford Open Track and Field Meeting.
He was joined at the fixture by West Cheshire AC team mates Ruby Phillips who posted a new under 13 girls 800m best of 2:27:38, and her sister, Aimee, who clocked a new under 15 girls 800m best of 2:28:52.
Megan White rounded the under 15 girls 800m in a new season’s best of 2:36:16, and Luke Parker clocked 2:19.80 in his under 15 boys 800m.
Carys Roberts posted 4:46.54 for her under 15 girls 1500m, and Cosette Wearden rounded the under 13 girls 1200m in 4:46:26.
A NEW Covid-19 secure Farndon 10k Road Race this Sunday, (September 27), will have a waived start and runners will be set off in a group based on their predicted finishing time.
Last Sunday’s scheduled road relays fixture at Haydock was cancelled.
The organisers announced that due to the worsening coronavirus situation in the St Helens area, Public Health England requested that the road relays did not take place.
Many congratulations to Alice and Liam Davoren. Alice gave birth to Tadgh James Davoren on Thursday at 1.31am weighing 7lbs 6oz.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Many happy returns to the following Club members who celebrate their birthdays this week:
Dakota Fleming, Joe Williams, Isabella Wollaston, Richard Hunt, Matthew Webb, Halle Howell, Dan Willetts, Martha Willetts, Maya Jennings, Harriet Pritchard-Ribby, Ava Hancock, Joseph Watkin, Amy Mills, Cerys Rowlands.
And Next Week: Colin Berry, Xander Brocklehurst, Eve Cochrane, Madison Cobb, Rhianna Cooke, James Haslam, Dave McKay, Ava Byrne, Rose Duggan, Ethan Gilgeours, Craig Smith, Javier Arechaga, Ian Carscadden, Georgia Broomfield, Matthew Jones, Hugo McLintock, Jamie Richardson, Mark Davies, Laura Parry.
HAYDOCK ROAD RELAYS ARE CANCELLED
This Sunday’s scheduled road relays fixture at Haydock has been cancelled.
The organisers have announced that due to the worsening coronavirus situation in the St Helens area, Public Health England have requested that the road relays do not take place this weekend.
Organisers at Wirral AC have said that they will be looking at options for holding this event on an alternative date (and potentially at another venue) and will advise clubs in due course. So, depending on that, Ellie Robinson, who co-ordinated our club entries, may be back in touch regarding another date.
2020 CHESTER ROUND THE WALLS RACE IS CANCELLED
Boxing Day’s Chester Round The Walls Race hosted annually from Chester Racecourse will not be held because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Club officials unanimously agreed this week it would be impossible to guarantee the multi-terrain race going ahead because of current guidance and how guidance from the government, local authority, and England Athletics may change over the next few months.
The Club is now in the process of contacting anyone who has entered the festive fixture and the club hopes the event can return in 2021.
2021 HELSBY FOUR VILLAGES HALF MARATHON IS CANCELLED
The Helsby Four Villages Half Marathon scheduled to take place in January has been cancelled.
The official statement read: “This is obviously hugely disappointing but we hope you will understand this decision in the current climate.
“Under current Covid guidelines and requirements from Athletic governing bodies we are not able to put on the 4VHM in its usual format. The social distancing requirements and need for staggered starts make putting on a half marathon race for over 1500 runners from Helsby impossible.”
CONGRATULATIONS ELOISE!
Eloise Eccles finished third woman with a time of 21 hours in the Robin Hood 100 Miles Race through Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.
WELL DONE TOM AND ALEX!
Tom Booth (sixth in 25:59) and Alex Duffey (seventh over-40 lady in 49:24), completed the 60th Anniversary Cilcain 5km Mountain Race which attracted 118 runners in a time trial variation up and down the original route spread out over a 2.5 hour period.
TRIO IMPRESS AT MID CHESHIRE 5k ROAD RACE
Michael Young posted 15:41 for 77th spot in the Mid Cheshire 5k Road Race, ahead of club mates Chris Shaw (142nd in 16:44), and Sammy Hollins (156th in 17:15).
HURDLES INVITATION
Club coach Karl Fenney is keen to hear from any Club members wanting to attend his hurdles training sessions at the EPSV Track on Mondays (6-8pm). Please email Karl if you are wanting to attend at:kmfenney@gmail.com
CONGRATULATIONS ALEX STANIFORTH!
Well done Alex Staniforth who has completed the 3 Peaks in 9.5 days. He said: “I’ve never doubted myself like I did before the 3 Peaks Run. I felt like I’d truly put my head down the cannon. Relentless forward motion became the mantra – run when you can, walk if you need to, but never ever stop. Two weeks later – here’s a blog on the highs, lows, wobbles, falling down the stairs, roundabout mishaps, and snoozing in a bus stop. See here.
2020 CHESTER PRIMARY SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY RACES POSTPONED
This winter’s scheduled Chester Primary Schools Cross Country Races hosted by the Club and scheduled to have taken place on Monday 28th September, with a back-up date of Monday 19th October, have been postponed.
The organisers are hoping to rearrange the fixture in Spring 2021.
CLUB AGM
The date for this year’s West Cheshire AC Annual General Meeting is Tuesday, December 1. More details will be announced soon.
PLEASE HELP OUR CLUB WHEN YOU SHOP…
West Cheshire Athletic Club has registered with easyfundraising, which means over 4,000 shops and sites will now donate to the Club for FREE every time you use easyfundraising to shop with them. These donations will help SO MUCH, so please sign up to support us – it’s completely FREE and doesn’t take long at this link.
VOLUNTEERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED AT TRACK & FIELD TRAINING SESSIONS
Eddie Gore and Dennis Wall are currently the Club’s Covid-19 Liaison Officers during track and field training at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.
But Dennis will be self-isolating later this month with his mum because she is waiting for a hospital operation, so Eddie will need assistance before and after training sessions with the Covid-19 signs, tables and hand sanitizers.
Only athletes who have been invited by their coaches shall be allowed on to the track facility for training sessions.
Athletes will arrive through the Black Entrance Gate ONLY (adjacent to Ellesmere Port Sport Village), Parents/ Guardians will drop their children here, remembering to keep social distancing.
Parents/Guardians do not come past the Black Entrance Gate or go on to the track side.
At the Black Entrance Gate, the athletes will then sanitise their hands.
Then they will put their track fees in a box (correct change would be good, £1.00 per hour or £2.00 for 2 hours), then they will go direct to their coach. There must be no socialising between groups.
Exit is via the Blue gates ONLY near the Old Sportshall Annexe to the Car Park to avoid mixing of groups. Parents/guardians to collect their children at Blue gates exit gates, parents/guardians do not come past the Blue Exit Gates on to the trackside to collect their children.
Athletes should bring their own named water bottle. The trackside toilets will not be open, but in an emergency, athletes can use the EPSV toilet facility and must wear a face mask. All athletes must apply the one-way system.
Athletes and coaches MUST not attend training if they or any of their household are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms or if local lockdown rules apply or if anyone has just travelled back from abroad from areas that lockdown applies to must NOT ATTEND TRAINING.
Only fully paid up members of EA and West Cheshire AC are eligible for training.
PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH
I hope you enjoy this latest weekly issue of the Club Newsletter during these strange times. This week’s edition 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.
I would welcome any contributions from yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents. Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next week’s Newsletter – please email me.
Hopefully you are continuing to stay fit, healthy and upbeat in these strange times. Please forward me your contributions for the Club Newsletter by email to: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com
PLEASE PAY YOUR CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Please remember to renew your Club Membership to help support West Cheshire AC prepare for life after the lockdown.
In line with the Club’s hopes and aspirations, UK Athletics has confirmed that due to the extreme impact of Covid-19 on competition structures within the sport, the 2020 outdoor track and field competition year will be extended from September 30 to October 31.
The link to the Club Membership payment page on the website is here.
TRAFFORD AC OPEN MEETING NEWS
Several Club members celebrated new personal bests at the latest Trafford AC Open Track and Field Meeting.
Charlotte Austin posted new bests in the under 13 girls 75m (12.15 seconds) and 150m (24.49), her brother Robert clocked new bests in the under 15 boys 100m (12.55) and 200m (25.63), and Lewis Parsons posted new bests in the under 15 boys 100m (12.06) and 200m (24.47).
Luke Parker rounded the under 15 boys 300m in a new best of 43.50, while Holly Bosworth cleared a new under 13 girls high jump best of 1-36, and Harriet Wheeler hit new under 13 girls bests of 7.94m in the shot put, and 29.30m in the javelin.
APOLOGIES to Charlotte Austin. Her new under 13 girls personal best of 12.17 seconds was for 75m, not 100m.
Anyone wishing to compete at the Trafford open meetings, please see this link.
ENTRIES OPEN FOR BARTLETTS FARNDON 10k ROAD RACE
A new Covid-19 secure race will have a waived start and runners will be set off in a group based on their predicted finishing time. Race numbers and chips will be posted and race instructions will be emailed approximately 7 days before race day.
ONLINE COURSES FOR BECOMING A QUALIFIED ATHLETICS OFFICIAL
BOOK NOW! Start your journey to becoming a qualified athletics Official with our new online Field Judge Level 1 qualification here. The 4-hour practical course introduces participants to the key roles, responsibilities and duties of a Field Official. Only £20pp. Available dates: Tuesday 1 September & Sunday 13 September.
HELP AND SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Club member Mark Shepherd is offering help to anyone who has been furloughed or are employed and looking to up-skill in a certain area.
The basic criteria are that an individual must live or work in Cheshire / Warrington and they have to be employed or self-employed. For businesses employing less than 50 people the funding his business (Accelerate) cover 100% of all training costs and for larger businesses it’s 40%.
Training can be anything from a short CPD type course to a full ILM leadership and Management qualification. From level 2 up to Level 7 (post degree).
If anyone shows interest please feel free to pass on Mark’s contact details and he will do his best to get their training funded.
England Athletics has announced a restructuring and details can be found here.
England Athletics has provided an update on the latest guidelines which can be found here.
WHY NOT BECOME A RUNNING LEADER?…
You can BOOK NOW for our new LiRF-CiRF online workshop – a great Development opportunity helping individuals who are Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualified to prepare for the step up to the Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) course. The workshop lasts 2 hours & costs only £20. New dates available – Tuesday 14 July, Sun 26 July & Tuesday 4 August.
ATHLETICS WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES
All the latest athletics news can be found on the Athletics Weekly website here.
HEATHER McLINTOCK’S REHAB EXERCISES…
Club member and physio Heather McLintock has provided a webpage developed for athletes to access over the COVID period. The link contains video exercises which can be used to rehabilitate whilst you can’t visit her at the practice.
HOME PENTATHLON UPDATE…
If you haven’t completed the Home Pentathlon yet, please give it a go and let me know how you get on.
VIRTUAL MULTI-EVENT@HOME COMPETITION
England Athletics has linked up with Sportshall Athletics to offer clubs a free platform to create their own Virtual Multi-Event @ home competition! Clubs can now use the Sportshall scoring system, and online OpenTrack virtual competitions platform, to create their own fun ‘at home’ challenges and competitions featuring up to 13 events.
With athletics training and competition currently limited due to the coronavirus pandemic, Virtual Multi-Event @ home provides a fantastic opportunity for athletes to compete against others from their own club or against other clubs, within their home or close-to-home environment and in line with government guidelines.
CATHRYN WOODALL’S WORK-OUT INVITE…
Club member and Farndon physio Cathryn Woodall has posted crab walk and squat video exercises on her Farndon physio Facebook page.
Cathryn is also thinking of doing a Facebook live/Zoom video of a 20-30 minute exercise routine, if anyone is interested.
JASON OSWELL’S 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
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
In these unprecedented times, I wanted to draw the club’s attention to some of the great resources available online. England Athletics is expanding its campaign to support Athletics and Running for everyone @home, with a focus on ‘Running @home’ support and advice. The homepage can be accessed here.
There are many webinars, interviews and tips from top coaches and athletes on how to stay conditioned and focused.
In addition, there are some fantastic videos for 4-11 year olds on the Funetics webpage put together in conjunction with England Athletics. The videos demonstrate parents and children (aged 4-11) taking part in FUN activities based on fundamental core movement skills: running, jumping and throwing. Funetics is a programme that has been designed to reflect the requirements of the National Curriculum Key Stage 1 and 2. At this time when our children are currently schooling at home, we hope that these video activities will support the need for education to continue at home. You can access the videos here.
The link to other updated webinars 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.
THIS year’s popular Chester Round The Walls Race has been cancelled.
The Boxing Day fixture hosted annually by West Cheshire Athletic Club from Chester Racecourse will not be held because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Club officials unanimously agreed this week it would be impossible to guarantee the multi-terrain race going ahead because of current guidance and how guidance from the government, local authority, and England Athletics may change over the next few months.
The event is one of the oldest races in the UK having been an almost permanent Boxing Day fixture since its inception in 1972.
Although changing almost every year due to weather and ongoing maintenance of the roman and medieval walls, the typical route is around 6.8km/4.25 miles, starting and finishing on the Roodee racecourse and including sections of the walls including the iconic Eastgate clock.
West Cheshire AC is now in the process of contacting anyone who has entered the festive fixture and the club hopes the event can return in 2021.
THE 2021 Helsby Four Villages Half Marathon scheduled to take place in January has been cancelled.
The official statement read: “This is obviously hugely disappointing but we hope you will understand this decision in the current climate.
“Under current Covid guidelines and requirements from Athletic governing bodies we are not able to put on the 4VHM in its usual format. The social distancing requirements and need for staggered starts make putting on a half marathon race for over 1500 runners from Helsby impossible.”
ELOISE ECCLES of West Cheshire AC finished third lady with a time of 21 hours in the Robin Hood 100 Miles Race through Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.
SEVERAL West Cheshire AC members celebrated new personal bests at the latest Trafford AC Open Track and Field Meeting.
Charlotte Austin posted new bests in the under 13 girls 75m (12.15 seconds) and 150m (24.49), her brother Robert clocked new bests in the under 15 boys 100m (12.55) and 200m (25.63), and Lewis Parsons posted new bests in the under 15 boys 100m (12.06) and 200m (24.47).
Luke Parker rounded the under 15 boys 300m in a new best of 43.50, while Holly Bosworth cleared a new under 13 girls high jump best of 1-36, and Harriet Wheeler hit new under 13 girls bests of 7.94m in the shot put, and 29.30m in the javelin.
WEST CHESHIRE AC’s Tom Booth (sixth in 25:59) and Alex Duffey (seventh over-40 lady in 49:24), completed the 60th Anniversary Cilcain 5km Mountain Race which attracted 118 runners in a time trial variation up and down the original route spread out over a 2.5 hour period.
MICHAEL YOUNG of West Cheshire AC posted 15:41 for 77th spot in the Mid Cheshire 5k Road Race, ahead of club mates Chris Shaw (142nd in 16:44), and Sammy Hollins (156th in 17:15).
WEST CHESHIRE AC will be represented at the Inter Club Road Relays at Haydock, this Sunday.
The full timetable is: 9.30am: Under 20 and Senior Men’s 6×4.2km; 11am: Under 20 and Senior Women’s 4×4.2km; 12.30pm: Under 11 Boys and Girls 3×2.1km; 1.15pm: Under 13 Girls 3×2.1km; 1.45pm: Under 13 Boys 3×2.1km; 2.30pm: Under 15 Girls 3×2.1km; 3pm: Under 15 Boys 3×2.1km; 3.30pm: Under 17 Men’s 3×4.2km; 3.40pm: Under 17 Ladies 3×4.2km.
A NEW Covid-19 secure Farndon 10k Road Race on Sunday, September 27, will have a waived start and runners will be set off in a group based on their predicted finishing time. Race numbers and chips will be posted and race instructions will be emailed approximately seven days before race day. The entry link is: https://runcheshire.niftyentries.com/Bartletts-Farndon-10K-2020#entryoptions
Many happy returns to the following Club members who celebrate their birthdays this week:
Evan Miller, Miles Thompson, Alan Littler, Joshua Oates, Kadie Gledhill, Jac Goodall, Mae Grant, Rob Little, Beth Mackay, Isaac Millachip, Luca Richards, Daniel Walker, Eleanor Neve, Andrew Barratt, Elizabeth Jones, Jayne Noble, Abigail Pinnells, Ewan Watson.
And Next Week: Dakota Fleming, Joe Williams, Isabella Wollaston, Richard Hunt, Matthew Webb, Halle Howell, Dan Willetts, Martha Willetts, Maya Jennings, Harriet Pritchard-Ribby, Ava Hancock, Joseph Watkin, Amy Mills, Cerys Rowlands.
WELL DONE GEORGE!
George Hyde powered his way to a bronze medal at the British Track and Field Championships.
The under 20 men’s shot putter hit a new personal best of 16.55 metres to secure a podium place in the event televised live by the BBC at Manchester.
George, a student at Loughborough University, was joined at the two-day fixture by club mates Emma Howe and Joseph Morrison.
Emma, who attends Leeds Beckett University and is ranked fourth in the under 20 women’s javelin UK ranking list, launched the javelin 43.99m for 10th spot at Manchester, and Chester University student, Joseph, 19th in the UK under 23 men’s 800m rankings, posted 1:55.23 in his first round heat at Manchester.
ROAD RELAYS RACE INVITE
Ellie Robinson is co-ordinating Club entries for a road relays fixture being held at Haydock on Sunday 20th September. There are 3×2.1km races for under 11s, under 13s, and under 15s, as well as 3×4.2km under 17s races, a 4×4.2km senior women’s race, and a 6×4.2km senior men’s race. Members wanting to compete need to email Ellie ASAP at:ellie.henrob3@outlook.com
HURDLES INVITATION
Club coach Karl Fenney is keen to hear from any Club members wanting to attend his hurdles training sessions at the EPSV Track on Mondays (6-8pm). Please email Karl if you are wanting to attend at:kmfenney@gmail.com
PLEASE HELP OUR CLUB WHEN YOU SHOP…
West Cheshire Athletic Club has registered with easyfundraising, which means over 4,000 shops and sites will now donate to the Club for FREE every time you use easyfundraising to shop with them. These donations will help SO MUCH, so please sign up to support us – it’s completely FREE and doesn’t take long at this link.
VOLUNTEERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED AT TRACK & FIELD TRAINING SESSIONS
Eddie Gore and Dennis Wall are currently the Club’s Covid-19 Liaison Officers during track and field training at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.
But Dennis will be self-isolating later this month with his mum because she is waiting for a hospital operation, so Eddie will need assistance before and after training sessions with the Covid-19 signs, tables and hand sanitizers.
Only athletes who have been invited by their coaches shall be allowed on to the track facility for training sessions.
Athletes will arrive through the Black Entrance Gate ONLY (adjacent to Ellesmere Port Sport Village), Parents/ Guardians will drop their children here, remembering to keep social distancing.
Parents/Guardians do not come past the Black Entrance Gate or go on to the track side.
At the Black Entrance Gate, the athletes will then sanitise their hands.
Then they will put their track fees in a box (correct change would be good, £1.00 per hour or £2.00 for 2 hours), then they will go direct to their coach. There must be no socialising between groups.
Exit is via the Blue gates ONLY near the Old Sportshall Annexe to the Car Park to avoid mixing of groups. Parents/guardians to collect their children at Blue gates exit gates, parents/guardians do not come past the Blue Exit Gates on to the trackside to collect their children.
Athletes should bring their own named water bottle. The trackside toilets will not be open, but in an emergency, athletes can use the EPSV toilet facility and must wear a face mask. All athletes must apply the one-way system.
Athletes and coaches MUST not attend training if they or any of their household are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms or if local lockdown rules apply or if anyone has just travelled back from abroad from areas that lockdown applies to must NOT ATTEND TRAINING.
Only fully paid up members of EA and West Cheshire AC are eligible for training.
PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH
I hope you enjoy this latest weekly issue of the Club Newsletter during these strange times. This week’s edition 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.
I would welcome any contributions from yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents. Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next week’s Newsletter – please email me.
Hopefully you are continuing to stay fit, healthy and upbeat in these strange times. Please forward me your contributions for the Club Newsletter by email to: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com
PLEASE PAY YOUR CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Please remember to renew your Club Membership to help support West Cheshire AC prepare for life after the lockdown.
In line with the Club’s hopes and aspirations, UK Athletics has confirmed that due to the extreme impact of Covid-19 on competition structures within the sport, the 2020 outdoor track and field competition year will be extended from September 30 to October 31.
The link to the Club Membership payment page on the website is here.
TRAFFORD AC OPEN MEETING NEWS
Josh Ford was one of many Club members to register a new personal best at Saturday’s Trafford Open Meeting.
Josh posted a new under 20 men’s 100m best of 11.23 seconds and added a time of 22.89 seconds in his 200m.
Macy Brett clocked a new under 13 girls 150m best of 22.09 seconds, while Lewis Parsons (12.06 and 24.66) and Robert Austin (12.62 and 26.07) both celebrated 100m and 200m bests.
Luke Parker rounded the under 15 boys 300m in a new best of 44.56 seconds, while Charlotte Austin claimed new under 13 girls 100m (12.17), and long jump (3.25m) personal bests.
Luke Haslam hit 7.95m in the under 15 boys shot put and 29.12m in the javelin for new bests, while Sara Pearson celebrated new bests in the under 15 girls shot (10.17m) and javelin (17.76m).
Sophie Haslam posted 11.36 in the under 13 girls 100m, and 3.92m in the long jump, and Ruby Wisbey clocked 12.19 in the under 15 girls 75m Hurdles, and achieved 4.66m in the long jump.
Anyone wishing to compete at the Trafford open meetings, please see this link.
ENTRIES OPEN FOR BARTLETTS FARNDON 10k ROAD RACE
A new Covid-19 secure race will have a waived start and runners will be set off in a group based on their predicted finishing time. Race numbers and chips will be posted and race instructions will be emailed approximately 7 days before race day.
ONLINE COURSES FOR BECOMING A QUALIFIED ATHLETICS OFFICIAL
BOOK NOW! Start your journey to becoming a qualified athletics Official with our new online Field Judge Level 1 qualification here. The 4-hour practical course introduces participants to the key roles, responsibilities and duties of a Field Official. Only £20pp. Available dates: Tuesday 1 September & Sunday 13 September.
HELP AND SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Club member Mark Shepherd is offering help to anyone who has been furloughed or are employed and looking to up-skill in a certain area.
The basic criteria are that an individual must live or work in Cheshire / Warrington and they have to be employed or self-employed. For businesses employing less than 50 people the funding his business (Accelerate) cover 100% of all training costs and for larger businesses it’s 40%.
Training can be anything from a short CPD type course to a full ILM leadership and Management qualification. From level 2 up to Level 7 (post degree).
If anyone shows interest please feel free to pass on Mark’s contact details and he will do his best to get their training funded.
England Athletics has announced a restructuring and details can be found here.
England Athletics has provided an update on the latest guidelines which can be found here.
WHY NOT BECOME A RUNNING LEADER?…
You can BOOK NOW for our new LiRF-CiRF online workshop – a great Development opportunity helping individuals who are Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualified to prepare for the step up to the Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) course. The workshop lasts 2 hours & costs only £20. New dates available – Tuesday 14 July, Sun 26 July & Tuesday 4 August.
ATHLETICS WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES
All the latest athletics news can be found on the Athletics Weekly website here.
HEATHER McLINTOCK’S REHAB EXERCISES…
Club member and physio Heather McLintock has provided a webpage developed for athletes to access over the COVID period. The link contains video exercises which can be used to rehabilitate whilst you can’t visit her at the practice.
HOME PENTATHLON UPDATE…
If you haven’t completed the Home Pentathlon yet, please give it a go and let me know how you get on.
VIRTUAL MULTI-EVENT@HOME COMPETITION
England Athletics has linked up with Sportshall Athletics to offer clubs a free platform to create their own Virtual Multi-Event @ home competition! Clubs can now use the Sportshall scoring system, and online OpenTrack virtual competitions platform, to create their own fun ‘at home’ challenges and competitions featuring up to 13 events.
With athletics training and competition currently limited due to the coronavirus pandemic, Virtual Multi-Event @ home provides a fantastic opportunity for athletes to compete against others from their own club or against other clubs, within their home or close-to-home environment and in line with government guidelines.
CATHRYN WOODALL’S WORK-OUT INVITE…
Club member and Farndon physio Cathryn Woodall has posted crab walk and squat video exercises on her Farndon physio Facebook page.
Cathryn is also thinking of doing a Facebook live/Zoom video of a 20-30 minute exercise routine, if anyone is interested.
JASON OSWELL’S 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
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
In these unprecedented times, I wanted to draw the club’s attention to some of the great resources available online. England Athletics is expanding its campaign to support Athletics and Running for everyone @home, with a focus on ‘Running @home’ support and advice. The homepage can be accessed here.
There are many webinars, interviews and tips from top coaches and athletes on how to stay conditioned and focused.
In addition, there are some fantastic videos for 4-11 year olds on the Funetics webpage put together in conjunction with England Athletics. The videos demonstrate parents and children (aged 4-11) taking part in FUN activities based on fundamental core movement skills: running, jumping and throwing. Funetics is a programme that has been designed to reflect the requirements of the National Curriculum Key Stage 1 and 2. At this time when our children are currently schooling at home, we hope that these video activities will support the need for education to continue at home. You can access the videos here.
The link to other updated webinars 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.
GEORGE HYDE powered his way to a bronze medal at the British Track and Field Championships.
The West Cheshire Athletic Club under 20 men’s shot putter hit a new personal best of 16.55 metres to secure a podium place in the event televised live by the BBC at Manchester.
Hyde, a student at Loughborough University, was joined at the two-day fixture by club mates Emma Howe and Joseph Morrison.
Howe, who attends Leeds Beckett University and is ranked fourth in the under 20 women’s javelin UK ranking list, launched the javelin 43.99m for 10th spot at Manchester, and Chester University student, Morrison, 19th in the UK under 23 men’s 800m rankings, posted 1:55.23 in his first round heat at Manchester.
LAURA TURLEY clocked a 400m season’s best time of 57.19 seconds at Sunday’s Trafford Open Meeting.
Turley was joined by several West Cheshire club mates who celebrated new personal bests including Sammy Hollins, Luke Parker, Sophie Haslam, Cosette Wearden, Ruby and Aimee Phillips, Carys Roberts, Jessica Lark, and Jodi Bemand.
Hollins rounded the under 17 men’s 800m in 2:13.25, Parker posted 2:17.88 in the under 15 boys 800m, Haslam clocked 2:29.39 in her under 13 girls 800m, Wearden posted Cosette Wearden posted 2:51.45 in her under 13 girls 800m, Ruby rounded the under 13 girls 1200m in 4:06.46, her sister, Aimee, posted 5:19.40 in her under 15 girls 1500m, Roberts rounded the under 15 girls 1500m in 4:46.0, Lark clocked 4:57.11 in her under 15 girls 1500m, and Bemand posted 12:32.53 in her under 17 women’s 3,000m.
Megan White (2:37.63) and Martha Willetts (2:58.41) both rounded the under 15 girls 800m in new season’s best times.
WEST CHESHIRE AC will be represented at the Inter Club Road Relays at Haydock, on Sunday, September 20.
The full timetable is: 9.30am: Under 20 and Senior Men’s 6×4.2km; 11am: Under 20 and Senior Women’s 4×4.2km; 12.30pm: Under 11 Boys and Girls 3×2.1km; 1.15pm: Under 13 Girls 3×2.1km; 1.45pm: Under 13 Boys 3×2.1km; 2.30pm: Under 15 Girls 3×2.1km; 3pm: Under 15 Boys 3×2.1km; 3.30pm: Under 17 Men’s 3×4.2km; 3.40pm: Under 17 Ladies 3×4.2km.
A NEW Covid-19 secure Farndon 10k Road Race on Sunday, September 27, will have a waived start and runners will be set off in a group based on their predicted finishing time. Race numbers and chips will be posted and race instructions will be emailed approximately seven days before race day. The entry link is here.
Many happy returns to the following Club members who celebrate their birthdays this week:
Imogen Pughe, Fergus Garland, Ben Scott, Charlie Boyce, George Fraser, Sharon Stoll, Sara Pearson, Isla Shillington, Heather Miller, Victor Oyesola, Ursula Archer.
And Next Week: Evan Miller, Miles Thompson, Alan Littler, Joshua Oates, Kadie Gledhill, Jac Goodall, Mae Grant, Rob Little, Beth Mackay, Isaac Millachip, Luca Richards, Daniel Walker, Eleanor Neve, Andrew Barratt, Elizabeth Jones, Jayne Noble, Abigail Pinnells, Ewan Watson.
GOOD LUCK!
Four Club members will be in action at this week’s British Track and Field Athletics Championships in Manchester.
George Hyde, Laura Turley, Joseph Morrison, and Emma Howe will compete at the two-day fixture being televised live on the BBC on Friday and Saturday, September 4 and 5.
George will compete in the men’s shot put on September 5 at 2.03pm; Laura’s 400m first round takes place on September 4 at 4.45pm, and the final will be held the following day at 3.30pm.
Joseph will appear in the first round of the men’s 800m on September 4 at 8.10pm hoping to qualify for the following day’s final at 2.50pm, and Emma will compete in the women’s javelin competition being held on Saturday at 11.12am.
Good luck and best wishes to you all from everyone at West Cheshire AC.
ROAD RELAYS RACE INVITE
Ellie Robinson is co-ordinating Club entries for a road relays fixture being held at Haydock on Sunday 20th September. There are 3×2.1km races for under 11s, under 13s, and under 15s, as well as 3×4.2km under 17s races, a 4×4.2km senior women’s race, and a 6×4.2km senior men’s race. Members wanting to compete need to email Ellie ASAP at:ellie.henrob3@outlook.com
HURDLES INVITATION
Club coach Karl Fenney is keen to hear from any Club members wanting to attend his hurdles training sessions at the EPSV Track on Mondays (6-8pm). Please email Karl if you are wanting to attend at:kmfenney@gmail.com
PLEASE HELP OUR CLUB WHEN YOU SHOP…
West Cheshire Athletic Club has registered with easyfundraising, which means over 4,000 shops and sites will now donate to the Club for FREE every time you use easyfundraising to shop with them. These donations will help SO MUCH, so please sign up to support us – it’s completely FREE and doesn’t take long at this link.
VOLUNTEERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED AT TRACK & FIELD TRAINING SESSIONS
Eddie Gore and Dennis Wall are currently the Club’s Covid-19 Liaison Officers during track and field training at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.
But Dennis will be self-isolating later this month with his mum because she is waiting for a hospital operation, so Eddie will need assistance before and after training sessions with the Covid-19 signs, tables and hand sanitizers.
Only athletes who have been invited by their coaches shall be allowed on to the track facility for training sessions.
Athletes will arrive through the Black Entrance Gate ONLY (adjacent to Ellesmere Port Sport Village), Parents/ Guardians will drop their children here, remembering to keep social distancing.
Parents/Guardians do not come past the Black Entrance Gate or go on to the track side.
At the Black Entrance Gate, the athletes will then sanitise their hands.
Then they will put their track fees in a box (correct change would be good, £1.00 per hour or £2.00 for 2 hours), then they will go direct to their coach. There must be no socialising between groups.
Exit is via the Blue gates ONLY near the Old Sportshall Annexe to the Car Park to avoid mixing of groups. Parents/guardians to collect their children at Blue gates exit gates, parents/guardians do not come past the Blue Exit Gates on to the trackside to collect their children.
Athletes should bring their own named water bottle. The trackside toilets will not be open, but in an emergency, athletes can use the EPSV toilet facility and must wear a face mask. All athletes must apply the one-way system.
Athletes and coaches MUST not attend training if they or any of their household are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms or if local lockdown rules apply or if anyone has just travelled back from abroad from areas that lockdown applies to must NOT ATTEND TRAINING.
Only fully paid up members of EA and West Cheshire AC are eligible for training.
ENGLAND ATHLETICS/ECCA/AREA LEAGUE CROSS COUNTRY UPDATE
The following was published by England Athletics on 28th August:
England Athletics is pleased to announce that we have begun making steps towards a restricted return to Cross Country competition. On 27th August we held a meeting with the Cross Country community, including the ECCA, the areas, and some league organisers to agree on the following proposed timeline for a return to Cross Country Competition:
Mid-September to mid-October – Pilot XC Competitions
5 October – Licence application process opens
17 October – Licensed Cross Country competition can resume
These dates are provisional and will be adapted if necessary, with any additional Government guidance that is issued.
Cross Country competition will be unable to resume in the traditional format, adaptations will have to be made based on the current circumstances regarding the virus. However, England Athletics believe this is an exciting step forward for the Cross-Country community and we are currently working on guidance with the named organisations to support competition providers in providing a safe return to adapted cross country competition.
We are aiming for a version of the guidance to be published for competition organisers on W/C 14 September 2020. It will be the decision of the competition provider whether they will host competitions given the restrictions within the guidance. The 2020/21 XC fixture dates are below. All cross-country dates will remain ring fenced until further notice. Due to the licensing timeline above all have agreed the first league fixture date in October will be cancelled. All licensed competitions will be published on the England Athletics website when licensing opens.
Cross Country fixture lists subject to change and race formats to be confirmed subject to guidance. 10 October League 1 Cancelled, 17 October Area XC Relays tbc, 31 October ECCA XC Relays, 7 November League 2, 28 November UK Cross Challenge & European Trials, 5 December League 3, 13 December European XC, Ireland, 9 January County XC Champs, 6 January League 4, 13 February League 5, 20 February CAU IC XC & World Trials, 6 March ECCA National XC, 13 March League 6, 20 March World XC Champs, Australia, 20 March English Schools XC Champs, 27 March SIAB Schools International.
All fixtures are subject to confirmation by event organisers and subject to government guidance updates.
PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH
I hope you enjoy this latest weekly issue of the Club Newsletter during these strange times. This week’s edition 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.
I would welcome any contributions from yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents. Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next week’s Newsletter – please email me.
Hopefully you are continuing to stay fit, healthy and upbeat in these strange times. Please forward me your contributions for the Club Newsletter by email to: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com
PLEASE PAY YOUR CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Please remember to renew your Club Membership to help support West Cheshire AC prepare for life after the lockdown.
In line with the Club’s hopes and aspirations, UK Athletics has confirmed that due to the extreme impact of Covid-19 on competition structures within the sport, the 2020 outdoor track and field competition year will be extended from September 30 to October 31.
The link to the Club Membership payment page on the website is here.
TRAFFORD AC OPEN MEETING NEWS
Josh Ford was one of many Club members to register a new personal best at Saturday’s Trafford Open Meeting.
Josh posted a new under 20 men’s 100m best of 11.23 seconds and added a time of 22.89 seconds in his 200m.
Macy Brett clocked a new under 13 girls 150m best of 22.09 seconds, while Lewis Parsons (12.06 and 24.66) and Robert Austin (12.62 and 26.07) both celebrated 100m and 200m bests.
Luke Parker rounded the under 15 boys 300m in a new best of 44.56 seconds, while Charlotte Austin claimed new under 13 girls 100m (12.17), and long jump (3.25m) personal bests.
Luke Haslam hit 7.95m in the under 15 boys shot put and 29.12m in the javelin for new bests, while Sara Pearson celebrated new bests in the under 15 girls shot (10.17m) and javelin (17.76m).
Sophie Haslam posted 11.36 in the under 13 girls 100m, and 3.92m in the long jump, and Ruby Wisbey clocked 12.19 in the under 15 girls 75m Hurdles, and achieved 4.66m in the long jump.
Anyone wishing to compete at the Trafford open meetings, please see this link.
ENTRIES OPEN FOR BARTLETTS FARNDON 10k ROAD RACE
A new Covid-19 secure race will have a waived start and runners will be set off in a group based on their predicted finishing time. Race numbers and chips will be posted and race instructions will be emailed approximately 7 days before race day.
ONLINE COURSES FOR BECOMING A QUALIFIED ATHLETICS OFFICIAL
BOOK NOW! Start your journey to becoming a qualified athletics Official with our new online Field Judge Level 1 qualification here. The 4-hour practical course introduces participants to the key roles, responsibilities and duties of a Field Official. Only £20pp. Available dates: Tuesday 1 September & Sunday 13 September.
HELP AND SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Club member Mark Shepherd is offering help to anyone who has been furloughed or are employed and looking to up-skill in a certain area.
The basic criteria are that an individual must live or work in Cheshire / Warrington and they have to be employed or self-employed. For businesses employing less than 50 people the funding his business (Accelerate) cover 100% of all training costs and for larger businesses it’s 40%.
Training can be anything from a short CPD type course to a full ILM leadership and Management qualification. From level 2 up to Level 7 (post degree).
If anyone shows interest please feel free to pass on Mark’s contact details and he will do his best to get their training funded.
England Athletics has announced a restructuring and details can be found here.
England Athletics has provided an update on the latest guidelines which can be found here.
WHY NOT BECOME A RUNNING LEADER?…
You can BOOK NOW for our new LiRF-CiRF online workshop – a great Development opportunity helping individuals who are Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualified to prepare for the step up to the Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) course. The workshop lasts 2 hours & costs only £20. New dates available – Tuesday 14 July, Sun 26 July & Tuesday 4 August.
ATHLETICS WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES
All the latest athletics news can be found on the Athletics Weekly website here.
HEATHER McLINTOCK’S REHAB EXERCISES…
Club member and physio Heather McLintock has provided a webpage developed for athletes to access over the COVID period. The link contains video exercises which can be used to rehabilitate whilst you can’t visit her at the practice.
HOME PENTATHLON UPDATE…
If you haven’t completed the Home Pentathlon yet, please give it a go and let me know how you get on.
VIRTUAL MULTI-EVENT@HOME COMPETITION
England Athletics has linked up with Sportshall Athletics to offer clubs a free platform to create their own Virtual Multi-Event @ home competition! Clubs can now use the Sportshall scoring system, and online OpenTrack virtual competitions platform, to create their own fun ‘at home’ challenges and competitions featuring up to 13 events.
With athletics training and competition currently limited due to the coronavirus pandemic, Virtual Multi-Event @ home provides a fantastic opportunity for athletes to compete against others from their own club or against other clubs, within their home or close-to-home environment and in line with government guidelines.
CATHRYN WOODALL’S WORK-OUT INVITE…
Club member and Farndon physio Cathryn Woodall has posted crab walk and squat video exercises on her Farndon physio Facebook page.
Cathryn is also thinking of doing a Facebook live/Zoom video of a 20-30 minute exercise routine, if anyone is interested.
JASON OSWELL’S 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
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
In these unprecedented times, I wanted to draw the club’s attention to some of the great resources available online. England Athletics is expanding its campaign to support Athletics and Running for everyone @home, with a focus on ‘Running @home’ support and advice. The homepage can be accessed here.
There are many webinars, interviews and tips from top coaches and athletes on how to stay conditioned and focused.
In addition, there are some fantastic videos for 4-11 year olds on the Funetics webpage put together in conjunction with England Athletics. The videos demonstrate parents and children (aged 4-11) taking part in FUN activities based on fundamental core movement skills: running, jumping and throwing. Funetics is a programme that has been designed to reflect the requirements of the National Curriculum Key Stage 1 and 2. At this time when our children are currently schooling at home, we hope that these video activities will support the need for education to continue at home. You can access the videos here.
The link to other updated webinars 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.
EMMA HOWE will be one of four West Cheshire Athletic Club members in action at this week’s British Track and Field Athletics Championships.
Howe will compete in the women’s javelin competition being held on Saturday at 11.12am, having achieved a season’s best throw of 43.37m to finish second in the Birchfield 4 Clubs Inter Club fixture at Nuneaton last week.
Howe will be joined by West Cheshire AC team mates George Hyde, Laura Turley and Joseph Morrison at the two day championships being televised live on the BBC on Friday and Saturday, September 4 and 5.
JOSH FORD was one of many West Cheshire AC members to register a new personal best at Saturday’s Trafford Open Meeting.
Ford posted a new under 20 men’s 100m best of 11.23 seconds and added a time of 22.89 seconds in his 200m.
Macy Brett clocked a new under 13 girls 150m best of 22.09 seconds, while Lewis Parsons (12.06 and 24.66) and Robert Austin (12.62 and 26.07) both celebrated 100m and 200m bests.
Luke Parker rounded the under 15 boys 300m in a new best of 44.56 seconds, while Charlotte Austin claimed new under 13 girls 75m (12.17), and long jump (3.25m) personal bests.
Luke Haslam hit 7.95m in the under 15 boys shot put and 29.12m in the javelin for new bests, while Sara Pearson celebrated new bests in the under 15 girls shot (10.17m) and javelin (17.76m).
Sophie Haslam posted 11.36 in the under 13 girls 75m, and 3.92m in the long jump, and Ruby Wisbey clocked 12.19 in the under 15 girls 75m Hurdles, and achieved 4.66m in the long jump.
A NEW Covid-19 secure Farndon 10k Road Race on Sunday, September 27, will have a waived start and runners will be set off in a group based on their predicted finishing time. Race numbers and chips will be posted and race instructions will be emailed approximately seven days before race day. The entry link is here.
Many happy returns to the following Club members who celebrate their birthdays this week:
Henry Stewart, Molly Fields, Mark Povey, Sophie Cribb, Dave Tiernan, Claire Harris, Lucia Khanjay, Joanne Hope.
And Next Week: Imogen Pughe, Fergus Garland, Ben Scott, Charlie Boyce, George Fraser, Sharon Stoll, Sara Pearson, Isla Shillington, Heather Miller, Victor Oyesola, Ursula Archer.
QUARTET WARMING UP FOR THE BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
Four Club members will be in action at next week’s British Track and Field Athletics Championships in Manchester.
George Hyde, Laura Turley, Joseph Morrison, and Emma Howe are all putting the finishing touches to their preparation for the two-day fixture being televised live on the BBC on Friday and Saturday, September 4 and 5.
George warmed up for the event by powering his way to a new under 20 men’s shot put personal best of 15.84m at Saturday’s Trafford Open Meeting, where Laura clocked 57.95 seconds in the women’s 400m.
George will compete in the men’s shot put at the British Championships which is scheduled to take place on September 5 at 2.03pm, while Laura’s 400m first round takes place on September 4 at 4.45pm, and the final will be held the following day at 3.30pm.
Joseph will appear in the first round of the men’s 800m on September 4 at 8.10pm hoping to qualify for the following day’s final at 2.50pm.
And Emma will compete in the women’s javelin competition being held on Saturday at 11.12am, having achieved 43m at Nuneaton last weekend.
ROAD RELAYS RACE INVITE
Ellie Robinson is co-ordinating Club entries for a road relays fixture being held at Haydock on Sunday 20th September. There are 3×2.1km races for under 11s, under 13s, and under 15s, as well as 3×4.2km under 17s races, a 4×4.2km senior women’s race, and a 6×4.2km senior men’s race. Members wanting to compete need to email Ellie ASAP at:ellie.henrob3@outlook.com
HURDLES INVITATION
Club coach Karl Fenney is keen to hear from any Club members wanting to attend his hurdles training sessions at the EPSV Track on Mondays (6-8pm). Please email Karl if you are wanting to attend at:kmfenney@gmail.com
HOME TRACK FEATURED ON BBC BREAKFAST TV
Our home track featured on BBC Breakfast TV this week when sports reporter Sally Nugent interviewed Paralympian Hannah Cockroft who trains at EPSV. The interview can be found on this link.
A RETURN TO CROSS COUNTRY RACES?
England Athletics is pleased to announce that they have begun making steps towards a potential restricted return to cross-country competition. Further details can be found here.
PLEASE HELP OUR CLUB WHEN YOU SHOP…
West Cheshire Athletic Club has registered with easyfundraising, which means over 4,000 shops and sites will now donate to the Club for FREE every time you use easyfundraising to shop with them. These donations will help SO MUCH, so please sign up to support us – it’s completely FREE and doesn’t take long at this link.
VOLUNTEERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED AT TRACK & FIELD TRAINING SESSIONS
Eddie Gore and Dennis Wall are currently the Club’s Covid-19 Liaison Officers during track and field training at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.
But Eddie and Jill Gore won’t be available to help at the end of August because they are going away to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
And Dennis will be self-isolating next month with his mum because she is waiting for a hospital operation.
If nobody is available to step in for them then track and field training will come to an end because Covid-19 Liaison Officers are a must as part of the Club’s risk assessment approved by Brio.
It will be a great shame to bring things to an end after so much work went into the Club’s return to track training sessions.
Only athletes who have been invited by their coaches shall be allowed on to the track facility for training sessions.
Athletes will arrive through the Black Entrance Gate ONLY (adjacent to Ellesmere Port Sport Village), Parents/ Guardians will drop their children here, remembering to keep social distancing.
Parents/Guardians do not come past the Black Entrance Gate or go on to the track side.
At the Black Entrance Gate, the athletes will then sanitise their hands.
Then they will put their track fees in a box (correct change would be good, £1.00 per hour or £2.00 for 2 hours), then they will go direct to their coach. There must be no socialising between groups.
Exit is via the Blue gates ONLY near the Old Sportshall Annexe to the Car Park to avoid mixing of groups. Parents/guardians to collect their children at Blue gates exit gates, parents/guardians do not come past the Blue Exit Gates on to the trackside to collect their children.
Athletes should bring their own named water bottle. The trackside toilets will not be open, but in an emergency, athletes can use the EPSV toilet facility and must wear a face mask. All athletes must apply the one-way system.
Athletes and coaches MUST not attend training if they or any of their household are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms or if local lockdown rules apply or if anyone has just travelled back from abroad from areas that lockdown applies to must NOT ATTEND TRAINING.
Only fully paid up members of EA and West Cheshire AC are eligible for training.
PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH
I hope you enjoy this latest weekly issue of the Club Newsletter during these strange times. This week’s edition 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.
I would welcome any contributions from yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents. Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next week’s Newsletter – please email me.
Hopefully you are continuing to stay fit, healthy and upbeat in these strange times. Please forward me your contributions for the Club Newsletter by email to: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com
PLEASE PAY YOUR CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Please remember to renew your Club Membership to help support West Cheshire AC prepare for life after the lockdown.
In line with the Club’s hopes and aspirations, UK Athletics has confirmed that due to the extreme impact of Covid-19 on competition structures within the sport, the 2020 outdoor track and field competition year will be extended from September 30 to October 31.
Ruby Phillips, Cosette Wearden, Sammy Hollins, Jessica Lark and Aimee Phillips of West Cheshire AC all celebrated personal bests at the Trafford Open Meeting.
Ruby and Wearden posted 4:06.73 and 4:32.55 respectively for new under 13 girls 1200m bests, while Hollins clocked 4:30.89 in his under 17 mens 1500m; Lark rounded the under 15 girls 1500m in 5:03.38; and Aimee clocked 5:19.49 in her under 15 girls 1500m.
Carys Roberts rounded the under 15 girls 1500m in 4:51.54, while Luke Parker clocked 4:57.44 in the under 15 boys 1500m; Sophie Haslam posted 2:34.28 in her under 13 girls 800m; Lily Moorhouse clocked 71.64 in her under 20 womens 400m; and over-40 lady, Liz Renondeau, achieved 4:42.17 in her 1500m, and 10:09.21 in her 3,000m race.
Limited entries are now open for the 60th Anniversary Cilcain Mountain Race. Most places will be allocated on a first come – first served basis but there will be a percentage of reserved places for the following groups: Cilcain residents, former winners, local clubs (who have supported the race over the years), those of ‘advanced years’ and not tech savvy. No entries will be accepted on the day – Bank Holiday Monday, August 31. Entries above the agreed limit will be held as reserve. The race entries link is here.
ENTRIES OPEN FOR BARTLETTS FARNDON 10k ROAD RACE
A new Covid-19 secure race will have a waived start and runners will be set off in a group based on their predicted finishing time. Race numbers and chips will be posted and race instructions will be emailed approximately 7 days before race day.
LIVE WEBINAR WITH UK ATHLETICS AND ENGLAND ATHLETICS
Starting in September 2020, UK Athletics CEO Joanna Coates and England Athletics CEO Chris Jones will be hosting a live webinar every other month where they want to hear directly from the coaches and leaders, committee members, volunteers, officials and club members that make up our athletics and running community. The first webinar is on Wednesday 2nd September (6pm) – you can find out more and register for the webinars here.
ONLINE COURSES FOR BECOMING A QUALIFIED ATHLETICS OFFICIAL
BOOK NOW! Start your journey to becoming a qualified athletics Official with our new online Field Judge Level 1 qualification here. The 4-hour practical course introduces participants to the key roles, responsibilities and duties of a Field Official. Only £20pp. Available dates: Tuesday 1 September & Sunday 13 September.
HELP AND SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Club member Mark Shepherd is offering help to anyone who has been furloughed or are employed and looking to up-skill in a certain area.
The basic criteria are that an individual must live or work in Cheshire / Warrington and they have to be employed or self-employed. For businesses employing less than 50 people the funding his business (Accelerate) cover 100% of all training costs and for larger businesses it’s 40%.
Training can be anything from a short CPD type course to a full ILM leadership and Management qualification. From level 2 up to Level 7 (post degree).
If anyone shows interest please feel free to pass on Mark’s contact details and he will do his best to get their training funded.
England Athletics has announced a restructuring and details can be found here.
England Athletics has provided an update on the latest guidelines which can be found here.
ROAD RUNNING UPDATE WEBINARS
England Athletics are organising four road running webinars to help update everyone about a way forward and other relevant road running topics.
WHY NOT BECOME A RUNNING LEADER?…
You can BOOK NOW for our new LiRF-CiRF online workshop – a great Development opportunity helping individuals who are Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualified to prepare for the step up to the Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) course. The workshop lasts 2 hours & costs only £20. New dates available – Tuesday 14 July, Sun 26 July & Tuesday 4 August.
ATHLETICS WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES
All the latest athletics news can be found on the Athletics Weekly website here.
HEATHER McLINTOCK’S REHAB EXERCISES…
Club member and physio Heather McLintock has provided a webpage developed for athletes to access over the COVID period. The link contains video exercises which can be used to rehabilitate whilst you can’t visit her at the practice.
HOME PENTATHLON UPDATE…
If you haven’t completed the Home Pentathlon yet, please give it a go and let me know how you get on.
VIRTUAL MULTI-EVENT@HOME COMPETITION
England Athletics has linked up with Sportshall Athletics to offer clubs a free platform to create their own Virtual Multi-Event @ home competition! Clubs can now use the Sportshall scoring system, and online OpenTrack virtual competitions platform, to create their own fun ‘at home’ challenges and competitions featuring up to 13 events.
With athletics training and competition currently limited due to the coronavirus pandemic, Virtual Multi-Event @ home provides a fantastic opportunity for athletes to compete against others from their own club or against other clubs, within their home or close-to-home environment and in line with government guidelines.
CATHRYN WOODALL’S WORK-OUT INVITE…
Club member and Farndon physio Cathryn Woodall has posted crab walk and squat video exercises on her Farndon physio Facebook page.
Cathryn is also thinking of doing a Facebook live/Zoom video of a 20-30 minute exercise routine, if anyone is interested.
JASON OSWELL’S 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
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
In these unprecedented times, I wanted to draw the club’s attention to some of the great resources available online. England Athletics is expanding its campaign to support Athletics and Running for everyone @home, with a focus on ‘Running @home’ support and advice. The homepage can be accessed here.
There are many webinars, interviews and tips from top coaches and athletes on how to stay conditioned and focused.
In addition, there are some fantastic videos for 4-11 year olds on the Funetics webpage put together in conjunction with England Athletics. The videos demonstrate parents and children (aged 4-11) taking part in FUN activities based on fundamental core movement skills: running, jumping and throwing. Funetics is a programme that has been designed to reflect the requirements of the National Curriculum Key Stage 1 and 2. At this time when our children are currently schooling at home, we hope that these video activities will support the need for education to continue at home. You can access the videos here.
The link to other updated webinars 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.
