PLEASE PAY YOUR 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:

Christina Broome, Katie Clarke, Alex Byrne, Megan Kettle, Thomas Renondeau, Logan Evans, Sarah Hughes, Jenny Palmer, Laura White, Debra Erskine.

And Next Week: Scarlett Whittall, Teresa Arvidsson, Andrew Howarth, Abigail Hutton, Ellen McMahon, Daisy Ross-Maddock.

LATEST MESSAGE FROM ENGLAND ATHLETICS…

England Athletics CEO Chris Jones has provided a message for all club members which can be found here.

STAYING SAFE AND STAYING IN TOUCH

Hopefully you are continuing to stay fit, healthy and upbeat in these strange times. It’s so important to keep in touch, so please forward me your contributions for the Club Newsletter by email to: [email protected]

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.

PLEASE SUPPORT JON PARK…

Club member Jon Park is more than a quarter of the way towards raising £1,000 for NHS Charities. Jon thanks everyone who has donated so far before he runs for 24 hours this Saturday, (May 16), starting at 10am.

To pledge a donation, please follow this link.

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. The link is here.

HOME PENTATHLON UPDATE…

Teresa Arvidsson, Isabella Rimmer, and Thomas Rimmer have all completed the Home Pentathlon Challenge.

Teresa’s results after several weeks training were: 5x20m run: 28.2 seconds; Throw: 15 of 20; Speed bounce: 61; Vertical jump: 58; Standing long jump: 2.07m.

Isabella’s results: 5x20m run: 40.3 secs; Throw: 12 of 20; Speed bounce: 43; Vertical Jump: 30; Standing long jump: 2.05m.

Thomas’s results: 5x20m run: 40.1 secs; Throw: 12 of 20; Speed bounce: 42; Vertical Jump: 28; Standing long jump: 2.02m.

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.

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 here.

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: [email protected]

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 a Speed Bounce Grid Challenge.

FUN EXERCISES WITH KADEENA COX…

Double Paralympic champion in cycling and athletics, Kadeena Cox takes you through seven exercises designed to help with some of the physical effects of multiple sclerosis.

It’s easy to set up and most of all very fun, featuring exercises called “crazy legs” and “broom hurdles”.

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.

VIRTUAL CHESHIRE ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Cheshire County Athletics Association in conjunction with Run Cheshire and Gogledd Cymru are organising the Cheshire County Virtual Road Racing Championships.

As well managing and administrating the races, Run Cheshire and Gogledd Cymru are donating at least £300 from the entry fees to a charity to be determined by Cheshire County Athletics Association.

The competition will consist of three individual races over 5k, 5m and 10k and the races are now open. Runners have until Sunday, June 28 to register, run the distance and upload their results using Strava, Garmin, etc. The closing date to submit entries is midnight on Sunday, June 28. 

To take part, entrants must follow three steps: Register for the virtual race of their choice; Run the race in their own location taking careful note of social distancing advice (you can even download a printable number if wanting to look the part); and upload proof (full instructions on how to do this will be in a confirmation email).

The entry fee is £3.50 per person (plus booking fee). The winners of each race will have a hamper of goodies sent to them. The winners of veteran categories will receive a free entry into a Run Cheshire race of their choice in 2021.

All distances must start and finish more or less in the same place. If this is not possible then try to ensure the route is reasonably flat. 

Runners should ensure that they are adhering to social distancing laws at all times avoiding busy parks.

The races should be undertaken as part of an individual’s daily exercise allowance, and not addition to any other form of daily exercise

To be eligible for a prize all competitors must have been either: Born within the current Cheshire County boundaries (including Halton and Warrington); or have been resident within Cheshire for nine months prior to the date of competition.

The online entry link is here.

HELSBY FOUR VILLAGES HALF MARATHON UPDATE

Next year’s Essar Four Villages Half Marathon will hopefully take place on Sunday 17 January. However, the organisers will take guidance from UK Athletics and other authorities in the coming months whether this is possible. The organisers are also keeping a close eye on whether large mass participation running events such as the London Marathon and Great North Run go ahead in the autumn and any changes they put in place.

One option is to simplify the race to minimise the money needed to be spent in advance to enable plans to put the race on, but if a change of plans takes place at a late stage due to ongoing restrictions the organisers are not put in a difficult financial position. The race is organised by Helsby Running club and on a voluntary basis and there are considerable costs to putting on a safe and enjoyable race and some of these need to be committed well in advance.

The proposed idea is to put on a ‘Back to Basics’ race with minimal bling (no medals, no goody bag) but still with a great course and lots of community spirit. Any savings made would be donated to the two local hospices and the community groups, who like many are currently facing challenging times. This extra income will be very much needed. Runners will receive a token of recognition for completing the race.

Organisers are also considering to reduce the number of entries to keep costs down and put less pressure on the local community in terms of parking. Hopefully the race will be hosted from a new club house, which will be located not far from our existing site and means a slightly different start location for the race. The entry price will reflect any changes having to be made, making sure there is still great value and to provide support for charity and community partners.

Organisers plan to go-live about the race on 1st October.

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 strength and conditioning exercises to help avoid injury.

MORE GREAT MEMORIES…

Club member Steve King has got in touch to add his choice to this week’s list. It’s a race he loves from the Seoul Olympics and he thinks people would love to see. He remembers getting up at 3 o’clock in the morning to watch it and thinks it’s an all but forgotten performance from Mark Rowlands in a world class field. It still stands as the British record. Enjoy…

MULLER ANNIVERSARY GAMES CANCELLED

British Athletics confirmed on Tuesday this week the cancellation of the 2020 Muller Anniversary Games – Part of the Wanda Diamond League, scheduled for July 4-5 at the London Stadium.

The decision has been made in light of the ongoing global pandemic, with the safety of all athletes, coaches, volunteers, spectators and members of staff, at home in the UK and abroad, the upmost priority.

Joanna Coates, UK Athletics CEO, said: “We are hugely disappointed to confirm the cancellation of one of the flagship events of the global athletics calendar, but we must place the safety of the entire athletics family at the forefront of every decision we make during these unprecedented times and ensure we are following Government advice.

“Cancelling the event will have a significant financial impact on UKA and the wider sport. The revenue we generate from events – through ticketing, broadcast and sponsorship helps administer the sport and provide the essential governance services that we, as an NGB, oversee.

“We’re incredibly thankful to our commercial partners, some of which are continuing to support us during these tough times but there will be a substantial reduction in income from the cancellation of this event and this will have an impact moving forwards.”

Müller Anniversary Games ticket purchasers will receive an automatic refund via the method of payment originally used to buy tickets and will not need to do anything or make contact. However, given the extraordinary circumstances and high volumes placed on banks during these times, the refund process may take slightly longer than usual.

DIAMOND LEAGUE UPDATE

Organisers of the international athletics circuit on Tuesday attempted to salvage their coronavirus ravaged season with the announcement of the 2020 Diamond League programme.

The first of the meetings featuring 16 track and field events was scheduled to start in Qatar on 17 April. But the gathering in Doha was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. It has been reset for 9 October.

After a modified event in Oslo on 11 June, athletes will congregate on 14 August in Monaco before moving onto Gateshead in north-eastern England.

Other European venues include Stockholm, Lausanne and Brussels before a switch of continents to take in venues in the United States and China.

The revamp has left casualties though. Rabat has been called off. And the events in July in London and Zurich in September have also been scrapped.

Joanna Coates, the head of UK Athletics, said the cancellation of the London Stadium’s two day would leave a big hole in the organisation’s coffers.

“The revenue we generate from events – through ticketing, broadcast and sponsorship – helps administer the sport and provide the essential governance services that we, as a national governing body oversee.

“We must place the safety of the entire athletics family at the forefront of every decision we make during these unprecedented times and ensure we are following government advice.”

The Zurich Weltklasse meeting had been due to provide the three-day culmination of the Diamond League season between 9 and 11 September.

“Despite the fact that the Swiss federal council has banned large events only until the end of August, staging the finals in their intended form is unrealistic,” the Zurich organisers said.

Despite the cancellations and reconfigurations, World Athletics boss, Sebastian Coe, hailed the efforts to stage competitions after the loss of the Olympic Games.

“I’m delighted that it now looks like we will be able to offer athletes a solid international season between August and October where they can earn prize money and assess their training progress in preparation for next year’s Olympic Games.

Coe, a former Olympic gold medallist, added: “Inevitably international travel restrictions will affect the ability of some athletes to attend some meetings, but we hope that there will be a wide enough range of meetings available for most elite athletes to access some competition before the end of the year.”

COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES TO BE RE-SCHEDULED

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Executive Board have decided to explore rescheduling options for the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games. The seventh Commonwealth Youth Games were scheduled to take place ‪from 1-7 August 2021 after Trinidad and Tobago was awarded the competition by the CGF in June last year.

The impact of the pandemic on the global international sporting calendar means that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics have now rescheduled to the summer of 2021 during the original dates of the Youth Games.

Following positive discussions, the CGF has agreed to consider the best alternative options and timeframes for staging the event in the future, potentially in 2023. The CGF has given the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA) consideration as the first option to host.  Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, has committed to asking the Cabinet to re-examine its position and provide the necessary confirmation regarding the hosting of the Commonwealth Youth Games and the related expenditure.

CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “The rescheduling of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics has also changed demands on scheduling and resources for many of our Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) and International Federations from 2020 to 2021. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact across the world and everyone’s absolute priority is the health and well-being of their communities. Our decision has been made in the best interests of athletes, fans and citizens that are to benefit from these transformational Games. We are committed over the coming months to look at future dates and hosting options, to ensure the right decision is taken for the Commonwealth Youth Games, so that the region can continue to play a leading role as part of the Commonwealth Sports Movement.”

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

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/westcheshireac/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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

Charlie Hyde, Ethan Ackroyd, Lucy Ashcroft, Jane Barker, Ruby Carlile, Nolan Heller, Matthew Bailey, John Driscoll, Charlotte Blackstone, Jacob Clark, Sammy Hollins, John Parlevliet, Lorraine McFaul.

And Next Week: Christina Broome, Katie Clarke, Alex Byrne, Megan Kettle, Thomas Renondeau, Logan Evans, Sarah Hughes, Jenny Palmer, Laura White, Debra Erskine.

LATEST UPDATE – PLANNING FOR A RETURN…

England Athletics is working in partnership with British Athletics and the other Home Countries to provide guidance about how we potentially transition back to activity and maybe a shortened competition season.

The latest statement from England Athletics can be found here.

STAYING SAFE AND STAYING IN TOUCH

The lockdown has been tough for everyone, but hopefully you are all staying fit, healthy and upbeat in these strange times. It’s so important to keep in touch, so please forward me your contributions for the Club Newsletter by email to: [email protected]

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:

HAVE YOUR SAY ON PLAYING FIELD PLANS

A club member has flagged up a controversial planning application by Chester Catholic High School to prevent public access to the vast majority of one of the widest open field areas in Chester. The Overleigh playing fields have been home to several cross-country races, including schools, Liverpool and District League and the Northern Women’s championships, as well as perhaps the only 400m (grass) track in Chester. It has also been included in some of the club’s summer training sessions.

The proposed fencing covers an area from the existing fenced-in part, near Catholic High and Overleigh schools, all the way up to the top of the field, where it meets the track off Eaton Road. More details can be found here.

If you have a strong opinion either way – and are a resident of the Cheshire West and Chester area – please comment via the CWaC planning webpages 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. The link is here.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL YOUNG!

Club member Michael Young has raised more than £1,700 for the National Health Service on his 33rd birthday, running 69 miles on a treadmill and was delighted to pass the fundraising target he had set.

“Finished in just under 12 hours. Thanks for all the support everyone!” Michael said. “We’ve done brilliantly. Passed the fundraising target and raised over £1.5k. Thank you so much for all the donations. Further ones welcome at: www.justgiving.com/theultrabear

PLEASE SUPPORT JON PARK…

Club member Jon Park is more than a quarter of the way towards raising £1,000 for NHS Charities. Jon thanks everyone who has donated so far before he runs for 24 hours on May 16, starting at 10am.

To pledge a donation, please follow this link.

CATHRYN WOODALL’S WORK-OUT INVITATION…

Club member and Farndon physio Cathryn Woodall has posted lunge, bridge, crab walk and squat video exercises on her Farndon physio Facebook page here.

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: [email protected]

GARDEN POLE VAULTING…

Champion pole vaulters Renaud Lavillenie, Mondo Duplantis and Sam Kendricks took part in an online challenge from their gardens.

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, Balance and Co-Ordination Challenge.

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.

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 seven household items you never knew you could workout with.

MORE GREAT MEMORIES…

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

OSLO’S IMPOSSIBLE GAMES

Athletics action is set to return to Oslo in June but in a different format, with organisers of the traditional Diamond League meeting having announced the ‘Impossible Games’. The coronavirus pandemic has so far affected the first eight events in the 15-meet Diamond League series, with the postponement of the Eugene (June 7) and Paris (June 13) events confirmed. On that day, the Bislett Alliance announced plans to host an alternative athletics competition under Norwegian coronavirus regulations on June 11 – the original date of this year’s Oslo Diamond League meeting.

The behind-closed-doors concept at the Bislett Stadium is set to feature a world record attempt by KARSTEN WARHOLM as the world 400m hurdles champion targets the 300m hurdles mark of 34.48, while Sweden’s world record-holder MONDO DUPLANTIS will face Norwegian SONDRE GUTTORNSEN in a pole vault duel at Bislett, but they will also compete against former world record-holder RENAUD LAVILLENIE, who will vault against them in his own garden in France. Other plans are for KAROLINE BJERKELI GROVDAL to take on a solo attempt at GRETE WAITZ’S Norwegian 3000m record of 8:31.75, aided by wavelight technology, and for a 200m hurdles head-to-head to take place between 400m hurdles and 100m hurdles specialists AMALIE LUEL and ISABELLE PEDERSON.

Meeting director STEINAR HOEN is also said to have had “positive dialogue” with Norway’s INGEBRIGTSEN athletes, but those events are yet to be decided and the programme is subject to changes. “Unfortunately, the rules on infection control make it impossible for us to have an audience in the stadium,” HOEN said, with an hour-long TV broadcast planned. “Together with (Norwegian broadcasting company) NRK we will do our best to make a meeting for the athletes and a great TV show for the fans.”

World Athletics president and chair of the Diamond League Board, SEBASTIAN COE, said: “This is really positive news for athletes and fans, and promises, even in this early stage, to be another great night of athletics from the Bislett Stadium.

“Congratulations to the Oslo Bislett Games for dreaming this up and following it through, working within the pandemic guidelines set out in Norway.” Organisers added that no athletes will fly into Oslo for the event, but electric cars will be used to transport athletes from the Swedish border.

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

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/westcheshireac/

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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

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: [email protected]

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

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: [email protected]

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

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: [email protected]

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 

ADAPTING TO BIG CHANGES

Our whole way of life has had to adapt and change because of restrictions and guidance earlier this week from the Government.

I’ve noticed from social media platforms that many Club members are trying to address the frustrating situation with a whole host of initiatives in a bid to stay fit, healthy, and active.

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.

So In a bid to keep everyone at West Cheshire Athletic Club upbeat, I would like to ask for your contributions for future editions of the Club Newsletter. I’m looking for you all to pass on your ideas and initiatives to help everyone stay fit and healthy in these unprecedented times.

Please forward your contributions to me by email: [email protected]

Meanwhile, 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.

And here are a couple of links from England Athletics, Sport England and Youth Sport Trust for you to look at which will hopefully motivate in your aim of staying fit and active:

Athletics at home

How to stay active while you’re home

Free home-learning resources

Also, don’t forget to look at the free of charge Joe Wicks Fitness Sessions. The link is here. 

CONGRATULATIONS ANDY!

Many congratulations to Andy Leishman who has recently got married.

UPDATED MESSAGE FROM ENGLAND ATHLETICS…

England Athletics CEO Chris Jones has published an updated message on the England Athletics website stating that the suspension for athletics activity has been extended to May 31.

The link to his message is here.

UPDATE FROM THE EPSV ATHLETICS TRACK

White Line have been continuing to make good progress with delamination work on the EPSV Track, but the whole site remains out of bounds due to Brio closing the Ellesmere Port Sports Village until the end of May.

Please look at the club website for all the latest updates.

GOOD MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUNG PEOPLE WEBINAR

England Athletics is hosting a free webinar delivered by Mind, the mental health charity on Tuesday, March 31, from 6pm. The webinar will look at the pressures young people face and the impact this has on their mental health, how you can support a young person who may be experiencing mental health problems, where to signpost them to, and how to promote good mental health in young people. Register here:

CLUB TRACK AND FIELD TRIALS

Unfortunately, the annual Club Track and Field Trials scheduled to be held at the EPSV Track on Saturday March 28, and Thursday, April 2, have been cancelled.

CHESHIRE CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE POSTPONED

The Cheshire County Track & Field Championships, scheduled to be held on 30th & 31st May at Ellesmere Port Sports Village, have been postponed. A decision on a rearranged date will be taken by the Cheshire County Committee after it becomes clear when athletics competition can resume.

CHESTER SPRING FIVE MILES ROAD RACE

Unfortunately, the Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race scheduled to be held at Cheshire Sports Club, Upton, Chester, on Wednesday, 15th April, has been cancelled.

GUILDEN SUTTON 10k ROAD RACE

The Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race scheduled to be held on Sunday, 20th September, has been cancelled because the Chester Half Marathon has been switched to this date and the Club will be aiming to help out at that fixture.

SCHOOLS FIXTURES CANCELLED

The Year 7 Cheshire v Merseyside Schools Cross Country fixture scheduled to be held at Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Wednesday 1st April has been cancelled.

And the English Schools Track and Field Cup first round match at Ellesmere Port Sports Village scheduled for Wednesday, 6th May has also been cancelled.

VIRTUAL LONDON MARATHON FOR CHARITY

If you are still disappointed about the cancellation of this year’s London Marathon, the RFTW (Run For The World) Virtual Major Marathon series allows you to complete the London marathon without even being there!

Choose your distance to run in a single run/walk from the date of the London Marathon (April 26) until the end of 2020. As soon as you submit an activity of your chosen distance, you will receive the third medal of the Virtual Major Marathons series.

Only one of the Virtual Marathon Series events can be completed at one time so you cannot run only once after signing up to all events to receive all medals. You must run six separate times to collect all six events. Further details can be found here.

OPTIMISTICALLY LOOKING AHEAD…

The English Cross Country Association have produced some dates for your diaries for the next cross country season, which understandably could of course change if we are not on top of Covid-19 by the autumn.

Major cross-country league designated dates are: October 10, November 7, December 5, January 16, and February 13, with a sixth date of March 13 if required.

The English National XC Relays are to be held in Berry Hill Park, Mansfield, on October 31, 2020.

The National and Inter Counties are swapping dates in 2021 due to the World XC Championships being in Australia on March 20. So the Inter Counties will be at Loughborough on February 20, 2021, and the National will be at Parliament Hill on March 6, 2021.

Other major XC dates are:

Trials for European Championships on November 28, with the European XC Championships in Dublin on December 13.

County XC Championships – January 9, 2021; Area XC Championships – January 30, 2021; BUCS XC Championships – February 6, 2021; English Schools XC Championships – March 20, 2021; SIAB – Schools International – March 27, 2021.

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

TRYING TO STAY FOCUSED

Life has changed so much for us all because of Coronavirus, but the most important thing is to stay safe, stay healthy, stay upbeat, and to help one another.

England Athletics have told all 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 at least the end of April.

In a bid to keep everyone at West Cheshire Athletic Club upbeat, I would like to ask for your contributions for future editions of the Club Newsletter.

I’m looking for you all to pass on your ideas and initiatives to help everyone stay fit and healthy in these unprecedented times.

Please forward your contributions to me by email: [email protected]

Meanwhile, 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.

And, our Club Chairman, Jon Clarke, is keen for the Club to help promote the free of charge Joe Wix Fitness Sessions for Primary and Secondary School pupils which start at 9am on Monday for a week. The link is here.

CONGRATULATIONS ALICE AND LIAM!

Everyone at West Cheshire AC passes on their congratulations to Alice and Liam Davoren who have announced that they are expecting their first child.

WELCOME ABOARD

Adrian Gledhill and Liam Davoren both attended a Coaching Assistant Course at Deeside Stadium, Connah’s Quay, last weekend to help strengthen our coaching squad.

MESSAGE FROM ENGLAND ATHLETICS…

England Athletics CEO Chris Jones has published a message on the England Athletics website and has requested everyone to provide feedback via a form at the foot of his page.

The link to his message is here.

UPDATE FROM THE EPSV ATHLETICS TRACK

White Line started delamination work on the EPSV Track on Monday and will be on site until they complete the work while the Ellesmere Port Sports Village is closed to the public from 5pm on Friday 20th March until the end of May.

Please look at the Club Website for all the latest updates at: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

CLUB TRACK AND FIELD TRIALS

Unfortunately, the annual Club Track and Field Trials scheduled to be held at the EPSV Track on Saturday March 28, and Thursday, April 2, have been cancelled.

CHESTER SPRING FIVE MILES ROAD RACE

Unfortunately, the Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race scheduled to be held at Cheshire Sports Club, Upton, Chester, on Wednesday, 15th April, has been cancelled.

GUILDEN SUTTON 10k ROAD RACE

The Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race scheduled to be held on Sunday, 20th September, has been cancelled because the Chester Half Marathon has been switched to this date and the Club will be aiming to help out at that fixture.

TRACK AND FIELD UPDATE

West Cheshire AC’s scheduled first round fixtures in the Cheshire League at Wrexham on Sunday, 19th April, and in the Youth Development U17/U20 League at Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Sunday, 26th April, have both been cancelled.

SCHOOLS FIXTURES CANCELLED

The Year 7 Cheshire v Merseyside Schools Cross Country fixture scheduled to be held at Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Wednesday 1st April has been cancelled.

And the English Schools Track and Field Cup first round match at Ellesmere Port Sports Village scheduled for Wednesday, 6th May has also been cancelled.

CONGRATULATIONS JOSEPH!

Joseph Morrison won the Borders Road Running League race at Wrexham on Sunday and became the first-ever Club member to win a Borders League fixture.

He grabbed glory at the 5.8 miles event held on the Wrexham Industrial Estate and was backed up by club mates Michael Young (17th), Graham Wells (39th), Robert Little (50th), Steve Fernyhough (51st), Freddy Newberry (59th), Steve King (74th), Andrew Clague (77th), Andy Carter (78th), and final scoring counter Danny Paddock (79th).

Keely Smith headed West Cheshire AC’s ladies team to the finishing line in 129th spot, supported by club mates Debra Bemand (154th), and third scoring counter Rachael Patterson (184th).

Other West Cheshire AC finishers included Richard Hayes (82nd), Fraser Campbell (87th), Paul Morrison (93rd), John Parlevliet (94th), Dave Tiernan (162nd), Julian Tegg (172nd), Claire Harris (188th), Clare Mallon (195th), Amy Mills (222nd), Chloe Fitzpatrick (232nd), and Alex Duffey (244th).

Sadly, it was the last round of the season and the overall results can be found here.

CARYS HEADS HER COUNTY HOME

Carys Roberts headed Cheshire Junior Girls’ charge at the English Schools Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Sefton Park, Liverpool.

Carys was first home for Cheshire and ninth overall in 11 minutes 22 seconds after negotiating the 3km course, while club mate Lucia Pyne was sixth team counter for Merseyside after posting 188th spot in 14:37 for the 3.8km Intermediate Girls race.

Other West Cheshire AC members representing Cheshire included Jamie Richardson (third team counter and 40th overall in 19:21 for the 5.5km Intermediate Boys race), supported by Isaac Tait (fourth team counter and 185th overall in 20:40), and Sammy Hollins (sixth team counter and 296th overall in 21:55).

Luke Parker (fourth team counter and 135th overall in 16:15 for the 4.4km Junior Boys event), and Lily Moorhouse (fourth counter and 275th in 21:15) completed the 4.4km Senior Girls race.

TRIO SECURE PODIUM PLACE

Dave Alexander, Andrew Clague and Neil Hershaw secured second team position at the British Masters Cross Country Championships.

Alexander was fourth in his over-50 age group in 32:24, while Clague was 11th in his over-55 age group in 35:20, and Hershaw was 10th in his age category with 35:25 to combine for a podium place in the 8km Men’s 45-54 age group event held at the Rhug Estate, Corwen, ahead of Andy Carter (12th over-50 in 36:02).

Anest Muller (seventh over-35 lady in 28:32) and Ellie Robinson (seventh over-45 lady in 28:41) completed the 6km Women’s race, won by Liz Renondeau of Vale Royal in 22:52, with Joanna Marsden of Ellesmere Port in second spot with 22:53.

PAIR PRODUCE MEDAL PERFORMANCES

Florence Harte and Daniel Walker represented the Club in the Sale Harriers Over The Bales Races. Harte won the under 9 girls race, while Walker achieved third spot in the under 11 boys event.

JOSH IS JUBILANT WITH TWO NEW BESTS

Josh Ford clocked new under 20 men’s 60m (7.27 seconds) and 300m (36.55) personal bests at the Sale Harriers Indoor Open Meeting in Manchester.

Imogen Pughe posted a new under 17 ladies 60m personal best time of 8.13 seconds, and added a 300m time of 42.04, while Fergus Garland posted a new under 15 boys 300m pb of 39.73.

Sara Pearson clocked a new under 15 girls 60m pb of 8.42 seconds, long jumped 4.37m, and hit 9.57m in the shot put.

Martha Willetts rounded the under 15 girls 600m in a new pb of 1:44.80 and added a 300m season’s best of 45.27 alongside Megan White who clocked a new 600m pb of 1:50:72 and a 300m season’s best of 50.76.

AGE GROUP BEST FOR ISABEL

Isabel Robertson represented the Club at the Liverpool Half Marathon where she posted a new over-55 age group club best time of two hours and 47 seconds for 12th spot in her age category, alongside Mark Povey.

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