This morning, 17th March, England Athletics issued some new advice….

The UK government has advised that everyone in the UK should now avoid “non-essential” travel and contact with others to fight coronavirus. Whilst it has not issued any ban on public gatherings of any size either indoors or outdoors at this stage, the advice is to avoid non-essential contact with others, including going to sporting events, pubs, clubs, theatres and social venues. As a result, England Athletics advises that 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 should be suspended until at least the end of April.

The decision has been taken in the interests of athletes, runners, officials, coaches, volunteers, supporters and the wider athletics and running communities. This decision is also in alignment with actions taken by the home country athletics federations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and is similar to action taken by other sports. Where possible, athletes and runners at all levels are encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active during this time, while following government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments.

This advice extends what we announced earlier this week..

We have decided to cancel TRC Club Night meetings inside the Leisure Centre for the foreseeable future as we want to minimise the risk exaserpated by having a lot of people in a confined space. In addition quite a few of our Members fall into the ‘at risk’ category and we don’t want to expose them to any further risk. The AGM on 26th March is also postponed to be rescheduled for later in the year. As it stands it is more than possible the Leisure Centre will be shut in the next week or two anyway.

We were suggesting that Members could continue to meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 19.00 outside in the top car park at the Leisure Centre to go for a run. However, we are now cancelling this option from a Club perspective although it will continue to be your choice if you want to go out for some exercise. With this in mind there are the new WhatsApp Groups where you can make your own arrangements with like minded Members.

We have set-up four WhatsApp Groups for the 8 minute, 9 minute, 10 minute and the Walking Group so you can arrange your own runs with people of your own pace. Kevin Cundy has set-up the WhatsApp Groups so please e-mail Kevin kevcundy@hotmail.com with your telephone number and which Group you want to join. Kev will add you to the Group of your choice.

Groups: TRC 8 min, TRC 9 min, TRC 10 min , TRC Walk. The 7 min Group already have their own WhatsApp Group.

Finally, the hope is that as we are all ‘runners’ and are fairly fit then even if any of us catch the virus then the effects will be minimal but please help minimise the risk to others by washing your hands regularly and isolating yourself if you go down with flu-like symptoms.

Further announcements by e-mail and on the website will be made if anything changes.

Upcoming Events
• Wednesday 18th March – Beginners Course Week 1 NOW POSTPONED until further notice
• Thursday 26th March – TRC AGM.. POSTPONED – to be rescheduled.
• Sunday 26th April – London Marathon POSTPONED to October 4th

Most other local events have been cancelled or postponed and a number of other local Clubs including Westbury and Bitton have cancelled all activities for the foreseeable future.

Membership Renewals: The Club Year ends on 31st March and Membership renewals will be due at the end of March. We are in the process of installing a new membership system to manage the membership information and renewals for the Club’s 200+ members. We will send you more information and log in details shortly, once we have finished setting up the system, testing and loading the data. Please wait to hear more before you renew your Membership,