This week there has been no change in the official advice from England Athletics – EA have cancelled all activities until 31st May and all Competition until the end of June. The next EA statement is expected in the first week of June when the Government should be making a further announcement and the kids start to go back to school.
What is currently clear is that all local and national events are cancelled and there is no sign of when we might get back to racing. We can’t meet or go for a run as a Group and the Leisure Centre is still closed until further notice. Rumours abound that the London Marathon scheduled for October 4th will not go ahead as a mass participation event – it will be an event for invited elite athletes only.
The official line is that you can now go for a run with one other person as long as you stay 2 metres apart and shout! And you can go open water swimming if you like cold water. (The Trench is open but Cromhall Quarry is still closed)
• TRC Virtual Run Series – May Team Challenge
Don’t forget all runs to be completed by 31st May 2020 and times submitted to membership@thornburyrunningclub.co.uk by that date
• Thornbury 10k (Thurs 16th July)
As TRC Chairman I had discussions with England Athletics and various other South West Clubs last Monday and they agreed with our current position on this race – we will wait to make a decision until first week of June when the Government & EA are likely to have issued further guidance. As you all know this race has sold out and reached its limit of 500 entries.
• Oldbury 10 Miles (Sun 13th Sept)
The former Power Station site has withdrawn permission for us to use the site for the race so we have had to cancel the event. We hadn’t opened the entries for the Oldbury 10 so we don’t have to worry about refunds etc.
• Leaders Courses
We are always looking to add to our Group Leaders for a Thursday night and England Athletics have come up with an idea for an on-line Leaders Course (2 x 1.5 hrs instead of a full day). If anyone would like to go for this the Club will refund the fees. Please contact Kevin Wood in the first instance membership@thornburyrunningclub.co.uk
EA relaunched their Leading Athletics course as a two part webinar-based workshop! Leading Athletics is a great first step into volunteering and leadership. Maybe you’re a club who wants to upskill volunteers ahead of any post-lockdown activity… or you’re an athlete or parent who wants to play a more active role in supporting younger members in future. The course is only £20 for affiliated club members / £30 if non-affiliated and includes 2 x 1.5 hour webinars. Available course dates are 1 & 3 June or 15 & 17 June.
• The Hacket/Crossways Lane
A favourite circuit with TRC Members for a bit of fast paced training will get even safer in the future. The residents are currently being consulted about imposing a 20MPH speed limit on the lanes.
Finally, I have spoken to Pete Mainstone this week and he sends his thanks to all the Club Members who have sent him their best wishes. He was out on an hour’s walk when I spoke to him so he is regaining his strength slowly.
If there are any more changes to the official position or we have any news for you we will post the details on here.
Look after yourselves and keep safe.
Arthur Renshaw,