Biggleswade AC Jan 2006

Fairy Run - Wed 28 Dec

The annual Fairy Handicap race took place on a cold, crisp and sunny morning, where the temperature failed to rise above freezing point all day. But this did not deter the 20 or so brave fairies from setting off on the 3 mile circuit around the RSPB, which was partially covered with ice and snow, making it especially treacherous for fairies.

First home, and winner of the Handicap race, was Elaine Stead (well done Elaine) closely followed by Paula Dawson and Steve Rotchell. The remaining fairies all followed within a minute or two, and so congratulations to "Handicapper" Damo.

The fastest fairy was ex-club member Gavin Davis, who now lives in Devon, in a time of 17m 55s. But the fastest "club member" was the evergreen Roy Steven, who drove all the way from his home in Harlow to record 18m 34s. The Best Dressed Fairy competition was won by the Tinkerbell Twins (Tim and Damo). Many thanks to Sue and David for acting as Race Recorders, and for organising the RSPB venue.

After the Handicap Race, fairies retired to the Sir William Peel for some well deserved "light" refreshment and a buffet - thanks to Stu for organising the buffet. Fairy Run "Part 2" saw about 11 fairies fly across to Potton (via Budgeons and the RSPB shop) for more refreshment, and then back to Sandy via Everton. Seven cold fairies finally made it back to Sandy for the survivor's photograph at 11:30pm.

Sandy 10 Road Race - 26 March

Planning is now well underway for this year's Sandy 10 mile road race and 2 Mile Fun Run - organised by the club. This will be the 23rd running of the race and we hope to make it the biggest event yet. We are grateful to Jordans Cereals and Sweatshop Cambridge for their offer of continued sponsorship.

As in previous years, we are asking club members to help us on race day, acting as marshals, car park attendants, drink station helpers, baggage handlers, etc. We have increased the race limit to 550 runners this year, and so it is essential that we have more marshals to ensure a safe event. If, however, you would like to run in the event, we do ask that you provide a "non-club member" (e.g. wife, girlfriend, brother) to provide us with help on race day in your place.

If you would like to find out more about the race and its history, check out the Sandy 10 link on our web site

The Tuesday Night Programme

You can find these and other training events in the training section of the Club website

In addition to the below, every Tuesday and Thursday night Steve Worrall (Level IV Coach) will also be taking extra speed and endurance sessions for those who feel they need them.

3rd Jan Fartlek
10th Jan Incline Training
17th Jan Sandy Circuit
24th Jan Speed work with Steve
31st Jan Fun on the track (part 2) - led by Ken and Dave
7th Feb Away Day - St. Neots - led by Nigel Bush
14th Feb Valentines Handy cap Run - led by Damo
21st Feb Fartlek for beginners (bring a friend)
28th Feb Speed work with Steve

Thursday evenings will be "General Running", dictated by the race calendar, and is tailored on the night to the participants needs. Runners are usually split into ability groups to ensure everyone has a good run.

If you would like to lead an Away Day in your home town, or you have any comments about the above programme please speak to Gavin or any of the committee.

Leagues, Series, and Other Events

Chiltern Cross Country League
All meetings are on Saturdays

7 Jan Stowe
11 Feb Wing
Three Counties Cross Country League
All meetings are on Sundays, at 11:00am

8 Jan Ampthill
5 Feb Dunstable
5 Mar Bedford
AAA Indoor Championships 4/5 March
Th 2006 championships are being held at Birmingham's Indoor Arena with all three age groups (U20/U17/U15) over the same weekend again. As a club we have at least 7 athletes who have qualified to compete with the best in the UK in these national championships, more could follow if the qualifying standard is achieved. For more information see David Brown.

Cross Country Championships - 2006

SEAA Cross Country

Sat 28 Jan

Bicton College, Exmouth

So far the take-up for Bicton, not surprisingly, is very low indeed. However we shall be entering a ladies team and a mens team in the event anyway, in order to qualify to run the National Championships at Parliament Hill in February. If any senior, therefore, decides to change their mind later on, they would be able to run the event.

SEAA Veterans

Sat 4 Feb

Ruislip

ECCA National

Sat 25 Feb

Parliament Hill Fields, London

Southern Mens and Womens Leagues 2006
All meetings are on Saturdays
Currently we don't have all the Womens League dates

	Men		Women
	29 Apr		???
	20 May		20 May
	10 Jun		???
	8 Jul		8 Jul
	22 Jul		???
	5 Aug		???

South of England Indoor Championships
Sutton Arena, Surrey
For male and female U15, U17, U20 and Senior
Pentathlon £9 (Seniors £11), other events £5 (Seniors £7) per event
Entries close 20 Dec for Pentathlon, 10 Jan for other events
see David Brown for more information

Sun 8 Jan	Pentathlon (HJ, LJ, Shot 60m, 60m Hurdles)
Sat 21 Jan	*60m, 60m Hurdles* *Pole Vault* Starting Heights - SM 3.80m, U20M 3.20m, U17M 2.80m, U15B 2.20m - SW 2.50m. U20W 2.30m, U17W 2.20m, U15G 1.90m *Long Jump* U17M, U15B, U17W, U15G *Triple Jump* U17M, U15B, U17W
Sun 22 Jan	*High Jump* Starting Heights - SM 1.75m, U20M 1.65m, U17M 1.60m, U15B 1.50m - SW 1.50m, U20W 1.50m, U17W 1.45m, U15G 1.40m *Shot* *Long Jump* SM, U20M, SW, U20W *Triple Jump* SM, U20M, SW, U20W

AAA Indoor Champs (U20/17/15)
4/5th March at Birmingham's Indoor Arena (NIA).
So far we have 4 athletes who have qualified with a possibility of a few more before the closing date (3rd Feb). For more information contact David Brown, Track and Field Manager.

NEWS FOR YOUNG ATHLETES

Now that the lights are fixed, Junior training will restart on 3rd January at Sandy Upper School playing fields, initially from 6.30pm until 7 pm - check the web-site towards the end of the month for any time changes or contact David Brown or Ken Prior.
Ken will be restarting the Introduction to Athletics sessions which will be a six week course covering all athletic events from pole vault to middle distance running, on Tuesdays only. A certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course. There will be sprinting, middle distance and throwing coaches available too.
For the younger (and older members too, if they wish) we will be trying to make up for the time that we have lost by re-instituting Monday Sportshall sessions at Biggleswade Recreation Centre. These will commence on Monday 9th January. While these are mainly aimed at the 8-13 age group, it will also incorporate conditioning sessions for older juniors and seniors.