Biggleswade AC May 2005

The Track

After a wait of over 15 years, and the disappointment of last year's false start, the NEW track at Sandy Upper School is about to become a reality. Following yesterday's meeting between the main parties, it was agreed that construction would begin on Monday 25th April, with a completion date of the middle of August. This is a major step forward for Biggleswade Athletic Club and it will enable us to provide year-round training for all our track and field athletes, as well as track training for the road and cross country runners. It will, however, put severe pressure on our coaches, so if any members would like to become coaches, or learn more about what is involved, please speak to Ken or Dave.

During the construction period, there will be limited access to the area behind the school (e.g. the rear car park will probably be closed off) so please be prepared for some changes.

The agreed price for the construction includes the following:

Steeplechase landing area

High Jump landing area

2 x covers

Throwing Cage

Discus, shot area with shot front board

Flood lighting, electronic sockets for PA, and electronic timing

Steeplechase (water jump) hurdle.
Although no equipment is being paid for by Biggleswade AC, with the items listed above there is a lot of room in the extra equipment budget to have a double ended long/triple jump pit. Of the extra equipment budget, only 50% of monies set aside has been spent. Any ideas please - next meeting Friday May 27th .

Sandy 10 - Thank you...

The Sandy 10 road race, promoted by the club on Sunday 3rd April 2005, was by far the biggest Sandy 10 in the 22 year history of the event. With nearly 500 entries and 400 finishers, everything ran like clockwork on the day. We have received many messages from runners who thoroughly enjoyed the event and appreciated all the support they received from the marshals and officials. We would therefore like to thank each and every one of you who helped, for your fantastic support on race day. You can all be justifiably proud of helping to promote the BEST 10 mile race in the region.

There were some notable performances with seven men running under the hour, Danielle Sanderson successfully defending her lady's title, and a superb run by 63 year old Graham Patton from Sphinx AC who came 10th overall in 60m 41s.

We are very pleased to announce that we will we donating Ł1200.00 from the race proceeds to two worthy causes, the East Anglian Air Ambulance, and the Children's Liver Desease Foundation, the latter a charity close to the hearts of club members Steve and Karen Worrall. This donation represents the largest amount donated from the race since Biggleswade AC took over the event several years ago. Well done to everyone for your efforts.

...and hello

Lou Myers, an old member, ran in the Sandy 10 and sent us this letter

Dear People, As a rather ancient runner, I was most pleased to be invited to this years "Sandy 10", this is a race that I have very fond memories of, having been a participant in its first running, it was a nice feeling to see a race that started just for a few local runners, to still be happening all these years later, when as we know, most so called big events have quite literally disappeared up their own left trouser leg.

I had of course visions of meeting old pals, guess what, after all these years there was not one face I could remember, all new runners, that alone bodes well for the running fraternity in Bedfordshire.

As to my day, well at my late age it seems that fine days like this happen so very seldom, I actually had a good, my terms, run and so enjoyed the course, I had shouts of encouragement from the front runners and running stewards, it cheered me up no end, and guess what, I was not last, I even managed to pass a few runners over the last few miles.

To the organisers, ie Biggleswade AC, first class job, long may it continue, sorry that all the old team were working hard, it would have been fun to pit myself against some of you, well your getting old as well, if any of you out here are thinking of joining a social/fun club, you could do a lot worse than joining the Biggies, time does not permit me to tell you stories of the happenings over many years of travelling with this lot, needless to say, they are all hilarious.

So thank you all, runners, marshals, organisers, St Johns Ambulance members and the Police, an old man travelled back to London a happier and more contented runner.

Please may I come back next year, I promise to train this time
- Yours in Sport, Lou Myers, The Ancient Brit.

The London Marathon X-files?

A story from Tony Haymes:

Spooky things happen at London - last year whilst standing in the queue for the loos at the Red Start I showed Andy Bruce my home made race number sticky label for the kit bag (mine was missing in the registration documents). A bloke who was stood behind us in the same loo queue overheard our conversation and promptly produced my official label from his kit bag! He had been given my label along with his own and thought he would take it to the race "on the off chance of finding the unfortunate runner" - pretty remarkable odds out of 32,000.

Overseas Tour to the French Pyrenees
20th to 23rd May

There are still a few places left on the overseas tour to Font Romeu (Le Clos St Savin) in the French Pyrenees, if you would like to join the party of 11 already booked.

The details are:

Friday 20th May - fly from Stansted to Perpignon at 13:30

Spend three nights at Le Clos St Savin, training, walking, sightseeing, eating and drinking.

Return on Monday 23rd May, departing Perpignon at 16:30.

The return flight cost (with Ryanair) is currently about Ł98.00

The accommodation costs are about Ł14.00 per person per night.

If you would like to join the trip, or require more details, please contact Nigel Bush.

The Tuesday Night Programme

3rd May Away Day Old Warden/Ickwell lead by Tan and Jen
10th May Run to the Black Barn
17th May Blunham Loop
24th May RSPB loop
31st May Speed work with our Steve
7th Jun Away Day Priory Marina (Bedford)
14th Jun Lonely Pines/Everton Rd loop
21st Jun Hatch/Beeston loop
28th Jun Club Photo and RSPB loop

(NB: The Thursday evening programme is decided on a week to week basis depending on ability groups and racing programme.)

All feedback is greatly appreciated. Please speak to Gavin or anyone on the committee. Also any ideas you would like incorporated into the programme please let them know.

Leagues, Series, and Other Events

Southern Mens and Womens Track and Field Leagues
Southern Mens Track and Field League (Division 4 North)
Saturdays, all are double fixtures except 25th June at Hornchurch

7	May	Walthamstow
21	May	Luton
25	Jun	Hornchurch (Essex) single fixture
9	Jul	Walton (London) ? Hosts Queens Park Harriers
30	Jul	Ware Home fixture with Herts Pheonix.

Southern Womens Track and Field League
All matches are on Saturdays

21	May	Mile End (Clashes with Southern Mens at Luton)
23	Jul	Hillingdon
20	Aug	St Ives (near Huntingdon)
3	Sep	High Wycombe

Eastern Young Athletes League
All matches are on Sundays

22nd May	Bedford (No doubt we will be expected to run this for Bedford!)
19th June	St Ives (see Southern Womens Track and Field League - same again)
3rd July	Milton Keynes
7th Aug	Bedford - possible hosts.

Watford Track and Field Open
Wednesday Evening meetings starting at 7 pm
For events see Track and Field Manager David Brown

**

**

May 4th
May 18th
Jun 1st
Jun 15th
Jun 29th
Jul 3rd (or July 13th ????)

**

**

Jul 27th
Aug 10th
Aug 24th
Sep 7th
Sep 21st

** = including British Milers Club

NEWS FOR YOUNG ATHLETES

Junior training now takes place 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.