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2011 Harrier Notices & Breaking News

Last updated: Wednesday, 30 November, 2011

Below are important notices about up–and–coming club events, requests for team members and other general information.

top <Culham Park – Oxford Mail Cross Country League Notice ~ Wednesday, 30 November 2011

The second Oxford Mail Cross Country League fixture of the 2011/12 season will take place at Culham Park this coming Sunday, 4 December. Please could any members planning to attend this fixture let either Angela Briscoe (01235 769214) or Dene Stringfellow (01235 868111) know.

The race start times are as follows:

The race venue is located at grid reference SU523966, with the entrance to the race is at grid reference SP526953, off the A415. A link to location maps is provided here. The journey to Culham Park should only take approximately 20–30 minutes at most from Wantage.

Please Note: There are no changing or toilet facilities at the course.

Parking: The cost for car parking at this event will be £3.00. So please consider lift sharing to help reduce the cost.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Buttersteep Rise, Swinley Forest, Bracknell – 2011 BB&0 Cross Country Championships Notice ~ Wednesday, 16 November 2011

The 2011 Berks., Bucks. & Oxon Cross Country Championships will be held at Buttersteep Rise, Swinley Forest, Bracknell on Sunday, 20 November this year. Please could any team members requiring transport to Buttersteep Rise, Swinley Forest, Bracknell contact Angela Briscoe (01235 769214), Gareth Smith (01235 767538) or Dene Stringfellow (01235 868111) so lifts can be arranged.

A link is provided here to the RAC Route Planner where you can simply type in the postcodes of the start point, Wantage Leisure Centre (OX12 9BY), and destination, Buttersteep Rise (SL5 8AX), to obtain a route plan. The journey to Buttersteep Rise, Swinley Forest, Bracknell should take approximately 50 minutes covering a distance of some 49 miles.

An alternative .pdf (Adobe Reader) map providing directions is also available to download here.

Timetable: The full programme of race start times is as follows:

The Venue: Buttersteep Rise is located of the A332 (Swinley Road) opposite the The Berkshire Golf Club. Toilets and refreshments will beavailable on the day.

Parking: Upon arrival vehicles will be directed to the designated parking areas by the marshals in attendance.

Dene Stringfellow

top <September Time Trial Notice ~ Tuesday, 30 August 2011

Please note that the first club Time Trial of the 2011/2 season is now scheduled to take place on the evening of Thursday, 15 September at the King Alfred’s Centre Site playing fields (where we train in the field adjacent to Wantage Football Club). The Time Trial will take the place of the usual Thursday evening training session.

All members (including sprinters) are expected to participate particularly if they have not been able to make any of the club cross country fixtures so far this season.

Please remember family and friends who are not members are welcome to participate (– please ensure any Under 8s are happy running the distance). Any children currently on the waiting list are also welcome to participate so if they are your friends please let them know.

The events will start promptly from 7:00pm onwards. So please make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes early – i.e. 6:50pm. Any changes to timings, if required, will be notified here. We would also welcome any assistance from parents or other club members to help to setup and marshall the evening’s events from 6:45pm.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Thursday Evening Training Notice – Venue Switch ~ Monday, 29 August 2011

Thursday evening training sessions will move from King Alfred’s West Site to Centre Site, Wantage Leisure Centre on Thursday, 8th September.

Please Note: As we do not make use of the Leisure Centre facilities themselves we have been asked not to park in the Leisure Centre car park. Furthermore, if it is practical to drop off and pick up elsewhere please try and do so. (The Civic Centre car park is free after 6:30pm). Likewise, we have been asked not to allow our young athletes unsupervised inside the Leisure Centre and to not block the entrance.

Gareth Smith

top <Club Athletics Championships ~ Thursday, 7 July 2011

Date & Time: Thursday, 14th July 2011. Registration at 6:15pm
Venue: King Alfred’s School – West Site

The White Horse Harriers’ Club Athletics Championships will take on Thursday 14th July in place of the usual training session at King Alfred’s School – West Site. The start time is earlier than the usual training time in order to have time for all the events.

The format will be similar to that of recent years with a mixture of events – both track and field – for everyone to try. The events are broken down into age categories with events for under 11s, and separate races for over 11s, seniors and vets. For U11s there will be an 80m, 600m, long jump and vortex throw; for everyone else the events are 100m, 800m, long jump and shot putt.

Members are encouraged to bring along their families to participate as well, siblings and parents are welcome. The emphasis is on having a try at the events.

We also need a good number of helps to make all the events happen. So, if you are not prepared to compete, please come along and give a hand. For more details please contact Angela Briscoe either by email or telephone (01235 769214).

If you cannot be there for 6:15pm come along anyway and we will fit you in.

We look forward to see lots of you competing again this year.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Club Barbecue & Presentation Evening ~ Thursday, 7 June 2011

Date & Time: Friday, 24th June 2011 at 7:30pm
Venue: The Court Hill Centre

The club barbecue and presentation of the trophies for the Winter Cross–Country season will take place at The Court Hill Centre by the Ridgeway above Wantage on Friday, 24th June, starting at 7:30pm.

During the evening we will present both the trophies and participants’ medals from last winter’s cross–country season. There will be a ‘bring and share’ barbecue. Please bring along something to barbecue and other food. There is plenty of space nearby for youngsters. Should the weather be inclement we have booked the Beechwood Room indoors as well.

Please make a note of the date in your diaries and we look forward to seeing you there on the evening. Details of the venue can be found here and directions can also be viewed using this link.

Do not hesitate to contact Gareth Smith either by telephone on 01235 767538 or by email if you have any questions or need any further information.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Jégou Secures UK Trail Running Middle Distance Title ~ Friday, 27 May 2011

Paul Jégou secured his first national title in the official UK Trail Running Championships for the Middle Distance (13–26 miles) category over the Marlborough Downs Challenge 20–mile course on Saturday, 14 May.

To learn more about Paul’s success and see the full results click here.

Dene Stringfellow

top <2011 Summer Cross Country Handicap ~ Monday, 23 May 2011

Date & Time: Friday, 3rd June 2010 at 7:00pm
Venue: Sparsholt Firs

This year’s Cross Country Handicap will take place on Friday, 3rd June at the usual venue by Sparsholt Firs. The traditional undulating course is approximately 5.5 miles in length. The start, and meeting point, is just where a minor road leaves the main B4001 (road to Lambourn) at an angle some 500 yards to the south of Sparsholt Firs (map reference: 341845). Some details of this event can be found on our web site.

In recent years this event has taken place on Thursday evenings, replacing the usual training session. This year we are trying a different night.

Once again our athletes will be competing for the “Pieces Trophy” which will be awarded to the first to finish. As usual the rules about bribing the handicapper and lying through your teeth about being unfit and/or having some unspecified injury apply ... Hopefully you may join us for a drink afterwards to debate/dispute the outcome (– venue to be confirmed).

Further details of the 2011 Club Summer Handicap event along with a list of past winners are available on the club’s website.

We are grateful to John Peake who has again agreed to set the handicaps. In order to help him with this task it would be useful if you could indicate if you will be taking part. Please contact Gareth Smith (01235 767538) or by email so he can collate the entry information for John and answer any questions.

For those that are interested, I’ve included links to a .jpg image of the overall route and also a Google Earth link file (for those that have Google Earth) so you can follow the route in more detail as well as play the tour from the program’s Tools Menu.

So, no excuses for getting lost! We look forward to seeing you there.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Oxford Town & Gown 10k – Registration Now Open ~ Wednesday, 6 April 2011

Registration has now opened for the Oxford Town & Gown 10k, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 15 May. The event is run in support of Muscular Dystrophy again this year.

The entry forms are available via the link on the Oxon Road Race Diary page.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Social Run – Open To All ~ Sunday, 20 March 2011

Date & Time: Sunday, 8 May 2011 at 10:00am
Venue: Manor Road Memorial Park, Wantage

We are organising a “social” run (or runs) on Sunday, 8 May. This is a chance to get out for a run with others. It is aimed at both members and non–members of White Horse Harriers. We are aware of many people in the local area running and encourage you to come along and join in this run. Likewise, we are hoping to have a good number of Harriers there too – whether you are in training or needing some encouragement to get out and get fit.

We will meet up at Manor Road Memorial Park at 10:00am. From there we will see what sort of distance (– we are thinking of distances from a couple of miles upwards) and pace everyone wants to run, divide up into appropriate groups and set off. The runs serves two purposes – as a way of encouraging members of White Horse Harriers out for a run, and a way of inviting others to come along and join in too.

So, whether you are ‘in training’ or not, come along and have run. 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of White Horse Harriers and it would be good to show we can gets loads of people out running. All you have to do is turn up – well, and run a bit too ...!

If you would like any further information please contact Gareth Smith via email or telephone on 01235 767538.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Summer Thursday Evening Training Venue Move ~ Thursday, 17 March 2011

The White Horse Harriers Thursday training session will move to King Alfred’s School West Site from Thursday, 7th April. The training session will start at 7:00pm.

All age groups will meet at King Alfred’s School West Site at 7:00pm from this date.

Please Note: It is possible that toilet facilities will not be available at King Alfred’s School West Site during the first couple of training sessions in the school Easter holidays.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Final Young Athletes Time Trial Notice ~ Thursday, 17 March 2011

Please note that the final club Time Trial of the 2010/11 season is now scheduled to take place on the evening of Thursday, 31 March at the Centre Site playing fields (– where we train in the Summer field adjacent to Wantage Football Club). The Time Trial will take the place of the usual Thursday evening training session starting at 7:00pm.

All members (including sprinters) are expected to participate particularly if they have not been able to make any of the club cross country fixtures so far this season.

Please remember family and friends who are not members are welcome to participate. Please also ensure any under 8’s are happy running the distance. Any children currently on the waiting list are also welcome to participate so if they are your friends please let them know.

Notification of the times of the various events will be provided closer to the date.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Lawns Park, Swindon – Oxford Mail Cross Country League Update ~ Tuesday, 1 March 2011

Below are updated details for the final Oxford Mail Cross Country League fixture scheduled for this coming Sunday at Lawns Park, Swindon.

The updated race start times will be as normal for the final event of the series, with the start times of the men’s and women’s races switched round, as follows:

Race Venue: The venue for this fixture is Lawns Park, Swindon which is 10–15 minutes’ walk from New College Sports Centre on the opposite side of the main road, Queens Drive (A4259). The route to the race will be clearly signposted from the College. See the links to the maps in the earlier notice below.

Car Parking: The designated parking is at New College Sports Centre. Please do not attempt to find closer parking on any of the side roads. It is a condition of the use of the area that this does not happen. There are pedestrian crossings over the main road (A4259). The fee for car parking will, as normal, be £3.00.

Presentations: The presentations will take place in the New College Sports Centre. There will be two ceremonies on the day as follows:
10:45am (– or as close as possible): This will be for the MM girls and boys. It will include the awards for the top 3 and the award of medals for all children who have completed 4 of the 5 races this season. The top 3 will also be announced in the later ceremony.
1:00pm (or as close as possible): This will be for all other classes, including individual and team prizes.
Athletes wishing to leave earlier than this may pick up their prizes from the League Manager (Luke McNeill) or League Treasurer (Marie–Anne Fisher) between the two ceremonies.

Dene Stringfellow

top <John Peake’s Appeal for Support – Oxford Mail Cross Country League Notice ~ Friday, 12 February 2011

The turnout by the men at the past two Oxford Mail Cross Country League fixtures has been disappointing with the result that if don’t improve for the last fixture of the season, to be held at Park Lawns, Swindon, it could cost the men their chance of promotion back to the first division.

Although the plea is directed to the men it is equally relevant to all categories. The greater the number of members we have competing the more likely it is we will achieve success in competition.

Please click here to see John’s appeal!

Dene Stringfellow

top <Lawns Park, Swindon – Oxford Mail Cross Country League Notice ~ Friday, 12 February 2011

The final Oxford Mail Cross Country League fixture of this season will take place at Lawns Park, Swindon on Sunday, 6 March. Please could any members planning to attend this fixture let either Angela Briscoe (01235 769214) or Dene Stringfellow (01235 868111) know.

The race start times will be as normal for the final event of the series, with the start times of the men’s and women’s races switched round, as follows:

The race venue for this fixture is Lawns Park, Swindon which is 10–15 minutes’ walk from New College Sports Centre on the opposite side of the main road, Queens Drive (A4259). The route to the race will be clearly signposted from the College. See the links to the maps below.

Directions: Links are provided here to maps giving overall directions to New College Sports Centre, Swindon and a local street map of the area. According to the RAC Route Planner the journey to New College Sports Centre, Swindon should take just 31 minutes covering a distance of some 18 miles.

Car Parking: The designated parking is at New College Sports Centre. Please do not attempt to find closer parking. It is a condition of the use of the area that this does not happen. There are pedestrian crossings over the main road (A4259). The fee for car parking will, as normal, be £3.00.

Restriction on MP3 Players: Please also note the restriction on the use of MP3 players introduced at the Banbury race will now hold for all future races until further notice.

Facilities: There will be toilet and shower facilities along with refreshments available at New College Sports Centre.

Presentations: The post–race presentations will take place in the New College Sports Centre; times tbc.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Wing – Chiltern Cross Country League Notice ~ Thursday, 10 February 2011

The final Chiltern Cross Country League fixture of the 2010/11 season will be held at the Cottesloe School, Wing on Saturday, 12 February. Please could any members planning to attend this fixture let either Angela Briscoe (01235 769214) or Dene Stringfellow know so they can get an idea of numbers planning to go.

Links are provided here to maps giving overall directions to the Cottesloe School, Wing and a local street map of the area. According to the RAC Route Planner the journey to the Cottesloe School, Wing should take approximately one and a half hours covering a distance of some 49 miles.

Regarding this fixture please note the following:

Venue: The Cottesloe School is situated on the western edge of Wing, near Leighton Buzzard on Church Street. See the links to the maps above.

Timetable: The race start times are as per the normal programme except for the final three races which start at different times as follows:

Parking: At the school. If approaching from Aylesbury on A418 use the entrance off the first island. If approaching from Leighton Buzzard on A418 use the main entrance in Church Street.
Please park with consideration for other athletes and village residents – share a car if possible.

Public Transport: Buses run from Aylesbury, Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard, see Arriva website for times.

Facilities: Showers and changing for male and female.

Refreshments: Hot and cold food and drinks available – please support.

Declaration Forms: Please hand in as soon as possible to assist results production.

The Course: This is a grassland course with several hills. Spikes will be an advantage. The course is currently in reasonable condition but it is likely to be muddy in gateways as usual! However, the course has been modified to reduce the number of times through the difficult mud as much as possible, with the younger age groups in mind. Please respect the farmer’s land and fences, etc. This is a valued cross country course which we would like to use again!

Presentations: The presentations for the season will take place soon after the conclusion of the final race. Please make sure your club is represented.
Due to increased participation there will be awards to the first 3 in the male over 60 category both divisions this year.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Alton Towers, Staffordshire – National Cross Country Championships Notice ~ Thursday, 3 February 2011

The 2011 National Cross Country Championships will be held at Alton Towers, Staffordshire on Saturday, 19 February. If any of the team members require transport could they please let Dene Stringfellow know so transport arrangements can be made.

Links to maps are provided here giving overall directions to Alton Towers, Staffordshire and a local street map of the area. According to the RAC Route Planner the journey to Alton Towers, Staffordshire should take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes covering a distance of some 137.44 miles.

Regarding this fixture please note the following:

Venue: Please refer to the site map for the race venue at Alton Towers which provides details on where to find various facilities, parking and first aid.

Directions: If travelling by car from the South: Take M1 – Junction 23a or M6 – Junction 15. If travelling from the North: Take M1 – Junction 24a or M6 – Junction 16.
If you plan to use public transport the Alton Towers transport team run a number of bus services designed to connect with incoming train services from popular destinations. Stoke–on–Trent Railway Station, Leek Bus Station and Uttoxeter Railway Station. Please refer to the timetable of bus services for more information.

Timetable: The race start times and approximate distances are as as follows:

Club Tents: Due to limited space a drop off area is available for any club who is bringing a club tent. They must apply for a Drop–off Pass to a special area, so that they can be nearer to the Tent area.

Club Colours: All athletes must wear Club Colours. Failure to do so will lead to disqualification.

Presentations: The winning individuals and teams will receive their presentations at 1:45pm and 4:45pm in the Main Marquee in the start area.

Programmes: Programmes will be on sale at the event for the price of &#pound;3.00 and will include course maps.

Chip Timing: Chip Timing will again be used. Failure to return your chip will be subject to a £7.00 penalty charge per chip.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Cirencester – Oxford Mail Cross Country League Notice ~ Wednesday, 2 February 2011

The fourth and penultimate Oxford Mail Cross Country League fixture of the season hosted by Cirencester AC will take place at Cirencester Park, Cirencester on Sunday, 6 February. Please could any members planning to attend this fixture let either Angela Briscoe (01235 769214) or Dene Stringfellow (01235 868111) know.

The race start times will, as normal, be as follows:

The race venue is located at grid reference SO996020, off the A419 with the entrance to the estate located at grid reference SO988017, off the A419. A link to the location map is provided here. According to the RAC Route Planner the journey to Cirencester Park should take just over an hour covering a distance of approximately 37 miles.

Car Parking: Please note that the fee for car parking will be £3.00 to cover the costs of hiring the park and providing the facilities including medical cover. Entry to the park is from the A419 Cirencester to Stroud Road.

Restriction on MP3 Players: Please also note the restriction on the use of MP3 players introduced at the Banbury race will now hold for all future races until further notice.

Facilities: There will be toilet facilities and a refreshment van selling burgers, tea, coffee etc.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Parliament Hill – Southern Cross Country Championships Notice ~ Tuesday, 25 January 2011

The 2011 Southern Cross Country Championships will be held at Parliament Hill on Saturday, 29 January. Please could any members planning to attend this fixture let Dene Stringfellow know so he can get an idea of numbers planning to go and any travelling arrangements can be organised.

Links to maps are provided here giving overall directions to Parliament Hill and a local street map of the area. According to the RAC Route Planner the journey to Parliament Hill should take approximately one hour and 45 minutes covering a distance of some 73.51 miles.

Regarding this fixture please note the following:

Venue: Parliament Hill is situated below Hampstead Heath just north of central London. See the links to the maps above.

Timetable: The race start times and approximate distances are as as follows:

Chip Timing: Chip Timing will be used. Failure to return your chip will be subject to a £7.00 penalty charge per chip.

Changing Facilities: Male and female changing facilities are available in the Lido. Please refer to the venue map.

Presentations: SEAA medals will be awarded to the first three placed competitors and the scoring team members of the first three placed teams in each group. The presentations will take place as soon as practical after the completion of each race.

Dene Stringfellow

top <2011 Club Road Race Championships Update – CONFIRMED ~ Wednesday, 12 January 2011

Following yesterday evening’s club committee meeting the events comprising the club’s 2011 road race championships are now confirmed. For full details go to the Road Race page.

Dene Stringfellow

top <Stopspley – Chiltern Cross Country League Notice ~ Tuesday, 11 January 2011

The fourth Chiltern Cross Country League fixture of the 2010/11 season will be held at Stopsley Regional Sports Centre, Luton on Saturday, 15 January as opposed to Wigmore Valley as originally scheduled.

Please could any members planning to attend this fixture let either Gareth Smith (01235 767538) or Dene Stringfellow (01235 868111) know so they can get an idea of the numbers planning to attend the fixture.

Links are provided here to maps giving overall directions to Shuttleworth Park, Biggleswade and a local street map of the area. According to the RAC Route Planner the journey to the Stopsley Regional Sports Centre should take approximately one hour and forty minutes covering a distance of just over 83 miles.

Timetable: As in the first fixture of the 2010/11 season the race start times for the Senior Ladies and Under 17 Men are reversed otherwise the start times remain as before. Please note also that the start of the under 17 men’s race may be delayed by 5 to 10 minutes if there is a long tail back in the ladies race. The full programme of race start times is as follows:

Special Note: The Under 15 Girls race distance is 3.2km.

The Venue: Owing to Luton Borough Council not allowing the use of the car park ar Wigmore Valley and ActiveLuton denying access to the traditional courses at Stockwood Park the venue for this fixture has had to be changed to the Regional Sports Centre, St. Thomas Road, Stopsley, Luton. Luton AC apologises for the late issue of fixture details due to the venue change.

Directions:
From the East – coming in on the A505 – go across the roundabout at Butterfield Green, continue to the next roundabout and take the 3rd exit (St. Thomas Road) into Stopsley Shopping Centre. Bear right at the island and continue for approximately 500 metres and turn right into the Centre. There are traffic calming measures (sleeping policemen) on St Thomas Road.
From the M1 – leave the M1 at J10 and follow the road to the airport. At the traffic lights be prepared to move over to the right hand side of the road and take the A505 Hitchin (Vauxhall Way) route. Follow this road across three roundabouts and at the Hitchin Road/Stopsley Way T–junction (roundabout) turn right. Staying on the left hand side of the road, take the next turning left into Hitchin Road (Stopsley). At the second turning on the left, turn into St. Thomas Road. See “from the East” directions from “bear right“.
From Bedford – on the A6 at the roundabout with the cricket ground in front of you, turn left into Stockingstone Road, follow the road signs to Hitchin. At the second roundabout keep to left and take the next turning left into Hitchin Road (Stopsley). At the second turning on the left turn into St. Thomas Road. See “from the East” directions from “bear right“.

Please Note: Any officiating or marshalling assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Dene Stringfellow

top <2011 Club Road Race Championships Update ~ Tuesday, 11 January 2011

The events comprising the club’s 2011 road race championships have been provisionally confirmed. For full details go to the Road Race link in the navigation panel to the left. Please remember to read all the details as the format has been changed slightly for this year’s competition. Additionally the details of the full Oxfordshire Road Race Diary are also available here.

Dene Stringfellow

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