Newsletter - October 2007

Well, The Ledbury Chase 2007 has taken place and seemed to be quite
successful.  It was a bit stressful at times too, but we managed to pull
it off and thank you all who helped in whatever way you could.  This
race was the event which led to the club being formed, so if it had
never taken place there would not be a running club in Ledbury.  It is
an event which helps to give Ledbury Harriers some credibility with
other clubs and if we make any money we can boost the club funds to
subsidise club shirts, etc.  There were 94 entries, most of them
entering on the day, so thanks to those who put out forms at races
leading up to the event.

In November the club subscriptions are due.  The £20 for the year is not
bad value and does entitle you to a discount for race entries and at
some running shops.  In 2007 so far, Dave Horne has entered 7 races,
saving £2 at each, and bought some kit at Runaround in Worcester with a
discount of £12, so the membership has been more than paid back.

The Cross Country season is now upon us and the club has entered the
Herefordshire league.  If you have not seen a fixture list, ask Dave
Horne for one.  We did well last year so lets try to field teams at all
of the races this season.  The races are not easy and you do need
off-road shoes for grip, but you will enjoy yourself (probably).

We failed to make a team for the opening race at Croft Castle, but the 3
runners who took part had good runs with all of them recording faster
times than last year, well done.  The next race is at High Vinnals near
Ludlow on November 11th.

The Easy Runner group has started on Tuesdays at 6:30 to encourage new
runners to the club.  There were 9 people for the first run and they
said they enjoyed the experience! so hopefully this will become a
regular part of the club's activities.  We hope this will take away the
concern of potential new members that they would not be able to keep up
or run the distance of the regular club run.  With this being a short
run there is still the opportunity for the people who lead it to link up
with the main group later to make up the normal distance if they wish.
In time it is hoped that the grop will look after itself as those who
attend will organise and decide their own routes.  Of course we hope
some will progress to swell the numbers of the main grouop and will
perhaps take an active part in Ledbury Harriers.

Members have taken part in some events recently.  Three runners took
part in The Beacon Race on 13th October.  Steve Rooke (56:56), Dave
Horne (60:09) and Nick Jenkins (62:05).  The next day Barry Thompson ran
The Cardiff Half Marathon in a very fine 1 hour, 21 minutes - not bad
considering he was last in The Ledbury Chase!

Finally, if you have any race results or news you think would be of
interest to the members please make it known, so that it can be included
in these ramblings, or perhaps sent to the local newspaper.