News

Road Shows enjoying a good response - and more to come

The first two in a series of four Road Shows for the road running community took place earlier this week. Around 25 club volunteers attend the Crawley roadshow on Monday evening and further 20 attending the Gloucestershire event. The third in the series takes place this evening in Bromsgrove, with the final event in the series taking place at Leeds on Tuesday 12th February. Club representatives wanting to attend can book on at the links given below.

Attendees had the opportunity find out more about England Athletics’ work with road running based clubs and to share their own thoughts and ideas with senior members of England Athletics staff. A wide range of topics were discussed covering everything from participation, leading and coaching, organising events, competition and performance.

England Athletics Chief Executive Chris Jones said, “Road running clubs are a vital and growing part of the England Athletics membership. Having time together with members of this community is really important for us to help them understand more of the services and opportunities available to them from England Athletics. I, and other members of the England Athletics staff, also value these opportunities to hear the thoughts and views of our members as we consider how best to serve their needs now and in the future.”

Each of the roadshows conclude with an interview and Q & A session with an England road running international. James Westlake (Crawley AC, Allison Benton) who made his England debut talked about transitioning from football into running and the important place that his local parkrun as well as his club played in igniting his interest in running in his early twenties. He went onto talk about how he has developed as a runner working alongside his coach Allison Benton and a strong squad of performance focussed athletes within the training group.

Westlake was enthusiastic about the volunteers that had helped him in the sport to date and went onto say:  "It was great to be invited to the Crawley road show and to understand the work that the England Athletics are doing and to meet faces in the local area that already do so much for the sport."

Over in Gloucestershire guest athlete Rachel Felton (Shaftesbury Barnet, Chris Frapwell) spoke passionately about her love of running, which started when she was in primary school. She spoke of how she used to race down the hill from school on her way home to see how far she could get before she saw her primary school teacher drive past! For Felton who has represented England on the track, the cross-country and the road, as well as acquiring GB vests on the road and country that love of running is just as strong today. Although clearly still running well she spoke of her involvement and plans to give back to the sport through her local primary school.

There are still places available to attend the remaining road shows and anyone interested should register

  • Wednesday 6 February 2019 – Midlands: Holiday Inn Birmingham-Bromsgrove, B61 9AB
    Hayley Carruthers (Club: Birchfield Harriers). Made her international debut in autumn at the marathon. Made a massive breakthrough with a 10 minute personal best to set a PB of 2:36:48 and placing her 6th in the 2018 UK rankings.
    Email: cfisher@englandathletics.org
  • Tuesday 12 February 2019 – North: Holiday Inn Leeds-Garforth, West Yorkshire, LS25 1LH
    International athlete guest – Philip Sesemann (Club: Leeds City, Coach: Andrew Henderson). Has represented England and GB on the track, cross-country and roads. Bests of 3:40 for 1500m, 7:55 for 3000m on the track and 14:09 and 29:40 at 5k and 10k on the roads.
    Click here for booking information