Committee activity

At our recent meeting we discussed the usual club finances and membership etc as well as the forthcoming SGM to allow incorporation as a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC), the forthcoming Gun Powder Trot (WSRFL), the recent Horsham Round and summer BBQ in Horsham Park, BG half marathon training, website updates and orders, coaching, volunteering and Twittens!. More on some of this later. We agreed to meet again on 18^th October.

The result round up

We have now put together a separate document, compiled from race reports by Phil and Paul Oakley over the last six weeks, so you won’t miss a thing! Just CLICK HERE for the latest race result roundup.

Gunpowder Trot – 5th Nov

It’s that time of year where we ask our members to volunteer to help at the Gunpowder Trot on Sunday 5 November from 9.30am to 1pm. Last year, a massive 72 of you were involved in organising the event on the day, and we’ll need those numbers again this year, for our 4.5 mile cross-country course on the Denne Park and Chesworth Farm estates. New for 2017, we will be holding a 1 mile junior race this year too. Also new for 2017, we will be using Horsham Cricket Club as our Race HQ. We need volunteers to bake cakes as well as to help run the event on the day. We have a range of roles, including marshalling the course, stewarding around race HQ, manning the registration desk, and helping out with refreshments.  If you are able to volunteer either as a baker, or to undertake a role on the day, please fill in our Gunpowder Trot Form

Barn Green Half and 10k – 24^th September

It’s just one week until BG half and 10k and team hj is again fielding a huge squad for both events as well as a few pacers too! We want to take a full team photo on the green at 9.30am sharp so please arrive in good time, don’t go to the toilet queue or run off around the field on your warm up! Just meet at the hj gazebo on the green and look out for the hj flags! After the races, we intend to stay behind for a BYO picnic (weather permitting) so why not join us and bring some post race rehydration too! 

24 hour Parkrun

hj committee member, James Munden, will be running a 24 hour Parkrun starting on Friday 29^th September, finishing on Saturday 30^th with (guess what!) a Parkrun! He aims to run at least 5km every hour and will have volunteer supporters running in shifts with him throughout the whole 24 hour period. A total distance of at least 120km! He will be fundraising for Chestnut Tree House (the Sussex Police charity for 2017) by selling cakes and collecting donations. To support his efforts, please come along to walk, jog, eat cake and cheers him on or visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/24hour-horsham

Volunteer Opportunity: Horsham Cricket Club Fireworks event, Saturday 28th October

Horsham Cricket Club have kindly allowed us to use their club house as our Race HQ for the Gunpowder Trot this year, at a very favourable rate. In return, they have asked if we could provide some stewards for their well-known Fireworks event on the evening of Saturday 28 October.  As well as a spectacular fireworks display, there will be a live music, plus fairground entertainment and a variety of food outlets.  Volunteers from Horsham Joggers will be required to undertake basic stewarding duties in the car park and around the venue.  In return, volunteers will receive a free entry ticket for one guest, plus a food/drink voucher.  This is a great opportunity to attend this local popular event free of charge! E-mail info@hj if you are interested in volunteering for this event.

North Downs Way 100

Continuing the theme of nutty challenges, Graham Clarke recently completed the North Downs Way 100. A 100 mile trail event from Farnham to Ashford which he completed in 27 hours and 34 minutes. When asked about it he said; Only about 10 miles were really hard. I don’t know why but I enjoyed the rest. There’s a stretch that goes through Ranscombe farm and then out and along the massive motorway bridge. I was fine in Ranscombe farm, but my feet couldn’t handle the tarmac driveway coming out, then the bridge with countless Samaritans signs is a horrible place to be even when you’ve not done 70 miles! I got cold and sleepy, my feet hurt a lot and I was losing interest in moving; I just wanted a lie down. I stopped and sat on the floor to let my feet recover three or four times then popped some painkillers. The hill to the next aid station is constantly up for at least three miles. I had a rest and a bite to eat and the painkillers started to work then ran out of there and enjoyed the rest.

Boston Links

Keeping our links across the pond alive, Lawrence Roy recently visited The Boston Weekly Run Club to say hello in his “singlet”! If you are planning a trip to Boston on “vacation” or running the popular marathon, why not pop in and wish them all a very nice day!

Joggers for Grenfell

On 30^th July, 14 hj members ran 24 minutes for Grenfell at Horsham Parkrun. A “virtual event” which allows individuals to enrol and run in their own time to raise funds for the Grenfell Tower disaster appeal. All finished and submitted their time in return for a beautiful medal. Congratulations team!

Sussex Cross Country Relays

GOODWOOD – 30th Sept. Pete O’Connell is once again looking to enter teams for this superb event which this year takes place the week after the BG1/2M. Details are listed HERE and if you are interested, contact Pete direct or email info@hj and we will put you in touch with Pete.

One-on-one assessment

Horsham Joggers can now offer one-to-one running assessment and provide coaching tips specific to your individual needs.  If you have any desire to improve your fitness, speed, gait or general ability, please email info@hj and Coach Claire will be in touch to discuss your needs and to book a session.

Group Leader Guides

Don’t forget, if you’ve ever fancied taking a group on a Tuesday evening but don’t know your way around, you can take a paper copy of any map with you from the file behind reception in BBHLC. There are also hundreds of routes available FREE to all current members online! Just email info@hj and we can send you the club login details for the Good Run Guide.

Twittens!

Yes, we had to Google it as well! These small footpaths, passageways and unidentified rights of way are known as Twittens and there are over 40 within Horsham which could be threatened with closure under the Deregulation act. The Horsham Society is fighting to keep these open but need evidence from those who have used them in the past 20 years. It’s a bit of a long winded affair but details can be found HERE or contact The Horsham Society if you want to get involved.

Dates for your diary

17^th Sept – Tilgate Forest 5 (WSFRL)

24^th Sept – Barns Green Half Marathon (SGP) **hj Challenge Trophy event**

24^th Sept – Barns Green 10k

30^th Sept – Sussex Cross Country Relays, Goodwood

1^st Oct – Lewes Downland 10miles (SGP)

8^th Oct – Hickstead Gallop (WSFRL)

8^th Oct – Heron Way 10k

15^th Oct – Bright 10 (Sussex Road Race Challenge)

**SAVE THE DATE** 5th Nov – Gunpowder Trot (WSFRL)

**Stop press!** Hold the front page! Just when we thought it was safe to publish the newsletter, earlier today our esteemed chairman only goes and completes a 100km walk from QE Country Park to Brighton race course on his 50th birthday! Accompanied by team mates Claire, Homer and Catherine, team “life begins at 50” completed the walk in a touch over 25 and a half hours. What a fantastic achievement Phil! Congratulations team!Committee activity

At our recent meeting we discussed the usual club finances and membership etc as well as changes to club rules to allow incorporation as a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC), The forthcoming Horsham Round and Gun Powder Trot organisation, the recent summer handicap in Horsham Park, half marathon training, website updates, volunteering etc. More on some of this later. We agreed to meet again on 13^th September

The result round up

The feature is proving so popular and at this time of year, with so many races taking place, we have put together a separate document so you won’t miss a thing! Just CLICK HERE for the latest race result roundup.

The Horsham Round

Registration is now open for the annual Horsham Round and again we are pleased to invite other selected local clubs to enter a few teams. Full details are on this website under the “Events” tab so please register your team as soon as possible via the info@hj address. Subject to the good weather, we will also be holding our annual BYO summer BBQ/picnic from 2pm in the park by the conservatory cafe. We’ll supply the coals if you bring your own bangers! This is open to all members, family and friends, not just those taking part in The Round.

Get Running Graduation

Congratulations to our latest recruits who graduated to their first 5k run at Horsham Parkrun on 17th June. Leaders Kirsty and Saul were on hand to see them round with James giving encouragement on the sidelines. Well done everyone and we hope we can look forward to seeing you continue to prepare for your first 10k in a few months time?

MemberZone feedback

It’s been there for a few months now. Have you used it? Do you like it? Has it made things easier for you? Is there more that we need to do to make it better? We’d like to know what you think. Any feedback (good or bad) would be appreciated. Just email info@hj.

Good Run Guide

Did you know that hj have hundreds of local running routes, races routes, Horsham round legs etc saved on the Good Run Guide? Claire Burrows and Paul Oakley have kindly gone through them and collated them into “Road” and “Off Road” categories, listed them in order of miles or km’s and printed some into a file kept at BBHLC reception. So if you’ve ever fancied taking a group on a Tuesday evening but don’t know your way around, you can take a paper copy of any map with you from the file. They are also available FREE to all current members online! Just email info@hj and we can send you the club login details for the Good Run Guide.

Membership subscriptions

If you haven’t paid, your annual hj membership will expire tomorrow! Any members who have allowed their membership to elapse will need to reapply to join the club and pay a new member’s joining fee (£5) as well as the annual membership fee. Rights to the MemberZone will also be withdrawn for elapsed members.

Gunpowder Trot

Our very own WSFRL race, the Gunpowder Trot is coming up on 5th November and we still need to fill some key roles as part of the organising group:

• Chief Steward
• Start/Finish Supervisor
• Junior race director
• Supplies coordinator

Further roles such as marshalling will be advertised closer to the date. Please keep the date free as we need your support and it takes over 70 people to make this great event happen. Speak to a committee member or email info@hj to get involved.

UKA license numbers (message from Sussex Athletics secretary)

We have had many messages this year from athletes who do not know their England Athletics license number. Please could you forward this link to your mailing list or include it on your website so that they know how to find the information?

https://myathletics.englandathletics.org/licencecheck/

Highway Code Rules

Safety is our primary concern when organising club runs but there is always an element of common sense required when running on open roads. If you want to refresh your memory on the highway code rules for running on the road just CLICK HERE

Dates for your diary

2^nd Aug – Highdown Hike (WSFRL)

13^th Aug – Henfield Half Marathon

20^th Aug – Hove Hornets Stinger (WSFRL)

27^th Aug – Will Page 10k (SGP)

27^th Aug – Arundel Castle 10k

28^th Aug – Annual hj Horsham Round and Summer BBQ

3^rd Sept – Fittleworth 5 (WSFRL)

10^th Sept – Hellingly 10k (SGP)

10^th Sept – Eridge Park 10k trail challenge

17^th Sept – Tilgate Forest 5 (WSFRL)

AND FINALLY!

Newsletter content

Ok, so sometimes we struggle to fill this page with “proper news”. If there is anything that you feel the membership needs to know; stories, features, articles, promotions – just let us know. The newsletter is published every six weeks, usually after the committee meet to discuss the content.

Ed – We’ve got so much to tell you so let’s get on with it eh!

Committee activity

At our recent meeting we discussed new members, club kit, community amateur sports club status, future events, Get Running graduation, volunteering, 10k round up and charity nominations. More on some of this later. We agreed to meet again on 26^th July.

The Result Round Up

During the first bank holiday weekend we had an amazing turn out at the mid Sussex Weekend Marathon (too many to list here) with some members competing in all three events over three days to claim an incredible 4 piece medal! 10 miles on Saturday at East Grinstead, then 10 miles on Sunday (SGP and hj Challenge Trophy race) at Haywards Heath and finally a 10k at Burgess Hill. Horsham Joggers men’s team was the overall winner for the weekend races; team of David Jones, Duncan Meades and Matthew Mason. Also a special mention to young Alexa Wedesch Yokom, took part in all three Junior races over the marathon weekend. The 10 mile Challenge Trophy got the Lee-Wright treatment as Rich took the mens award (1.04.05) and wife Jess for the ladies (1.16.31). From the sublime to the ridiculous! Starting with the ridiculous! Early May also saw Horsham Joggers Ultra man Graham Clarke take on the challenge of the 3 forts marathon, a 30 mile very hilly race taking in Cissbury and Chanctonbury rings and Devil’s Dyke finishing in an excellent 4.48.05. Joggers were also travelling to far flung places as Finbarr Cotter competed in the Prague marathon (5.12) and Caroline Bransden and Viv Underhill in the Salzburg half marathon (2.13.59 & 2.14.54 respectively). 10 Joggers also competed at the West Sussex Fun Run league in the Hedgehoppers 5 at Portslade. In the SGP Shelly Garratt (38.41) Natasha Heasman (44.53) and Claire Burrows (51.09) took on the Hastings 5 mile road race. Then it was our day……Horsham 10K! The race was fully booked to the race limit of 500 and on a very hot day 439 runners completed the 2 lap course. Huge thanks go to Race Director Paul Aylett, Race Secretary Claire Miller and Paul’s super team of helpers for making it such a great day! Horsham Joggers came first in both team events thanks to Richard Lee Wright, Simon Perkins, Rob Simmons, Jessica Lee Wright, Emma Walters and Miranda Huisman. Following that Paul Yokom (1.25.33), Mick Duplock and Mike Saunders (1.52.29) went to the Rye 10 and a huge contingent of 42 contributed to a 300+ field at the second running of the Run Wisborough Green 10k with Paul Oakley storming home 3rd in 37.29. On the 2^nd bank holiday weekend the scenic Sussex Weald and London 10K races took place with some fantastic results. Then 12 intrepid joggers took on the South Downs Way 100mile Relay on 3^rd June under the superb organisation of John Wilcox (complete with clipboard!). Vets team of captain Fiona Clifton, Geoff Pepper, Alan MacLachlan, Crispin Scott, Alan Pettitt and  Brian Frost completed it in 14hrs and 14 mins while ladies team of captain Emma Comber, Jo Terry, Kate Short, Becky Rankin, Beck Elder and Shelly Garratt came in with 14hrs and 23mins on the clock. Congratulations to anyone who ran and represented the club during May and early June.

Summer Handicap 20^th June

This coming week sees the new look summer handicap, on Tuesday 20th June, you can either assemble by the pond in Horsham park or jog down from BBHLC for 6.45pm. We will group you all in a similar way to the winter handicap based on your 5k time and then from 7.15 let off the groups to run the Horsham parkrun course, first over the line wins and will receive a trophy at awards night! If it’s a nice evening we can stay down for either a picnic or BBQ, hope to see lots of you there to support this new event! Free parking is available at Horsham Hospital after 6pm or within some local roads.

Runaway weekend

A group of runners are going to Brokenhurst to take part in the New Forest 10miler on Sunday 9^th July (http://www.nf10.co.uk/) and the entry closes on 30^th June with no entry on the day. Entry is £15 with a UKA number. Why not make a weekend of it with a nearby Parkrun on the Saturday as well!

Barns Green Half Marathon Training

Our favourite local half marathon will take place on Sunday 24 September this year. As usual, we’ll be providing a structured training plan to help you prepare for the race. This year it’s a 13-week programme, with the first Tuesday session on 27^th June and the first Sunday run on 2^nd July. Click this link for details: Barns Green training Summer 2017

The plan is suitable for runners of all speeds and levels of experience who are already confident over 10k or more. So if you haven’t quite got up to 10k yet, please use the next couple of weeks to add that extra mile or so to your training distance. If you don’t feel confident over this sort of distance yet, you can still join the fun; come and have a word with Coach Fiona before the end of June to discuss an appropriate variations to the plan.

WSFRL Arunners Beach Run – Carb loading!

For those signed up to this race on 12^th July, we will be taking orders for a fish and chip supper afterwards along the harbour wall. Just speak to Diane Berry who has kindly offered to take orders and coordinate with the chip shop before and after the race. Orders must be in before the end of Sunday 9^th July with money payable on the day. If you can’t hook up with Diane then just email info@hj and we’ll put you in touch.

Ride London Cycle Event

Phil Liberman is looking for Volunteers to help at this year’s Ride London event on Sunday 30th July. You will be based at the Hub at Leatherhead from about 8-3.30pm. We will be helping give put drinks and food to the competitors and it is a really fun and buzzing day! T shirts, caps and merchandise will be provided and lunch is laid on too, plus it earns money for the club! If you are interested email info@hj.

Get Running For 2017 Graduation

Congratulations to our latest recruits who graduated to their first 5k run yesterday at Horsham Parkrun! Leaders Kirsty and Saul were on hand to see them round with James giving encouragement on the side lines. Well done everyone and maybe we can look forward to seeing you prepare for your first 10k in a few months time?

Horsham 10k thanks

Once again the Horsham 10k proved its popularity with a full entry, fabulous feedback on social media and the newspapers and even sunshine! We send our sincere thanks to all the volunteers who came out to help especially the small organising committee charged with delivering a safe, fun and competitive day for all our guests. The provisional date for next year’s race is 20^th May so if you think you have something to offer, why not put yourself forward as the new race director!

OFFERS OFFERS OFFERS!

Everyone loves an offer and we don’t just have one but two for you all! Our friends at Hands On Sport Therapies at BBHLC are offering 5 half price massages to the first 5 people who put a 5* review either on Google or Facebook (if you have had a treatment from them)! Also; Alan Law from Alan Law Physiotherapy is coming to BBHLC on the 18th July from 8-9pm after our session to offer a free injury drop in clinic! So if you have any niggles or anything more serious or just want some good old fashioned self preservation advice, please come along! Both companies offer us a 10% on services and are local and Alan is giving his time free of charge for this clinic so please come along and support.

Membership subscriptions

If you haven’t already paid them, your annual hj subs are now well overdue and your membership will expire on 31^st July. At just £10 for an individual and £20 for a family (2 adults and multiple U16’s living at the same address) it’s an absolute bargain! You are now able to pay these via the new MemberZone on the website. Just follow the link sent to all current members by email and login to enjoy our webshop. If you can’t login, please let us know via info@hj.

Not getting a link this newsletter by email?

You’ve paid your membership, we’ve enrolled you into the MemberZone but you didn’t get a link to our newsletter updates? There’s just one more thing you need to do; Go back to the home page, scroll to the bottom, enter your name and email address and click SUBSCRIBE and we promise not to overwhelm you with junk. Job done!

Discover the West Sussex Fun Run League

Are you still missing out on a great experience?  Our participation is way below other clubs so why not see the fabulous West Sussex countryside, and enjoy the companionship of your fellow joggers. Come and join us at West Sussex Fun Run League races. You will be able to add it to your list of achievements. Entry fee £3.00 in advance via the MemberZone, or see Jenny Boyd with cash. £5.00 to enter on the day (subject to availability). For forthcoming races see the dates for your diary section below.

Nominated Charities

Every year hj are privileged enough to tot up the proceeds from various events and try to give something back to local charities and good causes. This year we want to ask you for your nominations. So if you feel that there is another club or good cause which would benefit from a bit of financial help, why not tell us by emailing details to info@hj and the committee will discuss this when we meet in July.

Dates for your diary

20^th June – hj summer handicap & BBQ, Horsham Park

24^th June – Downland Dash (WSFRL)

25^th June – Heathfield 10k (SGP)

2^nd July – Bewl 15m (SGP)

5^th July – Roundhill Romp (WSFRL)

11^th July – Beat the Tide 10k **EVENT NOW FULL**

12^th July – Phoenix 10k (SGP)

12^th July – Arunners Beech Run (WSFRL)

19^th July – Wakehurst Willow 8k **EVENT NOW FULL**

26^th July – Bexhill 5k (SGP)

30^th July – Seven Stiles (WSFRL)

***Save the date ***

28^th Aug – Annual hj Horsham Round and Summer BBQ

AND FINALLY!

We’re always looking for help with keeping the club on track (no pun intended!) so if you have time and skills to volunteer, please contact us at info@hj. Go on, we’re certain that you’ll love giving something back to the club once you dip your toes in the water. Our very own Gunpowder Trot is coming up on 5^th November and we need to fill some key roles as part of the organising group:

• Race Secretary
• Chief Steward
• Start/Finish Supervisor
• Junior race director
• Supplies coordinator

Further roles such as marshalling will be advertised closer to the date. Please keep the date free as we need your support and it takes over 70 people to make this great event happen. Speak to a committee member or email info@hj to get involved.

Bye for now 😉

Committee activity

At our recent meeting we welcomed two new members in Sharon Gibson and Gemma Berrill and discussed new joiners, club funds, club kit distribution, member zone orders, forthcoming events, BM/LM marathon – minibuses/pasta party/ballot rules, AGM matters, volunteering and the hj challenge trophy. We agreed to meet again on 14^th June. More on some of this later.

The Chairman’s results round up

Saturday 1st April saw 5 teams take part in the Sussex road relays at Christ’s Hospital School, our senior men’s team (Richard Lee Wright, Matthew Anstee Brown, Harry Wilcox, Mal Thornton, Raff Vitale and Matt Mason) finished 16th with the Veterans team (Simon Perkins, Neil Boniface, Steve Wigmore and Pete O’Connell) getting a bronze medal! The Men’s 60’s (Keith Valentine, Steve Wilson and John Dykes) came 7th and the ladies V40’s (Janine Littler, Ali Gormley and Val Purnell) finished 12th with the V50’s (Miranda Huisman, Diane Ferguson and Lorraine Treadwell) a great 5th. On the same day Neil Boniface finished 2nd in the Paddock Wood Half Marathon in 1.08.48 with Finbarr Cotter and Andy Jefford finishing in 2.04.00 and 2.16.17 respectively.

Marathons then took precedence with over 50 HJ’s finishing in the Brighton marathon in very hot conditions and 16 completing the London 2 weeks later. Some great PB’s, first time marathons and new members all acquitted themselves admirably and a special mention to Matt Anstee Brown and Shelly Garratt who achieved “good for age” times for next year!

Parkrun produced 2 notable performances too with Neil running the fastest ever parkrun for a V40 (15.21) and Matt Mason first finishing in the Milan parkrun.

Val Purnell put in a tremendous performance at the British Masters 10K Championship at Gravesend Cyclopark. She finished an amazing 2nd overall and first in the Southern Veterans category taking a silver and gold medal respectively in a time of 48.55. That’s all folks!

Membership subscriptions

Don’t forget that, if you haven’t already paid them, your annual hj subs are now overdue! At just £10 for an individual and £20 for a family (2 adults and multiple U16’s living at the same address) it’s an absolute bargain! You are now able to pay these via the new MemberZone on the website. Just follow the link sent to all current members by email and login to enjoy our webshop. If you can’t login, please let us know via info@hj.

Horsham 10k update

We have a full adult entry for our home race on 21st May and more volunteers than you can shake a stick at! Thanks to everyone who has offered to help organise, marshal, meet and greet or bake! You really are what makes this club tick and what makes us Horsham’s friendly running club! Instructions will be sent out on Monday 15th giving details or your role, who to report to and at what time. U16 Junior entries are still available at £4 per runner.

Kit distribution

The new MemberZone is proving to be a phenomenal success with over 200 orders being processed since its launch! However, please remember that all orders are manually processed and the kit distributed by hand, by volunteers mainly on Tuesday club nights or at Parkrun. Please make yourself available to collect your order in person to save us time and you money!

Itchingfield Time Trials

The Itchingfield Time Trial takes place on the 2nd Tuesday in May, June, July and 1st Tuesday in September. The first three start at 7.30pm and the last one at 7pm. If you haven’t tried it before, please jog to the old Itchingfield Primary School as parking is limited, collect a number and pace yourself against an “undulating” 5k road route. Your aim is to improve your time over the 4 time trials with your best 3 times counting towards your total improvement. So if you miss one trial, all is not lost! It’s a great club event, whatever your ability. Prizes are awarded to the top lady and gent who improve their times at the “lavish” HJ awards night later in the year.

Discover the West Sussex Fun Run League

Are you missing out on a great experience?  See our fabulous West Sussex countryside, and enjoy the companionship of your fellow runners. Why not come and join us at West Sussex Fun Run League races. You will be able to add it to your list of achievements. Entry fee £3.00 in advance via the MemberZone, or see Jenny Boyd with cash. £5.00 to enter on the day. For forthcoming races see the dates for your diary section below.

 Marathon Entry by club Ballot

Following the recent spring marathons we added a couple of rules regarding places issued to members via the club ballot. These take effect immediately so if you are planning to enter the ballot in December, make sure you will qualify by doing your volunteering stint beforehand. LM and BM rules 2017 v2

Ed – We’ve received the following message from Korina……

The Art of Running

The Physio Therapy Centre, Haywards Heath June 4th 2017 1.30-5pm

This course is an opportunity to learn how to improve your running technique with internationally acclaimed Level 4 running coach Malcolm Balk

In 1991 he brought running and the Alexander Technique together when he developed the Art of Running workshops which have been enjoyed by runners all over the world. The workshops teach better use and awareness of the body and mind which leads to less injury and a more enjoyable and successful running experience. He is the author of two books: Master the Art of Running   https://www.amazon.ca/Master-Art-Running-Performance-Alexander/dp/1843405431/

and Master the Art of Working Out   https://www.amazon.ca/Master-Art-Working-Out-Performance/dp/1843403501. For details visit – www.theartofrunning.com

Ed – David has contacted us with the following messages……………

Fancy an outdoor gym in Horsham Park?

Horsham District Council has received a grant for the installation of outdoor gym equipment in Horsham Park. The equipment is intended for use by adults of all abilities and fitness levels. We would like to ensure that the equipment purchased is equipment the community will use and its design and location reflects the community’s opinion as far as possible. We would like as many people as possible to complete the survey so we can consider the answers and suggestions during our planning process. Here is the link to the survey about installing outdoor gym equipment in Horsham park. Please feel free to pass it on for others to complete. https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=148361688687

Riverside Walk 2017

You are invited to join Horsham’s 4th Annual Riverside Walk on Saturday 15th July 2017 starting at 10.00 am from the Rugby Club, Hammerpond Road. The complete route is 13 miles but for walkers/joggers with less time or energy, a free, pick-up minibus will be at various locations to take them back to the start. We are walking the route in a clockwise direction. Cold drinks: Chesworth Farm – from 10.40 to 11.15 am. Lunch: Warnham NR – from 12.00 to 2.00 pm. New House Farm café – from 14.15 to 15.30 pm. This year we are asking walkers to consider obtaining sponsorship in aid of Action Medical Research but this is not obligatory and you may like to raise funds in the same way but for another charity. More information on our website www.horsham.community

R.S.V.P. horshamriversidewalk@gmail.com or 07780 701184. Contact Action Medical Research for a Sponsorship Pack (or donate on the day). kking@action.org.uk or call 07821 117881

Dates for your diary

7^th May – Portslade Hedgehoppers 5 (WSFRL) ***EVENT FULL***

7^th May – Hastings Runners 5 mile (SGP)

7^th May – Run Wisborough 5 & 10k

9^th May – 1st Itchingfield time trial

17^th May – Trundle Hill Run (WSRFL)

21^st May – HORSHAM 10K (SGP) ***10K FULL – Junior places available***

24^th May – Highdown Hike 3.5miles (WSFRL)

28^th May – Rye 10miles (SGP)

4^th June – Worthing 10k (SGP)

11^th June – Hove Park 5k (WSFRL)

13^th June – 2nd Itchingfield time trial

***Save the date ***

28^th Aug – Annual hj Horsham Round and Summer BBQ

Well that’s it for now. Enjoy the late spring warmth and sunshine 😉

Committee activity

At the recent committee meeting we discussed the usual new membership and club accounts as well as club kit, website updates, new and improved Learn to Run course, club training, up and coming events including the Horsham 10k and encouraging more people to help with various club tasks. We agreed to meet again on 29^th March. More on some of this later.

The Chairman’s bit

How many people does it take to “run” a running club? Fear not, I am not about to take up a career in stand up comedy! But the answer is more than you might think…..

As the Club grows so does the list of things that need doing to keep the club running to the high standard it does currently. So I would like to appeal to any of you who may have some time to offer your particular skill set to Horsham Joggers. The jobs, some of which are illustrated below range from the very small to single one off projects to being a fully fledged committee member (which actually only involves a meeting every 6 weeks, with as many or as few jobs in between as you can commit to!) or maybe even taking up the Chairman’s job in the future! If you are interested please email info@hj or speak to one of the committee members anytime and thank you in advance for your support.

Free talk on Marathon Training

ED – We’ve received this message from Anna at Cranfold Physical Therapy Unit……..

We are very lucky to have Chris Finill who lives locally to us in Cranleigh to come and give a free talk on Wednesday 1st March. Chris has competed in every London Marathon and will be sharing his experience, and giving out some useful advice and tips.  Physiotherapist Wendy Anne Harrison will also be giving some advice on stretches and warm up. I have added a poster below as I thought that some of your members may be interested in attending.  This talk is free but you will need to book your place. Kind regards, Anna

South Downs Way 100 mile Relay –  Saturday 3rd June

Arguably the best ‘running’ day out of the year! We are looking for Horsham Joggers to take part in this “invitation only” event for about 50 teams. Horsham Joggers have been invited once again to enter two teams (of six). This is a relay race over the 97 miles of the South Downs Way, starting at Beachy Head and finishing at Winchester. Each team consists of six runners who each run three non-consecutive legs of the relay. The distance of each leg is somewhere between 4 and 8 miles and you’ll have a good break between each of your 3 runs. Each runner will run somewhere between 15 – 18 miles over the course of the day, almost entirely off road. The team travel between the start/finish points of each leg by minibus. There is a time limit to complete the event, meaning that an average pace per mile of just over 8.5 minutes is required (over the whole distance). In the past we have had teams consisting of a good mix of different paced runners, with some running faster and some slower than the 8.5 m/m average required. Although a fairly tough (it’s hilly!) long day, it is a great event with a lot of team spirit and camaraderie.  Having done it twice I, and I’m sure everyone else who has ever taken part, will confirm that the sense of achievement and fun had is immeasurable. Entry cost is subsidised by the club, the cost per runner is expected to be £25.00 to cover minibus and fuel costs. In addition to 12 runners there are vacancies for a minibus driver and a navigator for each team.  At this stage if you would like to take part (or even if you only think you might be interested in taking part) or want to know more please e-mail John Willcox: johnw@ohob.co.uk

Full details of the event can be found on the organisers website: http://www.southdownsrelay.co.uk Get in touch and get your name on the list, you won’t regret it!

Sussex Road Relay’s @ Christ Hospital – April 1st 2017

This year the Sussex Road Relay’s at Christ Hospital will be taking place on Saturday April 1st. If you would like to participate as part of a team please contact Pete O’Connell and he will provide you with further details of entry requirements and placing you into a team. Email address is as follows: purpledrummer@sky.com

Website updates

The updated website is almost ready to go live with the addition of our new “Member Zone”! In the very near future, all current members will be receiving an email which will contain details of how to log in to the new Member Zone. Here you’ll be able to purchase club kit, pay your annual hj and UKA subscriptions as well as club entry to all WSFRL races up to 5 days prior to the race and all via your PayPal account. Please keep an eye on your inbox (and junk box) for more details, go to our website, click “Member Zone” and enter the information on the email. We hope to have this all working by 12^th March at the latest.

Membership subscriptions

Don’t forget that your annual subs are now due on 1^st April to bring them in line with the UKA affiliation subs. You’ll be able to pay these via the new Member Zone on the website. Also, the date for our annual AGM has been confirmed as Tuesday 25^th April. More on this next month.

We need your NOMS!

With the AGM just around the corner, now is the time to cast your votes for Jogger of the Year (JOY), Newcomer of the Year (NOY) and new for 2017; Volunteer of the Year (VOY)! So if you know anyone who you’d like to nominate for these awards, please email info@hj with a reason why you feel they deserve it. The committee will meet again on 29^th March to shortlist the noms and select worthy winners.

Get Running for 2017!

The new name for our highly successful Learn to Run course and James, Kirsty, Saul and Claire have kindly volunteered to coach our new recruits from zero to 5k over 10 weeks followed by a new 5 to 10k improvers group after that. Sessions begin on Tuesday 11^th April at 7pm and continue every Tuesday/Thursday evening at the club and Saturday morning (yes you read it correctly!) in Horsham Park at 8am so volunteers can still get a Parkrun in afterwards. The cost is £50 for the first 10 weeks and this includes an official HJ T-shirt, joining fee and annual membership. For more info or to express an interest, please email info@hj.

Marathon Minibuses

Yes, it’s that time again when we need to know if there is enough demand for a club minibus to either the Brighton or London marathon. For a small donation of about £8 (TBC) we can take the stress out of getting there and back. Please email info@hj to express an interest in this and we’ll tot up the numbers. Buses take between 14 to 16 passengers and are only viable if we can fill them up!

Post Marathon Pasta Party

This will be on Friday 28th April at 19:45hrs – Location and details TBC soon.  If you are interested please email James Munden munden888@yahoo.co.uk

Challenge Trophy update

Congratulations to all who competed in the first Challenge Trophy race this season at Chichester earlier this month and especially to first hj Male, Neil Boniface and first hj female, Lucinda Potten. Full results for the other 5 year age categories will be revealed at the awards presentation later this year. The next Challenge Trophy race is the Haywards Heath 10 mile on Sunday 30^th April.

Horsham 10k photos

Calling all dronies! Do you have a drone or do you know someone who does? We’d love to hear from you so that we can discuss aerial filming and photos on the day of the race (21^st May 2017). Obviously the operator will need all the relevant permissions etc and most importantly, insurance to fly it above the runners on the rugby fields. Just email info@hj with your details.

Dates for your diary

Sunday 5^th March – Eastbourne Half Marathon (SGP)

Sunday 5^th March – Steyning Stinger Marathon and Half Marathon

Sunday 12^th March – West Worthing 5 & 10k

Sunday 19^th March – Hastings Half Marathon (SGP)

Sunday 29^th March – Mel’s Milers 10k

Saturday 1^st April – Sussex Road Relay Champs, Christ’s Hospital

Sunday 9^th April – Brighton 10k and Marathon

Tuesday 11^th April – “Get Running for 2017” course starts

Monday 17^th April – Lewes Easter Monday races (WSFRL)

***Save the dates***

AGM – Tuesday 25^th April

Pasta party – Friday 28^th April

That’s all folks!