Leighton Buzzard Athletic Club

On what was a perfect night for running this Wednesday we had to feel very sorry for Kirk Swann and Laurie Parr. They both ran very well and gained new personal best times for the Stag course, but neither were anywhere near the top ten, as eight other people also gained PB's.

The winner on the night for the second time in two months was Helen Crossland, whose 25.22 was 1.40 quicker than her previous best. She was followed home by Charlie Mead and Joe McGarry who have both finished the cross-country season strongly and clearly had a battle all the way around this penultimate Stag of the season, with Charlie just sneaking under 16 minutes. read more

Later this year the club intends to host some beginner runner sessions. The idea behind these is to provide an environment whereby new or lapsed runners can feel more comfortable away from the pressure of meeting up with the Wednesday regulars. To host these sessions we are looking for people to lead them, which is where you may be able to help. Ideally we are looking for several dedicated leaders who are able to commit to a fixed time every week for an initial period of around 8 weeks. The time and day of the week for the sessions will be chosen by those wanting to lead them. If successful we will look to hold more sessions later in the year. read more

While most people were out enjoying running in the glorious March weather last weekend our president was sweating it out on the track at the Southern Vets meeting in preparation for next weeks national championships.

Gail was a little bit disappointed with her first race of the day, as she clocked 2.44 for the 800m but this is a little short for her and there weren't many in the race either. Just two hours later she was back on the track for the 3000m in which she ran just under 11:02. Now whether you know anything about track running or not, the fact is this beat Gail's own national record over the distance by a clear three seconds. In Gail's words; "Happy with that!" read more

By Pete Mackrell 

Whilst most of LBAC were doing the 10k on their doorstep, I travelled further afield for the Finchley 20. Two thing struck me as being particularly odd about "the UK's longest running 20 mile road race", firstly it isn't even in Finchley any more, it's in Ruislip 11 miles away, and secondly the official car park is at the crematorium, hardly a good omen!

On the startline I bumped into Joe Hurley and we discussed the four lap race which awaited us. Most people detest doing laps but I quite enjoy them, once you've run 5 miles there are no surprises ahead and it means you get more support at the roadside, especially as you pass the start/finish area. I always seem to keep spotting new things on each lap so I obviously don't pay much attention to what is going on around me. read more

On Sunday 25^th March it the first club championship of the season with the 10 mile race at Sandy. We wholeheartedly encourage everyone who can manage ten miles to enter the race. There aren't many ten mile races around and it is a fast course with the main hill being early on before running down the same one at 8.5 miles. You can see all the details and enter here. www.sandy10.org.uk

However, if you can't come over to Sandy then please support the local Sport Relief Mile.

Come and join the fun! The Sainsbury’s sports mile is coming to Town on the 25th March allowing the entire family to have fun while raising money for charity. Shake the dust from your old trainers, rouse your family and friends and enjoy a morning’s run around Pulford and Tiddenfoot Recreational Parks. This exciting event offers a choice of 1,3 or 6 mile distances. The 1 mile run is entirely contained within Pulfords / Parson’s Close Park, ensuring a safe and fun for the entire family (especially for the youngsters). Places are limited so don’t miss out, register today for (http://my.sportrelief.com/search/event/result?id=1333#postcode=lu7) Sunday 25th March, Pulfords / Parson’s Close Park, races start at 10am. Don’t forget to download those sponsor forms. read more