This morning England Athletics issued the following statement:
England Athletics advises that all face-to-face activity such as club training sessions, events, competitions, club committee and face-to-face meetings, athlete camps, running groups and social events should be suspended until at least the end of April.
The decision has been taken in the interests of athletes, runners, officials, coaches, volunteers, supporters and the wider athletics and running communities. This decision is also in alignment with actions taken by the home country athletics federations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and is similar to action taken by other sports.
Where possible, athletes and runners at all levels are encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active during this time, while following government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments.
After an urgent committee meeting we feel we have zero choice in the matter, therefore Henfield Joggers will not be holding, for the foreseeable future until this guidance changes, any Club Runs.
Club Nights, Pub Runs, our 30th celebration, Beginners course and Summer Social are all cancelled forthwith. So not only is there no pub run from the Partridge tomorrow evening, but also no club run from HLC that we’d arranged to take its place.
However, if members want to use social media forums to tell others of their plans to run, that is up to them. If people want to join in (social distancing applies) then that is up to them too. But there is nothing under the auspices (or insurance) of Henfield Joggers.
Of course, we’re not going away. The Club is the Club. We’re all who we were and still are. We’ll have a bloody big party when this is over!
Your CommitteeNikkiDanielleMarkLizKasHugh and Paul
Coronavirus – Club Statement
Changed Guidance on Group Running
Following the government update England Athletics updated their guidance this week, which you can see by following the link here. There is, as of now, nothing to stop 6 people running together, ensuring 2 Metre separation and anyone interested is free to do so. However for the CLUB to arrange any such runs is more complex, CLUB runs have obligations attached (for example we have to have a Covid-19 co-ordinator identified in each club to take responsibility for club plan and undertake the relevant risk assessments. These risk assessments and club plans must be in place before any activity can take place in order for insurance to be valid).
After considering this at a Committee meeting the unanimous decision was to NOT change anything at Club level and NOT organise any Club runs using these new rules. We believe that the restrictions mean that the benefits are so small, the complications so great, and the responsibilities so onerous that it just isn’t worth it. Nor was anyone comfortable in accepting the responsibility that taking on such a role required.
But what people do OUTSIDE ANY CLUB ORGANISATION is down to them. Just please be sure to stay within the rules. Hope that makes it clear
Seven Stiles 2020 – CANCELLED
Sadly (but not surprisingly) we have had to cancel the 2020 Seven Stiles due to Covid-19. See you in 2021 – stay safe everyone!
Flashback!
An early picture of the Henfield Joggers in our 30th year – this is a Worthing Fun Run from the early 1990’s and comes courtesy of Joanne Boorsma, the daughter of Sid Wells (legendary HJ member whose wife gave the name to the Handicap)
From the back left Philippa Wright & Mick Wright – Malcolm McLean Cristina Mclean Jackie & Brian Griffiths , Joanne Boorsma (Lane) Malcolm Lane Sid Wells ( Jo’s father – sadly passed away in 2010) Gill Partridge , plus various kids . Becky Knight Katie Hopkinson . Missing from original line up . Elaine & John Scott . Not sure what year – but would have been very early days. ❤️
