Category: News

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

Sadly (but not surprisingly) we have had to cancel the 2020 Seven Stiles due to Covid-19. See you in 2021 – stay safe everyone!

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. ❤️

This may not be at the forefront of peoples thoughts right now – but its that time of year when we register as ‘athletes’ (!!) with England Athletics. Its completely voluntary but can only be done through the Club. You can find out whats in it for you as an individual here.

As a reminder provided we have 10 as a minimum people who sign up, we get our place for the London Marathon – less than 10 and its a ballot which may not grant us a place.

England Athletics have dropped the price to £15 this year (they’d planned for it to be £16) due to the current circumstances.

So who wants to be registered this year? Please email enquiries@henfieldjoggers.co.uk to let us know, and BACS £15 to the Henfield Joggers account using the reference UKA.

Well we may be in ‘lockdown’ but Chris has still been working on the latest Results, which you can find here! Obviously the suspension means no April Handicap, and we will have to review the future of the 2019/2020 Handicap over the coming weeks as the situation develops. Stay healthy everyone.

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

Well, its what may be termed ‘nip and tuck’ at the top of the table! The latest results are in and available here! There are still FOUR Handicap events left in this years challenge so there is plenty of scope to change this situation!

This April Henfield Joggers will be celebrating the club’s 30 year anniversary. The inaugural run took place on 1st April 1990 following an initiative by local people who wanted to do something fun, healthy and outdoors.Since that day many hundreds of people of all ages have come on the running journey and enjoyed the many health benefits of running, from general physical fitness, to that feel-good endorphin release, that helps withfeelings of mental well-being. Our members will tell you that running is one of the best stress relievers any of them know!

As our birthday is on Wednesday 1^st April all past members, and especially any of those founding members, are invited to come along, say hi to the current members, and have a drink with us at The Plough from 8.30pm. Or even better, meet us at Henfield Leisure Centre at 7pm and come for a run with us before celebrating at the Plough – it would be great to see you!

For total beginners we hold an 8 week Start Running course each year. We start off very gently by jogging for a minute then walking for a minute, steadily building each week so that by the end of the course, people can run without stopping for 5k. 

The next course will launch on 15^th April from Henfield Leisure Centre at 7pm, and you’ll be well led by UK Athletics accredited Leaders in Running Fitness coaches. Just drop us an Email at beginners@henfieldjoggers.co.uk to book yourself in and arrange payment. The £25 cost is very reasonable given that it also includes membership of Henfield Joggers for a whole year. We aim to keep the group to a maximum of 20 people so that we can really provide the correct focus for everyone, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

You can also find us on Facebook where we have a Public group, and once a member, a Private group with more detailed information and a lively interactive community for arranging runs etc.

Well its already the first Handicap for 2020, and the start to the second half of the Handicap year. Chris has revised the December results due to some issues that he found and you can see these, the January results, and ALL the latest information here!