We agreed at the AGM in May that this year we would launch a race with a view to getting it accepted as part of the West Yorkshire racing calendar. After much deliberation we are in a position to announce that Hyde Park Harriers’ inaugural race will be a one mile run on tarmac paths in Woodhouse Moor (aka Hyde Park). The race will take place on Wednesday, 24th August at 7.00 p.m. Entry will be £5.00 for affiliated runners, with a £2.00 surcharge for non-affiliated.
We have chosen a distance that is different from the usual road running or trail distance because we feel that it will give us a better chance of establishing our own identity and because we lack an established route that we feel belongs to us. By running in the park we also avoid many of the more difficult issues that beset race organisation, particularly road closures or having athletes running on open roads.
We have chosen August because although the racing calendar is very hectic, there are gaps during the week. Leeds City Athletics Club, who usually hold a series of races in the park on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer, are holding just one race this year.
This year’s Race Directors are Sam Dooley, Liz and Chris Jones and Fraser Weir. Although Fraser is not a member of HPH, his expertise from running the weekly parkrun has been invaluable, especially with help around risk management and equipment.
Now that the format and date have been agreed, the hard work really starts. Over the next few weeks we will need people to help plan and promote the race, and we will need volunteers on the night to help with registration, timing, marshalling and general support. There are still a lot of decisions to be taken, and the race team will need all the input they can get.
I hope that as many HPH members as possible will get behind this race and put themselves forward to help. As it is a short distance (and will be run in waves) it should be possible for many people to run and volunteer as well. If you want to be involved, either before the race or on the day itself, please let us know via email, facebook, or direct with any member of HPH committee or race team.
Further information about the race will be posted on the website and on HPH’s facebook page, and we will begin marketing it to other local clubs immediately.
Rick Pullan
Chair, Hyde Park Harriers
HPH SUMMER MILE ENTRY FORM Available for download, click on the link. Go to 'File' and select 'Download' in the drop down menu.
No comments:
Post a Comment