IN another difficult year, the Avon Valley Runners have continued to thrive despite lockdowns and restrictions.
On behalf of the club, Sarah Emery reports, “The club began the year with their 35th anniversary celebrations by raising money for Doorway Wiltshire by selling specially commissioned running buffs.
“In September, the club were crowned first division champions of the Wiltshire Road Race League. After 7 races held around the county, they earned 99 points in total to keep ahead of Calne Running Club who finished second.
“Three of the club’s male athletes were in the men’s top 20 while nine of the club’s female athletes were also in the top 20 runners from the whole county including Jolene Farion who was second overall with 479 points and topped her age category too.
“In November, we held the first of ourmain race events; Over The Hills. Last year the event was held virtually so it was a fantastic opportunity to put on the first in-person event since 2019 and raise money for Alzheimer’s Support.
“The hilly route takes in views of Bradford on Avon, Freshford, Westwood and has the infamous river crossing at Iford which is always the highlight of everyone’s run. This year, the race was won with a clean sweep from Team Bath AC: Aidan Daniel in 46:45 for the men and Olympian Heather Fell in 54:16 for the women.
“Later in November, we held the Wiltshire Half Marathon starting from the Station Yard in Edington and raising money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. 267 runners completed the course with the top spots being won by AVR’s own Tom Gurney in 1:12:08 and Hannah Alderson of Bristol and West AC in 1:18:55.
“In December, the club was nominated for three awards at the England Athletics Regional Volunteer Awards. David Hyde and his group, ‘The Chickens’, won Group of the Year, named after the fast-food establishment that they met at each time they ran.
“This group was formed at the height of the pandemic, with the aim being to give a small group of runners an opportunity to get out, start running again within the scope of the restrictions, and enjoy the company of other runners, previously forbidden by the restrictions. Word quickly spread and several small groups were formed to cope with demand, enabling people to support and encourage each other, and, thanks to the efforts of their leaders, enable some to take on their first 5k.
“The club’s first beginners’ group since lockdown started again in September with the aim of guiding new runners through 12 weeks of training with the aim of running 5km by the final week. Sean Price and Gretchen Tucker supported the group with help from other existing club members up to their graduation which took place at Southwick Country Park parkrun.
“Congratulations to Drew Holloway, Emma Larkham, Catherine Russell, Danielle Russell, Rachel Saunderson, Sharon Alexander, Nicki Hilliard, Karen Newman, Emma Day, Ceri Sonnet, Sandra Bayford, Tracy Patterson, Laura Clifford, Kathryn Quadling, Caroline Reid-Watts and Samantha Parry for completing the full course.”
The club have over 400 members but always welcome new runners from ages 11+ and of all abilities. They train at Trowbridge Rugby Club and Culver Close in Bradford on Avon as well as many buddy runs in local towns.
Anyone interested in running with them can check out www.avonvalleyrunners. org.uk/ or sign up on Entry Central www.entrycentral. com/ AVRMembership.
