ATHLETICS: Spring Ahead
CHLOE LEFAY
January is cross-country season. At the Sussex county championships at Bexhill earlier this month, athletes and coaches from Hastings Athletics Club (HAC) revelled in a positive exhibition of team spirit, showing the good atmosphere that prevails throughout the club. Different generations of family members competed, chipped in to help, or cheered on the sidelines.
The event itself was cold and muddy, but many athletes saw improvements in their final positions and, with more than half of the season still to go, things look very positive for the club’s cross-country teams across all age groups.
HAC runners have also continued to keep a stranglehold on results at the weekly local Parkrun on St Leonards seafront. Every week they manage top-three places, with club members holding many age group records. Rhys Boorman, for example, the club’s endurance coach, recently recorded his 57th Parkrun first place from a total of 72 runs here.
But I think that majority eyes are on spring, when the weather gets easier and track season arrives. HAC is the only club locally that cover so many disciplines for all age groups. Throwing events have taken off like never before, with athletes competing internationally, while interest in sprinting rises as local athletics legend and veteran international Steve Baldock continues to inspire.
This track season there are many events in which the club’s various teams will participate.
The YDL (Youth Development League) is a great starting point for young athletes to get involved in competition within the club and is for any junior who turns 11 upwards before 31 August this year. There are two groups within the YDL: U13s and U15s. The club competes against others from the southeast of England in both age ranges. Most of the track and field events – running, jumping and throwing – are scheduleded, and there will be fun days out to other regions as well as a much anticipated home fixture.
The Sussex League is another great league for juniors. As with the YDL it is for anyone who turns 11 upwards by 31 August.
QuadKids contests are for younger kids. They choose three events – one run, one jump and one throw. The points accumulated over all three determine the winner, while all athletes receive a certificate.
The Southern Athletics League is for over 16s and above, covering all track and field events. HAC achieved a great result in the last match of the 2023 season to ensure retention of status in Division 2.
The Masters League is a laid-back event for over 40s, once again covering all aspects of track and field. HAC are title-holders, having won in 2023.
Overall, HAC athletes broke more club records last year than in the previous history of the club. Athletes competed internationally and nationally, as well as just having lots of fun, trying out new things in a relaxed and friendly environment.
For more details on any of the above, or if your child would like to be involved in the junior team athletics, contact [email protected]
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