Announcement: New Men’s Captaincy appointments
Gavin LauWe are excited to announce two new appointments to the Men’s captaincy, a Race Captain and a Club Captain.
Our club continues to expand, with over 500 members we have a pool of abilities, with athletes who are competing at the top end of national competitions through to competitive club runners and those who see running as a way to keep fit and meet new people. To be able to connect with this diverse membership base, we recognise the need to expand the captaincy role to meet the growing needs of the club. This means welcoming those who are new to running, hosting social runs and supporting our athletes who are competing at the higher level. Please welcome our new Men’s Race Captain – Nat Rowland, and our new Men’s Club Captain – James Hirst.
Thank you to Gavin Lau for his contribution over the past five years, stepping down as Men’s Road & Cross Country Captain. Leading by example in promoting the clubs’ values and supporting the Board to guide the club on a number of initiatives through a significant phase of growth. Also through the challenging and extended Covid period with the Women’s Captain Annie Trihan.
James Hirst – According to Strava my first session with VPH was way back in May 2018. I was originally drawn to the club by a desire to get my hands on the dashing jade and blue vest. Since then I have become more and more involved in training and racing with the club and am a regular at club training sessions with my favourites being Track on Tuesday and the always brilliant Project V on Thursday’s!
I was drawn to the captain’s role as I love watching and helping people to discover and fall in love with running and realise the tremendous benefits it can bring – something I also do through my role as one of the Run Directors at Hackney Marshes parkrun. As Men’s Club Captain I will do my best to welcome new members, encourage in our races and most importantly make sure we have fun!
Nat Rowland – I joined VPH when I moved to London in August 2021 and it’s become a central part of my London life ever since. As a keen road runner and a past track and XC junior back home in Horsham, I’ve been reacquainted with the wonders of club running and haven’t looked back.
Running has taught me that if you put yourself out there and put the effort in, you will reach the goals you set yourself. It seems so simple now, but the more you run the easier it gets! Reaching goals through running taught me that ambition is a good thing and I try to follow that in my day to day life.
