Victoria Park Harriers and Tower Hamlets Athletics Club

Friendly east London club for athletes of all abilities

COVID-19 update - 8 January 2021

COVID-19: Current club activities for existing and prospective members

** Updated 8 January 2021 **

Following the latest announcement on Monday 4th January, England is now under a national lockdown ‘stay at home order’ for the foreseeable future. The escalation from Tier 4 is significant, where we must not leave, or be outside of our homes except where necessary.

According to Government and England Athletics guidance, the impact on group sport with immediate effect now includes: the suspension of all face-to-face indoor and outdoor club / group activity. A reminder that leaving the house for exercise, once per day with a maximum of one person from another household, is permitted under lockdown rules.

We continue to monitor developments to keep you updated, and strongly remind members to adhere to these temporary laws and restrictions during this time.

The club has put in place a COVID-19 framework that outlines the responsibilities of each party that must be acknowledged and adhered to.

Previous Covid Announcements

Club Sessions (Currently suspended in Tier 4. Applicable again once London returns to Tier 3)

Club sessions have resumed on a limited and modified basis under Tier 3 rules. The clubhouse itself is currently closed with no access to facilities (eg. changing rooms, toilets, bar). Runners are advised to turn up ready to run. Designated bike parking is available. All sessions require pre-registration to manage group numbers and track attendees (as per the club sessions information below). The organisers will endeavour to maintain good communication and flag any additional amendments on an ongoing basis.

Monday circuits with Coach Tony at the clubhouse are currently on hold until further notice.
Tuesday track ‘interval’ sessions with Coach Mick Cairns is organised with limited numbers for paid up members (up to 20 runners in total split into groups). A google form is released weekly requesting specific personal details to assign places. Training details also continue to be published on a weekly basis to be run ‘virtually’.
Thursday ‘Project V’ with Coach Steve Hobbs is organised with limited numbers for paid up members (up to 12 runners per group). A google form is released weekly requesting specific personal details to assign places. The session focuses on threshold pace work, which can be described as medium effort intervals that may last up to 10 minutes (a variation on shorter track workouts).
Thursday (7pm) and Sunday (9:30am) group runs: the sessions require pre-registration via a google doc which is refreshed weekly, both available for trial to prospective members. Runners are requested to add their names (selecting the suitable distance and pace) and turn up at the clubhouse ready to run. The groups (up to 6 runners) are self guided runs led by members.
Track sessions at Mile End: weekly activity has also resumed on a limited basis. Please send separate enquiries to: info@vphthac.org.uk

Leagues and fixtures

All external winter League and championship fixtures (eg. Met league XC, Chingford league XC, SEAA & EA fixtures) are currently suspended until further notice. We are in close contact with the respective organisers and will share any new information as it becomes available.
The monthly club handicaps and classic club championship fixtures (organised for our members and guests) may take place in virtual format at this point in time. Details to be confirmed on an individual fixture basis.

Prospective members

We encourage new prospective members to trial a couple of group run sessions with us before committing to any membership payments. If any of the sessions described above would be of interest please contact us for more details: info@vphthac.org.uk

Each session kicks off with a new joiner welcome announcement and session briefing. Since the summer of 2020, there has been a great turn out of newcomers and regulars creating a good blend of runners making our group sessions friendly and relaxed.

We also recommend new and prospective members to join our closed facebook group which is a good source of club information and recent activity of how we have approached the reintroduction of club sessions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VPHTHAC/