Scores Race 2023 Open for Entries

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The 2023 Scores Race, a unique race in Britain’s most easterly town, will take place again on Sunday 27th August 2023 with huge thanks to our sponsors RWE Generation UK, Birds Eye and Great Gabbard Wind Farm.

The senior race (16 years +) will start at 2:30pm, and the Junior race (9-15 years) will start at 2.35pm.

This will be the 26th Scores race, organised by Waveney Valley Athletic Club, taking in the historic scores in Lowestoft. Starting and finishing in the upper high street, competitors can be assured of a great atmosphere and plenty of spectators.

This demanding race comprises of 13 stepped and sloped scores over a course of approximately 4.75 miles and 401 steps (Senior Race) and approximately 1.4 miles and 254 steps (Junior Race).

A small section of the course is currently undergoing maintenance and may need to be rerouted; however we will endeavour to keep the course as close as possible to previous years and not miss any inclines!

A bespoke medal will be awarded to all finishers together with a Commemorative Scores Race neck warmer.

We are conscious about waste created by races and taking measures to mitigate this and reduce our carbon footprint. As such, there will be a table to leave your own (named!) bottle at the finish line so as not to use single-use bottles of water.

It goes without saying that this race wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our sponsors – Birds Eye (www.birdseye.co.uk), RWE Generation UK (RWE | Our energy for a sustainable life.) and Great Gabbard Wind Farm (A Better World of Energy | SSE Renewables).

Thanks also to graphic design support from Graphic Solutions, water from ASDA and portaloos from Sole Bay Waste & Recycling.

We are delighted that Christchurch is supporting us with race HQ again this year with (limited) changing facilities, bag drop and post-race refreshments. This is also where prize-giving will happen after the race .

Entries are non-refundable (except in the unlikely circumstance that the race is cancelled) and unfortunately cannot be deferred but transfers are available until midnight on 26/08/2023.

Entries

Enter at https://totalracetiming.co.uk/race/454
Entries are limited to 375 Seniors and 75 Juniors 

Competitors from Birds Eye please contact Tim Earl, Race Director (email hidden; JavaScript is required) before entering.

Marshals

This race requires a considerable number of marshals. If you or a friend/relative can help out we would love to hear from you. Please email email hidden; JavaScript is required

Senior Race details

The Senior race is open to all competitors over the age of 16 on race day. Prizes will be awarded for the first three finishers (male and female) and age group winners in 5 year bands from 40-70. There will be team prizes for affiliated Clubs and works/social teams.

The race is licensed by UK athletics, details at Runbritain.

Senior Race Map

Junior Race details

The Junior race will again be open to Juniors from the age of 9. Separate prizes will be awarded in the 9-12 and 13-15 age groups.

The race is licensed by UK athletics, details at Runbritain.

Junior Race Map

Waveney Valley AC Membership Renewals 2023-2024

It’s that time of year when your renewal for your Waveney Valley AC membership is due. For 2023-2024 club membership has increased to £35. The raise is due to the mandatory England Athletics affiliation fee increasing to £17 for the coming season, this affiliation fee is paid by the club from your membership fee. There is a discount for multiple family members, please see the membership renewal form for specifics. Club will hold our membership fee at £35 for 2024-2025 as well, providing no substantial increases by England Athletics.

The club will again subsidise the Suffolk Winter League XC series for anyone who wishes to represent the club in it. This, along with discounts on some race entry fees, discounts with select sports retailers, and free training sessions 3 nights a week make club membership great value for money. Please see https://www.englandathletics.org/athletics-and-running/athlete-registration/benefits-of-registration/ for a full overview of the benefits of affiliation.

It is a England Athletics requirement for club registration that all their members are renewed on time, therefore we request that renewals are made by the 31st May 2022. Any renewal received after this date will still be processed but may be delayed if paid by BACs or a joint membership payment, also be aware that any affiliated race you’ve entered that occurs after this date could be affected if the affiliation fee is not renewed on time.

After this date, you won’t be able to do attend training until your renewal has been received, all coaches and run leaders have been provided a list of members who haven’t renewed and will remind you when and where appropriate.

The renewal form is online at https://www.waveneyvalley.org/road-running-membership-form/.
It’s essential this is filled in to ensure all details held on England Athletics is correct.

By renewing your membership you agree to abide by the Club’s Constitution and Code of Conduct attached and as displayed on www.waveneyvalley.org and I further agree to abide by the rules of the Governing Body of Athletics. If these should be breached I understand that I may be asked to leave the club. I agree that I am an amateur as defined by the Governing Body of Athletics. I am, as far as I am aware fit, to take part in strenuous physical activity.

We’ll be using the England Athletics Stripe payments system again for the majority of renewals, it’s considerably easier for you to make a payment compared to BACs and it also reduced considerably the admin time required from both myself and the club’s treasurer to verify payments received and by whom which in turn reduces any delay in processing your renewals. This payment link will be generated shortly after you receive this email.

Any of you that wish to make use of the club’s family discounts should ignore that initial request and send in one form per person as usual, and then use the payment links embedded either in the membership fees breakdown, or the successful form submission screen. Use the link that’s appropriate to the number of persons being renewed.

If you do use BACS please also send us a screengrab of the transaction confirmation message and ensure you set the payment reference as your name so we can cross-reference your payment to your membership form.

Please do not make a BACS payment without filling in the membership form, your renewal will not be processed without it.

Your URN is –urn–. If you need to check your affiliation status then go to: https://myathletics.englandathletics.org/licencecheck/

If you do not wish to renew please let us know so we can update our records and avoid sending you a reminder later on.

If you would like to renew, but are suffering hardship please talk to a committee member in confidence.

Thank you

Dave Catchpole
WVAC Membership Secretary

SWL XC Returns at Framlingham – Sunday 6th November

Following on from the club email yesterday, if you’re considering entering an event this season please can you pass on your age on the 6th November 2022 to email hidden; JavaScript is required as this determines your age group for the year.

Info for next Sunday is as follows:

Date: Sunday 6th November
Race HQ: Framlingham Sports Club, Badingham Road, IP13 9HS.
Race Times and Approx. Distances:
Juniors (ages 11-16): 10.40am, 3km.
Under 11’s Fun Run: 10.42am, 800m.
Seniors (ages 17+): 11am, 8km.

Important Info:
– PLEASE CAR SHARE WHEREVER POSSIBLE. If the weather is poor next week, parking may be extremely limited.
– Toilets, changing, showers etc available at Race HQ.
– Hot drinks and cakes available- bring some cash!
– Under 11 fun run entry desk open from 9.30- 10.30am. This is a free event- medals to all finishers!
– Race start/finish area is a 5 min walk from Race HQ.

Waveney Valley AC Membership Renewals 2022-2023

Renewal of Waveney Valley AC memberships is now due. For 2022-2023 club membership has increased to £32. The raise is due to the mandatory UKA affiliation fee increasing to £16 for the coming season, this affiliation fee is paid by the club from your membership fee. There is a discount for multiple family members, please see the membership renewal form for specifics.

The club will subsidise (either in part or in full, to be decided at a later date) the Suffolk Winter League XC series for anyone who wishes to represent the club in it. This, along with discounts on some race entry fees, discounts with select sports retailers, and free training sessions 3 nights a week make club membership great value for money. Please see https://www.englandathletics.org/athletics-and-running/athlete-registration/benefits-of-registration/ for a full overview of the benefits of affiliation.

It is a UKA requirement for club registration that all their members are renewed on time, therefore we request that renewals are made by the 31st May 2022. Any renewal received after this date will still be processed but may be delayed, also be aware that any affiliated race you’ve entered after this date could be affected if the affiliation is not renewed on time.

During this grace period you’ll still be able to attend training sessions as you do now, but after this date, you won’t be able to do so until your renewal has been received.

The renewal form is online at https://www.waveneyvalley.org/road-running-membership-form/. The older style PDF form is still available on the website but should only be used if unable to fill it in online.

The intention is to use the UKA Stripe payments system for the majority of renewals, it’s considerably easier for you to make a payment compared to BACs and it also reduces the admin time required from both myself and the club’s treasurer to verify payments received and by whom and consequently reduces any delay in processing your renewals. This payment link will be resent to you shortly after you receive this email.

Any of you that wish to make use of the club’s family discounts should ignore that initial request and send in the form as usual, and then use the payment links embedded either in the membership fees breakdown, or the successful form submission screen, use the link that’s appropriate to the number of persons being renewed.

Please do not make a BACS payment without filling in the membership form, your renewal will not be processed without it.

If you need to check your affiliation status then go to: https://myathletics.englandathletics.org/licencecheck/

If you do not wish to renew please let us know so we can update our records and avoid sending you a reminder later on.

If you would like to renew, but are suffering hardship please talk to a committee member in confidence.

Thank you

Dave Catchpole
WVAC Membership Secretary

Next race in the Suffolk Winter XC League is at Woodton 13th March

Last of the SWL XC races for this season, and also our nearest one, let’s have a big turnout. Club kit must be worn.

If you’re interested please do get in touch with the XC coordinator David Woods (email hidden; JavaScript is required) and if you’ve not already paid the £10 for the XC series at the start of the season, the single standalone race fee of £5 can be paid via this Stripe payment link

Date: Sunday 13th March.
Venue: Dairy Farm, Woodton, NR35 2NA – Access will be signed from the B1527. One way system to and from the car park so exit will be onto the B1332. Car share if possible.

Races:
Junior Race 10:45am

Under 11’s 10:50am

Senior Race 11:15am

This is a working livestock farm so, please, strictly NO DOGS. The venue has a restaurant and farm shop. Please remove muddy footwear if you are visiting these. Free tea and coffee to runners at race HQ. The venue plan to be running a barbecue so bring some cash if you are going to indulge in proper burgers and the like. Course is suitable for spikes.

There are no changing facilities but there will be space for club gazebos (please ask at Race HQ for directions). Portaloos will be on site. Please use them.

Hot drinks and cakes will be served from the gazebo.

Further information email email hidden; JavaScript is required

Next race in the Suffolk Winter XC League is at Pakenham 6th February

Date: Sunday 6th February 2022.
Venue: Nether Hall, Pakenham – Car Parking at Thurston Road, Pakenham IP31 2JZ
Please arrive early as there will be a little walk to the Start.

Anyone with a gazebo please tell the car park marshal who will direct you to the start finish area. IP31 2LH

Races:
Junior Race 1 lap course approx. 3km, start 10.45am £2 entry fee

Under 11’s Will be close to the start/finish area and will start 10.47am, no need to sign in, just turn up and run. Medals to all.

Senior Race 2 lap course approx. 8km, start 11.15am £5 entry fee.

There are no changing facilities but plenty of space for club gazebos.

Toilets and men’s urinal are provided, please use them.

Hot drinks and cakes will be served from the gazebo.

Next race in the Suffolk Winter XC League is at Haughley Park, Stowmarket 23rd January

Date: Sunday 23rd January 2022.
Venue: Haughley Park, Nr Stowmarket, IP14 3JY.
Please note that the race HQ is in a different part of the Park, do not go in the main entrance but follow the runner signs to the car park.

Races:
Junior race (Age 11-16)
Approx. 3500m
10.40am. £2 Entry Fee.

Under 11’s Fun Run
Approx. 800m
10.42am Free entry

Senior Race (Age 16+)
Approx. 8000m
11am. £5 Entry fee.

There are no changing facilities but plenty of space for club gazebos.

Toilets and men’s urinal are provided, please use them.

Hot drinks and cakes will be served from the gazebo.

Next race in the Suffolk Winter XC League is at Haverhill on the 19th December

Date: Sunday 19th December 2021.
Venue: Horseheath Racecourse, CB21 4QP
(this brings you to the otherside of the dual carriageway but there is a gap where you can turn across). See also attached maps.

Races: Juniors: 10:45 3.5km
Seniors: 11:00 8km
There is NO U11 race

The course is two laps (seniors) and one lap for juniors (start is 500m further into the course). It is run within the bounds of the point to point / cross country course. The course is suitable for spikes and is run on 95% grass plus a trip through the water splash.

As it is close to Christmas expect some festive marshals, festive singers, mulled wine and mince pies! Christmas running gear is very much encouraged!

As this is a working horse event location the landowners have said: NO DOGS on site at all. Please do not bring glass or metal (e.g drinks cans) near the course as these pose a risk to the horses if they are discarded. Parking will be on a field and you will be asked to exit in a particular way to avoid cars getting stuck. Please car share where possible. There is parking for a small number of minibuses but the ground is not suitable for coaches this time of year. There is room for club gazebos however it gets quite windy up there so please assess the weather conditions before erecting them!

The A1307 is very busy and is a ‘red accident route’ so there is no right turn when exiting the venue. There are opportunities for turning around a few hundred yards down the road.
The course is two laps (seniors) and one lap for juniors (start is 500m further into the course). It is run within the bounds of the point to point / cross country course. The course is suitable for spikes and is run on 95% grass plus a trip through the water splash.

As it is close to Christmas expect some festive marshals, festive singers, mulled wine and mince pies! Christmas running gear is very much encouraged!

As this is a working horse event location the landowners have said: NO DOGS on site at all. Please do not bring glass or metal (e.g drinks cans) near the course as these pose a risk to the horses if they are discarded. Parking will be on a field and you will be asked to exit in a particular way to avoid cars getting stuck. Please car share where possible. There is parking for a small number of minibuses but the ground is not suitable for coaches this time of year. There is room for club gazebos however it gets quite windy up there so please assess the weather conditions before erecting them!

The A1307 is very busy and is a ‘red accident route’ so there is no right turn when exiting the venue. There are opportunities for turning around a few hundred yards down the road.

Next race in the Suffolk Winter XC League is at Woodbridge

Date: Sunday 5th December 2021.
Venue: Sutton Memorial Hall, Sutton, IP12 3DZ
Races: Junior Race (Age 11-16) Single lap, Approx 3500m, 1100 Start, Entry Fee £2
                Senior Race (Age 16+) Single lap, Approx 8000m, 1115 Start, Entry Fee £5
                There is NO Under 11 Fun Run
 
Runners aged 16 may take part in either the senior or junior race and must pay the relevant race fee for that race. They should bear in mind that if they wish to complete the series and be eligible for individual prizes, they must complete 4 out of 6 of the senior or Junior races – not a combination of the two.
Junior runners MUST be at least 11 years of age on the day of an event to participate in the 11-16 race. This is to comply with our race permit conditions.
 
Further Info:
NO “Guests” are allowed to run in the event and all competitors must be fully paid up members of SWL Clubs.
Team Result Sheets, Plastic wallets and Envelopes will be available for collection by team captains in the Shufflers Gazebo. Woodbridge Shufflers BACS details are on the envelopes.
Both Races start a short walk from the Memorial Hall on a Narrow Track. Marshals or signs will point runners in the right direction. There will be plenty of marshals with VHF radios around the course and the First Aid Team have an all terrain vehicle capable of reaching all parts of the course.
 
ALL RUNNERS ARE ASKED TO BE KIND, COURTEOUS AND MINDFUL OF OTHER RUNNERS AT THE UNAVOIDABLE CHOKE POINTS AT THE START AND FINISH.
In particular, we ask runners to avoid warming up on the course in front of the start position then having to work their way back through other runners.
 
Facilities: The Sutton Memorial Hall will NOT be open this year and will be “Out of Bounds” to everyone other than for emergency First Aid use. Therefore, there are no changing facilities and runners are urged to arrive changed and ready to run. There will be NO refreshments available so runners should bring their own hot drinks if required and we ask that people disperse quickly once they have finished their race.
Portable Toilets and a 6 man Urinal will be available next to the hall and an “Accessible” toilet will be available on request. Car parking is limited and we ask that people lift share where possible.
All Clubs are welcome to bring their own Gazebos and we should be able to find space for them next to the Hall.
 
Seniors: If you wish to take part and haven’t yet paid the £10 entry fee that covers first claim members for all 6 races in the series (2nd claim members will need to pay per race entered), please do so here: https://buy.stripe.com/aEUfZn1SucvV7Qc4gg
Once paid you can run in all remaining races for that one entry fee.
 
Age groups for seniors are set by age on 07/11/2021. Juniors is age on 01/09/2021.
 
Rule reminder: The SWL is a team event and therefore runners should wear the same design club vest.
Those not adhering to this rule may be excluded from the team results for that specific race.

Suffolk Winter League XC Returns at Framlingham

Date: Sunday 7th November 2021
Venue: Framlingham Sports Club, Badingham Road, IP13 9HS.
Races: Junior race (Age 11-16)
             Approx. 3500m
             10.40am. £2 Entry Fee.
             Under 11’s Fun Run
             Approx. 800m
             10.42am Free entry
             Senior Race (Age 16+)
             Approx. 8000m
             11am. £5 Entry fee.
 
All races will start and finish on the castle meadow. This is a 5 min walk from Race HQ. Please ask anyone wearing a hi-vis tabard or a Fram Flyers top if you’re not sure where you’re going.
 
Please note that runners aged 16 may take part in either the senior or junior race and they must  pay the relevant fee for that race. They should bear in mind that if they wish to complete the series and be eligible for individual prizes, they will need to complete 4 out of 6 of the senior OR junior races- not a combination of the two!
Junior runners to be at least 11 years old on the day of an event to participate in the 11-16 event. This is to comply with our race permit conditions.
 
Facilities: The clubhouse will NOT be used this year. 
Teas/ cakes etc will be served from a tent outside the clubhouse.
We will also supply a tent for team captains to use if needed. 
All clubs are welcome to bring their own gazebo/shelter- there is plenty of space for these.
Male toilets/changing facilities will be available in the changing rooms adjoining the clubhouse.
Female changing/toilets will be in the two changing rooms next to the main football pitch.
There will also be a toilet block open here providing male/female/disabled facilities.
Please follow car park marshals instructions when you arrive and hopefully we’ll get all vehicles on site.
 

Team Captains:
If you wish to take part and haven’t yet paid the £10 entry fee, please do so here: https://buy.stripe.com/aEUfZn1SucvV7Qc4gg

Age groups for seniors are set by age on 07/11/2021. Juniors is age on 01/09/2021.

 
General info: 
Please note that NO DOGS are permitted on the Sports Club playing field. They are permitted on the castle meadow.
Senior runners please be aware that when you are heading over to the start area that Junior races could already be in progress. In particular- the U11’s fun run will take place around the perimeter of the start/finish meadow. Please follow marshal instructions.
We’ve been around the course today and it’s in good condition- there are one or two sticky patches but they will just add to the fun I’m sure!!
The course is suitable for spikes but please be aware that there are a few wooden bridges/walkways to negotiate as well as a stone bridge and some stone steps!
Please listen to marshal instructions at all times when on the course.

Club response to the reducing of restrictions put on by the club due to the impact of COVID19

To all club members

As chairperson of Waveney Valley Athletics Club, I would like to communicate the clubs’ response to the reducing of restrictions put on the club by the impact of COVID19.

We are now restarting senior & junior training sessions meeting the guidelines given to us by English Athletics. With the current 5+1 restrictions this reduces who can join the sessions so to help could I ask you to join the WhatsApp group relating to your running group colour (Lowestoft) or name (Beccles). Coaches can help members join the correct group and for the time being this is what the club will use for training session announcements and involvement.

Due to the current situation, Waveney Valley Athletics Club Seniors & Juniors membership fees will only be the English Athletics portion which is £15 for the rest of the 2020 year up to 31st March 2021. We still need to charge the English Athletics portion to maintain affiliation and the associated benefits.

  • Runners who have already paid the full WVAC membership fee so far, or choose to do so for this season will have their 2021–22 membership fee reduced by the difference for that year. Ultimately no member will be left out of pocket over the two seasons. Another option in this scenario would be to use this excess payment towards club kit should you require it.
  • For the seniors, any Suffolk Winter League XC fees will be paid for by the members who take part at the event for the 2020–21 season (should they go ahead) as this cost would usually come out of the membership fee.
  • The juniors will also be paying any track and field competition fees if or when events happen.

Second Claim members are invited to renew at a reduced rate of £10 for the year.

We feel as a club that this is the best way of overcoming the current situation with COVID19 and its impact on the club and our members.

If any runner is having difficulty paying this reduced fee please contact, in confidence, one of the committee members or myself to have a chat about how the club can help.

I hope you understand the route the club is taking and please have patience with the volunteers who are helping run our club and the added tasks they have taken on board.

Thank you for your time

Mike Illingsworth
Chairperson

Phased restart of WVAC Training in line with Government Guidelines

With recent lockdown restrictions being eased slightly allowing groups of up to 6 to meet in open spaces the club has been working behind the scenes to facilitate a limited return to training within guidelines set by England Athletics.

With this in mind Beccles sessions will restart this Wednesday 10th June on a basis of 5 runners to 1 LiRF across 3 Base Camp sessions and 1 Altitude session, this is following a soft launch of an Altitude session last week.

Lowestoft will soft launch a week later on Tuesday 16th June with one session in each group held at Normanston Park on a 5 runner to 1 LiRF basis, runners taking part will be first come first served. After the 1st session there will be a review and possible changes if needed which will then lead into more sessions the following week. On week starting 22nd June sessions hopefully will be held on both Tuesday and Thursday depending on guidance at that time.

For this to work it’s essential that everyone abides by the 2m social distancing rules, as if any of us are seen to be disregarding this rule by members of the public it could lead to a backlash against the club – you are all ambassadors for WVAC.

For anyone that doesn’t feel confident with coming back to limited group sessions, your group coaches will be able to advise on a suitable session plan you can carry out yourself so you don’t miss out.

It’s anticipated that lockdown will be relaxed further from July, with this in mind anyone wanting to take part in sessions from 1st July will be required to have renewed their club membership.

For those who have already renewed their memberships, we are very thankful.

Membership remains at £32 for the year. This includes the UKA affiliation fee, although UKA had previously intended to raise this to £16, they have retained the previous years £15 fee. Although we’ve lost a couple of months of the race season already, it’s important to note that the same fee is incurred whether a member joins or renews in April or in October, the half-yearly membership the club usually offers new members only still incurs the same affiliation fee which results in the club receiving less for our own club funds, funds that allow us to offer paid entry to the XC Winter League (£5 per race). 2nd claim membership remains at £20 for the year.

It would be greatly appreciated where possible for forms to be sent electronically and membership payments made via BACS so the group coaches do not have to handle paper forms and cash etc.

Important note: Due to the extraordinary circumstances that led to the delay in renewals we will not be applying a penalty fee to any late renewals.

Details on renewing membership can be found here: waveneyvalley.org/seniormembership/

WVAC