News
#FeatureFriday - Aber Runners Back On Track
13/05/2021 00:00, In Blog /
It has been a challenging year for everyone and social and sports clubs have had limited time to come together over the past twelve months. But as vaccination numbers increase and infection cases continue to fall there is light at the end of the tunnel and sports clubs are looking to re-start, albeit slowly and carefully.
One club naturally affected is Aberystwyth Athletics Club, who prior to the pandemic, organised activities five nights a week for all ages and all abilities. During the lockdown, an ongoing regular programme of virtual training has been offered by the coaches but organised group sessions are now back on the horizon as chair Ian Evans explains,
“Following recent Welsh Government announcements, we are glad to say that our group running sessions will be re-starting in May. We will naturally be adhering to relevant guidance with limited numbers and pre-booking required but it is an important step in the right direction.”
Over the past twelve months, many have turned to exercise to help with physical and mental health and Ian is expecting a surge in interest,
“We have recently opened our membership opportunities for the year ahead, and while old members are keen to return to group running we are seeing new members joining having started running or returned to running over the past year.
“As a friendly, community club we very much welcome this and would encourage anyone who wants to run on a social level with a group of like-minded people to get in touch – it would be great to see you.”
A few of the runners are already flying the Aberystwyth AC flag in races held over the border with Paul Williams and Edward Land running the Shepperdine marathon and Owain Schiavone running the Cheshire Elite marathon.
Ed Land ran a time of 2:49:51 while Paul Williams secured a personal best of 3.06.47 and Owain Schiavone finished in 2:42:16, an incredible time considering this was his first marathon.
Hopefully, the return of these races is a sign of things to come, and if you would like to hear more about Aberystwyth Athletic Club and join in its activities visit aberystwythac.wordpress.com or find the club on Facebook.