Summer is here - Summer League Races

Summer is almost here – or at least the Summer League is! The Summer League is an inter-club series of five races hosted by a range of clubs including Serpentine. These free races are some of the most friendly and enjoyable you’ll participate in whilst running in some great spots around London. The events are incredibly family friendly and best of all there is a FREE picnic provided at every race!

 

 

What is the Summer League and why would you enjoy it?

The Summer League is an inter-club competition of five races at various venues around London hosted by a range of clubs including Serpentine. The races are either 5-mile or 10km across different parks of London.

These free races are some of the most friendly and enjoyable you’ll participate in whilst running in some great spots around London. The events are incredibly family friendly and best of all there is a FREE picnic provided at every race!

The five races in the 2023 calendar are:

  • Sunday 18th June – Headstone Manor (Harrow), 5 miles (8k), organised by Metros
  • Sunday 2rd July – Perivale, 5 miles (8k), organised by Ealing Eagles
  • Sunday 9th July – Dulwich Park, 5 miles (8k), organised by Dulwich Park Runners
  • Sunday 30th July – Regent’s Park, 10k, organised by Mornington Chasers
  • Sunday 13th August – Battersea Park, 10k, organised by us, Serpentine Running Club

Following the main event there is a shorter 'tenderfoot' (1.5-2km) race suitable mainly for children, but also runners returning from injury and runners who prefer to run a shorter distance. Finally, those who have been to the Summer League races before would remember a series of optional, light hearted, age graded, 300-400m relays suitable for anyone.

 

 

Why you should come to the Summer League 

There are so many good reasons to take part, here are a few:

  • The races are inclusive to runners of all abilities – whether you run 33 mins or 1 hour 20 mins for a 10k, you will enjoy them! You make them as competitive as you like.
  • Race entries are free for participants – they are paid for by the Club.
  • The races are held in different parks in London – sometimes in those you don’t go to normally.
  • The races are very family friendly with lots of club’s members bringing their children along to race or just enjoy the morning out
  • These are very sociable events – there is usually a picnic available after the run!
  • These races are great for new members to get to know others in the Club.

Note that the race does not require advance entry, you just need to show up with your Serpie shirt/vest to run. However, we’d like to collect the entry information in advance, so that we can submit results a lot more easily, and also we can have an idea of numbers and communicate with everyone. Therefore, it would be helpful if you could fill in this form before the race to indicate interest.

 

Volunteers needed for 13th August!

We Serpies will host the last fixture on 13th August in Battersea Park (10k). We will require volunteers to help stage the event. Most of the roles required don’t require any qualifications. The roles include (but do not limit to):

  • 2 x Timekeepers
  • 6 x Marshals
  • 2 x Finish Funnel Stewards (guiding runners into the finish funnel)
  • 2 x Finish Place Handlers (handing out finish position numbers to runners)
  • 2 x Water Station Volunteers
  • 1 x Bag Minder

Available to help on the day? Please let us know using this form.

Any further questions, please let me know.

Happy Summer Running!

Imran Ahmed

Serpentine Summer League Coordinator

Photo credit to Bruce Li (Ealing, Southall & Middlesex AC)

Submitted: 25 May 2023

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