Hello Serpies,

I’m happy to introduce the SECOND edition of “Around the Serpentine” – yes, we’re back, I’m as shocked as you are… May saw our summer events come into full swing, with too many highlights to fit into this brief introduction!

The Green Belt Relay

2 days, 220 miles, 22 stages and 37 Serpies – this year’s iteration of the Green Belt Relay was a storming success! With this being over a quarter of our team’s first time participating in the event, it bodes well for the future of the club – despite the new faces, our Veterans really set the pace, coming second in their category.

This event would be impossible without our amazing team, a huge thanks to Ewan, Frank and Hans for all their efforts in making this one to remember. You can see the full highlights reel on our Instagram, make sure to give us a follow while you’re there.

The Mind Heart Run – for Mental Health Awareness Week

Another event, another big turnout, 30+ runners came to participate in this 20k run through Central London in support of the mental health charity, Mind. The importance of the work Mind does couldn’t have been summed up better than by the run’s organiser, and our Long Run Leader, Michael Ngo:

 “Mental health is the cornerstone of our well-being. Just as we prioritize our physical health through running, swimming and cycling, we must also prioritize our mental well-being. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes, but it’s crucial to seek help and support when needed. Let’s break the stigma surrounding mental health and create a culture of understanding and compassion. Remember, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. “

The Ranelagh Half

We have our first guest contribution to the newsletter, something I’d LOVE to see more of – take it away, Nic Browne!:

The 2024 Serpentine Half Marathon Championship, held as part of the Ranelagh Harriers Richmond Half Marathon on May 12, saw 26 club members complete the race despite challenging warm weather conditions. In the men’s race, Nicholas Browne defended his club title finishing 4th overall clocking 1:14:32. He was followed by Alexandre Bernigaud in 1:21:10 and Sebastian Buhs in 1:26:00. The women’s race was highlighted close finish between Liz Wynn finishing 8th overall in 1:30:51, and Sophie Flanagan in 1:31:33, who was in close contention until a shoe issue. Cath Ferguson closed out the top 3 Serpentine women, completing the course in 1:37:55 and the highest age-graded score of 89.6%. The Serpentine women finished up in 2nd place in the team’s event.

June, at a Glance

Saturday, June the 1^st

• The Handicap – Hyde Park – 9:00 k/o

Monday, June the 3^rd

• Southern Counties Vets AC League – Hillingdon

Thursday, June the 6^th

• Assembly League Crystal Palace 5k – Crystal Palace Park – 19:30 k/o

Wednesday, June the 12^th

• The Rosenheim League – Tooting Bec – 18:30 k/o

Saturday, June the 15^th

• SAL Athletics Meet – Parliament Hill – 11:00 k/o

Sunday, June the 16^th

• Summer League 5M – Headstone Manor Park – 9:30 k/o

Monday, June the 17^th

• Southern Counties Vets AC League – Tooting Bec

Saturday, June the 23^rd

• Dartford Bridge Triathlon – South Lake, Dartford – 6:30 k/o

Sunday, June the 30^th

• Summer League 5M – Perivale Park – 9:30
• North Downs Run (Trail) – Gravesend – 10:30 k/o

Running

The Handicap – Hyde Park – June 1^st

The start of a new month can bring about mixed feelings, thoughts of “where did the time go”, “we’re already HALFWAY through 2024” and “I haven’t done the Handicap yet!” to name a few.

If this sounds familiar, or even if it doesn’t, then come down to Hyde Park on the 1^st to kick off the second half of your year! Meet time is 8:30 for a 9:00 start, if you’re a seasoned handicapper, don’t forget your number. If you’re new, there are plenty to go around.

Participants must run in club colours; this is your sign to get some if you haven’t already. Follow this link to explore the range.

The Assembly League – Crystal Palace Park – June 6^th

The third instalment in the Assembly League sextet will take place at Crystal Palace Park! A mighty 10 Serpies took on this 5k at Victoria Park last month – up from 8 at Beckenham the month prior – and we’re looking to build on this turnout!

Our ever-faithful club representative, Philip Whitehouse, will be waiting bibs in hand at the clubhouse. Entry is completely free, and this offers a great opportunity to get some competition experience under your belt in a friendly and inclusive environment.

Meet time is at 19:00 for a 19:30 start. Participants must run in club colours – which are still available to purchase, by the way.

Summer League 5M – Headstone Manor Park – June 16^th

You really know summer is here when a running event named after it begins; we’re delighted to announce the start of the Summer League! This is an all-abilities event, which encompasses a 5 mile or 10k race for adults (ages 15+), several fun runs for kids, and finally a relay.

This is a great opportunity for Serpies to introduce the whole family to their running obsession. Club colours are again necessary. There will be a picnic and refreshments provided after the day’s events. Meet time in lovely Harrow is at 9:30 and the events run until 12:00.

For those who can’t make this date, fear not! There is another event in Perivale Park on the 30^th of June. Even if you can come on the 16^th, why not do both!

Last Friday 5k – June 28^th

There was a great showing for last month’s iteration of the 5k! We’ve got the runners, now all we need is more volunteers! If you fancy putting on your marshalling gloves on a sunny Friday afternoon, then get in touch. Just a reminder, this activity does count as a point towards the club ballot for a London Marathon place! Worth considering, given the number of applicants this year…

A great one to build up to for runners looking to improve their speed, with a cut-off time of 35 minutes.

If you’d be interested in participating or volunteering as a marshal, we are always looking for an extra pair of hands. Either follow this link or email Malcolm French on lfotm5k@serpentine.org.uk for more details.

North Downs Run (30k) – Cyclopark, Gravesend – June 30^th

A great excuse to escape London, this 30k trail run will see it’s 40^th anniversary this year! Perfect for those who like to go at a slower pace, or anyone who wants to give their knees a break from all that tarmac. As it’s a Sunday, you can even brag to your colleagues as you hobble into work on Monday… Think of the envy!

For any British Masters members, this race is eligible for your championship! Yet another reason to get involved.

The race kicks off at 10:30, and any of you planning on running should do so in club colours. Follow this link to register.

Triathlons, Track and Field

Southern Counties Vets AC League – Hillingdon – June 3^rd

Following last month’s event (sorry for not including in the last edition), Serpies ages 35 and over will be taking part in the Vets AC League in Hillingdon. This encompasses a variety of Track and Field events, excluding the hurdles, sadly. It’s a great chance to pick up sports you may not have done in years, or even prove that you can in fact “teach an old dog new tricks”.

Joking aside, this is a great opportunity to get involved in club activities. All participants must wear club colours. If you’ve got any questions, our women’s contact is Catkin Shelly and our men’s contact is Andrew Maynard.

We have two events this month! After Hillingdon you all have a second bite at the cherry two weeks later in Tooting Bec.

The Rosenheim League – Tooting Bec – June 12^th

After our strong showing at May’s Rosenheim League, this month’s edition takes place in the lovely Tooting Bec. Calling all Serpies, experienced or not, a good showing is a must to help us on our way to a hopeful final at Kingston in August.

Again, make sure you’ve got club colours, these are a must to take part. If you’ve got any questions, get in touch with David and Sophie at rosenheim@serpentine.org.uk. If not, we’ll see you at 18:00 for an 18:30 start on Wednesday!

The SAL Athletics Meet – Parliament Hill – June 15^th

There was a good turnout last month for the newly termed “Battle of Watford”, for those who don’t like venturing out of London, sorry to all Watford locals, this one is a bit closer to home – Parliament Hill!

This event will run from 11:00-16:30, and is a great opportunity to compete with other clubs around London.

Dartford Bridge Triathlon – South Lake, Dartford Bridge – June 23^rd

A 1500m swim, 42km cycle, and a 10km run. What more could you want from a Saturday in Dartford? Other Serpies! A shorter course, but one which offers valuable experience to potential triathletes. This event enters it’s 14^th year this time around, and has had Serpies attending all that time.

If you fancy taking part, follow this link. Start times can varying depending on your event, but the first wave goes off at 6:30! An early start, but I’d say it’s worth it.

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Any questions about club events, or if you’d like your event to be mentioned in the next newsletter, please email Hans.

Jonah Marsh

Serpie Comms