Mercia Fell Runners Club

As the current Chairman it was with much pleasure that I can report that our Club continues to go from strength to strength in terms of membership numbers. Performances in the Field, Financially and in contributions to fell running generally as a result our member’s expertise that is so willingly shared, and also to the successful outcome of the Pontesford Hill appeal

Once again it has been a very busy year for the race organisers, and I particularly thank them and the committee for all of their hard work and achievements. The sheer professionalism and technical know-how is second to none. The existing committee members have been elected to continue for the next year but we welcome others who want to undertake an active role in managing the Clubs affairs and in our continuing development.

Coaching and First aid training: These remain popular and successful in there outcomes and where others want the opportunity to contribute to the Club in these area we will be organising more in the coming year.

Safety in the hills: We have been tough minded but pragmatic when necessary in ensuring compliance with the FRA rules and we have not had any incidents in our races. The decision that we will have signs in position at the start of all Mercia organised races has in the main been well received.

On safety in the hills, a recent notification from England Athletics now requires all Fell Race Organisers to undertake a pre-race risk assessment to enable disabled people to take part in Fell Races or to conclude that it would be unsafe for certain categories of disability to take part.

At a National level we have again seen some outstanding performance by Club Members both in the endurance sector and in the Champs Mel Price, Glenn on the 5 day Dragon’s Back Race along with Huw.

Mercia magazine: we have had the benefit of a more limited number of excellent publications from Elaine with a range of input that is truly professional. However, I would like to take this opportunity not only to thank Elaine but also to make a request for us all to make the time to submit an article for our magazine.

It remains my view that not with-standing the performances on the fells, the Club and its’ strength is the sum of its parts. The members who are active in so many ways, and none more so than the committee and the core support that we gain from Race Marshalls, IT, Race Organisers, Magazine Editor, and our Archivist Nick Kingston who is painstakingly recording our history and achievements.

I have been elected to be your Chairman next year, and I will continue to do all that I can to encourage this work and the camaraderie that denotes what we are, a very exceptional Club that brings benefits to us as members and to wider communities through a very fine, family-friendly sport.

Let us continue to engage in a sporting activity that in my opinion is second to none. We can all do this by active support work and by running. Enjoy!

Arthur Clare-Hay
Mercia Fell Runners Chairman

PS the Trig’s Race Sunday 10 January 2016.
Bob Dredge our former Club Chairman has once again taken on the role of Race Organiser. He needs our active support to act as Race Marshall’s and undertake other tasks. Please let me know soonest if you can help on the day. It is our first race of 2016 let’s get off to a good start!