December 2016

6 events in early 2017 to look forward to

December 31, 2016 James Findon

If you thought semester one was a busy three months of athletics, have you even looked at the schedule for early 2017? Here’s a handy guide to some of the returning and new events in early 2017. 1. New Cross-Country trophy To commemorate the late Mike Baggs (the longest serving secretary of the league) a new trophy will be named after him. The trophy will go to the highest performing university (by combining points from the men’s and women’s first teams) and presented at the final race. Races 4/5 and […]

BUCS Cross Country 2017: What you need to know

December 29, 2016 James Findon

BUCS Cross Country Championships 2017 will be hosted by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University. Last year saw record numbers with a record turnout by the LUCA clubs. BUCS XC is the largest student cross country event in the country. Universities from all over the UK send athletes to compete. The standard is mixed. The winners tend to be competitive international athletes, but this makes up a small percentage of the total number of competitors. Most of the runners are around the same standard as you see at the LUCA LCL […]

Try something new for 2017

December 27, 2016 Emma Butcher

Fancy trying something new for 2017? We’re looking for new additions to the LUCA media team, so this could be your time to shine! For a minimum of 2 articles per term, you can have the grand pleasure of adding some media experience to your CV and imparting your knowledge on running-related topics to the masses. Articles can be on any topic (running-related!) and you’re free to come up with your own titles or be guided by team suggestions. We can also provide training in using wordpress and you’ll […]

My 2016 Kilimanjaro Climb: what’s your goal for 2017?

December 21, 2016 Lucy Patchett

This year has been full of first times for me: first time visiting Africa, first time climbing the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, and hopefully the first and last time I’ll experience altitude sickness! I decided that I wanted to do something worthwhile in my summer of 2016, so when I saw posters around University offering the ‘Climb Kilimanjaro Challenge’, I thought it was the perfect opportunity for an adventure. It was organised through the Anza charity, based in Moshi, who I volunteered for in the week after the climb. Getting […]

Nina Anderson; athlete, coach and all-round runner extraordinaire

December 17, 2016 Emma Butcher

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to run at a global level? Check out the below interview with Nina Anderson, a talented runner and coach who has had success at European and World competitions. What first drew you to running and can you tell us more about your story of getting into running? I started running at the age of 25 to lose weight and began with a few weekly jogs which before too long led to me running marathons. After a few years I stepped on to the track […]

How to train for a half marathon

December 11, 2016 Rahil Sachak-Patwa

Whether you’re an experienced runner or just just starting out, the half marathon is a distance which requires some specific training. A race of 13.1 miles is a long way and your preparation in the weeks and months beforehand should reflect this. The physical toll that running a half marathon has on your body should not be underestimated. The last few miles can be gruelling and the race is often just a case of desperately trying to maintain your pace until the end after an optimistically quick start. When training […]

Blue skies and smiles for first ever London Students’ Run

December 6, 2016 Louise Pech

Last Sunday, 121 students came down to run 5 or 10 kilometers around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The sun was out for the day, which made the race an ideal way to spend a Sunday morning. This was the first ever edition of the London Students’ Run and what a success it was. England Athletics supported the event which was sponsored by Cafe Football. Check our Instagram feed for all the photos from today's @LUCA_athletics students run !! pic.twitter.com/ad2WlyS7hP — The Run! Project (@RUNLondonEA) December 4, 2016 Even though […]

Letting go is the hardest part

December 5, 2016 Seth Kennard

We’d been together for so long. We’d done so much together. We’d been places together, seen places together. I thought our partnership was strong, was unbreakable, and that our bond would stand the test of time. But nothing lasts forever, I know that now better than most. Looking back, I should have done more for you, protected you better, cared for you better. The signs were there, the discolouration, the pain, you just didn’t feel the same. But this isn’t just my fault, you needed to tell me when […]

London Students’ Run: Results

December 4, 2016 James Findon

All results from the first ever London Students’ Run are now available online here.

Racing tomorrow? This is what you need to know

December 3, 2016 James Findon

On Sunday, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will play host to the first ever London Students’ Run. If you’re taking part, this is what you need to know. Date: Tomorrow (Sunday 4th Dec) Start Time: 5K: 0930 10K: 1030 Course: Loops within south Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Race HQ: Opposite the ArcelorMittal Orbit, 3 Thornton St, London E20 2AD. Opens at 8:45 Course Description: Map here. Race number & chip collection: 5K: 0845-0915 10K: 0900-1015 Bring e-ticket (smartphone or print-out). Toilets at the Podium Cafe, 2 minute walk from race HQ. Bag drop at […]