Articles by James Findon

Celebrating ten years of LUCA By James Findon, LUCA Chair Ten years ago today, LUCA came into existence. Club captains from across London University Athletics clubs met at Student Central, Malet Street to unite the fragmented university athletics competitions under one banner. And from that meeting, LUCA was born. Earlier that year KCL, UCL and ICL, with the support of the now defunct ULAC, had established the London Colleges Athletics Series (LCAS) as the track and field equivalent of the long running cross-country league, the London Colleges League (LCL). Separately, […]

LUCA is excited to announce the launch of a brand new flagship event: London XC Relays, taking place at Parliament Hill on Wednesday 8th October 2025, in collaboration with UCL Running, Athletics & Cross Country Club. This will be the first time cross country relays have featured in the LUCA calendar, and we can’t think of a better way to debut them than by partnering with one of LUCA’s biggest clubs. With UCL co-hosting, the event is set to combine LUCA’s tradition of high-quality competition with the energy and community […]

LUCA is excited to announce that we are opening recruitment for new trustees to join our board, in preparation for LUCA to transition to charitable status. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of student athletics in London and beyond. As LUCA works towards its long-term Vision 2030, we are looking for passionate and committed individuals who can bring fresh ideas, energy, and perspective to our new governance team. Trustees will be central to LUCA’s success, helping to guide strategy, oversee our charitable […]

So you’ve smashed Results Day and you’re off to uni. Now what? If you’re even slightly into running, jumping, or throwing (or you’re athletics-curious), this guide gives you the no-nonsense, click-save-for-later lowdown on how uni athletics actually works-socials, racing, kit, costs, training, BUCS, LUCA… the lot. TL;DR (because you’re packing for halls) Find your uni club · See upcoming events What is LUCA (and why should you care)? LUCA (London Universities & Colleges Athletics) is the student athletics league for London and the South East. We run the friendliest, most […]

If you’ve got an offer from a university in London or the South East and love athletics – you’re in the right place. LUCA (London Universities & Colleges Athletics) is the official university athletics league for London and the South East. Whether you’re a national-level athlete or just getting into running, there’s a place for you here. What is LUCA? LUCA is a federation of university athletics clubs working together to make student athletics more fun, inclusive, and competitive. We are run by volunteer students and alumni. Our competitions are […]

Today, LUCA officially launches The 2015 Club – a new supporters club for alumni, fans, and friends of university athletics. The 2015 Club is a space for everyone who’s ever been part of LUCA’s story and who wants to help shape its future. As LUCA approaches its 10th anniversary and transitions to become a registered charity, The 2015 Club will play a vital role in supporting events, opportunities, and the next generation of student athletes. Why Join? By becoming a member of The 2015 Club, you’ll: The 2015 club is […]

This Friday, LUCA will launch The 2015 Club – our brand-new supporters club for alumni, fans, and friends of university athletics. The 2015 Club marks a major milestone for LUCA as we prepare to celebrate our 10th anniversary and begin our transition into a registered charity. It’s a new way to stay connected, give back, and help shape the future of university sport across London and the South East. What is The 2015 Club? The 2015 Club is built for those who’ve run, cheered, volunteered, or simply believed in the […]

The LUCA Outdoor Championships returned to glorious Battersea sunshine as student athletes from across London and the South East came together to compete for individual and team glory. In total, a record 250 athletes from 20 universities took part, competing in a packed schedule of track and field events. King’s won a third LUCA Outdoor title in a row in dramatic fashion. As teams gathered to hear the results, Athletics Chair Christian Pugsley announced that UCL had won the final edition of the University of London Intercollegiate Track and Field […]

LUCA is entering a consultation phase as we take steps towards becoming a registered charity. This is a major milestone in LUCA’s development, aimed at strengthening our organisation for the long term and supporting our mission to promote student athletics across London and the South East. Why This Matters Since its founding, LUCA has been a volunteer-led federation focused on delivering inclusive and competitive athletics opportunities. Becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) would allow us to: We want to ensure this change reflects the needs and views of our member […]

Historic First: Two Champions Crowned in LUCA XC League Women’s Title Race The LUCA Cross Country League came to a thrilling conclusion at Wormwood Scrubs with an unprecedented result in the women’s competition—two athletes sharing the league title for the first time in recorded history. The dramatic finale capped off an intense season of racing, which saw six athletes in the women’s race seperated by only 11 points. Evie Warren (Surrey) went into the final race having won at Parliament Hill and Mitcham and finishing second at Wimbledon. Grace Leyland […]