Articles by James Findon

Written by Christian Pugsley Fresh after watching Josh Kerr storm to a new WR in the mile, I was reminded of the sheer number of records achieved by LUCA athletes this year, in what was a momentous 10th anniversary year for LUCA. We saw 7 new records set at LUCA Indoors, a further 3 at the LUCA Outdoor Open (including 2 in the inaugural mixed relay events) and then 7 more records set at LUCA Outdoors, which returned to where it all began in 2014 at Tooting Bec. LUCA has […]

LUCA is now recruiting for its new Operations Committee. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of university athletics across London, the East and the South East. We are looking for passionate, reliable and proactive people who want to play a part in delivering competitions, supporting clubs, growing our community and helping LUCA move forward. Our Operations Committee plays a key role in the day-to-day running and development of LUCA. These roles are a chance to gain valuable experience, make a real impact and contribute to something […]

The LUCA Awards return this year to celebrate the people who make our community special. Across London, the South East and the East of England, hundreds of student athletes take part in LUCA competitions each year. But LUCA is about far more than race results. Behind every competition are athletes pushing themselves to improve, committee members organising their clubs, volunteers giving their time, and coaches supporting athletes week after week. The LUCA Awards recognise the dedication, passion and effort that make university athletics such a vibrant community. The awards will […]

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 […]