News

United Hospitals Athletics at 149 years old

November 7, 2016 James Findon

Before the modern Olympic movement there was the United Hospitals Athletics Club (UHAC). The UHAC itself may no longer be operational, but the United Hospitals Athletics Championships associated with the club are still very much alive. On May 31, 1867, the UHAC was formed at the West Brompton running grounds by Mr S Edwin Jolly. Eligible members were students on a medically-related degree at King’s, Guys, London, St Thomas’s, University College, St George’s and St Mary’s. An annual meeting hosted by the UHAC featured events such as the 100 yards, 250 yards, […]

Mitcham Common LCL race report

November 6, 2016 Louise Pech

Last Wednesday, LUCA runners took on the second of the LCL Cross Country meets. The conditions were perfect for great performances on the hills of Mitcham Common. The sun was out, the terrain was not too wet or hard, and the competition was fierce. Ladies completed two 3km laps, while the men had 3 laps to run. On the ladies side, Royal Veterinary College (RVC) put on a show and won the race. Emma Dixon took the lead straight away and came home 1 minute 30 seconds clear of the […]

Mitcham Common LCL: Results Now Online

November 4, 2016 William Jones

Results from the second round of the 2016/17 London College League Cross Country Race at Mitcham Common can now be found on the results page, along with overall team and individual standings. 164 Athletes turned up to represent their colleges on what was a bright and sunny – if cold – day. Congratulations to Paulos Surafel and Emma Dixon who won the mens’ and womens’ races respectively and well done to everyone who competed. See you again in two weeks time for Wimbledon!

London Students’ Run: One Hundred students signed up with one month to go

November 4, 2016 James Findon

The London Students’ Run is just one month away. Over one hundred students have already signed up to the fun run, with an equal split between 5K and 10K options. The event is exclusive to London students and alumni, however members of partner clubs and associates are also welcome to attend. The route will take runners around the south Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with views of the Olympic Stadium (now the ‘London Stadium’). Chip timing is on offer and all runners will receive a goodybag. All abilities are welcome and encouraged […]

New volunteering opportunities available in London

November 1, 2016 Emma Butcher

Have you ever wanted to combine your love of running with your want to help others? The below opportunities could be perfect for you; offering both short and long term opportunities to help others get into running. Further information will be posted on LUCA soon; but in the meantime please contact sarah.murphy.14@ucl.ac.uk who will direct you to further appropriate contacts. Coaching opportunities: Long term opportunity from Wednesday 9th November 2016 to April 2017: Paddington Recreation ground, Wednesdays 4-5pm: coaching disability children on the fundamentals of athletics. This post doesn’t require qualifications, […]

Roll up, roll up: Mitcham Common race details 2nd November 2016

October 31, 2016 Emma Butcher

Name: Mitcham Common LUCA London Colleges League race What is it: Part of a series of cross-country races run by LUCA for all students from London universities – see more details at http://www.london-athletics.com/lcl/ When is it: 2nd November at 3:15p.m. Where is it: Mitcham Common Race HQ: Mill House Ecology Centre, Windmill Rd, Mitcham CR4 1HT Closest train station: Mitcham Junction (from Victoria in 22mins or St Pancras in 39 mins) or Mitcham Eastfields (from Victoria in 19mins or St Pancras in 34mins). Who is it for: Any student from a […]

Parliament Hill XC Race Report

October 29, 2016 Rahil Sachak-Patwa

With Autumn in full swing and the athletics season over, runners once again turn their attention to cross country. The first London Colleges League meet of the season took place on Wednesday 21st October at Parliament Hill, a course familiar to many runners around the country and the annual starting location for the league. With a record 252 athletes competing, each club was keen to make a strong start. St Mary’s have had a stronghold over the men’s league in recent years, winning the […]

Laviai Nielsen ‘inspired’ by Jessica Ennis-Hill

October 28, 2016 James Findon

London 2012 was a pivotal moment for GB heptathlete, Jessica Ennis-Hill. The poster girl for the games had a chance to win Gold in front of a home crowd. It was a chance that she seized and the rest, as they say, is history. But Jess’ victory had a profound and lasting effect. Standing behind her on the track, was a young Laviai Nielsen – a kit carrier volunteer. Nielsen, 20, is now the European Junior 400m champion and BUCS 200m champion. My inspiration always ❤️ #JessicaEnnisgoodnight 😢 A photo […]

Calling all girls – ‘This Girl Can’ neon rave run

October 27, 2016 Lucy Patchett

Are you ready to get your running shoes on and be part of something huge?! As part of the nationwide ‘This Girl Can’ Campaign, LUCA are inviting all you lovely ladies to show London what you are capable of by joining us on our Neon Rave Run on the 10th November. Let’s celebrate active women who are doing their thing, no matter how well they do it, how they look or how red their face gets – or in our case, how much neon paint is on it. The last […]

Injury Anxiety: the path to recovery

October 25, 2016 Sophie House

All athletes experience injuries from time to time. But the thought of being injured, and taking time out from our sport, often evokes a hell of a lot of frustration, self-doubt, and anxiety. So, besides the obvious physical pain of injury, we are often left feeling heartbroken and a little bit empty too, torn away from our love affair by shin splints. There are plenty of incredibly useful articles out there about how to recover physically from sports injuries; from stretching to strengthening techniques, or ice and elevated resting. Many of […]