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 5/5 are to be held at Ally Pally and Bushy Park on 25th Jan and 1st March.
2. Two trips to Sheffield
Great news if you like mushy peas, fish cakes and being called ‘love’ by EVERYONE, both BUCS XC and Nationals are held in Steel City. Cross-Country is on the 4th Feb and Indoors are between 17th-19th Feb. Get your accommodation booked quick as hotels will fill up. Check out our article about BUCS XC here.
3. Another University of London Championships
Skip to 4 if you don’t go to a UL college. For those who do, be prepared for more ‘embedded’ championships as the UL Colleges battle it out for the new UL Outdoor Trophy during the LUCA Outdoor Series second meet. Like its indoor counterpart, the trophy will be contested by UL students by ranking results against other UL students. This is all thanks to Student Central/ UL AXC who have increased their grant money to support the champs. Back in the day, these champs were held at Motspur Park or Stamford Bridge and attracted crowds of thousands of people. So invite your mum.
4. Outdoor athletics … in MARCH!?
If cross-country runners can grim and bear it, so can track and field athletes. Put on your base layer and rub in some deep heat, the Outdoor Series starts in March. Previously known as ‘LCAS’, the LUCA Outdoor Series consists of three meets held across March-May at different tracks in London. Dates and locations are still TBC but will be announced very soon.
5. Hyde Park Relays!
Hats off to Imperial who pull of this fantastic annual event in Hyde Park. A favourite among alumni, get ready for this 5K relay in London’s most famous park on the 11th Feb. Engraved relay batons are up for grabs for the winners. Competitors literally come from all over Europe to compete at this one and the after party at imperial is well worth it (especially for the free food!). Thanks imperial.
6. Varsity series’
Yeah, it’s not all about Oxford and Cambridge. Some of the fiercest rivalries are between the London Uni’s and most of them have their varsity’s between March-April. Who will take the glory when UCL and KCL go head to head? Who will be king of the Merger when Bart’s and QMUL go at it? Who will be crowned the better sports uni when Brunel and SMU’s clash?
