Welcome to DPR’s June newsletter! As a reminder, we’re now doing newsletters via a blog on the club website, but you will continue to receive emails. All newsletters can be accessed here (worth bookmarking!). Feedback on the new format very welcome! Otherwise, onto the news for a busy June for the club:
Summer League
This month sees the Summer League runs kick off on Sunday 18 June at Headstone Manor.
The Summer League is a series of friendly running events hosted by different running clubs. All the events are Sunday mornings and involve an all-abilities 5 mile or 10k race, children’s races and the beloved 400m relays. It would be great to have a fantastic turnout at all the events; the runs are great fun and the picnics after are a lovely social occasion. Plus more runners all help boost our score and help push us up the Summer League leaderboard!
We will be hosting our summer league fixture on Sunday 9 July in Dulwich Park, and we will need as many volunteers as possible (please start asking your families, friends now!) as well as runners. To maintain our reputation as the club that provides the best picnic we will need bakers galore as well as marshals, timers, photographers, water station volunteers (a great one for the children) and people to oversee the food tent.
The full list of this year’s events is below, and there’s more information on the Summer League website.
18 June at Headstone Manor (hosted by Metros)
2 July at Perivale (hosted by Ealing Southall and Middlesex)
9 July at Dulwich Park (hosted by US!)
30 July at Regent’s Park (hosted by Morningside Chasers)
13 August at Battersea Park (hosted by Serpentine)
Running this weekend
Turning to this weekend coming, we have two events on. On Saturday we’ll be doing some volunteering to help keep the Park nice and trim – join us after Dulwich Parkrun to do a spot of light gardening, followed by coffee.
On Sunday we’re paying a visit to Blackwater Valley Runners in Hampshire. There’ll be a lovely run in the countryside, followed by breakfast baps. Those travelling by public transport should aim for the 9.39 train to Aldershot leaving Clapham Junction. If not already done, please message David to let him know you’ll be coming.
Thursday Track Sessions Track Session on 8 June
We’re back on Dulwich College Track! We’re working on short sharp speed with a view to 5miles and 10kms over the summer, and of course an eye on the relays at the Summer League fixtures! For those on lower mileage there’s an opportunity to increase your weekly mileage whilst incorporating some speedwork. If you are not already on the Improvers Squad please email Susan to get general information, the coaching notes and information on venues to join in week 2 of June on 8th on Susan’s return from holiday.
As usual you need to have been regularly running 10+ miles a week to take part in the Thursday sessions. If you are keen to join or would like to know more, or if you’re not quite there and would like to chat about a plan to progress your running so you can be ready for future sessions, or to prepare for a race, please get in touch with Susan.
In addition to the regular track sessions, we’re doing a special session on Thursday 8 June at the Dulwich College track to make use of the shiny new track, and help everyone work out their 300m time. There’ll be a warmup, the 300m, opportunity to extend the run a little further, and then we’ll go for a drink after. Meet at 8.15pm at Dulwich College track.
Relays
A reminder that we’re competing in two relay events this month:
– the Dino Dash in Crystal Palace Park on 14 June, with a 3k loop
– the Dulwich Park relays on 21 June – a 1 mile course
The club is subsidising entry meaning that it will only cost £1 per race. We’ve already got several teams lined up for the events – all you need to do to get involved is email IB at treasurer@dulwichparkrunners.co.uk.
Dulwich Dash
Later in June…
So the Summer League, relays, Dulwich Dash and our regular club runs aren’t enough running for you? Then great news – later in June also sees our 1 mile club championships (Tuesday 28 June), and the start of our summer parkrun ladder (starting Saturday 17 June). So there’s plenty of opportunity to make use of the summer weather.
…and into July…
As well as Summer League, one more date for your diary. On 10 July we’ve arranged for local physio Emma Hunter to come to give us a talk on injury prevention – a much needed topic to help keep your legs healthy! The talk will be in the evening, venue TBC.
A bit about me: For those who don’t know me, I’m Nicole. I’m originally from Virginia in the US, but London has been my home for a good 14 or 15 years. I joined DPR in October 2020 – like a lot of people I took up running during the Covid lockdown and as the nights were drawing in that year, I felt like I needed a bit of a social boost to keep going through the winter!
My role on the committee: I’m DPR’s Welfare Officer, which is a role mandated by England Athletics. For a lot of clubs that have large youth programmes, the role is focused on safeguarding culture, policies and procedures. But for DPR, my role is a bit broader, covering health and safety, as well as making sure we’re meeting standards on things like inclusion and data protection.
Favourite part of being a DPR member: I love how friendly and enthusiastic everyone is. We’re a small club but there’s a real passion amongst the committee and wider membership to think creatively and build a strong community of people who love running.
