East London Runners - Club History

Club History

Club History - Founded May 1982 - An overview to early 2011.
In the late 70s and early 80s there was a noted local race-walker called Roger Mills, who was a member of Ilford AC. He raced in the Tokyo Olympics where he finished in 10th place. He was a regular member of the UK squad. He won a Bronze medal in European Championships in Rome in 1974.

1974 European Championships Rome, Italy 3rd 20 km
1980 Olympic Games Moscow, Soviet Union 10th 20 km
1983 World Championships Helsinki, Finland 37th 20 km

About this time a "jogging" boom was turning into a "running" boom. Starting in the USA it quickly spread to the UK. The New York marathon was imitated by the London Marathon which started in 1981. In May 1982 Roger opened a running/sports shop in Wanstead High Street called....Athletic East. There was a well-known chain of shops in the USA called Athletic West, so we guess that this was East London's/the UK's answer. Roger's first shop was a tiny, narrow shop in the little parade just by the George Public house. It was from this shop, in 1982, that a group would meet on a Wednesday evening to go for a run and East London Runners was born, organised by Roger. The popularity grew so much that we moved to Wanstead Leisure Centre in about 1983/4, where we have been ever since.

The early to mid 1990's saw the Club at it's peak in terms of numbers with over 200 active members and 104 runners one Wednesday evening when the pre run meeting had to take place in the Centre's Gymnasium.

Today the membership is around 120 active members with an average of 50/70 running each Wednesday.September 1st 2010 saw a recent record of 65 runners at the Club night with 49 then attending the Curry Night at a local Indian restaurant at 9pm following the Club run. Wednesday 5th January increased this number to 72 with 10 of this number trying out the Club for the first time.
2011
Monthly Club Newsletter.

elrNEWSLETTERS

January 2011
- Benfleet 15, Sunday 23rd January 2011, Results, pictures and report.
- VLM April 2011 - Training Logs of Karen, Grant and Frank.
- Ilford AC 10 mile Cross Country - Sunday 2nd January 2011 - Results,pictures and report.
- London Borough of Redbridge - Launch of a parkrun series of 5k weekly races.
- Cross Country League fixture Watford, Sunday 16th January 2011, Results, pictures and report.
- Tip of the Month! Common running injury - Achilles Tendonitis.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.

February 2011
- Cross Country League - Royston - Sunday 13th February 2011. Results, pictures and report.
- Annual General Meeting - 7.30pm - Monday 28th February 2011
Formal Notice of Meeting was sent to all Members by e.mail on 7th February 2011.
- Running a Marathon in 2011? Marathon Questionnaire.
- Race Report Coastal Trail Series - South Devon - Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k.
- Virgin London Marathon 2011, Latest news from East London Runners.
- Training and Challenge Holidays - Embrace Sports, by new ELR member Lucy Jarvis.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
- Tip of the Month! Dealing with running blisters.

March 2011
- ORION 15 - Saturday 19th March 2011, Results, pictures and reports.
- Virgin London Marathon 2011, Coach transfer.
- Virgin London Marathon 2011, Volunteers required to man the 20 mile Water Feed Station.
- Post Marathon Curry Night - Wednesday 20th April 2011.
- Roding Valley Half Marathon - Sunday 27th February 2011, Results, pictures and reports.
- East London Runners Membership Renewal 2011/12, Annual Club membership fee of £18 due from 1st April 2011.
- ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES - Summer 2011, Rules, Prizes and races.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.

April 2011
- elrNEWSLETTER - April 2011 - Marathon Special.
- Virgin London Marathon 2011 - Sunday 17th April 2011, Results, pictures and reports from Club Members.
- Marathon results from around the Globe. Results, pictures and reports from Brighton, Paris, Milan and Boston Marathons.
- Virgin London Marathon 2012 - Sunday 22nd April 2012. Public ballot entries open on Tuesday 26th April 2011.
- East London Runners Membership Renewal 2011/12. Annual Club membership fee of £18 due from 1st April 2011.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
- ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES - Summer 2011. East London 5's Interclub Series - Race Dates!

May 2011
- Race Results. Some recent race r esults for East London Runners. Prague Marathon, Halstead and Essex Marathon, Shakespeare Marathon and the Orpington Half and Full Marathon.
- ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES - Summer 2011. East London 5's Interclub Series - Race Dates!
- Ultra Running update, Jimmy Hartwell heads for the Highlands! Result, pictures and report from the 53 mile Highland Fling.
- Running - Top 10 Films, As recommended and reviewed by ELR's Rob Heppell.
- Media and Public Relations. ELR Committee members Katherine Jones and Sarah Burns.
- England Athletics - New Coaching and Leadership Courses. Interested in coaching your fellow runners?
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.

June 2011
- ELVIS Race 1 - Havering 90 Midweek 5 Miles. East London Runners win individual and Team prizes - Tuesday 21st June 2011. Reults, photos and reports.
- ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES - Summer 2011
East London 5's Interclub Series - Remaining Race Dates! Message to all East London Runners from ELR Elvis Captains Karen Levison and Grant Conway!
- Blade Feathers. East London Runners purchase two Blade Feathers.
- Chingford League and Sunday Cross Country League. East London Runners has joined the Chingford League!
- Running - Top 10 Books. As reviewed and recommended by ELR's Rob Heppell.
- OnTrack Sports Therapy - South Woodford. DISCOUNTED sports massage, injury assessment and treatment.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.

July 2011
- ELVIS Race 3 - Newman Hilly 5 - Wednesday 20th July 2011. East London Runners remain top of both Ladies and Mens League. Results, photos and report.
- ELVIS Race 2 - Eton Manor 5k - Sunday July 10th 2011. East London Runners win both Ladies and Mens Team Events! Results, photos and reports.
- ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES - Summer 2011. East London 5's Interclub Series - Remaining Race Dates!
- Ultra Running update - South Downs Way - 103 miles. Jimmy Hartwell's latest venture! Result, photos and report.
- Essex Way Relay Race 2011 - Epping to Harwich 82 miles - Sunday September 4th 2011. Can you run a leg for one of the East London Runner Teams?
- Redbridge 10k - Sunday 24th July 2011. ELR runners compete in inaugural local event! Results, photos and reports.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.

August 2011

September 2011
- Elvis Winners 2011
- Elvis 7 - Valentines Park 5k - Report and results
- Elvis 6 - Dagenham 88 5 mile'sh - Report and results
- Elvis 5- Barking 5k - Report and results
- VLM 2012 - Club ballot rules
- Chingford League and Sunday Cross Country League
- Sikh Relay Marathon - Report and Results
- Essex Way Teram Relay - Report
- Runners Shorts by Long Legs

October 2011
- Sunday Cross Country League - Race 1 Cheshunt - 23rd October 2011.
- Social Events, 10 Pin Bowling in November and Xmas Dinner in December.
- Virgin London Marathon - April 22nd 2012, The public ballot results are now known!
- Essex Vets Cross Country Championship Races - Chigwell Row - Saturday 3rd December 2011.
- Fast Girls! New Feature Film about running!
- Chingford League, remaining fixtures.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.

November 2011
- Sunday Cross Country League - Race 2 - Trent Park, Cockfosters, 20th November 2011
- FAST GIRLS - The Movie - Mystery ELR member plays leading supporting role in new movie!
- Dublin Marathon - Monday 31st October 2010
Sub 3 hour Marathon time for East London Runner, Ciaran Canavan!
- Chingford League and Sunday Cross Country League - Remaining Fixtures for 2011/12
- Virgin London Marathon - April 22nd 2012 - Club draw on 30th November 2011
- Target Races - Winter 2011/Spring 2012 = Some favourite races in which members of East London Runners compete.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs

Christmas 2011
- Season's Greetings, Best wishes for Olympic Year 2012!
- Farewell to Maz! Amanda Mazza Lovegrove is emigrating to Australia!
- Recent Cross Country Results, Sunday League at Watford and Essex Vets at Hainault Forest
- VIRGIN LONDON MARATHON - April 22nd 2012. Results of Club Ballot
- Bedford Half Marathon - Sunday 11th December 2011. ELR well represented in this popular race.
- ELR 2011 Marathon results by Age Grading. From Worldwide Marathon races - Congratulations to all!
- parkrun and Running Clubs. From the parkrun weekly newsletter 15th December 2011‏...by Paul of parkrun
- Chingford League and Sunday Cross Country League. Remaining Fixtures for 2011/12
- East London Triathletes - Dragonslayer Duathlon - Sunday 29th April 2012!
Looking for both Competitors and Marshalls at Hainault Cycle Centre!
- Target Races - Winter 2011/Spring 2012
Some favourite races for Marathon Training in which members of East London Runners compete.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs
2010
Monthly Club Newsletter.

elrNEWSLETTERS

January 2010 - First Edition
-Short History of East London Runners
- Annual General Meeting (AGM, Wednesday 3rd March 2010 at 7.15pm
- Benfleet 15 Results

February 2010
- History of East London Runners, Founded 1982 - to date.
- Roding Valley Half Marathon, Sunday 28th February 2010 - 9am.
- February 2010 Fixtures.
- Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM), Wednesday 3rd March 2010 at 7.15pm.
- Benfleet 15, Results.

March 2010
-Membership Renewals, For Year 1 st April 2010 to 31st March 2011
-Virgin London Marathon - Sunday 25th April 2010, Minibus for Runners - Water Station (20 mile Feed Station) helpers needed!
-Social Nights, An informal get together after the Club Run on the first Wednesday of each month Starting April 2010.
-Publicity, Potential Press Releases.
-ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES 2010, East London Runners now a Full Partner in the East London 5 Interclub Series.
-Valentines Park 5k, Provisional date - Sunday 26th September 2010.
-Virgin London Marathon 2011, Online entries and East London Rules for Club places.
-Jurassic Coast Challenge - 27th/28th and 29th March 2010 - 78.6 miles in 3 days, Good luck to East London Runner Roberto Bruni in his big challenge!
-Runners Shorts! By Long Legs.

April 2010
-Virgin London Marathon - Sunday 25th April 2010. Water Station (20 mile Feed Station - Helpers required!
-Virgin London Marathon Exhibition 2010, Excel - 21st to 24th April 2010
-CHANGES TO THE 2011 VIRGIN LONDON MARATHON PUBLIC BALLOT SYSTEM, Virgin London Marathon - Sunday April 17th 2011.
-Virgin London Marathon 2011, Rules for Club places.
-Social Nights, An informal get together after the Club Run on the first Wednesday of each month Starting April 2010.
-Flickr, East London Runners join Flickr!
-Jurassic Coast Chall enge - 27th/28th and 29th March 2010 - 78.6 miles in 3 days. Well done Roberto in completing this Challenge!
-Runners Shorts! By Long Legs

May 2010
-Virgin London Marathon - Sunday 25th April 2010, East London Runners - Results!
-Target Races - Summer 2010. A selection of East London Runners favourites!
-Club Social Nights. An informal get together after the Club Run on the first Wednesday of each month Starting April 2010
-Runners Shorts!by Long Legs.

June 2010
-ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES 2010, East London Runners now a Full Partner in the East London 5 Interclub Series.
-ELVIS Races - Summer 2010, East London 5 Interclub Series.
-Newman Hilly Off Road 5 Miles Race - Wednesday 21st July 2010 - 7.30pm. Replaces the Wednesday night Club run!
-Race Reports, Comments by East London Runners members after completing a recent race.
-Club Social Nights. An informal get together after the Club Run on the first Wednesday of each month Starting April 2010
-Summer Training Sessions, The Glade Hills.
-Tip of the Month. How can I prevent blisters?
-Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.

July 2010
-East London Runners get married in their running shoes! Congratulations to Magda Socha and Rob Heppell on their marriage.
-Newman Hilly 5 Results - Wednesday 21st July 2010. Second leg of the ELVIS Grand Prix Series.
-Havering 90 Results - 5 mile race - Sunday 11th July 2010. First leg of the ELVIS Grand Prix Series.
-ELVIS Team Standings after race 2 on 21st July 2010.East London Ladies and Mens Teams are both in 2nd place after two races!
-Remaining ELVIS Races - Summer 2010
-Essex Way Relay Race - Sunday 5th September 2010.East London Runners competing and supporting again in 2010.
-Valentines Park 5k. Sunday 26th September 2010 - 10.30am.
-Race Reports. Orion Fell race.
-Tip of the Month. Can you drink too much? Not related to the Great British Beer Festival outing!
-Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.

August 2010
-Triathlon Results - Olympic Distances - August 2010. East London Runners had 7 members compete in Triathlons in recent weeks.
-Triathlon Results - Sprint Distances - August 2010. Swim 750m, Bike 20k, Run 5k!
-From the Wanstead & Woodford Guardian - Friday 13th August 2010
East London Runner Tom Lawrence is running for Charity in the Great North Run.
-Orion Forest 5 - ELVIS Race 3 of 6 - Saturday 7th August 2010. Individual results for East London Runners.
-ELVIS Team Standings after race 3 on 7th August 2010. East London Ladies and Mens Teams are both in 2nd place after three races, unofficial results!
-Remaining ELVIS Races - Summer 2010.
-Club Social Nights.
-Valentines Park 5k - Volunteers Required! Sunday 26th September 2010 - 10.30am.
-Essex Way Relay Race - Sunday 5th September 2010.
-Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.

September 2010
-ELR SPOTLIGHT ...........on Jimmy Hartwell. The trials and tribulations of a long distance runner!
-Dagenham 88 - 5 mile'sh - ELVIS race 5 of 6 - Sunday 19th September 2010.
Results from the above race.
-Barking 5k - ELVIS Race 4 of 6 - Monday 30th August 2010. Individual results for East London Runners.
-ELVIS Team Standings after race 5 of 6 on Sunday 19th September 2010. East London Ladies and Mens Teams both remain in 2nd place after five races.
-Sikh Marathon Relay - Redbridge, Sunday 29th August 2010.
-Essex Way Relay Race Results - Sunday 5th September 2010.
-Cross Country Season 2010/11. East London Runners are competing again in t he Cross Country League.
-Virgin London Marathon 2011. East London Runners - Rules for Club places.
-Tip of the Month. Improving with Age.
-Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.

October 2010
-ELVIS Has Left The Building! Final ELVIS Results for 2010.
-Cross Country. The Cross Country season is upon us!
-Essex Vets Cross Country 4th December 2010. Closing Date for Entries - Saturday 6th November.
-Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon, Sunday 10th 10th 2010. Results and report.
-Improving with Age. Run Britain Rankings - Handicaps Launched.
-Tip of the Month. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
-Christmas Dinner Wednesday 15th December 2010, Venue: Upstairs at the George.
-Virgin London Marathon 2011. Club Ballot Early December - Rules for Club places.
-Runners Shorts! by Short Legs

November 2010
-Spotlight on.........Ian Horritt. Ian heads West to new running trails!
-Race Results - Cross Country League Fixtures. Results from Cheshunt and Chicksands.
-Target Races - Winter 2010/Spring 2011. Some favourite races in which members of East London Runners compete.
-Virgin London Marathon 2011. Club Ballot 1st December - Rules for Club places.
-Christmas Dinner Wednesday 15th December 2010. Venue: Upstairs at the George.
-Tip of the Month. Cross Country Footwear.
-Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.

December 2010
-Season's Greetings! Merry Chris tmas and a Happy New Year.
-Target Races - Winter 2010/Spring 2011. Some favourite races in which members of East London Runners compete.
-Sunday Cross Country League - Race 3 Digswell - 12th December 2010
Results from the latest Cross Country race.
-Results - Essex Vets Cross Country Championships. Hainault Forest, Chigwell Row on Saturday 4th December 2010.
-Weekend runs - January 2011. Proposed runs for the New Year.
-Race reports - Bedford Half Marathon - Angkor Wat, Cambodia - Half Marathon.
-Tip of the Month. Running in cold weather.
-Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
2000 to 2009
.............to follow
The 1990's
..........to follow
The Early Years - 1982 to 1986
Early Club records show that a special Meeting was called for Wednesday 20th February 1985. The purpose of the meeting was to determine the future of East London Runners.

SPECIAL MEETING
Since the beginning in May 1982 the Club has been "run" by Roger. However, a number of Club members have expressed a wish to take a greater role in Club affairs.This has come at a time when Roger is anxious to make the most of what is left of his career as an International Athlete. Whilst Roger wishes to remain greatly involved with the Club, increased training and competition will make their own demands. Various topics have been pencilled in for discussion and you are welcome to make suggestions on the night.

1. Aims of the Club.
2. Money - What we do with existing Club funds etc.
3. Do we become affiliated to the A.A.A? - for and against.
4. Positions within the Club.
5. Any other business.

This meeting notice was published together with the January 1985 edition of the East London Runners Newsletter. Included in the Newsletter were the following additional topics.
1. Discussion on cost of Coach hire to races.
2. London Marathon - Rejected runners. ELR issued a special limited edition T-Shirt through Roger. Grey shirt with special London Marathon logo and a big red "REJECT" stamp, all for only £4.75.
3. Race reports - Bedford Boxing Day 10 - Epsom Motorway 10 - New York Marathon - Chelmsford Half Marathon.
4. Club colours discussion - looking to agree on a specific colour for future use.
5. Donations to Charity including £200 to Bone Marrow Hospital, £300 to London Hospital Body Scanner Appeal, £950 to the Deaf. All donations totalled £1,943.

.........to be continued!

The Curtis Shield
Apart from 1984, when the Shield was first presented for the best performance by an East London Runner, when it was won by Lee Richardson, the Curtis Shield has always been awarded to the Club Person of the past year. In 1985 the award went to Trevor Cornell the Club's then Chairman. In 1986 it was awarded to Dick Pleasance for help that he gave to others, especially new members. In 1987 it was awarded to Steve Knott, who at the time was Club President. In 1988 it went to Mike Matcham who was responsible for getting the Social side of ELR going. In 1989 Peter Cowup who was also Social Secretary won the award. The award went to Trevor Jason in 1990 for his work as Coach at Walthamstow Track. Trevor was the first to also win the Most Improved Runner award.In 1991 John White won the Shield for his work as Editor of the Club Magazine Runaround. John was Editor for abour 8 years.In 1992 Peter Cowup became the first person to win the Curtis Shield twice, this time as Club President. The award went to Simon Morgan in 1993, the Club's Chairman and youngest winner of the award at that time.

Winners
2011 - Derek Wright
2010 - Frank Brownlie
2009 - Mike Wilson
2008 - John Atkinson
2007 - Jim Bird
2006 - Kirk Johnson
2005 -
2004 -
2003 - Mike Wilson
2002 -
2001 - Don Bennett
2000 -
1999 - Clive Jackson
1998 - John McCarthy
1997 - Lesley Morgan
1996 - Don Bennett
1995 - Jim Bird
1994 - Doug Mansell
1993 - Simon Morgan
1992 - Peter Cowup
1991 - John White
1990 - Trevor Jason
1989 - Peter Cowup
1988 - Mike Matcham
1987 - Steve Knott
1986 - Dick Pleasance
1985 - Trevor Cornell
1984 - Lee Richardson