Leagues and Races
So what races can I do?
Membership of the club means you are entitled to run as what is called an attached runner at any open race. Attached runner just means you don't pay the additional unattached runner levy as part of the race entry fee.
An open race means that the race will be open to anyone. A closed race means only members affiliated clubs can take part. Sometimes guests are allowed. Examples of closed leagues are the Derby Runner X/C League and the LRRL Winter Races.
If you are a first claim member of West End Runners you can run for the club under our club colours. If you are a second claim member of the club, you may have to run in the colours of your first claim club if that club is competing in the race.
Tips:- Races can be known by any of; official name, place, organising club.
- If K is added to distance it is in kilometres, if nothing it is miles.
Now onto the stuff you really came here to find out about.
Top of pageThe West End Trophy
Formally known as the Club Grand Prix, the WET is series of races chosen solely by and for West End Runners members. A sub-committee (see Members, Officers page.) chooses one or more races each month to be part of the series. Any member finishing a nominated race is awarded points according to a scoring system. What do points mean ... yep prizes.
Prizes are presented at the end of the year according to the aggregate of points awarded. Throughout the year scores are posted in the newsletter or available on club night on the notice board. If you are interested in how points are awarded look at the handout referenced below, see the committee, Glynn Smith, or just turn up and do your best. Social tip: How points are awarded can either turn into late night bar chat, or kill a conversation dead depending upon the people involved!
Which are in the WET? Usually one a month. See the newsletter, notice board or events page of the website.
West End Trophy Description | West End Trophy RacesTop of page
Derby Runner Cross Country League
This closed league consists of 5 cross country races of 5-9 miles, Oct-Feb. Individuals score if they attend 4 out of the five races. Teams consist of the first 8 men and 4 women. The winner and runner up of the Leicestershire/Derbyshire league can take part in the Derby Runner national final held in March. There is a 6th race local to Leicestershire and Derbyshire and 'fun' social meeting at the track in Derby one summer evening. This was formally called the Todays Runner Cross Country League as it was sponsored by the magazine.
The Derby Runner National Final, Plate Race Team
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Leicestershire Road Running League (LRRL)
The 2008 LRRL Winter League is sponsored by:
Mick Yeoman Physiotherapy
The LRRL consists of 5 closed winter races (Jan-Mar) and 6 open summer races (May-Sept). Each West End member taking part is issued a number for administrative reasons (follow the link below to see the list). The number is worn for winter races and put down on entry forms for summer races. LRRL results are posted for individuals for each series (winter and summer) with team scores being the aggregate of winter and summer team positions. Teams consist of the first 8 Men (Men & men vets), first 4 vet men and first 4 women. Individuals score using their best 4 from 5 winter races and 5 from 6 summer races.
In the LRRL you can win prizes as an individual and / or as part of a team. Also a 100% award is given to individuals who do all 11 races in the calendar year. The LRRL also has an Adversity Award - the Norman Kershaw trophy for those who have competed despite difficulty in some way.
LRRL - More details | WER LRRL NumbersTop of page
Round Leicester Relay
This is a popular annual event within the club, carried out by teams of 13 completing around 92 miles in total in a day (don't ask about the car miles!). As well as local and non local running clubs taking part, other organisations compete as well, so if you come across a tired, lost fireman ladies the proper form is to point him in the right direction not re-direct him for later.
The route roughly follows the Leicestershire Leicester Round walking route, but is mainly road based. The shortest leg is 5.3 and the longest 7.8 miles. The event is 'rounded' off with a usually memorable prize giving, buffet and bar.
In a similar way to the London Marathon, this is an event that results in a lot of experiences, long and short tales to keep the bar talk going until the next year. A lot of information can be found on the RLR web page and in the race leg packs produced by Glynn Smith.
RLR Home Page
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Our Club Race
You may hear people talking about a club race or Our Race or THE race. This refers to races organised by us, the club, either in the past or future. We have organised races in Braunstone Park (West End 5), Western Park (cross country) and at Syston Rugby Club, Queniborough.
West End 8 2007 | West End 8 2006 | West End 8 2005 | West End 13K 2004 | Western Park 1996Top of page
East Midlands Grand Prix
This races series consists of 8 short, open road races held on summer evenings. Race distances vary between 5 miles and 10K and are held across the south of the East Midlands, including: Silverstone, Rugby, Bedford, Corby (Rockingham Motor Speedway), Weedon, Banbury, Market Harborough and Milton Keynes.
Each runner's finishing position is calculated by age category, aggregated, and carried forward to the next race in the series. Only the best 5 results are counted. Pizes are awarded both by the promoting Club on each race night and by the sponsors after the final race, covering age categories and teams.
Our club does not formally take part in this series, but as they are open races we can take part as individuals. Also some races can be selected as a WET race. A good time can be had by groups of club members car sharing and taking part in enough races to count. West End did manage a women's team who successfully competed in the league, see the picture above.
EMGP Information - Milton Keynes AC siteTop of page
North Mids Cross Country League
The club used to take part in this closed, quality, Saturday afternoon, parkland cross country league. It is more suitable for good standard club members rather than average standard club members. There are races for younger (juniors and under) runners.
Top of pageBirmingham Cross Country Leagues
The club does not take part in these leagues preferring the Derby Runner Cross Country League.
Top of pageLeicestershire Primary Schools Athletics Association
The club is not officially involved in this league, but George Smolinski and past club member Dave Dewdney, organisers of the league often need assistance. This can include runners to act as hare's. So if you think you can run fast enough not to be beaten by primary school children, or want to help in other ways contact George or Dave.
LPSAA description | LPSAA web siteTop of page or Home or Contact West End Runners. Page last changed: 25/3/08