Got some news; have so info, need a question answering? Who you gonna call?  run@otleyac.org.uk, of course.

Thank you to members who have already paid their 2011/12 Club Subscriptions following the AGM on 11th October – Hon. Treasurer has emailed those still outstanding…

We now have a club flag; perfect for showing that the Black & Whites mean business! If you want to take it with you to a race or event then email Richard Hamer, or see him at training (you’ll be lucky). You can see the flag here

A reminder of forthcoming events in the near future:

Details of this year’s Harrogate District Summer Race League are now online. Put them in your diary – we want medals this year!

Sunday 5th February – Pennine Bridleway Relay is cancelled due to lots of ice on leg 5.

Tuesday 7th February – Committee Meeting after training.

Thursday 9th February – Away night Moonlighting meet 7pm at Cross Green or 7.15pm in Bramhope on Breary Lane left of the A660 if going towards Leeds – it’s before King Lane roundabout. We could run a 5 or 6 mile route along Ebor Way over to New Inn then back along Dales way and footpaths. Hope to have two group and reccied so slower paced runners will be fine.

Saturday 18th February – Club Handicap – at Eccup – Alwoodley Lane (6.1 miles). Meet by 10.45am for an 11am start.

Sunday 19th February – Yorkshire Veterans Cross-Country Championships at the Northern Racing College, Doncaster. Names to Kath by Thursday 20th January.

Sunday 19th February – Trollers Trot Reconnoitre Runs. Race organiser Liam Dunne comments, “I am organising two more recce dates. If you haven’t entered and just fancy a long run feel free to join us. The runs will cater for all abilities. We may have two groups but if not, nobody will get left behind. The runs will start at 9am so this will mean departing Cross Green at 8am on both dates. If anyone wants to bring their car or requires a lift please let me know. The other date will be Sunday 4th March”.

Saturday 25th February – English National Cross-Country Championships at Parliament Hill, London.

Sunday 4th March – YVAA Grand Prix race at Otley starting at 1pm. Volunteers required to help – please advise Jack.

Saturday 10th March – Trollers Trot.

And don’t forget the Moonlighting Training option available on Club Training nights every Tuesday and Thursday during Autumn and Winter.

More details in the Race Diary & Events tab above.

‘Moonlighting’ returns on club training nights – an alternative to pounding the tarmac.

For the uninitiated, this involves off-road running through the Autumn / Winter using head torches.

Of course, this is not without danger and – Disclaimer – by joining this activity, you agree to do so at your own risk!

We usually have two groups to ensure everybody’s pace can be accommodated and is open to everyone in the club however fast or slow. Anyone new to the club is particularly welcome, so why not give it a go?!

Please ensure that you are better equipped than normal for these runs, for example, suggest carrying full waterproofs (just in case).

An Invitation to Dubai – A once in a lifetime opportunity?

As some of you may be aware, I will be entering a team of Riyadh based Yorkshire runners in the Wadi Bih Relay Race in Dubai next February. This is an off road event with five legs of about 15K, finishing somewhere near the Oman border. Next year’s event will be on 10th February ie in the depths of the UK winter. Have a look at the following web site and be inspired.

wadibih.com

I do not have a full itinerary but I plan to spend the night before camping on the beach. The visit could be combined with a few days in Dubai. All teams have to have one woman and at the moment I have a stand in Canadian woman practicing her Yorkshire dialect. Is anyone from the club interested in entering an OAC team in the the event? It would be even better if an OAC team could win.

The return flights to Dubai could be as low as £325 to £350, if you book early. Camping on the beach is free and hotels in Dubai can be fairly cheap, if you are slightly off the beaten track. £25pppn, if you share.

Nick