About Fairlands Valley Spartans
Two
of our longstanding members
 Roger
(Left) Paul (Right) running in the FVS Mencap Marathon
Fairlands Valley Spartans is primarily a road running club based in
Stevenage, but our itinerary also includes track and off-road
activities. We have around 200 members. Originally formed in 1984, the
club will next year be celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The Spartans meet for various sessions through the week. On Tuesdays
there is a choice of training runs to suit a wide range of abilities
from those new to running through to experienced Marathon runners.
Thursdays see speed training sessions; on Saturdays, there is usually a
track session and a Sunday sees many members who are not participating
in races heading out for a longer, social run in the local vicinity.
All sessions are fully supported by excellent coaches who are always on
hand to offer advice and friendly support.
In fact, friendliness is very much a theme for the Spartans who try to
support a wide range of members with a variety of abilities. We cater
for everyone, from those wishing to just run with others for company to
those training to compete in various races over a range of distances.
Many of our members regularly run the London Marathon and we organise a
half-marathon each November around the traffic-free cycle tracks of
Stevenage catering for around 1,000 runners, the proceeds of which go to
local charities.
Each
July, we arrange both an off-road challenge event with distance options
from 12 to 26.2 miles, and a 3k relay event. We also organise a series
of three 5km races at the end of each year .
The
Spartans participate in a mid-week evening 10km league each summer and
enjoy taking part in a Sunday morning cross country league over the
winter months.
In 2007, we played an active role in organising and supporting 2 major
mass participation events in Stevenage. The Sport Relief 1 mile
attracted hundreds of runners of all ages, sizes and abilities to the
local athletics track and raised a huge sum for the Sport Relief
Charities. And then, in the summer, came the Race for Life which saw
around 2,000 local ladies run, walk, and enjoy a 5k through the
Fairlands Valley, from which the Club takes its name. Again, a huge sum
was raised for Cancer Charities and saw many local ladies feel a real
sense of achievement from taking part.
Running is only a part of the story at Fairlands Valley Spartans where
the focus is on participation and fun, as well as on excellence. We
organise various social events throughout the year including our annual
dinner & dance presentation evening.
Of course we are very proud of the achievements of all our members who
are encouraged to set their own personal goals on an annual basis, and
then helped on an individual basis to achieve them. Many have
surprised even themselves by winning medals at County and Regional
levels - others are regular winners at such events. Two members, in
particular, have achieved noteworthy milestones in 2007.
Roger Biggs,
one of our longest-serving members,
has become the first Briton to compete in, and complete, a Marathon in
every one of the 50 American States - make that 51, if you include
Washington DC. He has also run a Marathon in every continent of the
world and was honoured for this achievement by winning the local
newspaper-sponsored Comet Sports Personality Award.
Michaela Sanders, another one of our Marathon runners, has recently
completed her 100th Marathon in the shortest recorded elapsed
time of any UK athlete.
In 2008 and beyond, we will continue to thrive and compete and, most of
all, enjoy our running. We are always keen to welcome new members of whatever
age (our current membership ranges from teenagers through to 2 active
members who are 75 years young!), gender, shape, size or ability. For
fitness, fun, health and competition, Fairlands Valley Spartans provides
a friendly and supportive environment for all.
Come and find us at 7pm on a Tuesday or Thursday at
Marriotts School,
Telford Avenue, Stevenage or at Ridlins
Track 9.30 on a Saturday morning.
|
