Following reports of two cases of Lyme disease due to tick bites in Bedford Park, Bedford Borough Council is reminding people to be aware while out in local parks and open spaces.

If this had been a normal year, the English Schools Championships would have taken place in Birmingham between 10th and 11th July.  Sadly, the Coronavirus crisis forced the cancellation of that event, like so many others.  However, the English Schools Athletics Association gave youngsters the chance to compete in a virtual version of the championships - throwing, running and jumping, solo at local tracks, with their coaches or teachers adjudicating their efforts.  Five Bedford and County athletes took part, and there were some fine performances.  The results are:

Bedford and County athletes have taken part in two virtual races recently: the British Milers Club 3k Virtual Time Trial, and the British Masters 5k Virtual Relays.

Thanks to the recent relaxation of restrictions on sport by the government and England Athletics, Bedford and County A.C. is now able to further ease restrictions on training.  We are now operating as a Covid-19 secure environment under England Athletic's step 3 guidelines.  In order to achieve this, the club has had to appoint a Covid-19 officer, and club chairman Martyn Blackwell is acting in this capacity.  The main changes are that more athletes are now allowed in some zones, and that hurdles are now allowed in zones 1 & 2 on a Sunday only.  An overview of the updated policy is provided below (the fully policy is here).

There are several virtual races coming up during the next few weeks.  To take part in these, you generally need a GPS running watch, and a Strava or Garmin account.  The latter is free, although unfortunately GPS watches are not!  You complete your run in a socially distanced manner, and then upload your time.  Entry is often free, and sometimes there is the opportunity to make a donation to charity.  A virtual race is effectively a time trial, but with an edge to it because your aim is to get as high up the leader board as you can.  Some events are open to juniors – this usually requires a parent to accompany the athlete.  Explore the links below to find out more about three of the virtual races that are coming up over the next few weeks:

How to Renew Your Membership

If you haven’t already renewed your Bedford and County membership, you can do that now at a reduced rate.

Given the unusual circumstances this year, the club committee has decided on a 2 stage approach:

• Stage 1 is to ask now for renewal to the club at a reduced flat rate for the year, including EA (England Athletics) membership.
• Stage 2 would come later in the year when social distancing restrictions are relaxed, with the option of renewing the stadium pass with Fusion. We will not ask for anything further for the club element at that time and will be expecting Fusion to offer a discounted cost.