At Brunel University’s Indoor Athletics Centre, more than 50 schoolchildren from Greenhouse Sports’ programmes were put through a sprinting masterclass by 2024 Olympic medallist and Britain’s fastest man Zharnel Hughes, to launch the initiative.

Inspired by the Hughes’ personal journey into sport, The CocoSpeed Programme is a personalised sprint training plan designed for young people by the British sprinter and Greenhouse Sports coaches, and will be integrated into the existing delivery of Greenhouse Sports’ successful basketball programme.

Youth development charity Greenhouse Sports places coaches in schools, offering free sports coaching and mentorship to children, particularly targeted at those from disadvantaged communities.

Zharnel Hughes, Vita Coco ambassador commented: “To be here today to kickstart and launch The CocoSpeed Programme was an incredible honour and experience. Speaking with and coaching the young people here at Brunel brought back so many memories for when I started out with limited resources, facilities and coaches or mentors to help guide me from an early age.

“My coach has been with me since the start of my career and I enjoyed passing on some of the skills and techniques that I learnt back then to the young people here today. I look forward to returning to the UK and meeting with today’s attendees to check-in on their progress.”

Tim Rees MD at Vita Coco added: “The CocoSpeed Academy consists of a sprint programme designed by Zharnel which will be implemented by Greenhouse coaches to enhance fitness and agility. At Vita Coco we are passionate about supporting our communities with the tools they need to lead healthier lives. Sprinting, a simple yet powerful exercise, is something today’s attendees can practice anytime, anywhere. This programme is about more than improving speed; it’s about encouraging a healthy lifestyle, building resilience, and inspiring young people to believe in their potential, regardless of their starting point.”

Don Barrell, CEO of Greenhouse Sports added: “At Greenhouse Sports, our charity sees the power of sport every day – and when combined with our coaches’ transformational mentoring, it changes lives. Today’s event, launching the CocoSpeed programme, reflects our shared belief and commitment to creating opportunities for young people through the power of sport and mentorship.

“What makes this programme particularly special is that it’s designed by Zharnel Hughes specifically for our young people, many of whom come from disadvantaged communities. His journey of overcoming challenges to become Britain’s fastest man is incredibly inspiring and shows them that, with the right support, they too can achieve their dreams.”

The programme will now be integrated into Greenhouse Sports’ existing basketball training sessions to improve fitness and agility on the court. Sprinting is a simple, yet powerful, exercise that young people can practice independently. This programme goes beyond speed; it builds resilience, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and inspires young people to believe in their potential.

The school children that attended the coaching session were from the following secondary schools:

Bacon’s College, SE16 6AT
Norwood School, SE19 3NY
Westminster Academy, W2 5EZ
Elmgreen School, SE27 9BZ
Tudor Grange Samworth Academy, LE2 6UA

ASICS is partnering with data science company Signify to help protect its sponsored athletes from online harassment and support them to reach their performance goals. ASICS is offering athletes access to Signify’s AI-driven Threat Matrix service to help prevent and manage abuse on social media. The service will put an online protective shield around athletes to help them feel safer and enable them to engage their audiences without fear of abuse.

This new initiative is part of ASICS’ broader ‘Mind and Body Athlete Support Programme’ offering sponsored athletes access to a range of services to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing, as well as initiatives related to clean sport. Through the new programme, ASICS will strive to provide athletes with a unique support service designed to support both their personal and professional development.

Olivier Mignon, Global Head of Sports Marketing at ASICS said: “At ASICS, our five letters have meaning. ASICS is an acronym from the Latin phrase Anima Sana In Corpore Sano or ‘a Sound Mind in a Sound Body’. Which is why caring for the wellbeing of athletes has always been at our core. While we’re proud to support athletes to win and break records, we don’t believe in winning at all costs. The physical and mental wellbeing of athletes is more important than any podium place.

Our aim is to support athletes to reach their performance goals without compromising their wellbeing. We are acutely aware of the negative impact of online harassment and cyberbullying on mental health, and so are keen to help protect our athletes from online abuse.”

Eilish McColgan, three-times Olympian, Commonwealth Games champion and  European Champion medalist, said: “Sadly, online abuse is something that pretty much every elite athlete has to deal with these days. Personally, I receive a barrage of abusive messages and comments, especially when I compete. That abuse is almost never about my performance but almost always about my body and the way I look.

Over the years, I’ve become accustomed to the comments, and I stand up for myself. But it is not OK. The constant abuse that athletes face is unacceptable, and it’s getting worse. I’m grateful to have the support of ASICS and this new initiative to help block and remove harmful content, so my mind can focus on the things I love most: running and competing.”

Jonathan Hirshler, Signify CEO said: “Signify is delighted to be supporting ASICS and its athlete family in this way. The brand values of ASICS and its commitment to protecting the overall wellbeing of athletes chimes closely with our own mission and what we set out to achieve with Threat Matrix.”

¹ https://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/news/2024/january/online-abuse-aimed-at-athletes-on-the-rise/

With thanks to Pitch

Over 17,000 runners will make their way through central London, passing iconic landmarks, as the Saucony London 10k takes place on 14 July.

The route passes sights like Big Ben, the London Eye and Trafalgar Square, as the capital comes together for a celebration of the city. The London 10k is also the only closed-road running event that goes down Regent Street making it truly unique.

Here’s everything you need to know about the race including timings, where to watch, and what entertainment will be keeping runners going:

Bib collection:

Runners will either receive your race pack by post, or if you have opted for collection, you will need to pick up your bib from the Sweaty Betty Carnaby Street store. Collection is available from 12:00-19:00 from 9-12 July and 10:00-18:00 on 13 July.

When is it?

The Saucony London 10k race officially gets underway at 09:30 on Sunday 14 July. Thousands will be making their way to the area including both runners and supporters, so participants should plan their journey well in advance.

Bag drop opens from 07:45 the morning of the race, located at Waterloo Place, SW1Y 5ER

This year, to help ease congestion, runners are encouraged to arrive race ready, which simply means to arrive without a bag and able to head straight to the start line.

The first finishers are expected to cross the finish line as soon as 10:00, with the final race cut-off at 12:15.

Where is it?

Start line: 101 Piccadilly, W1J 7JT
Finish line: 70 Whitehall, SW1A 2AS
Bag Drop & Helpdesk: Waterloo Place, SW1Y 5ER

The race starts next to Green Park with runners heading towards Piccadilly Circus Station. After passing a number of iconic landmarks, including a stretch alongside the Thames, runners will make their way past Downing Street and across the finish line.

Aid and water stations are located at 6.25km and 8.75km along the route and course marshals will be on hand in pink hi-vis for anyone in need of assistance.

Where to watch?

Once a runner has crossed the start line, family and friends will be able to track them via the tracking link on the Saucony London 10k website. Each kilometre will be signposted to help you plan where to be to spot your runner.

The race route will be alive with sounds thanks to a line-up of live bands and DJs to keep participants energized and provide entertainment for supporters. Performers include DJ Chrystilize, the Tamashii Taiko Drummers and the London School of Samba.

Saucony will have cheer points along the route with three London run clubs Baked Off, Grove Lane Runners and Puresport, and at King Charles Island, there will be a DJ, photo wall and giveaways.

How to get there:

In true London style, the easiest way to get to the event will be via the Tube with Charing Cross, Embankment, Victoria, St James’ Park or Westminster stations recommended to best reach the start point.

Due to road closures around the route, many starting from 05:00, driving or cycling should be avoided, with Santander cycling docks along the route suspended for the day.

Event walking route signs and volunteers will be on-hand for anyone looking for directions on the day.

Full information is available at www.thelondon10k.com/participant-information

With thanks to New Reach PR

2025’s half marathon went on sale to those that took part this year during the weekend of the Hackney Moves festival, before going on general sale a few days later, and has now sold out of all general sale entries.

However, those wanting to sign up for the half marathon still can via the event’s official charity partners.

2024’s edition, with almost 25,000 entrants, helped to raise more than £2 million for charities, with participants for next year’s event able to run for a host of charities including headline partner Alzheimer’s Society and several local good causes like The Felix Project, Barts Charity, Hackney Night Shelter, and St Joseph’s Hospice Hackney.

The Wizz Air Hackney Half has cemented its position as London’s biggest and most popular half marathon, as part of the ever-growing two-day Hackney Moves festival.

Hackney Moves, which takes place on the iconic Hackney Marshes, hosts free family-friendly activity across both days from fitness classes and educational talks, to DJ sets, community group engagement, and fun activities for young people and adults alike.

Hackney Moves also organises the free-to-enter Community 5k, which saw nearly 6,000 entrants in 2024, as well as the local Schools’ Challenge which sees children from across East London complete the final mile of the challenge.

Ian Allerton, Director of Operations for Hackney Moves said: “Off the back of another sell-out and hugely successful Wizz Air Hackney Half in 2024, the popularity of the event is at an all-time high, with general entries selling out for 2025 in under two weeks, with unprecedented demand.

“With the event’s growth comes the chance to provide even more engagement with the community, and there are plenty of exciting ways that runners can still register for the 2025 Wizz Air Hackney Half, with new and improved offerings for charities and community groups.

“We are engaging with our current, and new, charity partners to fundraise even more than the £2m+ raised in 2024. This means increasing the number of places available for our fantastic charities.

“As an event at the heart of the Hackney community, we work with various local organisations, community and running groups and are looking to continue developing these relationships further to provide even more opportunities, via our distribution of discounted community places.

“The half marathon is just one part of the ever-growing Hackney Moves festival which offers free activities for the community to get involved in. A vital element for us is the free Community 5k, which offers an accessible distance and challenge for all, and the Schools’ Challenge.

“Our work with running clubs and community groups is crucial to Hackney Moves, despite the continued increases in the operational running costs for major event. We want to ensure that the event remains accessible to the local Hackney and wider London community who are at the heart of the event’s existence.”

The famous Wizz Air Hackney Half 13.1 mile route sets off from Hackney Marshes, making its way to the famous Hackney Empire before reaching the Stonebridge Gardens. Crossing the halfway point the runners passed the Regents Canal, making their way to Victoria Park before the final stretch through the iconic Hackney Wick.

For more information on charity places for the 2025 Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon, visit www.hackneymoves.com

With thanks to New Reach PR

Across the first weekend of June, over six thousand participants took part, an increase on last year’s entries, including British professional marathon runner Anya Culling who recently completed the Wizz Air Hackney Half, also organised by Motiv Sports UK.

The triathlon boasts picturesque views and is thought to be the only triathlon in the world which takes place in the grounds of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most-popular mass participation triathlons in Europe.

In addition to the stunning scenery on show, Blenheim Palace Triathlon offers a beginner-friendly route and is seen as one of the best triathlons for newcomers to the sport.

Two different race distances took place and a relay where teams take turn completing legs of the race. The sprint distance was made up of a 750m swim, 19.8km bike and 5.4km run while the super sprint consisted of a 400m swim, 13.3km bike and 2.9km run. All finishers received a medal, t-shirt and Blenheim Palace Triathlon swim hat for completing the event.

Also on offer for more experienced athletes was the Weekend Warrior option which allows people to complete as many back-to-back triathlons as they could across the weekend, with four participants completing a sprint triathlon an impressive eight times over the two days.

A host of clubs from across the country brought triathletes in their numbers to the event this year, including over 100 triathletes from London-based Kensal Tri, Army Triathlon Association, female participation charity Fund Her Tri and a host of regional clubs from the Oxfordshire area including Oxford Triathlon Club, Bicester Triathlon Club and Abingdon & Vale Triathlon Club.

The full list of results can be viewed here: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7193624935778388480

Andy Taylor, Race Director for the Blenheim Palace Triathlon: “It’s been an incredible weekend here in Oxfordshire, the Blenheim Palace Triathlon delivered once again. All participants got to enjoy the incredible scenery and the variety of race distances makes it a really inclusive event.

“We’re honoured to have organised the 20^th edition of this iconic event and seeing the effort put in by the triathletes, staff, partners and volunteers is inspiring, congratulations to all involved. We’ve also raised a brilliant amount of money for charity and it’s wonderful to hear all the stories of individual fundraising successes from the weekend.”

Motiv Sports UK will also host the Oxford Half later this year, which takes place on 13 October, taking in the historic sites of Oxford, which has already sold out in record time.

To sign up for the 2025 Blenheim Palace Triathlon, and to secure the lowest price, visit https://www.blenheimtriathlon.com/

With thanks to New Reach PR

However, those who haven’t yet secured their place need not worry, as there are still charity places available for the event, which is expected to see over 13,000 take to the streets of Oxford.

The Oxford Half, taking place on Sunday 13 October, sold out in record time this year, having been on sale since mid-October last year, breaking the previous year’s record to sell-out of 11 months.

Event organisers, who also run the annual Blenheim Palace Triathlon taking place on 1-2 June, have confirmed that the only way to secure a place for the popular event is by running in support of one of the event’s charity partners.

Among the event’s official national charity partners, led by Headline Charity Partner Cancer Research UK, are Alzheimer’s Society and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Local charity partners include Special Effect, Sobell House Hospice, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, SSNAP (Supporting sick newborn and their parents), Restore, Yellow Submarine, Helen & Douglas House and Oxford Hospitals Charity.

A full list of charity partners is available at www.oxfordhalf.com/run-for-charity

The fast and flat Oxford Half has become one of the most-popular half marathons in the UK, with large crowds providing support along the 13.1-mile route, and dozens of local volunteers helping on the day.

Ian Allerton, Operations Director, said: “We couldn’t be happier to see the continued popularity of the Oxford Half, as once again it sells out of general entries in record time. Each year the event is selling even quicker, which is testament to the quality of the organisation as well as the overall experience and route, which is perfect for both beginners, or those trying to secure a PB through the historic streets of Oxford.

“In Oxford, we place a huge importance on supporting charities and that’s why we have a large number of spots available to charities for this year’s half marathon, aiming to fundraise a considerable amount of money for worthwhile causes.”

The course takes runners through the pristine, winding streets of historic Oxford. The route begins in the city centre and passes through the stunning sites of Old Marston village, the River Cherwell, Oxford University’s impressive Lady Margaret Hall, before finally finishing on Parks Road.

For more information on how to secure a charity place visit: www.oxfordhalf.com

With thanks to New Reach PR

Entries for the 20th edition of the iconic event, renowned for being accessible for all abilities, close at 23:59 on Friday 24 May, with entries selling fast.

Blenheim Palace Triathlon is the only triathlon to take place in the grounds of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 2024 will happen over the weekend of 1-2 June 2024.

This year, marking the 20th anniversary of the iconic triathlon, has already sold out of two of the most popular distances with entries now set to close this Friday.

Entries for 2024’s Saturday’s Sprint and Sprint Team Relay events are now sold out, meaning that the only remaining way to compete on the Saturday is through the Super Sprint or the Weekend Warrior challenge.

2023’s triathlon saw around 5,000 people sign up to take part alongside household names including BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley.

Event organisers, Motiv Sports UK, last week hosted the iconic Hackney Moves festival culminating in the Wizz Air Hackney Half marathon, seeing stars of stage and screen including Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey join over 20,000 runners in East London.

For your last chance to sign up before entries close on Friday 24 May, visit www.blenheimtriathlon.com

With thanks to New Reach PR

The Architecture student produced a storming last leg to bring the quartet – also featuring Alyson Bell, Amy Hunt and Bianca Williams – home in third in 42.80 behind the United States and France.

Hunt, Williams, Asha Philip and Imani-Lara Lansiquot had secured Britain’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by winning their heat the previous day and Sibbons will hope her performance in Sunday’s final will put her in the mix for selection this summer.

“I am so happy, it has been such a great experience racing with everyone,” said Sibbons, who is supported in her dual athletics and academic careers by a Santander Sporting Scholarship.

“It was anyone’s selection [for the final] but I am so glad I did get selected and got to experience what it is like to compete out here with some of the members of the team. I am really excited for what is to come. If we can do this here, God knows what we can achieve in Paris.”

While Sibbons was on international duty in the Bahamas, her University of Bath Athletics Club team-mates were proudly representing the Blue & Gold at the BUCS Outdoor Championships in Manchester.

Photo: Paul Bannister

Goldsmith Sporting Scholar Luke Ball and Biology student Evelyne Fonteyne both won high jump, clearing season’s bests of 2.06m and 1.74m respectively.

A thrilling men’s 800m final saw Modern Languages (German & Italian) student Basil Rock win bronze in a new personal best of 1:50.12, with less than one-tenth of a second separating second and fourth.

Lizzy Ingram narrowly missed out on a medal in the 2,000m steeplechase, placing fourth in a PB of 6:52.80, and fellow Sport Management & Coaching student Ariyanna McGee was sixth in the 100m hurdles in 14.11 having set a PB of 13.92 in the heats.

Sam Stubbs (Sport and Exercise Science), who cleared 12.03m for seventh in the shot put, set a PB of 14.75 in the 100m hurdles and other lifetime bests were set by Josh Maggs (200m, 21.71), Tom Chandler (5,000m, 14:27.87), Katrina Entwistle (5,000m, 17.44.32) and Laurie Sutcliffe (400m hurdles, 58.56).

Jodie Dale threw a season’s best of 39.88 in the women’s javelin final and Bath’s men placed fifth in the 4x100m relay and seventh in the 4x400m.

Visit teambath.com/athletics to find out more about the athletics programme at the University of Bath.

With thanks to Team Bath

Gunnell’s work with Cancer Support UK will focus on helping the charity achieve its mission to help those impacted by cancer in the workplace.

“Since my introduction to the excellent work being carried out by Cancer Support UK,” commented Gunnell, “I have been impressed by the quality of the services provided and I am now acutely aware of the huge need for people affected by cancer to receive more emotional support. I am therefore delighted to announce my involvement with this important charity. I am looking forward to using my knowledge, passion and energy to ensure that Cancer Support UK’s wonderful vision is achieved.”

Cancer Support UK’s CEO, Mark Guymer said: “No one should have to face cancer alone and we are immensely grateful to Sally for agreeing to help us raise greater awareness of our services and the help that is available for those impacted by cancer.”

Gunnell has become the charity’s latest Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador, having undertaken a specialist training session, covering the different aspects of cancer, cancer treatment, side effects and emotional/physical impact. She has joined the growing number of Workplace Cancer Support Ambassadors, developing key skills such as active listening, empathy, and the importance of language.

Gunnell said: “The Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador training I have received will be invaluable, giving me a more profound knowledge of the physical and mental effects of cancer. It also equips me with the confidence to talk to a wide range of audiences about the importance of providing the right levels of support for cancer patients in the workplace.”

Achieving sporting success was a tough challenge and Sally attributes this to a hard-working ethos and a positive mind set. She now uses her knowledge and experience of fitness, health, self-fulfilment and wellbeing to run corporate wellbeing programmes and supports healthy and active family initiatives in the UK.

Sally’s passion for mental health and emotional wellbeing is completely aligned with Cancer Support UK’s work to support people living with and beyond cancer.

Guymer commented: “Sally’s positivity and deep knowledge of health – both physical and mental – will be an enormous asset to our charity. Our joint ambition is to improve the quality of people’s lives and to ensure greater understanding and compassion for the significant changes that cancer makes to someone’s life.

“Educating people about the benefits of self-management techniques and the importance of talking to someone who understands what you are going through is vital. Grief, fear, worry, anxiety, stress are all emotions that can be dealt with given the right tools and coping strategies. Whether you are struggling at home post treatment or have returned to work, we want to give you a way forward. Thank you Sally for understanding our cause and for coming on board as our Cancer Champion.”

Cancer Support UK’s Cancer Coach programme and Workplace Cancer Support training courses focus on supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of people facing a personal cancer diagnosis, as well as those caring for a loved one with cancer.

If you know someone who has completed their cancer treatment, but who is finding it difficult to face life beyond cancer, please tell them about Cancer Support UK’s free Cancer Coach peer support groups. They are available to anyone with a stage 3 and below cancer diagnosis. The course takes participants through a series of weekly facilitated group sessions, run for a six-week period over the telephone or online video. www.cancersupportuk.org/cancercoach

Could you become a Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador? Our Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador programme is designed to give employees the confidence and the knowledge to provide emotional support to colleagues in the workplace, who are affected by cancer. For more information, please visit: www.cancersupportuk.org/training

First female finisher Jess Furness – photo Limelight Sports Club

Hosted by LimeLight Sports Club, the annual event saw participants run, cycle and run through the stunning sights of Richmond Park. Now in its 17^th year, the London Duathlon is regarded as one of the world’s biggest and most popular duathlons, with participants from a range of experience levels.

As well as the picturesque surroundings provided by London’s largest Royal Park, one of the main attractions of the London Duathlon is the chance to enjoy racing on a closed route. The event is one of only a small number of closed-route duathlons in the UK, making it a must-attend for people looking for personal best times.

People can choose from three distance options and a relay race: the half duathlon involves a 5k run, followed by a 22k bike ride, and a further 5k run; the full duathlon is double that distance (10k run, 44k bike ride, 10k run); and the ultra-duathlon option challenges participants to run 20k, cycle 77k, and run a final 20k.

Alex Carr, who originates from New Zealand but now lives in London, was the first finisher for the full-distance duathlon. He said: “It was awesome, a good turn out and a great day for it. It’s always great racing through Richmond Park. I actually finished first last year, so a bit of pressure this year to retain it. The route is beautiful, it’s awesome to have the roads closed and with the deer everywhere.”

Results available here: https://results.sporthive.com/events/7099336814463417600

Rugby charity Restart was the event’s official charity partner, with rugby fans encouraged to take part and raise vital funds to help it continue its work. Restart provides support to professional rugby players and their families when suffering from serious injury, illness or hardship, helping with the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation equipment and disability support. Former professional rugby players, including ex-Harlequins forward Jim Evans, took part in the event.

Following the event, Jim Evans said: “The London Duathlon was thoroughly enjoyable, I would recommend it. The last time I did this event was back in 2012 and I was a damn sight fitter than I am now, but it was a really good challenge with loads of support and I absolutely loved it. There’s an event for every entry level, too.

“It’s massively important that we give a bit back to Restart Rugby. As an ex-player, I was lucky to have come through my career relatively scot-free, bar a bit of arthritis, but there are players out there that need the support and need the charity to help support them so it’s hugely important that we raise money for that charity.”

James Hogben, MD of LimeLight Sports, said: “We’re really pleased to have delivered another epic London Duathlon, giving people such a unique experience of running and cycling through the beautiful Richmond Park without having to worry about any cars on the roads.

“The London Duathlon is, however, about much more than the surroundings; it provides a great way to introduce new participants to multisport events without the swimming element, which can be daunting for many, whilst providing a platform to build up to the possibility of a triathlon. And for those seasoned triathletes, it provides a great opportunity to boost fitness and test new tactics or nutrition plans.

“Accessibility to sport and physical activity through mass participant events is a major priority for us at LimeLight Sports Club, ensuring that we break down barriers to encourage as many people the opportunity to take part as possible. You don’t even need to own a bike to take part in this event, with bike hire available at the event.

“Amongst all of the deer and wildlife, it’s been a truly magical event again, and we look forward to next year, which we are expecting to sell-out fast.”

Super Early Bird places for London Duathlon 2024 are now on sale. 2024’s event is expected to sell out quickly with limited capacity, so don’t miss out. Visit https://limelightsports.club/event/london-duathlon-2023