Message from the Chair – Apr 2022
As we head towards the summer, restrictions are slowly beginning to ease in Hong Kong and AVOHK are hard at work planning a season of racing.
Our Races for 2022
While the Cap 599 Social Distancing Restrictions remain in place, it is very difficult to organise races and the exemption, which race organisers require, is often only granted a week or two ahead of the race. This makes planning and budgeting for these races extremely difficult and, for this reason, we have decided to alter our race schedule for this season in the hope that focusing our efforts on races towards the end of the year might mean that we no longer have to apply for these exemptions. We are very much hoping to see you all on the startlines!
Malcolm Phillips
Our popular age-graded 5k will take place in virtual format again this year. The race is open for registration now and can be run between Friday, 13th May, and Monday, 30th May, on the usual course on Bowen Road. As many of our members are currently overseas, we thought that it would be nice to include an international element to the race this year. If you are outside Hong Kong, please feel free to sign up. You can run the 5k on any flat course near you (we trust you not to cheat with a crazy downhill course!) and upload your result. There will be a separate prize for overseas runners. For more information and registration, see our website https://avohk.org/index.php/the-14th-malcolm-phillips-5k-2022/.
World Masters Athletics Championships
The deadline for entry to this year’s World Master’s Athletics Championships in Finland is Wednesday, 27th April. There are further details on the AVOHK website. Please consider participating and representing Hong Kong if you will be in Europe in the summer.
40th Anniversary Race
Many of you will remember the mixed team race which we held at Pak Tam Chung in 2012 to celebrate our 30th anniversary. It was a great day and the unusual format made for some great post-race reflections over a beer! Dave Smith has been planning a similar event to mark our 40th. Please save Saturday 29th October in your diaries and keep an eye on our website for more information nearer the time.
5k and Reservoir Series
We have started to organise a couple of 5k races in November this year, and Reservoir races in February and March. Due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, we decided that it was better to treat these as stand-alone races this year rather than part of a series. Details will be announced in due course.
AGM
The AVOHK AGM will be held in June and all members will be notified by email soon. We are very much hoping that it can go ahead at Café 8 but we do have the option of conducting it virtually if necessary. Colin Whittington will be stepping down as vice-chair and Peter Wong will step down as treasurer. So far, Nigel Raymont has indicated that he would be happy to stand as treasurer and we are still looking for nominations to fill the post of vice-chair. If you are interested in serving on the committee, we would be very happy to hear from you. We are particularly looking for people who are able to help with race planning and organization, planning of social events and sourcing of race souvenirs. We have also been moving towards focusing on more environmentally friendly policies (reusable / compostable water cups, reduced packaging, collaboration with recycling companies, etc) and we would welcome anyone who would be able to help with this. Please feel free to email me at chair@avohk.org.
China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon
The China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, 8th January 2023. So, get those training plans out!
Elaine Hall
Chair