Message from the Chair – Nov 23
AVOHK’s big event of the year the 2024 China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on Sun 4th Feb 2024 under the careful eye of Race Directors, Catherine Leonard and Dave Smith. This is an AIM’s certified course and this historic event was first held in 1981. I would like to highlight this is a wonderful opportunity to take part as an AVOHK Club Member and wear your AVOHK Club vest. If you are entered in the Marathon you will also be competing for the John Lane trophy, which is presented to the first AVOHK runner home. This is the only Marathon and Half Marathon in Hong Kong that offers the full range of 5 year Masters age categories from 35+ upwards and allows you to compete within your age group. Being an AVOHK Club Member you get the entry fee discount. Support your club, AVOHK by entering here https://avohk.org/index.php/2023/11/16/welcome-back-to-the-china-coast-4-feb-2024/
AVOHK Christmas Party 7pm on Thursday 14th Dec 2023 at Museum Cafe8 (Above Pier 8). Thanks to those that have signed up already. There are still places available and a great opportunity to catch up with other club members. Zenneth the Magician will be keeping us entertained. This event is subsidized by the club and is a bargain at HKD 250 for members and HKD 350 for guests which includes 2 drinks, a sumptuous buffet and a raffle. See the flyer in the newsletter and names to me please at chair@avohk.org .
The Four Trails documentary a Private viewing for AVOHK members and their guests is due to be held at Museum Cafe8 on Wed 29th Nov 2023. It is now sold out. A big thank you to Catherine Leonard for organizing this club event.
AVOHK Athletes have been very busy in the last month, first at the 8th Hong Kong Masters Athletics Championships held at Wan Chai Stadium where AVOHK had a great showing coming away with 21 Golds, 8 Silvers and 3 bronze medals. Special mention goes to Aldo Kriel M40 who also won his age category overall, Frank McNamara M70 who won 4 Golds and Mick Wong M50 with 3 Golds. AVOHK Ladies acquitted themselves well with Glory Yau W45 coming away with 2 Golds and a great victory by the AVOHK Ladies in the W40 4 x 100m. A big thank you to Aldo Kriel for volunteering as the Team Manager and rounding everyone up. A big thank you also to the Pacers Club and other volunteers for putting these championships on.
Secondly in early November 12 AVOHK Members out of a team of 46 went to Clark in the Philippines to represent the Hong Kong, China Masters team in the 22nd Asia Masters Athletics Championships. A report is in this month’s newsletter and a very nice review of these championships by Bill Purves.
AVOHK Swimmers, Andrew Waters and Ronald Thompson recently competed in the Round the Island swim. Yes, 45km and Ronald did this solo and Andrew as part of a team relay. All for a very worthy cause and both raising substantial donations. Andrew has written about his experience in this month’s newsletter. A big congratulations to Andrew and Ronald for this amazing achievement to our community in Hong Kong and putting the AVOHK name out there.
On 11th Nov 2023 AVOHK held their first Reservoir race for over 3 ½ years at Aberdeen. A relatively small field of runners but everyone enjoyed themselves and hopefully the club will consider putting more reservoir races on in the future. Well done to the Race Director Phil Booth and thank you to the many club volunteers that came out to make the Aberdeen Reservoir race a success.
Our 2 club Honorary Members have been in the news recently. A special celebration was held at the 2023 New York City Marathon to mark the occasion 40 years ago that Rod Dixon won the race in dramatic style. A finish that has been replayed thousands of times over the years. Rod of course graced AVOHK with his presence as our Guest of Honor for the 2019 China Coast Marathon. Dave Bedford OBE was invited back to Crystal Palace recently to the venue where just over 50 years ago in 1973 Dave made history by breaking the 10,000m World Record by over 8 seconds. Crystal Palace has been in decline in recent year’s but plans are afoot to restore Crystal Palace back as a centre of Athletics excellence. Dave was AVOHK’s Guest of Honor for the 2017 China Coast Marathon.
Membership renewal. No increase in Club membership fees yet again. For those on an annual membership renewal, now is the time to renew for 2024. Please try and renew early. RENEW Here: https://app.joinit.com/o/athletic-veterans-of-hong-kong/members
The AVOHK Club monthly Social run is held on the first Wednesday in the month. Next one is at 7pm on Weds 6th Dec 2023. Meeting outside the BMW Shop (formerly, HSBC) for further details, contact Norman 9249 1452 or Frank 9423 5422.
On a couple of final notes, last Friday, I was supporting Team green at Trailwalker at a point between stages 2 and 3. Club member Mark Redfern pacing another team came past wearing his AVOHK Club vest. A vest for all terrains and distances. Thank you, Mark. Just a reminder to all members the new AVOHK Club vest is available. https://avohk.org/index.php/avohk-merchandise/
Well done to club member Gi Ka Man on being the first Hong Kong runner home in the inaugural Macau Bridge Half marathon in a time of 1hr 9 mins 23 secs.
Yours in running.