Message from the chair – Feb 2024

Dear Members,

Sunday, 4th February 2024, saw the return of the AVOHK China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon. The weather was kind to the runners and the races went ahead without incident. A lot of positive feedback from the runners and everyone enjoyed themselves. This is testament to the hard work put in by Dave Smith and Catherine Leonard – the Race Directors – and the large number of volunteers that helped make this event such a success for AVOHK. A special mention to Mike and Emma – the Dragon Mascots who were in big demand – and to the Hong Kong Police for keeping all the runners safe. Thank you to all involved. And to top things off, AVOHK’s own Isaac Yuen crossed the line first in the Marathon and broke the 3-hour mark. Catherine has prepared a report which is included in this month’s newsletter. The results are also on the AVOHK Website: www.avohk.org. Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihfVSReY8CY.

The 2023/24 Hong Kong Cross Country Championships were held on Sunday, 25th February 2024, at Fanling Golf Course. The call to form an AVOHK men’s masters team worked and a team was entered. They exceeded expectations by achieving 2nd place in the men’s masters (age 35+) team event. There is a report in this month’s newsletter. Well done to the HKAAA for putting on a well-organized and fun event.

The next AVOHK Committee meeting will be held on Monday, 4th March 2024, where we will be discussing activities over the next 6 to 9 months, including dates for the AGM, 2024 Malcolm Phillips race, AVOHK 5K Series and the possibility of holding Reservoir races. Once these dates are known, we will update Members at the earliest opportunity.

I repeat the message from last month in that we would welcome any Members who wish to join the AVOHK Committee and assist in keeping this historic Club going. Please consider and drop me an email: chair@avohk.org.

Finishing on a very positive note. I was contacted recently by Mark Siggers, a member from the 1980s and these days is based in UK. Mark was very pleased to see AVOHK in good health and still contributing to the Hong Kong running community. Mark and Sophia send their best wishes to all Members.

Please do take time to read the AVOHK newsletter, there are always some interesting articles.

The AVOHK Club Monthly Social Run is held on the first Wednesday in the month. Next one is at 7pm on 6th March 2024. Meeting outside the BMW Shop (formerly, HSBC) for further details, contact Norman 9249 1452 or Frank 9423 5422.

Yours in running Colin Whittington