Author: ALDO K

Dear Members,

The 2025 China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon will be held at 8am on Sunday, 12th January 2025. There are discounts for AVOHK Members. Click here to enter: https://avohk.org/index.php/china-coast/.

Urgently required a volunteer to assist Race Director Catherine with the marketing and social media. To date no member has stepped forward. If you feel you have the capacity, please contact Catherine at catherineavohk@gmail.com.

The 2024 Hong Kong Masters Athletics Championships organised by Pacers will be held on 23/24th November at TKO Sports Ground. Aldo Kriel has been busily coordinating the AVOHK entry which has now been submitted. Fifty-four AVOHK masters athletes have been entered in 142 individual events and 6 relays. This is possibly the largest AVOHK entry ever into these championships. Twelve AVOHK club members have also signed up for the awards dinner on the Sunday evening.

AVOHK Reservoir Races will be held at:

• Aberdeen Reservoir (12km) on Saturday, 2nd November 2024
• Tai Tam (11km) on 16th November 2024 Both starting at 9am. Phil Booth is the Race Director. Online entry IS STILL OPEN and Masters age categories up to 80+, please click here: https://avohk.org/index.php/2024-avohk-reservoir-races/.

The AVOHK Christmas Party will be held from 7pm on Thursday, 12th December at Museum Cafe8. Details are in the newsletter. Cost: HKD250 for members and HKD350 for guests. This includes 2 drinks, a sumptuous buffet and a ticket for the Lucky Draw. Limit of 50. PLEASE sign up early.

AVOHK SOCIAL RUN – Wednesday, 6th November 2024. Start 7pm at Hopewell Centre (BMW showroom), walk up Wanchai Gap Road to Wanchai Gap. Then run on Barker Road to Victoria Peak, enjoy the views along Lugard Road, then down Hatton Road to Sai Ying Pun. Finish with some snacks and drinks. About 7km and 60 min, social pace. All welcome. Paved roads, no torch required. You might bring a spare shirt for change, and cash for food and drinks (optional) afterwards. Contact Frank (9423 5422) or Norman (9249 1452) for further information.

The 2025 World Masters Indoor Athletic Championships will be held in Alachua County, Florida, USA, from 23rd to 30th March 2025. Online Entry is open. Register here: https://wmaci2025.com/registration/. If you are travelling on a Hong Kong Passport, you are advised to apply for a USA Visa interview at the earliest opportunity.

Another large newsletter, thank you for the contributions and please do take time to read the wonderful articles. Included is an article on Australian ultramarathon running legend Cliff Young.

Yours in running Colin Whittington

Dear Members,

I start off with the very sad news on the passing of Eileen Booth on 10th September 2024. As many of you will know, Eileen was a great supporter of AVOHK. There is an article in the newsletter to honour Eileen’s contribution to AVOHK.

The 2025 China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon will be held at 8am on Sunday, 12th January 2025. There are discounts for AVOHK Members and Early Bird discount ends on 13th October 2024. Click here to enter: https://avohk.org/index.php/china-coast/.

A number of requests have been made for a volunteer to assist Race Director Catherine with the marketing and social media. If you feel you have the capacity, please contact Catherine at catherineavohk@gmail.com.

The 2024 Hong Kong Masters Athletics Championships will be held on 23/24th November at TKO Sports Ground. Aldo Kriel has been busily co-ordinating the AVOHK entry. I can report that around 40 members have signed up so far. Gentle reminder: the closing date for entries is 18th October 2024. If you are interested, contact Aldo (vice-chair@avohk.org).

AVOHK’s 4th and final race of the 2024 5K Series will be held at South Bay at 8am on Saturday, 5th October 2024. The overall series prize presentation will take place. Thank you to all the volunteers and Race Director Freeman Lee that have made this series such a success.

AVOHK Reservoir Races will be held at Aberdeen Reservoir (12km) on Saturday, 2nd November 2024, and Tai Tam (11km) on 16th November 2024. Both starting at 9am. Phil Booth is the Race Director. For online entry, click here: https://avohk.org/index.php/2024-avohk-reservoir-races/.

Date for your diary. The AVOHK Christmas Party will be held on Thursday, 12th December 2024, at Museum Cafe8. Further details will be sent out shortly.

AVOHK SOCIAL RUN – Wednesday, 2nd October 2024. Start 7pm at Hopewell Centre (BMW showroom), walk up Wanchai Gap Road to run along Bowen Road eastwards, then up Wong Nai Chung Gap Road and over the hill down Nam Fung Road towards Ocean Park, turn left along the coast to finish in Deep Water Bay; nibbles and beer at Coconuts. About 8km and 60 min, social pace. All welcome. Paved roads, no torch required. Bring towel and extra change of clothes if you want to swim, and cash for food and drinks (optional) afterwards. Contact Frank (9423 5422) or Norman (9249 1452) for further information.

Another large newsletter, thank you for the contributions and please do take time to read the wonderful articles.

Yours in running, Colin Whittington

Dear Members

I am writing this having just spent 2 weeks with the Hong Kong team in Gothenburg, Sweden, at the World Masters Athletics Championships. A wonderful and successful trip and more than a few medals. Please read the report inside. I highlight the Bronze Medal won by our very own Bill Purves in the M80 20km race walk on the last day of competition, a fitting end to the championships and a great reward for someone who has done so much for Hong Kong Masters Athletics over a long period of time.

2025 AVOHK China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon

The 2025 AVOHK China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon online entry has been launched. The event will be held at 8am on Sunday, 12th January 2025. Early Bird and discounted entry fee for AVOHK members. The John Lane Trophy and Casey Cap for Club members to compete for. Click https://avohk.org/index.php/china-coast/ for more details and online entry. A volunteer is still urgently required to help support the social media for this event. The recent requests have had a zero response. Further information in the newsletter. Please consider and contact Co-Race Director Catherine Leonard at catherineavohk@gmail.com.

Recent Events

AVOHK’s 1st race of the 2024 5k series was successfully held on Saturday, 24th August 2024, at Bowen Road. Well done to Race Director Freeman Lee and the other volunteers who helped make this race such a success.

Results are here: https://avohk.org/index.php/race-results/ Race 2 will take place at Tai Tam at 8am, Saturday, 7th September 2024.

Upcoming Events

AVOHK Reservoir Races will be held at:

• Aberdeen Reservoir (12km) on Saturday, 2nd November 2024
• Tai Tam (11km) on 16th November 2024 Both starting at 9am. Phil Booth is the Race Director. Online entry now available at https://avohk.org/index.php/2024-avohk-reservoir-races/.

The 2024 Hong Kong Cross Country Championships will be held on Sunday, 20th October 2024, at Fanling Golf Course. Details at https://hkaaa.com/en/comp_details.php?id=247. Categories are from Juniors through to Masters. Following up from AVOHK’s success earlier in the year, AVOHK will be submitting a Team entry for the Masters Category. If you are interested in being part of the Team, please contact me by 2nd September 2024 at chair@avohk.org.

The 2024 Hong Kong Masters Athletics Championship will be held on 23/24th November at TKO Sports Ground. Aldo Kriel will be coordinating the AVOHK entry and the closing date for entries is 18th October 2024. Aldo (vice-chair@avohk.org) will be in contact with Members shortly.

AVOHK Social Run

Wednesday, 4th September 2024. Start 7pm at Hopewell Centre (BMW showroom), walk up Wanchai Gap Road to run along Bowen Road eastwards, then up Wong Nai Chung Gap Road and over the hill down Nam Fung Road towards Ocean Park, turn left along the coast to finish in Deep Water Bay; nibbles and beer at Coconuts. About 8km and 60 min, social pace. All welcome. Paved roads, no torch required. Bring towel and extra change of clothes if you want to swim, and cash for food and drinks (optional) afterwards. Contact Frank (9423 5422) or Norman (9249 1452) for further information.

In This Month’s Newsletter

There is a smorgasbord of articles. Something for everyone. Please do take time to read.

Yours in running, Colin Whittington

Dear Members

Enter now – AVOHK’s 1st race of the 2024 5K series (4 races) will be held at Bowen Road on Saturday, 24th August 2024.

For further information and online entry, click here: https://avohk.org/index.php/2024/06/16/avohk-5k-series-2024/

This is an ideal opportunity to support the Club and wear your AVOHK Club vest. There is a full range of age category awards. A big thank you to Freeman Lee for volunteering as Race Director.

2025 AVOHK China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon

The 2025 AVOHK China Coast Marathon and Half Marathon will take place at Sai Kung Country Park on Sunday, 12th January 2025. Online entry will be launched in August. A separate notice will be sent to all Club members.

Please consider supporting the Club by either entering the race or volunteering your time to help support this event. Volunteers can contact chinacoastmarathon@gmail.com. A big thank you to Dave Smith and Catherine Leonard for volunteering as Race Directors.

AVOHK Social Run

When: Wednesday, 7th August 2024, 7pm

Start: Hopewell Centre (BMW showroom) Route: Walk up Wanchai Gap Road, run along Bowen Road eastwards, then along Tai Hang Road towards Fortress Hill Finish: Casual Indian restaurant for drinks and food Distance: About 8km in 50-60 min, social pace Terrain: Paved roads, no torch required Optional: Bring change of clothes and cash for food and drinks afterwards

Contact Frank (9423 5422) or Norman (9249 1452) for further information.

Good Luck Messages

AVOHK wish all the Hong Kong, China athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2024 World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothenburg (13th – 25th August) the very best of luck. We are sure they will all come away with some great memories and maybe a few medals.

Newsletter Highlights

This month’s newsletter includes a report by one of AVOHK’s younger members, Elsdon Ting. Elsdon writes about his experience in competing in the 5,000 metres at the recently held Hong Kong Inter-City athletics meeting, and proudly wearing the AVOHK vest. Well done to Elsdon on winning the silver medal.

Early Date for Your Diary

The AVOHK Christmas Party will be held on Thursday, 12th December 2024, at Museum Cafe8. Further details will be out in the coming months.

Yours in running, Colin Whittington

Dear Members,

A big thank you to the 38 members that attended the 2024 AGM held at Museum Cafe8 on Thursday, 13th June 2024. It was a very good turnout. Also, a thank you to those members that submitted proxy votes.

On the committee front, we said a big thank you and goodbye to Nigel Raymont – the outgoing AVOHK Treasurer who also stands down from the committee. Nigel didn’t leave empty-handed and was presented with a bottle of wine for his well-recognized contribution to the Club. We welcomed back Rupert Chamberlain to the AVOHK committee as the incoming Treasurer.

The AGM was concluded by the presentation of 2023/24 AVOHK Female Athlete of the Year to Glory Yau and AVOHK Male Athlete of the Year to Frank McNamara. Congratulations to Glory and Frank, both very worthy winners and great supporters of the Club. Thank you to Evelyn Lim and John Fowler for presenting the awards.

The 2024 AVOHK 5K series has been launched with the first race being held at Bowen Road on Saturday, 24th August 2024. Starting at 8am. For further information and entry, click here: https://avohk.org/index.php/2024/06/16/avohk-5k-series-2024/. An ideal opportunity to support the Club and wear your AVOHK vest.

Entry for the 2024 World Masters Athletic Championships being held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 13th to 25th August 2024 is now closed. A large team of 58 Hong Kong, China, masters athletes have signed up, including a number of AVOHK members. Watch this space for further information as these championships progress.

Well done to Mike Capper who recently competed in the Singapore Masters Athletics Championships and came away with the Gold medal in the M60 5000m in a very credible time of 18 mins 56.40 secs, setting a new Hong Kong age group record. A team of 6 master athletes represented Hong Kong, China, at these championships.

AVOHK Website support volunteer urgently required to assist Aldo Kriel in maintaining the AVOHK website and keeping it up-to-date. If you think you can help, please contact Aldo at vice-chair@avohk.org.

AVOHK SOCIAL RUN, 7pm, Wednesday, 10th July 2024. Start 7pm at Hopewell Centre (BMW showroom), walk up Wanchai Gap Road to run along Bowen Road eastwards, then along Tai Hang Road overlooking HK Stadium and circle back towards Happy Valley. Finish near HK Stadium for drinks and snacks. About 8km in 50-60 min, social pace. Paved roads, no torch required. You may bring change of clothes – and cash for the drinks and snacks (optional) afterwards. Contact Frank (9423 5422) for further information.

Another wonderful compilation of articles in this month’s newsletter, please do take time to read. There is a fascinating article about AVOHK Honorary Club Member and Olympian, Rod Dixon. Rod turns 74 in July and shows no signs of slowing up. Aldo Kriel, the Vice-Chair, has written an article about what is happening down at Aberdeen track on a Friday night.

If you are competing during your summer travels, do consider writing a short article for the newsletter and with a few pictures. This would make for great reading.

Yours in running Colin Whittington

Dear Members,

Thank you to those that have signed up already or submitted a proxy. A reminder that the 2024 AVOHK AGM will be held at Museum Cafe8 (above Pier 8) on Thursday, 13th June 2024, starting at 7pm. The official notice has been sent out to all Club members and your attendance at this important Club event would be appreciated. The AGM is always followed by a wonderful buffet with two drinks included at HKD150 for members and HKD250 for guests. A great chance to catch up and relax with fellow Club members. The 2023/24 AVOHK Male and Female Athlete of the Year will be presented. You can sign up for the AGM online here: https://forms.gle/gsEJxsJzxrQcAcE97.

The 2024 Malcolm Phillips Age-graded 5K Race was held on Saturday, 18th May 2024. A big thank you to Frank Riehm and David Woo, the co-race directors who put on a wonderful well-organized race. Thank you also to the close to 80 runners that turned out to remember our dear friend Malcolm who passed away in 2006. Mike Capper, now in the M60 age category and is still showing a good turn of speed, came home with an age-adjusted time of 15 mins 9 secs for the fastest male. The fastest female on the day was Sarah Modiano in an age-adjusted time of 18 mins and 18 secs. Congratulations to Mike and Sarah, both excellent times. Aldo Kriel has produced a wonderful short video of the Race which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohooaDFbEns. And the race results can be found on our website at https://avohk.org/.

The 2024 World Masters Athletics Championships are being held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 13th to 25th August 2024. Forty-plus masters athletes have registered to represent Hong Kong, China, at these championships, including a number from AVOHK. Entry closes on 5th June 2024, so still time to enter at https://www.2024wmac.com/registration or for further details, feel free to contact me at chair@avohk.org.

AVOHK Website support volunteer urgently required to assist Aldo Kriel in maintaining the AVOHK website and keeping it up-to-date. If you think you can help, please contact Aldo at vice-chair@avohk.org.

AVOHK SOCIAL RUN, 7pm, Wednesday, 5th June 2024. Start 7pm at Hopewell Centre (BMW showroom), walk up Wanchai Gap Road to run along Bowen Road eastwards, then along Tai Hang Road overlooking the HK Stadium and circle back towards Happy Valley. Finish near the tram terminus for fish tacos and drinks at the Happy Valley Bar & Grill. About 8km in around 60 min, social pace. Paved roads, no torch required. You may bring change of clothes – and cash for food and drinks (optional) afterwards. Contact Norman (9249 1452) for further information.

Another wonderful compilation of articles in this month’s newsletter, please do take time to read.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the AGM on 13th June 2024.

Yours in running Colin Whittington