Category: Social Events

La Santa 2023

Over the years the club has had many group trips away. The Dublin marathon and the Majorca marathon (twice) in the 80’s. More recently, smaller groups have been to Amsterdam, Berlin and even Tokyo. There was a long weekend away for the iconic Ballycotton 10 (look it up) and there are gentle suggestions of a trip somewhere in the UK next year.

However, the one trip that has stood the test of time only came about because of war in Yugoslavia! In 1990, there were plans to go to the Split marathon, but when war broke out following the collapse of the Berlin Wall, that went out the window and someone came across the Lanzarote International Challenge. Four races in four days, sunshine and beer, what more could you want? That first trip took about thirty people and it has been going every year since (2020’s Covid closure excepted). read more

Meet the Buzzards – Sam Dear

Meet the Buzzards

Find out a little bit about your new Club Captain in Meet the Buzzards

Name?

Sam Dear

Age?

34

Where were you born?

Luton & Dunstable Hospital

Tell me something about you:

Born and bred in Bedfordshire, I have a season ticket for Luton Town Football Club (a valid reason for why I miss some Chiltern League fixtures!), a Physical Geography degree from University of Sheffield and definitely enjoy a rest day. My girlfriend Jo probably has to take some credit for some of my good race times as I need to work hard to be faster than her! read more

Meet the Buzzards – Pete Mackrell

Meet the Buzzards

Part Two of Meet the Buzzards – The second half of the dynamic duo of our wonderful Co-Captains, Pete Mackrell!

Name?

Pete Mackrell

Age?

37

Where were you born?

Burnley, Lancashire, England (in that order)

Tell me something about you:

When I was 12 I was Lancashire Maths champion, but I was rubbish at all sports and not exactly popular at school. Now I’m an accountant so I haven’t got any more popular, but I do seem to have discovered some talent for running. I take great pride in having run several times for Bedfordshire (cross country) and for England Masters (marathon). When not running you might find me at Turf Moor.

What inspired you to start running?

My girlfriend at the time decided we (by which she probably meant me) were getting fat so we should take up running. I hated the idea but reluctantly agreed to tag along with her.

Who is your favourite athlete?

Of the current bunch Eliud Kipchoge is the King, he’s sublime and a joy to watch. But Emil Zatopek is my hero because he wasn’t sublime, however he had guts, determination, ingenuity, humility, and three gold medals in one Olympics.

What made you choose LBAC?

It’s the only “athletics” club in town and I genuinely assumed the Fun Runners always wore fancy dress and did egg-and-spoon races!

How long have you been running and when did you join LBAC? 

I started running in 2008 and joined LBAC after moving to Leighton in 2011.

What is your favourite race distance?

Marathon

What is your goal for the next 12 months?

To stay injury free and keep proving myself wrong.

What’s your favourite post-run refuel snack?

A pint and a packet of crisps!

Fartlek or Pyramid session?

Pyramid

Speed or distance?

Distance

And one for the post Cross Country pub trips…

What’s your favourite drink?

A pint of something, preferably real ale.

Pete doing what he does best… marathons!

Meet the Buzzards – Fiona Towell

A new, occasional feature to help people from the different training groups and disciplines get to know others from the club and what better place to start than the two Co-Captains?!

This week, introducing co-captain part 1: Fiona Towell!!

Name? Fiona Towell

Age? 49

Where were you born? Glasgow, City of Culture 😉

Tell me something about you:

Sailed a leg of The Millennium RTW Yacht race from Mauritius to Recife in Brazil round the Cape, next to childbirth possibly the toughest 48 hours of my life. read more

Annual Dinner

  As you will no doubt all be aware, this year's annual dinner is on FRIDAY 2ND MAY. It is to be held at Leighton Buzzard Golf Club on Plantation Road from 7pm and is open to anyone vaguely associated with the club.

It is an opportunity to get your best dresses on, let your hair down and have a couple of half shandies. There is even a chance that you may win something!

We encourage anyone who has one, to bring their other halves and we'll try not to talk running too much! read more

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