It was another fantastic weekend of racing for Vale of York senior and masters athletes, with runners representing the club in pink and blue kit across multiple events. From Friday night’s EvenSplits 5K in York to parkrun on Saturday morning and the elite fields on Saturday afternoon at the Podium 5K in Leicester, our athletes showed up in force, supporting each other and putting in great performances.
Author Archives: Ian Martin
At Vale of York Athletic Community, the safety and well-being of our young members form the bedrock of everything we do. Our founder, Ian Martin, shared an inspiring message at an England Athletics safeguarding conference in York this morning.
“We are deeply committed to creating an environment where young athletes can flourish in a safe, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere,” Ian stated. “We want to be proactive in our athletics clubs and not only remove the barriers to safeguarding but also accentuate the positives that athletics and running can have on young people’s lives”.
On Wednesday, 12th March 2025, our planning application was heard by the Selby and Ainsty Area Planning Committee. We were grateful for the opportunity to present our case and highlight the overwhelming support we have received from the community and key sporting bodies.
Excitingly, the planning committee has decided to defer the application with a view to approval.
While not an immediate approval, this decision is a positive step forward as it allows council officers to work on potential conditions for approval, specifically addressing those concerns raised during the meeting.
After a super summer last year, Vale of York Athletic Community finished the season top of Division Two of the West Yorkshire Track and Field League. Now, as we step up to the top division, we face our toughest challenge yet – and we need you to help us stay there!
We stand at a crucial moment for the future of health, wellbeing, and community spirit in Selby. On Wednesday, 12th March 2025, the Selby and Ainsty Planning Committee will make a decision on our application to build a dedicated athletics facility at Land Off Friars Meadow. As we approach this decision, we want to reiterate the profound and lasting positive impact this project will have on our community.
Looking to boost your fitness and meet like-minded people in Selby, without the pressure of a traditional club? Vale of York Athletic Community offers a welcoming space for adults of all abilities to stay active, build connections, and achieve their personal fitness goals right here in Selby.
There was no monkey business from Vale of York Athletic Community at today’s Brass Monkey Half Marathon with several athletes achieving impressive times on a bitterly cold morning in York.
I ran the Symonds Run in memory of Hugh Symonds today at Sedbergh School. Hugh Symonds didn’t just introduce me to running; he showed me what it was to be a coach and a decent human being.
Beginnings are easy. It’s middles that are hard.
Take your typical New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier, get fitter and run faster in 2025. Setting goals like these, with the energy and excitement of a New Year promising a new you, is a piece of cake. But how are you getting on now, one week in, as we approach the middle of the month?
The annual ballot for the club’s coveted London Marathon place was held at the Christmas Party in Selby. There were six eager participants who had been unsuccessful in the public ballot in the hat, and Sam Robinson was pulled out to represent Vale of York on the biggest stage.
In case of injury, we draw a reserve, and for the second year running Neil Musgrove was selected and needs to be on hand with his club colours in case Sam is unable to participate.
Good luck to Sam on his training journey! Watch out for monthly newsletter updates from Sam as he follows a VDOT marathon plan.










