Category Archives: News

For the last two years, Vale of York has made dressing up for the PECO XC Relays a tradition. Inspired by our University of York members, who have their “challenge week” at the same time as the relays, raising money for their University Athletics and Running Club, fancy dress is just too much fun to miss.

And 2026 proved to be the best for fancy dress participation we’ve ever had.

Standout costume this year had to be Bananaman, A.K.A James Leadbeater, father of Ewan and Isabella. His full length costume as the 1980s TV cartoon superhero, was accompanied by three giant size bananas (Sarah, Beverley and Steve) for good measure.

At Vale of York, we like to encourage all our young athletes to perform at the best of their abilities. We’ve seen league wins, national qualifiers, personal bests and solid commitment from children across all age groups. But medals and times are not the measure that matters most to us.

Athletics is a long-term development sport.

Children develop at different rates, and while some mature early and look physically dominant at twelve or thirteen, others develop later and quietly catch up. Some balance athletics with football, hockey or other sports. Others just enjoy turning up once a week to work out and be with friends. All of those pathways are valid.

Our responsibility as Vale of York Athletic Community is to protect long-term development, wellbeing and enjoyment so that young people stay in sport for a lifetime.

On Saturday 27 June, Vale of York Athletic Community will be hosting a Funetics Multi Challenge (FMC) Quadrathlon at the University of York athletics facility. The event will give U10 and U12 athletes from schools and clubs across the region a chance to take part in an inclusive athletics competition designed specially for younger children.

Harry Bromley led the Vale of York team home at the Brass Monkey Half Marathon, setting a new club record with an impressive time of 1:13:32.

Beverley’s name was pulled out of the hat for our London Marathon club ballot place and in her own words she was “very very excited.”

Well, despite swearing she would never do another marathon, and having fully embraced track and field in 2025 (Sheila Bolland Masters Athletics Winner nonetheless), Beverley has committed to her marathon challenge.

Last half term, Coach Jenni worked with a group of young athletes to launch our first formal Young Leaders Programme, designed to develop leadership skills and build confidence.

Vale of York athletes participated in more Cross Country events throughout November, including the West Yorkshire Cross Country League and PECO.