Safeguarding in Athletics: Lessons from the Ingebrigtsen Court Case

Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s recent courtroom testimony detailing alleged abuse at the hands of his father serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safeguarding in the athletics world. Just days after securing double gold medals in the 3,000 and 1,500 meters at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, Jakob’s statements against his father and former coach, Gjert Ingebrigtsen, painted a grim picture spanning several years.

Flying the Pink and Blue: A Big Weekend of 5K Racing for Vale of York

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.

A Safe Space to Speak: Empowering Young Athletes in Our Community

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”.

Positive Step Forward for Vale of York’s Track and Field Project! Planning Committee Update

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.

Looking Ahead to a Healthier, More Active Selby: The Planning Decision on Vale of York’s Track and Field Facility

Vale of York News and Coaching Resources

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.

A Challenging but Rewarding Day at the Dewsbury 10k

Dewsbury 10K 2025 - Photo by Mick Hall

The Dewsbury 10k is a fast, flat race held every February, perfect for runners aiming for a personal best. The route starts on Dewsbury Road, heading under a bridge and onto Bradford Road. The first 5km is a slight uphill to Wilton Park, where you turn around and enjoy a gentle downhill return. The final stretch includes a sharp left turn under the bridge before crossing the finish line.