Exciting news! 

A Fitmums and Friends team will be participating in the local Champagne league again this year. Last year our team of 6 participants took part in the 10 races gaining points for individual and team competitions. You might recall reading that Stuart Spencer’s performance last year won him the prestigious ‘Yellow Jersey’ and the Peter Jarvis Memorial Trophy!

Would you like to be part of this team this year? Or could you be one of the many wonderful volunteer marshals to support an event?

What is the Champagne League?

The Champagne league is a series of 10 races that run from April to July each year. The races are organised by City of Hull AC but are supported by volunteers from the 10 local running clubs who participate. We were proud that many volunteers from Fitmums and Friends came along to marshal to support the events.

Last year a total of 240 runners took part. The races are a mixture of light trails and road apart from race 2 which is completely trail. Various prizes are awarded, including several individual prizes, a team prize, and an exclusive t-shirt for runners who complete all 10 races. Last year alongside Stuart winning the competition overall, 2 of our Fitmums members were part of a team that finished in a respectable third place. We were also very proud that our team had 100% attendance, and all 6 runners were awarded their exclusive t-shirt.

Details of the races

Race 1 - North Cave - 4 miles

Race 2 - Beverley Westwood - 3.3 miles

Race 3 - Elloughton Dale - 4.7 miles

Race 4 - Brantingham chase - 3.6 miles

Race 5 – Nutwood Raywell - 3.8 miles

Race 6 - Brough - 4 Miles

Race 7 - Kiplingcotes (handicap reversed start) - 5.1 Miles

Race 8 - Waudby Green (handicap reversed start) - 8.4 Miles

Race 9 - Kiplingcotes (South Dalton) - 5.2 miles

Race 10 - Hessle - 4 miles

Do I have to be a good runner?

The handicap systems means that anyone can do well, irrespective of their athletic capabilities. All the races, except the first are handicapped, with points awarded on the basis of 100 points to the winner, down to a minimum of 60. The first race is not handicapped and all participants get awarded 75 points. Races 7 & 8 have a staggered handicap start time with the slowest runners going off first, followed by progressively faster runners. This system gives every runner an equal chance of finishing first. For more information on how the handicap works, please see The City of Hull club page.

Guidelines for allocating place to represent Fitmums and Friends in the Champagne League 

The following criteria needs to be met for a member to be considered for a team place to represent Fitmums and Friends in the Champagne League.

Applicants must:

1. Have held a Fitmums and Friends membership in the previous year.

2. Be a first Claim Fitmums and Friends member.

3. Be affiliated to Fitmums and Friends in the year of competition.

4. Be able to commit to at least 80% of the races.

5. Be able to nominate a volunteer to marshal at an event.

Please note that:

• Official Fitmums and Friends running top/vest must be worn whilst participating in the races.

• If there are more members requesting a place than the number of places allocated to Fitmums and Friends, a draw will take place.

• If a member wins the Peter Jarvis Memorial Trophy, they will be offered a priority place to represent Fitmums and Friends for the following year.

How to register your interest

If you would like to know more or to register interest please email Dannii Pinder dannii@fitmums.org.uk

If we have more people who would like to participate that there are places available, we will hold a draw to select. Last year we were allocated 6 places, but the number for this year hasn’t been confirmed yet. We would like to apply for more places this year, so it would be really helpful if you could let us know if you’re interested.