Vets Track & Field League - Add it to your calendar in 2027

Hallie shares her experience of taking part in the Vets Track & Field League on Monday in Aldershot:

It was great to watch the races last Monday and compete in a few myself. This time’s events were: 2k walk, 200m, 800m and 3k runs, 4x200m relay then for the field events: shot, discus & long jump for the women plus discus, triple jump and javelin for the men.

Everyone from F&C was wonderful but, I have to say, Julia was sensational! She entered as many events as she could possibly fit in and did so well in her heats too – amazing stuff!

I found it such an inclusive experience. No matter how bad I was (haha!) there was cheering and encouragement not only from our own team but also from anyone in the vicinity watching. While waiting for the 200m event to get set up, I witnessed long jump technique advice being given out from one club person to a direct competitor from another – love it! These events are always really friendly and I felt such a warm sense of camaraderie.

A good few races were not represented by our club so there’s plenty of scope for others to get involved in anything you fancy – you don’t have to be Olympic standard! If you did high jump, shot or 100m etc at school and fancy a try then come along to one or more of next season’s meetings. They cater for all shapes and sizes - if I can do it with my short legs then you definitely can!

Everyone gets a minimum of one point per race or event meaning the more representation we have, the more points we get no matter where we finish. I certainly felt no pressure.

Generally, the F&C men’s team is lacking about 3 or 4 competitors each time which also means there aren’t enough participants to enter the relay. The women’s team seems to be better supported but there are still quite a few events not represented by us.

F&C Team (minus 3 who were warming up for the 3km event)

So, please, please, please, consider participating next year – you’ll love it! There are just 4 meetings (even just pop along for one or two of them). There’s one a month in April, May, June & July at a different location each time.