We as a club have been looking at the UK athletics Run and Talk campaign and how we as a club can support the initiative.
There is a fascinating article in Runners world pointing to research that suggests that running can be as effective as anti-depressants in helping depression.
Watch this space
Woodbridge Shufflers hosted the start of the Suffolk Winter Cross Country series on Sunday 3rd December.
Over 400 runners from clubs across Suffolk, braved the wet and cold conditions to run 8 km around Sutton Heath, including 26 Shufflers. Many of the club members acted as marshals and provided refreshments for the runners which raised money for the Woodbridge Soldier Fund as a thank you for use of the facilities.
Race Director Mike Ward was very pleased how it went. “This is the first year for a new course and all the runners had smiles on their faces at the end which is a sign of a good event. I’d also like to thank Rock Barracks and the residents at Sutton Heath for allowing us to use the site to car parking and race HQ.”
There are 5 more events taking place around Suffolk over Winter. To take part in future races, you need to be a member of a running club that has entered the Suffolk Winter League. For more information about Woodbridge shufflers, please go to: www.woodbridgeshufflers.org.uk
urther afield this weekend saw the Worcester half marathon being held. The half was part of the as part of the “Worcester City Runs” event. Other races including a family fun run, junior race and 10k .
The half route started at the Hive (part of Worcester uni), around the old teaching college, the race course, the cathedral and then through the main high streets before running up the river, over the bridge and past the weir.
Over 1000 runners took part in the half, it was superbly organised, surprisingly flat(!!!) and very scenic. There were people out in support throughout the route and every 2 miles were complimentary water pouches and unlimited gels. Excellent medal, canvas bag and T-shirt at the finish line.
Our very own Gemma Cannon was holding the fort from a Shuffler point of view, showing them how it should be done.
Gemma said “Despite a slow start and a summer swimming more than running I was very pleased with 2hrs 6, just 30 second slower than my PB 
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Well done Gemma, glad you had a good time, and great running !
Today saw 15 x Shufflers race in the famous Ipswich Half Marathon. The course is known for its killer hill upto the Freston Boot but is mainly flat and takes in the high street, the Marina and Holywells Park.
Thankfully the conditions were very good, much cooler and overcast and the team displayed some outstanding performances amongst the 2000+ competitors.
Of note, Ross McGill finished in 26th position with a time of 1.24.
Ruth Ackworth came 1st in her age category.
Ed Abbott and Matt Cawdron completed their first Half Marathons both in very respectable times of sub 1hr55.
1.2 GigaWatts, which is just slightly more power than Sizewell B nuclear power station produces. That was the level of enthusiasm of the 51st Ipswich cub group on their running evening arranged by the Woodbridge Shufflers. The session was run by Shuffler’s brilliant junior coach Kate Hayward-Brackenbury helped by coach Dave Alley, and cub leaders Laura Read, Steven Young, and Kara Weeks.
The cubs enjoyed a fun warm up, then took part in games which had a running theme – Duck Duck Goose, Find your Pack (no pun intended) – a running and memory game with giant playing cards , and Stuck in the Mud. The cubs also took part in running races, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Every single one of the cubs worked extremely hard, and loved the running evening.
Thanks to Kate for planning and leading a fantastic event, the cub leaders for their excellent organisation, and to the cubs for being brilliant!
Dave Alley, Coach
Woodbridge Shufflers Running Club
Woodbridge Shufflers Running Club 
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