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Sprint and Hurdles
Groups for athletes aged 10 (school year 6) and over with no upper age limit.
A high-intensity running discipline that focuses on explosive speed over short distances, typically ranging from 60 metres to 400 metres. It demands power, technique, and rapid acceleration to achieve maximum performance.
Sprinting also provides a solid foundation for those wishing to persue hurdles, the jumping and throwing disciplines, or multi-eventing and many of club sprinters also train in a secondary discipline.
Coaching Groups
We have several coaching groups for our sprinters catering for all ages and abilities. Some groups have the additional specialism of hurdles or jumps.
All the sprint groups work in collaboration with each other, some athletes from Phil Budd's group have specialist hurdles coaching with Ann Hayter’s group, and Paul Smith’s junior sprinters feed into both senior sprint groups at the appropriate time.
Each group follows it's own training schedule and training venues may very.
Find our more about our differnt sprint groups below.
Paul Smith OBE
The Intermediate Sprint Group (ISG) is led by Paul Smith OBE, who is supported by dedicated volunteers. Paul has served as an England Athletics Event Group Coach for five years, specialising in sprints and hurdles. A fully qualified coach since 2015, he is deeply committed to the mental health and wellbeing of all athletes and members in the club.
In addition to his sprints coaching, Paul is also a strength and conditioning coach, wheelchair racing coach, club photographer and male welfare officer.
Paul emphasises the importance of instilling confidence and a positive mindset in the athletes he coaches, dedicating himself to helping each individual reach their highest potential by being the best they can be.
Introduction
This group offers training across a range of events, from 75 metres to 350 metres, in a happy, safe, secure and enjoyable atmosphere. The focus is on nurturing the development of young athletes both in athletic pursuits and everyday lives, ensuring they are thoroughly prepared for progression to the older age sprint groups.
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Who is this group for?
The group is all inclusive and divided into two age categories: U13s and U15s, soon to become U14’s and U16’s. The aim is to help those with a more serious interest in competition as well as those who simply wish to enjoy athletics, ensuring that all participants achieve their fullest potential, and be the best they can be, no matter what their prior experience.
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When is Training?
Training sessions are held on the following days and times:
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Sprint Group 1 (u13)
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Tuesday & Thursday: 5:10 - 6:25pm at Mountbatten Centre
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Saturday: 10:00 - 11:25 am at Mountbatten Centre & various locations
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Sprint Group 2 (u15)
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Tuesday & Thursday: 6:30 - 7:45 pm at Mountbatten Centre
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Saturday: 11:30 am - 12:45 pm at Mountbatten Centre & various locations
Coaching Team
Ann Hayter
Coach
Dan Bray
Coach
Paul Smith
Coach
Phil Budd
Coach
Simon Ciaravella
Coach
John Cookson
Coaching Assistant
Who is it for
Sprint coaching is offered for under 13 (school years 6 and 7) & over (with no upper age limit). We welcome athletes of all abilities and have several training groups to cater for all our atheltes different needs and abilites.
When is training
The clubs main training days are Mondays evenings, Tuesday evenings, and Thursday evenings.
Many of the sprint groups also train at the weekend as well. Each group follows their own schedule and you can find out more from the group coaches.
Where is training
Our home base is the Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth. PO2 9QA.
Training venues for sprint groups can vary to allow for a well rounded training schedule. Coaches for each training group will provide you more information.
What equipment is needed
Initially, there is no special equipment required.
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Clothing suitable for running
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A good pair of sports trainers
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A bottle of water
During the summer months it is advisable to apply sunblock before attending.
Once you begin regular training, a good pair of spikes, will be required (requirements may vary).
Club vests are required if you wish to compete, and a club hoody is also availble. These can be purchased from Alexandra Sports, loctated at Lakeside.
Cost
All athletes can have up to 4 free trail sessions before committing to joining the club.
We have several membership options available to suit the varied needs of our members.
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Junior membership is £108
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Full membership is £110
Explore our other memberships here.
Prices are for the whole membership year (1st April - 31st March) and the cost is the same regarless of when in the year you join the club (with the expection of those joining between 1st Jan - 31st March)
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