BHAC Newsletter – January 2026
Happy New Year!
We had a great 2025, so thank you to all our athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials and parents.
Bob Willows (Secretary) has written his review of the year which you can read here:
Review of the Year.
We haven’t included the latest news updates in this newsletter, as our newest updates appear on
Instagram and
Facebook first,
as well as bigger news items on the website.
Help us share your achievements
We love to share in your achievements — please tag us in posts, or email Louise so we can help celebrate your successes:
louise.diacci@brightonandhoveac.com.
Help our athletes compete – Become an Official!
Officials are the unsung heroes of athletics. They are the ones timing races and measuring jumps — quite simply, without them, events wouldn’t happen.
We need your help. To keep our place in local leagues, our club must provide a set number of officials. Sussex is facing a critical shortage, and events are at risk of being cancelled.
Why join us?
- Easy training: The course is online and the club covers all costs.
- Low commitment: With a larger team, you only need to help occasionally.
- Front row seat: A great way to watch the action (especially if you’re already there supporting your children!).
Want to find out more? Come chat with Christel, our officials’ coordinator.
She’ll be in the Club House on Thursday, 12 February from 5pm.
You can also email her if you can’t make it:
christel.shaw@brightonandhoveac.com
Membership Renewals
Membership renewal emails have been sent out by Rhiannon (Membership Secretary). We have now moved to a new system called Spond
and will be sending out correspondence (including the newsletter) from there going forward.
If you haven’t received your reminder, you can renew your membership here:
Renewals
Beyond the track: more ways to get involved
We want to remain the best club in Brighton, but we can’t do it without our members.
When everyone gives just a little bit of time, it prevents burnout and keeps the club thriving.
Our most urgent vacancy
- Treasurer: We need someone to help manage the club’s finances. If you are good with numbers, we need you!
Other ways you can help
- The Match-Day Team: Join our new Officials or help out in the Club Shop.
- Behind the Scenes: Help with Publicity, the Website, and Volunteer Coordination.
- On the Track: Interested in supporting the next generation? Consider becoming a Coach!
Ready to lend a hand? Email Paula Blackledge at
paula.blackledge@brightonandhoveac.com
and she will put you in touch with the right person.
Reg Hook Clubhouse
We’re proud to honour the late, great Reg Hook — a legend of Brighton & Hove AC and Sussex County Athletics Association —
by renaming our clubhouse in his memory.
The official dedication will take place soon, but Reg’s name is already proudly displayed and his passion, generosity and legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Read about Reg’s life in athletics here:
Reg Hook obituary
Upcoming events
February
- Sun 1st – SEAA U15/U17 Indoor Inter Counties
- Sun 1st – Chichester 10K
- Sat 14th – Sussex Cross Country League (4), Glyndebourne (info)
- Sun 15th – Sussex AA Sportshall League 3, Worthing (via Team Manager)
- Sat 21st – ECCA National Cross Country Championships
March
- Sun 1st – Brighton Half Marathon and Youth Races (website)
- Sun 1st – South East Regional Sportshall Final
- Sat 14th – English Schools Cross Country Championships, Sefton Park, Liverpool
The provisional Summer 2026 Sussex Athletics fixture list is now available:
Summer fixtures (xlsx)
Winter Team Manager details can be found here:
Team Managers
We currently have no Senior Men’s Team Manager as Howard has stepped down.
If you are interested, please email:
howard.bristow@brightonandhoveac.com
New and used kit
The kit shop will be open on Thursday 17 February from 5:45–6:45pm for club vests and other club kit:
Club shop
Used athletics kit is also available in the Club House. Please take items only if needed, and consider making a donation in return.
Donations of clean, good-quality kit are welcome — leave them in the designated area.
Boost Your Recovery with so.sauna – BHAC Exclusive Discount
Recovery is just as important as the workout! We’re delighted to partner with so.sauna, located at the British Engineerium.
Owned by BHAC parent Mel Sramek-Bennett, so.sauna offers contrast therapy (sauna and cold plunge).
To celebrate their opening, they are offering the BHAC family 15% off all sessions.
Book here:
so.sauna booking
Partnership offers
High5 sports nutrition: Claim 30% off online using the code
H5#BRIGHTONHOVEAC at checkout:
highfive.co.uk
Neuff Athletic Equipment and The Jog Shop also offer 10% off to B&H athletes.
Visit our online shop to see details.
New partnership offer – The Endurance Project Lab
The Endurance Project Lab in Hove are offering Brighton & Hove AC athletes a 10% discount on testing services.
You can book a free 30-minute call via their website. Mention that you are a B&H AC athlete to claim your discount:
theenduranceproject.co.uk
Their services include (among others): V’O2max testing, lactate thresholds (training zones), running economy, hydration/sweat testing,
gait analysis, body composition, functional movement and strength testing.
Members Access Fund
If you need help covering training, membership, injury-related costs or competition expenses to represent the club, support is available.
Brighton & Hove AC runs a Members Access Fund for members who may need financial support.
Small grants are available, and applications are treated respectfully and confidentially.
View details and apply here:
Members Access Fund (PDF)