Thanks to the recent relaxation of restrictions on sport by the government and England Athletics, Bedford and County A.C. is now able to further ease restrictions on training. We are now operating as a Covid-19 secure environment under England Athletic's step 3 guidelines. In order to achieve this, the club has had to appoint a Covid-19 officer, and club chairman Martyn Blackwell is acting in this capacity. The main changes are that more athletes are now allowed in some zones, and that hurdles are now allowed in zones 1 & 2 on a Sunday only. An overview of the updated policy is provided below (the fully policy is here).
To take part in training, you must have renewed your Bedford and County membership (i.e. from April 2020).
Athletes who are under 18 should contact their coach to notify them of their interest in attending a session, as all junior sessions must be booked by coaches. Please email the Club Chairman, Martyn Blackwell
Senior athletes may book small group sessions themselves.
Bedford International Athletics Stadium will be open at the following times:
- Tuesday: 1700 - 2000
- Thursday: 1700-2000
- Sunday: 1000-1300
Due to the need to ensure social distancing, the stadium has been divided into 10 zones. Each zone is clearly marked, and can be booked by a small group. The zones may be booked for fifty minute sessions starting at 17:00, 18:00 and 19:00 on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00 on Sundays. Athletes are limited to two sessions per week. Note, however, that some sessions are pre-booked by club coaches, and so are not available for senior athletes to book online.
The zones are:
| Zone | Location | Usage | Group Size | Pre-Booked Slots that are not available to book online |
| 1 | Lanes 1 & 2, whole 400m | Runners in events from 400m upwards | A single group of up to 8 athletes and 1 coach* | |
| 2 | Lanes 5,6,7,8 (160m from bend to finish line) | Sprinters | A single group of up to 8 athletes and 1 coach* |
|
| 3 | Lanes 5,6,7,8 (160m from bend to 200m start line) | Sprinters | A single group of up to 8 athletes and 1 coach* |
|
| 4 | Inside Shot Putt. | Field event athletes | A single group of up to 4 athletes and 1 coach* | |
| 5 | Inside Javelin by Water Jump | Field event athletes | A single group of up to 4 athletes and 1 coach* | |
| 6 | Outside Shot Putt | Field event athletes | A single group of up to 4 athletes and 1 coach* | |
| 7 | Javelin / Cage | Field event athletes | A single group of up to 4 athletes and 1 coach* |
|
| 8 | Long Jump | Field event athletes | A single group of up to 4 athletes and 1 coach, and up to 2 helpers turning and raking the sand* |
|
| 9 | Rugby Field | Endurance athletes | up to 4 coaches, each with a group of up to 8 athletes. | No sessions available to book online (contact endurance coaches for availability) |
| 10 | American Football Field | Endurance athletes | up to 4 coaches, each with a group of up to 8 athletes. | No sessions available to book online (contact endurance coaches for availability) |
*Senior Athletes do not need a coach in their groups.
Hurdles can be used on Sunday in Zones 1 and 2 only. Hurdles use not permitted at other times.
Sadly, the Pole Vault and High Jump areas will remain closed until further notice.
The toilets are not open.
Please note: You must read the club's Covid Usage Policy and Risk Assessment before making a booking.
BOOKING IS BY ‘ZONE’. Coaches and athletes (over 18) can book a 50 minute session through the following link: https://forms.gle/7cjqei2bhqBcnweUA.
The Booking window opens each Saturday for the following week's sessions.
The club would like to thank Bedford Borough Council for making these arrangements possible.
