About Us

Peterborough & Nene Valley Athletics Club (PANVAC) is a friendly, inclusive athletics club based at the Embankment Track in Peterborough. We offer track & field, road running and cross country for all ages and abilities - whether you're starting your running journey or chasing performance goals.

Our Mission

  • Develop talent and passion – Support athletes of all experience levels with quality coaching.
  • Create community – Build a welcoming athletics environment for runners, families and supporters.
  • Promote lifelong athletics – Encourage participation from juniors to masters across all disciplines.
  • Represent our region – Compete proudly at local, regional and national levels.

What We Do

Track & Field

Coached sessions in sprints, hurdles, middle distance, jumps and throws at the Embankment Athletics Track.

Road Running

Training groups for 5k to marathon, suitable for beginners and experienced runners alike.

Cross Country

Seasonal off-road racing that builds strength, endurance and team spirit.

All Ages & Abilities

We welcome juniors (9+), seniors and masters, with sessions tailored to ability and progression.

Our Home

We train at the Embankment Athletics Track on Bishop's Road, Peterborough. Members also meet for group runs around the city, Nene Park and nearby villages.

Club History

Peterborough & Nene Valley Athletics Club (PANVAC) was officially formed on 1st October 2019 when two long-established local clubs — Peterborough AC and Nene Valley Harriers — merged after each having proudly served the area for over 40 years.

Both founding clubs had competed at the highest level, regularly fielding teams in the prestigious British Athletics League and producing athletes who represented their counties and countries on the national and international stage.

Pre-2019: Two Proud Legacies

Peterborough AC and Nene Valley Harriers separately provided competitive opportunities for all age groups for more than four decades, developing generations of athletes and competing in the British Athletics League.

2019–Present: A United Future

Since the merger, PANVAC competes in the Southern Athletics League, East Anglian League, Eastern Masters’ League, North Midlands Cross Country League, and Cambs Sportshall. Members are actively encouraged to represent the club (and themselves) at county, regional, and national championships across track & field, road running, and cross country.

International Success

The club is immensely proud of the many athletes from both founding clubs who have gone on to represent Great Britain at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships, as well as those who have worn the vests of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games.

“Two great histories. One exciting future.”

Our Coaches

Our dedicated team of qualified coaches brings expertise across all disciplines, ensuring personalized guidance for every athlete. Sessions are held at the Embankment Track with a focus on technique, progression, and enjoyment.

Starter Athletics
  • Kay Gibson
  • Brenda Church
Hurdles
  • Ron Crosby
  • James Copeland
High Jump
  • Karl Eve
Long & Triple Jump
  • Neil Torr
Sprints
  • Ken Maggs
  • Tim Needham
  • John Torr
  • Neil Torr
  • Dee Walker
  • Samantha Eve-Marsh
Middle Distance
  • Paul Larkins
  • Richard Moulton
Long Distance
  • Andy Barber
  • Phil Martin
Multi-Events
  • James Copeland
  • Tim Needham
Throws
  • James Copeland
  • Simon Achurch
  • Andrea Jenkins
  • Tim Needham
Boston Venue
  • Dave Clay
  • Emma Boole

All coaches are UK Athletics qualified and hold current DBS checks

Club Committee 2025/2026

President
James Copeland
Chairman
Vacant
Vice Chairman
Tim Needham
Treasurer
Barry Phillips
Membership Secretary
Dave Wassell
Safeguarding Officers
Emma Boole
Elaine Larkins
Kay Gibson
Officials Secretary
Vacant
Minutes Secretary
Vacant
5km Series Co-ordinator
Vacant
Cross Country (North Mids League)
Dave Wassell
Frostbite League Manager
Ray Church
Road Running
Steven Wilkinson
Track & Field
Dave Bush (Southern Athletics League)
Elaine Larkins (Sen/U20 – EAL)
Emma Boole (U13/U15/U17 – EAL)
Claire Smith (Eastern Masters)
Statistician
Andrea Chapman
Website Co-ordinator
Andy Dobedoe

We need YOU!

Several official committee roles above are currently vacant, but that’s only part of the story.

Whether it’s helping set up on a Tuesday night, timing at a race, marshalling a cross-country course, taking a few photos, manning the refreshments table, or simply bringing your enthusiasm — every single contribution, big or small, keeps our club thriving.

No experience necessary.

Find out more

Why Join Us?

  • Qualified, experienced coaches across multiple disciplines
  • Supportive and inclusive club atmosphere
  • Training groups for all abilities
  • Opportunities to compete or simply train for fitness
  • A thriving athletics community

Join Us

Interested in joining an athletics club near Peterborough? Visit our contact page or read about membership to get started.