President’s Note - 28.9.2023
This week’s run is Breed St Netball Courts 5k
Duty: Liz Kenney & Matilda Lappin. CM: Kate Mayer
Park in the netball carpark or on Breed St.
The start and finish is on the path adjacent to the netball club.
Check the plotaroute https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2230320
Next week’s run is Track Night at Newborough. LAST RUN OF THE WINTER SEASON.
Duty: Nick Hodson, Adam Van Baalen, Barry Higgins, Ian Heafield, Belinda Heafield, Heather Farley & Volunteers (injured, not running, please help out). RD: Legge.
This week, we’ve officially hit the 170 members mark. The club is bigger than it’s ever been, and this means we need to keep working at being inclusive and welcoming. If you’re an established club member, make it your business to introduce yourself to a new face, and make sure newbies are made to feel comfortable. If you see someone looking a bit lost or standing by themselves, just say hello. It’s not hard and it makes a world of difference to ensuring new members have a positive experience, and it gives people time to integrate and get to know the workings of the club. Remember how you felt when you first rocked up to the club (hopefully you were made to feel like you belonged).
*IMPORTANT Harriers Dates
5 Oct Newborough Track Night (Volunteers needed) NEXT WEEK
8 Oct Memorial Run (12k & 6k Road Events, Morwell) (Volunteers needed)
3 Dec King & Queen of the Mountain (30k Individual + Relay Teams, Mt. Tassie)
28 Dec & 4 Jan X’mas Break – No Harriers Thursday Runs
15 Feb 2024 Trivia Night DeGrandi’s Vineyard
24 March 2024 Community Fun Run
Coming into a new season, there’s a new Summer Duty Roster and Thursday Run Schedule included in this NL.
We need members to fill the Course Marker slots. Please see Legge if you can take on a course, or if you did one last summer season and want to adopt it again. Anyone who’d like to give it a go but is unsure of the process, have a chat with myself or Legge. We can team you up or if you know the course, we just hand you the cans of paint. It’s always better to do it with a friend.
Remember, anyone who does Course Marking does not go onto the duty list. Anyone who does duty or course marking is allocated extra points in the championship. The duty roster may be changed as course markers are allocated.
So, to all members, check the duty roster and put your date in your diary. It’s a good and fair system, but if someone doesn’t turn up or organise someone to fill-in for their duty turn, it puts pressure on other members which isn’t fair. The roster is in the NL well in advance, it’s announced each week at Thursday runs, and it’s on socials, so there really is no excuse. We’ve only had a few occasions this season when someone nominated for duty didn’t turn up, made no contact, or didn’t organise someone to fill-in or swap, but it shouldn’t happen at all. It’s a part of being a member of the club to take some form of responsibility and help out to ensure the club runs smoothly. Duty is a small contribution members make to the club once in a season.
The club took part in the Latrobe City Sports & Rec Expo yesterday, and our volunteers represented the Harriers with enthusiasm and energy as always. Thanks to Legge for organising, along with Alfie Warner, Ann Bomers (who was there all day) and Sep Marino. Thanks to those members who helped on our stall in a timeslot for the day; Molly Irvine, Greg Semmler, Dempsey Podmore, Seth Bomers, Trent Kooyman, Clinton Jolly and Barry Higgins who dropped in to support. Extra thanks to Sep Marino for producing a wonderful flier to handout to attendees.
The Memorial Run is on Sunday 8th of October in Morwell. It’d be great to have a huge turnout of members and friends for this special event. It’s a small donation to enter, with all profits going to Gippsland Lifeline. This run is a memorial to honour former club members who took their lives, and as such, it’s all about raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, which is at epidemic proportions in our community, with the numbers at a staggering level. This issue affects young and old, male and female, apparently “healthy” and “ill” alike. It’s an important run, and raising funds for our local support organisation is essential, because they rely on community donations, business support and grants to operate, and they are stretched to the limit without ongoing government funding. They provide an essential service. We have all been touched by suicide in some way, and it is not a topic to avoid talking about. We must confront it, discuss it, support people, find solutions and reasons where we can. Put the date in your diary and invite your family and friends.
There are 5 starting groups for Thursday runs. This saves congestion on footpaths at the start, and a mass of runners on roads in town. Club Handicapper Andrew Legge has grouped members into fair handicaps based on times (check the table in this newsletter or on FB). If you feel you need to be re-handicapped please have a chat to him. Handicaps are about members running in a group that is commensurate with the individual member’s time, so we all run in a group with similar times and ability. Handicaps are not a penalty. It spreads runners out at the start, so is safer, and means that members all finish around the same time. Handicaps are fluid and adjusted as required. Let those on duty know if there is a mistake so they can make note and can be rectified.
Make sure you get your name checked off the list BEFORE starting, making note of your group.
Group 1 (Walkers/Slower Runners) - Start Upon Arrival
Group 2- Start 5:50
Group 3- Start 6
Group 4- Start 6:05
Group 5- Start 6:10
Winter Season Rules
-Self Timing (please give time to duty member after you’ve finished the course).
-New Runners Always Welcome (2 free runs before membership).
-ALL RUNNERS MUST WEAR THE CLUB-APPROVED REFLECTIVE VEST DURING WINTER SEASON. Guests and forgetful members will be issued a loaner to be returned. All new financial members receive a vest as part of their membership (over $55 value). ALL MEMBERS MUST WEAR A CLUB APPROVED REFLECTIVE VEST AT EVERY WINTER RUN. This is part of an agreement made with Latrobe City and Vic Pol.
-PLEASE check in with duty members and get your name marked off the list BEFORE you take to the course (Very important for safety so we know who is on course). Walkers still start upon arrival for winter season.
-Look after junior runners and newbies. Be careful on the road, at road crossings. Give way to traffic.
-Please run on the right hand side so you can see traffic, or preferably, on the footpath. Watch for obstacles. Safety is the priority over times!
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Please be aware of cars if you’re running on the road. We do not have right-of-way. We’ve had a few close calls recently, and the last thing we want to see is a member getting injured due to negligence and not paying attention because they’re “in the zone”. This is not an allocation of fault or blame, just a fact that we need to be aware of. Please be careful, pay attention and look after yourselves when running on the road. Time should not be your major focus, your safety should be. Unfortunately, there are a lot of foolish drivers on the road, and also people who are hostile towards runners for a multitude of reasons. As a club we should not contribute to this negative perception by being foolish or inconsiderate ourselves. Every time we do a Thursday run on the road during winter, we are representing the club, and taking a calculated personal risk, so make sure you mitigate the risks and remain aware.
Run on footpaths if possible, but if you run on the road, stick to the right hand side gutter, so you can see oncoming traffic and move onto the nature strip if required.
*All members please check the Duty Roster and make note of your rostered date. If you can’t do your allocated duty, it’s up to you to swap with someone or get a fill-in. If you’re not on the roster it’s because you’re a course marker, you don’t run Thursdays (only do AV or you’re a social member only), you’re a junior member, late-in-the-season-joining new member, or you got lucky. That’s the benefit of having good membership numbers; you get to run more and only have to do one duty in a season. The idea is to make duty fun, it’s not a chore. It’s a great way to get to know other members and put names to faces. (NB: If you’re on duty, you can run early, do the course and put in your time). Those who do duty or course marking get bonus points in the championships each season.
*Duty Roster Winter 2023
REMEMBER: If you can’t fulfil your allocated duty, the onus is on you to swap with someone.
6 April Geoff Francis & Lee Francis
13 April Karen Graham & Catherine Leonard
20 April Michelle Colwell & Kathy Quinn
27 April Darrell Cross & *Michael Walker
4 May Krissi Crieghton & Luke Witham
11 May Errol Poole & Angelo Gaudiano
18 May *Nick Hodson & Kylee Earl
25 May David Hood & Andrew Broburg
1 June Claire McCumber & Emma Marino
8 June Ron Verschuur & Collette Hoffman
15 June Mark Fairbairn & Ian Cornthwaite
22 June Paul Rollandin & Nicholas Talerico
29 June Stephen Renehan & Andrew Panayiotou
6 July Kate Cumming & Clinton Jolly
13 July Glenn Graham & Kathleen Kent
20 July Trent Kooyman & Owen Notting
27 July Jason Odlum & Dale Murphy
3 Aug Kylie Murray & Rose Croft
10 Aug Michelle Sawyer & Maree Graham
17 Aug Katelyn Rowe & Felicity Beasley
24 Aug Bjorn Luxmann & Paul Smith
31 Aug Tania Whitehead & *Adam Van Baalen
7 Sept David Barr & Josh Dalton
14 Sep Anthony Magaldi & Andrew Greenhill
21 Sep Gary Fox & Shane Gavin
28 Sept Liz Kenney & Matilda Lappin
5 Oct Newborough Track Duty Nick Hodson, Adam Van Baalen, Barry Higgins, Ian Heafield, Belinda Heafield, Heather Farley & Volunteers (injured, not running, please help out)
*Duty Roster Summer 2023/24 (Provisional; may change depending on Course Marker list).
REMEMBER: If you can’t fulfil your allocated duty, the onus is on you to swap with someone.
12 Oct Samantha McGown & Mandy Ellis
19 Oct Matilda Lappin & Claire McCumber
26 Oct Karen Graham & Stephen Renehan
2 Nov Michelle Colwell & Kathy Quinn
9 Nov Sally Eenjes & Kylee Earl
16 Nov Edward Hunter (C&B Summersgill Champs) Krissi Creighton & Luke Witham & Miles Verschuur & Greg Semmler
23 Nov Andrew Panayiotou & Chesney Podmore
30 Nov David Hood & Kate Cumming
3 Dec Peter Fairbairn & Paul Rollandin
7 Dec Catherine Leonard & Siyao Ma & Zoe Zhang
14 Dec Harriers X’mas Break-up Phill Mayer & Andrew Legge
21 Dec Harriers X’mas Lights Run
28 Dec & 4 Jan No Run – X’mas Break
11 Jan Owen Notting & Nicholas Talerico
18 Jan Geoff Francis & Lee Francis
25 Jan Ron Verschuur & Collette Hoffman
1 Feb Darrel Cross & Kathleen Kent
8 Feb Adrian Clements & Alysha Duncan
15 Feb Jason Odlum & Mark Fairbairn
22 Feb Jay McGown & Nick Hodson
29 Feb Michelle Sawyer & Maree Graham
7 March Chris Francis & Felicity Beasley
14 March Bjorn Luxmann & Paul Smith
21 March Tania Whitehead & Helen Whitby
28 March Danelle Wright & Josh Dalton
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GENERAL CLUB NOTES:
*For those doing Thursday duty, please arrive by 5:40 at the start of the course. The list will be there provided by Handicapper Andrew Legge. You need to check-in all attending members (by highlighting their names) before they set off on course, and write in their times at the end. One person should be responsible for the list, the other should be on the clock and announcing start times for the groups (use your phone). Give each group a two minute, one minute and 10 second warning, and then a clear vocal start.
*Course markers should inform of any aspects on the course for safety, and you should be familiar with the course if there is a plotaroute (many summer trails don’t have them) so you can give directions especially to new runners (who you should make feel welcome and inform me of their attendance to give a shout out at the end). Plotaroutes are posted on the club’s FB page and Insta. The course marker should make note of any obstructions or obstacles and point them out at the start of the run and inform those on duty. Winter in town runs must be marked with white chalk with large arrows.
Course Markers are to get marking chalk (winter) or paint (summer) from Molly Irvine, preferably the week prior to your course at the Thursday run. Marking is dependent upon weather, and should be done just before the run to ensure clear, fresh arrows.
*In the event that weather is seriously inclement in winter (severe rain, gale force winds, extreme heat, lightening etc.) we may cancel the Thursday run, but traditionally, Thursday Harriers is run in spite of the weather. If it is too bad to run, we’ll notify cancellation via social media. If the weather is bad and we still run, we may just cancel doing lucky member draw and member’s address after, to avoid standing around in the cold. In that case, members can arrive, run, lodge times and go, with no need to stand around freezing.
*Traralgon Harriers Merchandise – Remember we’ve got club socks, caps, visors and beanies; socks come in women’s and men’s and are $15 for members ($20 for non-members), caps are one-size fit $20 ($25 non), and beanies are $20 for members ($25 for non). We also have running singlets at a cost of $30 for members. All merchandise is at a subsidised cost to members; we’re not trying to make money off these items, just provide another way for members to unify, identify and fly the club flag.
*Lucky Member Prize Draw after each Thursday run - All financial members are on the list. Remember you must be there to collect your prize otherwise it is re-drawn (This happens a fair bit, so don’t miss out - Don’t be a winner who leaves and therefore loses). The value of the prizes has gone up so it’s even more worth your while sticking around. Remember, the draw happens after the last runner is through and all times have been recorded. Thanks to Kaye Livingstone for organising the weekly prizes. Thanks to Molly Irvine who has been organising this whilst Kaye has been away.
At the end of each Thursday run we also welcome and acknowledge any new runners who have joined us for the first time. If you see a new face, say hi, chat to them and make sure they stick around and feel welcomed. We seem to have new runners every week and a lot are actually joining after their 2 free runs.
Aside from our Thursday runs, club weekend events and AV team opportunities, the club also has 2 fantastic weekly training groups, one in the morning for early risers, and one in the evening, which everyone is welcome to join.
*T-Squad Weekend Sessions; usually Saturday mornings from 8:30am, at various locations with Greg Semmler. Join the FB Group “T Squad” for more details. This group has built into a really strong part of the Harriers, and aside from quality training, they enjoy breakfast together. Food is a great motivation!
*Tuesday Group Sessions; at the Little Aths Track, Davidson Street Traralgon from 6pm with me and a great team. Join the FB Group “Traralgon Tuesday Running Group” for more details. This group has been going for over 20 years, and is all about training (obviously) but also laughs, support and friendships. The camaraderie at TTRG is the thing that has seen it continue for so long, so if you haven’t come along to a session, put it in your diary.
The club newsletter is an important communication medium, and most members use it as a place to get updates, information and share stories. Our NL editors work hard to ensure it’s interesting, informative and relevant. Most members enjoy reading of other member’s adventures and inspirational journeys, so don’t be shy to share and shoot your articles, thoughts and running snippets through. Send your notes to Glen Crawford at
Thought for the week: Comparison isn’t the thief of joy, envy is!
Phill Mayer – President
