November 21st, 2022 President's Note 2022-12-01

We’re currently issuing new wrist / ankle timing chips which will replace the race bib numbers. To make distribution easier, please arrive early to Thursday night runs. These new chips will ONLY BE ISSUED

TO FINANCIAL MEMBERS FOR THE 2021/22 YEAR, who run Harriers Thursdays, so make sure you re-join if you haven’t already. Go to the club website traralgonharriers.org.au and follow, click the “About” tab and click “Membership”. Club Secretary Alfie Warner will have his laptop there if anyone is having problems with memberships, so make sure you sign up online, or bring your bank card.

Similar to parkrun, you must bring and wear your chip each week, otherwise you will still be allowed to run, but will not get an official time towards club championship season points. Remembering your wristband will just become a new habit. If you lose your chip you will have to purchase a new one for $20.

The feedback about the Harriers Facebook Thursday runs plotaroute app has been very positive. It shows you exactly where each week’s run starts, the exact course and distance. Thank you to Edi for putting the maps together.

It is club policy to give new runners a 2 run pass to see if they like the Thursday run and want to join, but after that, you must be a member to run. This does NOT apply to established members. You MUST be a member to be covered by AV insurance and indemnify the club. It also makes it much easier to manage club lists under Covid regulations, if members join in a prompt and timely fashion, without putting the onus on a committee member to chase you. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.

Membership edges close to the 100 mark, so there are still a few who haven’t renewed, however, it’s excellent to see some new members joining the club, and we welcome them all.

A REMINDER: As winter season runs are in town and are either on or cross public roads, members need to be aware that we must give-way to traffic, abide by traffic rules and use footpaths where practical. If you’re running on the road, please be careful, and run against the traffic (that is, so you can see cars coming towards you; they can see you, and you can curb-hop to get out of the way; if you do this, it is at your own risk). Please be safe and aware and don’t risk your life just to shave a few seconds off your time.

It’s excellent to see everyone in their club reflective vests for winter runs, and must be quite a sight for the general public to see such numbers unified in our “power rangers” vests. Club vests have been issued to members who run Thursdays, and if you’re a new member, you’ll receive one as part of your 21/22 membership. If you lose your vest, you can buy a replacement one for $40 or use one of the older orange fluro vests. You must wear an approved high-vis during winter Thursday runs. Lights and light coloured clothing is also encouraged.

The 2021 Marathon entry is open. The Mara is on 6th June and will run from the Traralgon Vineyard, with the Full, Half, 10k and 2k kids runs. Early-bird entry is now closed, but Harriers members still receive a discounted entry. Enter here https://my.raceresult.com/167319/registration?lang=en and Harriers discount will be automatically deducted at the entry site when you tick the membership box.

Thank you to those members who have volunteered to adopt a winter course for marking. All courses are now adopted. Our course markers will have this job listed as their rostered duty, so will be able to run each week, including their own run, as a reward for volunteering.

In regards to duty; if you are injured or can’t run, but are still going to be available, please put your hand up to fill the duty roster. Everyone loves the weekly runs, but they don’t happen without people marking, doing duty, setting up timing, handicapping etc.

Much appreciation to those members who are always looking to support. The AV Team is set and ready for their first cross county event, and we have a healthy representative team led by Club Captains Greg Semmler and Molly Irvine. Aside from supporting the AV team with drinks and refreshments, as an incentive, the club reimburses part of the AV fees to club representatives who compete in at least 4 AV events. It’s brilliant that the club’s AV ranks look healthy, and at writing we have 22 athletes registered for AV level competition, representing the club against other metro and clubs from across the state. If you’re interested have a chat to Club Captains Greg Semmler or Molly Irvine. Congrats to the team who had their first team event last weekend. An excellent representation by club members and some wonderful times and results for everyone, but especially our first timers.

Also well done to Mandy Ellis and Kaye Livingstone for their 100km Orbost to Bairnsdale hike, raising money for bowel cancer research.

NOTE: We’re looking at doing our mid-year presentation night on Friday 11th June, so put this date in your diary – Further details soon.

The Mother’s Day Classic is back for 2021. Now in its 8 th year, you can walk, run, or cycle the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, with your choice of two distance and starting points, finishing at the Old Glengarry Railway Station. Starting locations, distances and times to pick from include; Toongabbie CFA Station to Glengarry – 9km, starts 9am, or Burnets Road Traralgon to Glengarry – 6km, starts 10am. Proceeds raised go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation which is a charity close to my heart, having lost my own mother to this horrible disease in 2014. Wear pink, and have a run this Sunday 9 May! Register online now at https://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/vic-traralgontoongabbie.

A final message – The Harriers is a supportive club and the atmosphere is welcoming and positive. It’s wonderful seeing everyone encouraging, cheer and congratulate other members, and taking the time to get to know new members and make them feel welcome. New energy and enthusiasm is the life-blood of a club, and some people are just starting on their running journey. Remember what it was like when you first came to the club, the nerves and being unsure. It’s a great part of being part of a club, that support. We can all run by ourselves any time, but being part of the Harriers, hopefully provides an added incentive to reach whatever your individual goals may be.