BARRY HIGGINS
ATHLETICS
TRARALGON HARRIERS
By BARRY HIGGINS
THE Harriers returned for their first weekly run last Thursday (January 13) after the Christmas break, running the 5km Water Tower Run from the clubrooms, along Ashworth Drive, Traralgon and return.
Despite the warm and humid conditions the large field produced some excellent running and
walking times.
“Didn’t those three weeks fly by! Welcome back to all and I hope everyone had a wonderful break, spent with family and friends, doing the things you enjoy doing,” president Phill Mayer said.
“The Xmas Bash and Presentation Night was a huge success. Over 90 members and friends joined together for the ‘selfie’ novelty run, followed by wonderful catering, drinks and presentations. How wonderful to see club members enjoying themselves, having conversations, laughing and sharing a drink or two. It was magnificent to see the different demographics from the club celebrating together. It’s wonderful for us to be using the updated clubrooms which provide a great atmosphere and privacy.”
Before Christmas about 30 runners also enjoyed an informal Christmas Lights Run organised by club member Alysha Duncan.
It was a great fun group which ran at a leisurely pace and was a nice way to see the creative efforts people had put into their decorations to celebrate this time of year.
“The last two years have obviously been a challenge for everyone in many ways, trying to make sure the club has stayed relevant and supportive to members which has been, at times, demanding, but also rewarding,” Mayer said.
“I am cautiously optimistic for 2022 and we will be monitoring the situation with COVID. The number of cases and rapid spread of the current variant is cause for concern and club members health is our priority. We’ll be adhering to government directives and health advice, and as I’ve said many times, this virus isn’t over yet, but the club will persevere despite the hurdles.”
With no weekly events over Christmas, Harrier members took part in organised runs further from home.
On New Year’s Eve club coach Greg Semmler enjoyed the Victorian Road Runners Fun Run around Melbourne’s
legendary Tan circuit, placing outright second for the 8km distance.
He clocked his fastest time up the notorious Anderson Street hill.
“Obviously on the first lap,” he said.
On January 8, a small number of Harrier members and friends enjoyed the Portsea Twilight Run through the Point Nepean National Park, with stunning views of Bass Strait on one side and Port Phillip on the other.
Corey Milner finished outright third on the 8km course and was first in his age group.
Tomorrow’s 5km event is at Lake Hyland, Churchill, starting from Mackeys Road with staggered starts from 5.50pm.
An informal club dinner will be held at the Churchill Hotel after the run.
5km Water Tower Run: Daniel Furmston 18.30, Miles Verschuur 19.27, Glenn Graham 19.47, Greg Semmler 20.30, Steve Renehan 21.21, Andrew Greenhill 21.31, Clinton Jolly 21.31, Darrel Cross 21.33, Shane Gavin 21.57, Karen Graham 22.20, Yani Cornthwaite 22.27, Pete Sanders 22.34, Warren Shields 22.48, Zoe Kirkman 23.50, Tobiasz Grzmil 24.04, Liz Kenney 24.14, Glenn Gates 24.25, Darren Tatterson 25.02, Gary Fox 25.43, Ron Verschuur 26.54, Andrew Legge 27.01, Angelo Gaudiano 27.06, Lucy Magaldi 27.11, Anthony Magaldi 27.15, Marlon Mifsud 27.30, Michelle Sawyer 27.43, Chris Francis 27.51, Michael Walker 27.56, Phill Mayer 27.56, Kate Mayer 27.56, Jason Irvine 28.16, Tania Whitehead 29.40, Kathleen Kent 29.48, Danelle Wright 30.06, Kaye Livingstone 30.21, Mandy Ellis 30.32, Collette Hofmann 30.33, Susan Poole 32.03, Cynthia Rodriguez 33.33, Helen Whitby 34.39, Belinda Heafield 34.57, Callie Cook 37.46, Ann Bomers 37.47, Ian Heafield 41.03, Peter Grixti 48.00, Bryanna Mifsud 50.35, Catherine Leonard 50.39, Simone Weckmann 50.39, Lea Francis 51.48, Geoff Francis 51.48, Kasinda Dalton 55.09, Eily Dalton 55.09, Desmond Dalton NTR.
