After postponing our end of season celebration due to weather conditions at the end of September, Saturday 3^rd. October certainly was a pleasant change.

Unfortunately, attendance was rather ‘light on’ due to several families being away for the school holidays etc.

However, we appreciated those who were able to attend and to start the afternoon all members were presented with their Achievement Certificate for their participation during the season, which was shortened to 11 weeks, due to the pandemic. Something which we all hope will never have to be experienced again.

The ‘Fun Event’ activity was a pre organised 6 x 1k relay.  Teams finishing should have ended up being very close in time, however a few last minute changes were necessary, so this was not the case.  Nevertheless, congratulations to ALL runners for ‘top’ participation and some outstanding results, time wise. The majority ran very close to their estimated 1klm. rate and quite a number smashed their rating with an outstanding improvement. considering the distance was slightly more than 1k!!  A special thanks to three runners who willingly agreed to run twice.  Check out the results below.

The afternoon concluded with an edible arrangement on offer of savoury and sweet ‘treats.

Planning on starting weekly Summer activity late Saturday afternoon 24th. October. When the program and venues are finalised, it will be posted on ‘INFO TO KNOW’   section.

Website changes and information also to be updated with a new Membership Form and current fees for the new 2020/21 year.

We are proud and appreciative of members representing Victory Runners who will compete at Athletics NSW State Cross Country Championships at Dapto on 10^th & 11^th. October. We know they will all compete to the best of their ability.

October Quote for the Month:

“What you lack in talent can be made up with desire, hustle and giving 110% all the time.”

– Don Zimmer

Professional baseball player and coach, Don Zimmer dedicated 65 years to the sport. The wisdom he left behind implies that will power and dedication are just as important as ability. Again, alluding to the concept that success is formed in the mind before it is manifested in reality.

Kookaburra’s

Great Galaha’s

Magpie’s

This report should have been covering Victory’s end of winter celebration and ‘fun day’. Unfortunately due to gale force winds and extremely icy cold temperatures the afternoon was postponed to Saturday 3^rd. October.

We apologise to members who may now not be able to attend on the 3^rd. However, weather is something that is completely out of our control.  Sometimes it is in our favour and occasionally, as on Saturday it was against us.

We wish to acknowledge three of our top runners who accepted the invitation of Kembla Joggers to compete in their Open Night on Thursday evening 24^th. September at Beaton Park athletics track.

Young Joel Harlor ran his inaugural 1 mile event finishing in an excellent time of 5:05.4 and placed third overall.   Hailey D’Ombrain ran the 3k distance and improved her PB track time by a massive 27 seconds. Stopping the clock at 10:50.4.  Cristine Suffolk chose the 5k event and to complete another outstanding effort achieved a great time of 21:21.5.

We are proud of these members and extend appreciation to them, and family members for attending, and to KJ’s for the invitation.

These three Victory Runners will be joined by a number of other keen members who will compete in the postponed State XC Championships at Dapto on 10^th & 11^th.  October.   We know they will all give 100% effort and do their best.

After Saturday 3^rd. Victory Runners will have a few weeks break.

During this break a summer program will be compiled, and a date selected for AGM.

This will be published on our website in ‘Info to Know’ section.  Website changes and information will be updated and a new Membership Form with current fees for the new 2020/21 year.

Looking forward to seeing those who can make it on Saturday for our postponed fun event and celebration.

Would appreciate if you plan to come and suddenly have to change your plan, please let me know via ph:  444 60 226.

Reason being the fun event involves teams, some last minute changes may be necessary!

Last chance to absorb the wise quote for September: 

“Running is about finding your inner peace, and so is a life well lived.”  

 Dean Karnazes (A runner and well known popular American author – especially about running).

A lovely mild and cloudy  afternoon welcomed keen members to Week 11, the final afternoon of walking, jogging or racing around the hills and flats of Willandra, for what has been a very unusual season due to the affect, limitations, illness, sadness and loss caused  by the world wide pandemic. We sincerely hope that 2021 will bring healing, health and restoration to the universe.

Some great improvements were noted for the final week. The following   members all earned the ‘Improver of the Week’ title. Lulu Wilson in her 4^th run over 2k managed to improve by over a minute. 9-year-old Tori Hill had a great run to be first to finish, improving by 23 seconds.  Tori’s older sister Evie also ran very close to her PB on a 2-minute handicap to finish 3^rd.

Not to be outdone by the girls, the ‘Top’ two boys in 3k, 11-year-old Ayden Spicer took 26 seconds from his PB. 12-year-old Joel Harlor hardly touched the ground taking 18 seconds from his PB to finish in record time of 10.08.

First of the adults to achieve a good improvement, Natasha Spicer chopped 17 seconds from her best 4k time and second home in the 4k Kevyn Davis surprised himself and others by a 1 minute 20 seconds improvement.  Last but definitely not least, Eva Moeller-Duhme achieved her 6k PB for the season with a 10 seconds improvement, stopping the clock at 47.09.

A really great effort from these seven members and a good mix of ages.

Cristine Suffolk had a win in the 6k with consistent running from her handicap of 3 minutes to overtake Paul Jennings in the final stages, while Jon Schol managed 3^rd place.  6k was probably a little short for Jon, having spent the last couple of weekends competing in distance events in Canberra.

Special thanks to volunteers Carla Hill and Bill Seary, plus Julie Harrison who helps after her 1k walk.

Just a reminder re the invitation in last week’s report from Kembla Joggers to an OPEN NIGHT on Thursday evening 24^th September – to be held at Beaton Park athletics track in Wollongong starting at 6pm.

If you are keen to attend, an entry has to be completed online before the day.

Please check this on their website.   kemblajoggers.org.au/news/

Week 12, 29^th September is our final activity as we celebrate the conclusion of Victory Runners cross country 2020.

The activity will start at 3pm, so don’t be late, or you may miss out on this ‘fun event’ for everyone.

This will be followed by a couple of surprises to conclude the afternoon activity.

Last chance to absorb our monthly quote.

September, Quote for the Month: 

“Running is about finding your inner peace, and so is a life well lived.”  

 Dean Karnazes (A runner and well known popular American author – especially about running).

Results

1k Distance

2k Distance

3k Distance

4k Distance

6k Distance

Despite a marked decrease in competitors for week 10 the quality of performances was nevertheless rewarding. Joel Harlor, determined to better his 2k time of 7:04 managed to achieve his wish, flying around the 2k in exactly 7:00.

This was a great effort considering he had not long come from a very hard game of soccer. The other standout in the younger age category was Layla Burbage who achieved ‘Improver of the week’ with a 17 seconds improvement on her 1k time. Well done Joel and Layla

Younger members didn’t appear to be affected by the quite warm conditions, maybe the ice blocks available at the finish line offered some encouragement.  However, some 6k runners decided one lap in the heat was enough and sensibly chose the 4k. At the other end of the age scale our three 70yrs and over competitors, Eva, Erich and Kevyn didn’t appear to be phased by the increase in temperature. Along with our very talented 50yr old master’s athlete, Cristine, these dedicated runners are a great example to all.  Their ability, determination and commitment to complete their chosen distance at their own pace, is indeed very inspirational.

Kembla Joggers Club have emailed an invitation to Victory members to join them if interested in an OPEN NIGHT on the track.   The following events will be conducted.  400m, 1mile, 3000/5000m & 100m.

The venue:  Beaton Park athletics track in Wollongong.  Date:   Thursday evening 24^th September – 6pm start.

The only cost will be entry to the athletics track.   However, it will be necessary to fill in an entry form if interested in attending.

This can be found on their website – kemblajoggers.org.au/news

Week 11 Saturday 19^th September will be our final point score activity.    Saturday 26^th.  September, we are planning to have some special activities to celebrate and bring winter 2020 to a close.

However, to plan this we really need to know who will be attending, please inform us by Saturday 19^th if you intend to be present or unable to attend.  This would be very helpful and much appreciated. Thank you.

September, Quote for the Month: 

“Running is about finding your inner peace, and so is a life well lived.”  

 Dean Karnazes (A runner and well known popular American author – especially about running).

Results

1k Distance

2k Distance

3k Distance

4k Distance

6k Distance

8k Distance

Lovely spring weather was much appreciated and enjoyed by 28 competitors for week 9.

Young Owen Harlor took out line honours for the second week and improved his 1k time by 8 seconds. Well done Owen.

Great 3k running this week produced a male & female ‘Improver of the week’. Congratulations to Ayden Spicer who managed to reduce his best time by 15 seconds. Congratulations also to Olivia Oke who improved her PB by 10 seconds. These two athletes knew they had to work hard with back marker Joel Harlor winding down their lead. Joel finished strong in first place, in exactly the same time as last week. Certainly, a great effort by these three keen competitors.

Two 3k runners actually upped their distance to 4k this week. Ros Matthews and Kevyn Davis should be pleased with their times.

6k competitors decided to trial a 4k lap followed by 2k instead of the 2 x 3k. From all accounts the majority felt it did require more effort and times were slower!

Was good to welcome Josef Pitchler for his first run of the shortened winter season, Josef had the honours of first home in the 4k distance.

Thanks again to Bill Seary for recording and Carla Hill for place ticket handling.

September, Quote for the Month: 

“Running is about finding your inner peace, and so is a life well lived.”    Dean Karnazes ~

Dean is a runner and well known popular American author (especially about running).

Appreciation to Eva Moeller –Duhme for forwarding this very meaningful quote. This reminded me of a very wise quote read a few years ago by Delai Lama.    “Don’t let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.”

Week 10 Saturday 12^th coming up.  Look forward to another enjoyable afternoon of activity at Willandra for all ages and abilities.

Results

1k Distance

2k Distance

3k Distance

4k Distance

5k / 6k Distance

A touch of spring weather greeted competitors for Week 8 which was certainly much appreciated after the past two weeks of true winter conditions.

Julie Harrison had the pleasure of first across the finish line after choosing the 1k walk. However, ‘Go’ marker, 6-year-old Owen Harlor certainly set himself a good 1k time with a fast finish and a smile on his face, stopping the clock at 5:27. Well done Owen.

Although no outstanding improvements were noted this week, worth reporting after 8 weeks of competition are commendable performances to the following members for their very consistent effort in their chosen distance.  1k, Layla Burbage.   2k, Madeline Oke, Ashley Spicer, Cailin Burbage, Tori Hill and Evie Hill.    3k, Lizzie Hastedt, Olivia Oke, Kev. Davis, Ayden Spicer and Joel Harlor.    4k, Linda Hastedt and Kirsten Pichler.  6k, Cristine Suffolk, Jon Schol, Paul Jennings and Eva Moeller-Duhme.

Athletics NSW   2019/20 financial year ends on 30^th September, it is our intention to have our final Saturday on 26^th September.  However, plans for this day will depend on what coronavirus restrictions are still in place. As this is four weeks away, we will keep you posted.

Last opportunity for publishing our Quote of the Month:

Don’t compare yourself to others. You are an individual. Be like the Sun, Moon and Stars and Shine when it’s Your Time.   …………   Unknown author

Look forward to a new Quote of the Month for September – Week 9, Saturday 5^th.

See you then.  Same time, same place.  Visitors and new members very welcome to join or ‘try out’ for a walk or run. The distance being your choice.

Results

1k Distance

2k Distance

3k Distance

4k Distance

6k Distance

Willandra certainly didn’t escape the August blizzard on Saturday afternoon. The icy cold gale force winds certainly were a valid reason to keep a number of our families and their youngsters from attending.

However, in the true sense of Victory Runners. nine very brave contestants were willing to accept the challenge and did not allow the conditions to prevent their eagerness to compete.

For this reason, improvements were certainly not on the agenda, especially for five of our younger members who had a very strenuous training session prior to the 3pm start.

Amazingly enough, Erich Moeller-Duhme who was also celebrating his birthday, won the ‘Improver of the week’ award by reducing his 8k best time this season by almost 2 minutes!  Congratulations Erich, a great birthday accomplishment.

However, the conditions also did not prevent Kirsten Pichler from reducing her 4k time by 5 seconds, Paul Jennings was just 6 seconds short of his best 6k time and Eva- Moeller-Duhme managed to go under her 6k target of 48.00 for the second time this season.

All round the competitors for week 7, though small in number were a pleasure to watch.  All nine finished their event with a great deal of determination and satisfaction. This reminded me of our monthly quote, you were like the Sun, Moon and Stars and it was definitely your turn to Shine. Well done, everyone.

Much appreciation to Julie Harrison and Bill Seary, volunteers who also braved the very unpleasant conditions to lend a hand with place cards and recording.

August ~ Quote of the Month:

Don’t compare yourself to others. You are an individual. Be like the Sun, Moon and Stars and Shine when it’s Your Time.

– Unknown author

Look forward to Saturday 29^th. August at Willandra for Week 8 –   Arrival time 2.30 for 3pm start.  Visitors and new members very welcome to join or ‘try out’ for a walk or run. The distance is your choice.

Results

2k Distance

3k Distance

4k Distance

6k Distance

8k Distance

Despite the threatening showers and dark rain clouds the weather certainly did not prevent 18 very keen runners from competing on a very heavy, wet Willandra course on Saturday 15^th. August.

We guess the unpredictable weather was responsible for only 5 Victory members braving the conditions.  Fortunately, we had the pleasure of welcoming two coaches and some of their squad from the South Coast areas join us for Week Six activity.

These 13 highly tuned and talented athletes certainly thrilled us with some great running and were appreciated by our five local competitors.

Visitor, young Tayla Murray, only contender in the 1k set a record time for under 10 years at Willandra 2020.  Tayla stopped the clock at 5:10. Well done.  12-year-old sister Cheyenne Murray claimed the 2k victory. 7:51 was also a Girls 2020 record for Willandra and her age. Cheyanne was obviously pushed all the way as just 9 seconds separated 2^nd place getter and very fast finisher, 11-year-old Jess Kann crossing the finish in 8:00 minutes.

Another great race in the 2k was an excellent finish by Paige Murray 8:41 and our local lass and training partner, Evie Hill. 8:44. This was also a PB for Evie who normally runs 3k.

Young visitor, Annabelle Yorke finished in 9:17 also a very good time for the course.  Locals Ayden Spicer 9.44 and youngest competitor of the day Tori Hill 11:27 both earned ‘top’ points for their efforts.

Local Natasha Spicer decided the 6k was a little too muddy to run twice so was happy with a single 3k lap in 17:00

Six visitors lined up for the 4k each starting on a handicap. The fact that these athletes have only had the chance to race once (State Short course XC in June) with no school XC events all winter is a credit to their obvious commitment to train. All gave 100% on a wet heavy track.  Ella Collusso placed first on a 2-minute handicap in a ‘top’ time of 17:07. Baylee Holland also on 2 minutes 17:49. Back marker Jai Holland on 5:18 must have long jumped over the mud to finish in a ‘top’ time 15:05. Fourth place and back marker for the girls on 4:45, Lily Winward managed to clock 15:58, an excellent time in the conditions.

Bonnie Rouch on 4:00 and Olivia Greenhaugh 4:30 rounded off a fine display of 4k cross county running in wet conditions, Bonnie 17:03 and Olivia 16:50.

6k distance was the final event and despite only three contenders certainly held plenty of interest. Our local competitor Paul Jennings on a minus handicap started 5:00 before the official start., Jaylah Hancock was on 4:45 and Harm Schaap 6:00

Paul knew even with his eleven minutes start these two champions would catch him, the question being where. When coming through his first lap looked pleased to still have the lead! However, Harm had already overtaken Jaylah just before the 3k, so the prediction was on, where would they catch Paul.  Watching these two athletes fly around the course in their last lap was an honour. Paul enjoyed the run and was proud to be the ‘bunny’ for these talented teenage athletes.  Harm’s 6k time was a very impressive 20:45 and Jaylah’s   23:05 just as impressive in the wet conditions.

On behalf of Victory Runners, we offer a vote of thanks to the coaches, Andae and Baylee, their very keen athletes and parents who journeyed north to make the afternoon enjoyable and worthwhile.

Thank you also, Julie Harrison, Bill Seary, Hill Family, Natasha Spicer and son Ayden and Paul Jennings. Your attendance was appreciated.

August ~ Quote of the Month:

Don’t compare yourself to others. You are an individual. Be like the Sun, Moon and Stars and Shine when it’s Your Time.

– Unknown author

Look forward to Saturday 22^nd. August at Willandra for Week 7 Arrival time 2.30 for 3pm start.  Visitors and New members very welcome to join or ‘try out’ for a walk or run. The distance is your choice.

Results

1k Distance

2k Distance

3k Distance

4k Distance

6k Distance

Almost spring weather greeted participants at Willandra for Week 5, Saturday 1^st August, the last month of winter.

However, unlike the previous week the track was quite heavy going, due to the good rainfall experienced during Sunday & Monday.

Local numbers were down, however a pleasing number of visitors were welcomed and enjoyed the experience of running and walking on a change of venue, despite the dampness.

First to cross the finish line was 5-year-old Katie Braddick who has set herself a very good 1k time.

Credit to 10yr old visitor Piper Sweeny for her win in the 2k in a good time of 9:16. Piper recently competed for Randwick Botany Club at the Short Course Championships and was 3^rd in the Under 11 2k event.  To cap off her first year competing, also was awarded a Silver medal in the combined Under 12/11 Girls Team. Well done Piper.

The honour of the Fastest 2k youngster of the day was another visitor, Lucy Hoskins running with her dad. Lucy started on a 2:00 handicap managed the good time of 8:23 on a heavy track.  Well done Lucy.   Local youngsters Madeline Oke and Cailin Burbage also displayed consistency in the conditions.

Young ‘Go’ marker in the 3k event just managed to hold off very fast finisher, Kaja Wolter who started on a 3:00 handicap. Congratulations girls on displaying great racing through to the finish.

The 4k distance produced our ‘Improver of the Week’ when Hailey D’Ombrain finished first and improved her time in the damp conditions by 21 seconds. Congratulations Hailey.

Great times were also recorded by Melinda Day and Kirsten Pichler who challenged each other to the finish. 14yr old visitor Maeve Bradbury also ran a good time in her first run over this distance.

A number of walkers spread over the 2k,3k & 4k distances enjoyed the pleasant exercise while ‘social distancing’ and enjoying a chat.  Despite only six competitors in the two lap distances (6k & 8k) this week, their performances as always, are very noteworthy, simply by their attitude and 100% effort given each time they run.

August ~ Quote of the Month:

Don’t compare yourself to others. You are an individual. Be like the Sun, Moon and Stars and Shine when it’s Your Time.

– Unknown author

Look forward to Saturday 8^th August at Willandra for Week 6 around 2.30 – 3pm.  Visitors and New members very welcome to join or ‘try out’ for a walk or run. The distance is your choice.

Results

1k Distance

2k Distance

2k Walk

3k Distance

3k Walk

4k Distance

4k Walk

6k Distance

8k Distance

Participants for the final Saturday of the middle month of winter certainly experienced perfect weather conditions.

For once the venue did not live up to its name, ‘Windy Willandra’.

It was nice to have some young visitors from areas further north joining us for their run. We hope they enjoyed a change of venue and appreciated the competition.

Congratulations to one of our keen youngsters, 6yrs old Cailin Burbage.  Cailin ran the 2k and sliced just over 2 minutes from her previous 2k time.  This top effort earned her the title of ‘Improver of the Week’.  However, not to be outdone by her daughter, Mother Laura also earned this title by improving her 6k time.  Not to be outdone by females and at the other end of the age scale, ‘Improver of the Week’ title was also earned by Kevyn Davis turning 72 this week. Kevyn managed to reduce his best 3k time by just over 1: 30.

Also, worthy to note were pleasing improvements by participants across all distances. These members have set themselves a new PB and should be proud of their achievements. Layla Prince 1k, Madeline Oke, and Ashley Spicer 2k, Evie Hill and Lizzie Hastedt  3k,  Hailey D’Ombrain and Josh Henry 4k and Jon Schol and Crissy Suffolk 6k.

Not quite 9-year-old Milly Hastedt was our lone walker this week, compliments Millie for completing the 3k on your own.   A big thanks to all Week 4 competitors for participating in an enjoyable afternoon activity.

Looking forward to Week 5, same time, same venue.   Keep up ‘social distancing’ to stay safe and well.       Remember to check notice board for August Quote of the Month and some more minus & plus handicaps!

New and visiting competitors very welcome to join us.  Suggested arrival time around 2.30pm.

Feel free to phone or email if more info. is required.

Last chance to publish Quote of the Month for July

‘Never begin to give up, and never give up beginning.’

Frauke Bolten – Boshammer
Author:  Diamond in the Dust (2018)
I fully recommend reading this amazing book. You won’t regret it or forget it.

Results

1k Distance

2k Distance

3k Distance

3k Walk

4k Distance

6k Distance