CWD : 9th June 2018

Sunday runs just won’t be the same without the ever reliable routine of John ‘Westy’ West.  From riding his bike to the running course, often kilometres out of town, Westy would then, back in the day, share a story with the closest ORC member about how many kms he had already done on the bike that morning (average around 100-170km). Then, after some stretches, he would change to undertake the course, at his Olympic paced walk, where he would outpace the joggers. For awhile he could be relied upon to ask me every run something along the lines of ‘can I get a lift too?’ or a similar Westy-ism, as I pushed the pram, and then he would zoom past. He would be the last to leave, chatting to new and old members about all things athletics, bikes and family. The Club will miss Westy’s achievements and his dedication to his beloved athletics and the Club. Vale Westy, and our deepest sympathies to his ever patient wife Marg and children Peter, Tim, Chris, Anthony, Matt and Corinna and their families.

90 members headed to Clergate on Sunday in frosty conditions. Liz Simpson, running amazingly fast post baby Rory, took out the 3km while Mitch ‘100’ Essex gave his legs a rest with just the 3km but was still the fastest home. Consistent Amber Rich and Noah Lamrock were the 5km winners. Leanne Corcoran, Ursula Wilson and Alison Spurway led the pack for the women’s 10km with new Club President Anthony Daintith flying home ahead of Joel Broadfoot and Michael Kennard. Well done Henry Reeves who was the handicap winner.

Thanks as always to Michael Sharp and John Hannan for volunteering their Sundays and Wednesdays so members can have their times recorded.

Wednesday’s run saw 77 members tackle Elephant Park which was lit up by a very fast young Hugh Corcoran who with his PB of 10:53 left Dad ‘Go the Blues’ Jamie and President Anthony for dust, leading Anthony to question what Hughie’s secret is. I suspect training with mum Leanne might have helped. Great to see Hugh, keep up the good work. Anna Daintith and Joel Broadfoot were amongst the other members to secure PBs. Nice also to see Kay Davis off the golf course and making an appearance on a Wednesday. James Ashton was declared the winner.

Lots of events coming up for members. Socially it would be great to see many members at our Pizza Night on 7 July at Hotel Canobolas – please send RSVP to our email orangerunnersclub@outlook.com with names and numbers asap.

This Saturday head across to the Henry Lawson Festival at Grenfell for the Cathy Weigold Memorial Fun Run with a choice of 7.5 or 4km. Be at Lawson Oval by 9am to register.

If you are staying stateside, see you on Sunday at 6.45am for the trail run at Macquarie Woods and/or Jack Brabham Oval for laps starting at 9am.