Sharp at pointy end of awards

Article by Matt Dean

Congratulations to life member and chief handicapper/ timing system operator Michael Sharp.  Michael was this week the recipient of the inaugural Central West Volunteer Summer Sporting Spirit Award. Michael a founding and life member of the ORC and has clocked up over 1200 runs; in recent times he has dedicated himself to running the electronic timing system every Wednesday and Sunday. Michael modestly claims that he enjoys the chief handicapper and timing system operator role and the ORC committee and members are very appreciative of his commitment and professionalism. He does like his statistics and is an extremely patient gentleman.

Mitch Williamson has recently qualified for the Oceania Area Athletics Championships in Tahiti. Although Mitch has been selected for the 10,000m, he admits that at this stage he would be best suited to the 5,000m due to a back injury which has dampened his preparation. Well done Mitch and best of luck. You may need to visit the sauna to acclimatize.

This weekend is the running of the Parkes Rotary Fun Run. The fun run consists of a 10k, 5k and a 2k run for primary school aged children. Online entries are now closed but entries will be taken on the day from 6.30 for a 8.00am start. As usual the Runners Club will be well represented and results will be posted in next week’s article.

The Orange Apple Festival Fun Run was held last Sunday at the Pinnacle Picnic Area in perfect autumn conditions.  Eighty plus runners dragged their mums from breakfast in bed to take on the undulating course. The runners were treated to some fine locally grown apples on completion of the run.

Wednesday’s handicap gave of a taste of things to come with the mercury sitting at about 6 degrees, so the lungs were definitely burning a little. The conditions didn’t seem to worry the youngsters with Pb’s run by Ethan McArdle 3 minutes, Corey McArdle 40 seconds, Liam Sharp 51 seconds and Harry Crouch 10 seconds. Mitch Essex continued his good running form following the Bathurst half marathon and was the handicap winner. With the days starting to get shorter Wednesday’s run will be starting at 5.45pm sharp, so please arrive early from next week to avoid missing your start time.

Tomorrow’s run will be out at the very picturesque Lake Canobolas at 9.00am. Runners/walkers will have a choice of a 3 or 6k course. This run is a favourite for walkers and beginners as it is an easy stroll around the lake. If you are thinking of starting a winter training program this Sunday is the ideal time to start.

For anyone who missed out on a 2013 Running Festival T-Shirts there are a small number still available for $25. Please see Kim Roweth or Anthony Daintith for sizes.

Happy Running