Vetrunner September 2009.pub - ACT Veterans Athletics Club

September 2009 Vetrunner — Page 7Most runs have been on the long course where he startsabout midfield. However almost a quarter have been in theFrylink Series and even some in the Waddell whilerecovering from illness and injury. To-date he has wonthree medals, one gold, a silver and a bronze. Michael hasalso completed four ACT Vets’ Half Marathons.In recent years he and friends have accomplishedseveral long overseas treks such as the 310km coast tocoast in England and a 275km Camino in Spain. He iscurrently preparing to walk the Camino Santiago thisSeptember. The long walks involved in this preparationhave obviously paid off – for what better way to celebratecompleting your one hundredth handicap than by winningthe gold medal on the same day as you receive yourcommemorative T-shirt?the Frylink Series and more recently in the Waddell Series.He has won eight medals (three gold, two silver and threebronze medals). In 2001 he was the winner of the annualpoint score for the Frylink Series, and now he becomes justthe fourth person to wear the black shirt for havingcompleted 250 handicap runs.ROBERT PARKER 250Robert and wife Rosemary joined the club together in1982 and both have been very involved as enthusiasticparticipants and workers ever since. Over the years theyhave successfully worked together on numerous clubprojects; such as looking after our uniform stocks and salessince 1995 as well as being part of the team responsible forupdating our club uniform in 1997. In1998 Robert served aterm on committee contributing to our evolving ITcommitment, evaluating our first Five Year DevelopmentPlan and helping develop the second ‘Plan.Both Robert and Rosemary are regular participants inboth our track and field and monthly running handicapprograms. For their many years of participation as bothcompetitors and helpers in our summer athletics programRobert and Rosemary were jointly awarded the 2006Johnson Trophy for track and field club-person(s) of theseason.Robert’s first running handicap was in Stromlo Forestin October 1982. Most have been in the long course, some inBob Parker and Michael Clancy after receivingtheir T-Shirts.As an enthusiastic long distance runner Robert hascompleted many long distance races including fun runs,cross-country, marathons and half marathons. Six of hismany half marathons have been in our annual ACT Vets’Half.Report on our social function in AugustOn a cool winter’s night, 21 Vets arrived in good cheer atMaddie’s Bistro in the Kingston Hotel on 5th August. The menuwas generous, well-priced and there were many temptations. Someparticipants decided to give the Australian pork industry a vote ofconfidence and were rewarded with a serving of tender duo of pork.Others went for a traditional pie and a pint, and this was a heartymeal too. Fish of the day was generous whole snapper. Of course,to complement the occasion, wines and beers and other appropriatebeverages were imbibed, and the chatter and movement betweenchairs to catch up with fellow runners and meet one or two newcolleagues, suggested that a great night was enjoyed by all.Welcome to Alex and Rae, Narelle, Ilsa and Mike, and to ourregular supporters as well. We hope to see you at lots of dinners inthe future. While these events will generally be held on Tuesdaysor Wednesdays in the next few months, the next social event willbe on Thursday 10th September. See the separate article fordetails.And don’t forget to shine up your dancing shoes for the 30thanniversary celebration dinner-dance on Saturday 7th November -it promises to be a great event. See you there!The Cancer Council and the High Commissioner of Canada sent the ACTVAC acertificate of Appreciation for the club’s assistance with the Canada Fun RunACT Veterans Athletic Club - 2009 - Our 30th year