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Welcome to this years cross country season. A welcome to all past members, returning for another year of challenging racing and also to all new members who join us this year. We trust you will enjoy the challenge of the racing and the friendly atmosphere that pervades the club. With a late April start the season has needed to drop a race from the previous yearÕs fixture. The more demanding, mostly off road, Deakin course has been shelved for this year. However the race committee have been busy over the summer to ensure there is a good mix of courses regarding distance and degree of difficulty. The St. LeonardÕs course has had to altered again due to road alterations in Murradoc Road that would have compromised runner safety. The club remains in a strong financial position so sees no need to alter the membership and fee structure for this year. Compared with many other athletic organisations we offer excellent value for money. The club is able to keep costs down due to the generosity of Bush Inn Hotel and Tony Stewart from the AthletesÕ foot have been sponsors for many years. Please support them and all other sponsors of the club by using their services and letting them know you are a club member. As an added incentive, those purchasing shoes from the AthletesÕ Foot will receive free entry for one club race on the presentation of their receipt when entering at the caravan. The introduction of the MembersÕ Information Kit for new members was a popular innovation last year and will continue this year to help new members feel a part of the club. The buddy system will continue, so new members feel comfortable. Chatting with new members taking off near your mark also is a great way to break the ice. Our popular social evenings, once a month, will continue this season at various sponsors venues. These are advertised in the book and will be plugged at presentations each Sunday. Our popular morning teas and barbecues will be held after some of the seasonÕs races. Our annual presentation night has been moved to after the Melbourne Marathon so that competitors in that event will be able to relax and enjoy the nightÕs proceedings. Last year, for the first time saw our first club member across the line in the marathon being a female. Congratulations to Kristen Wyatt on that achievement. A handicapping panel has been instituted this year. In the past only one, or at most two have been given the onerous task of handicapping. A panel has been appointed to make the job less demanding. Many thanks to those who have done the job in the past, particularly Geoff McDonald our immediate past handicapper. The club moves from strength to strength. Last year produced some outstanding performances. To all those who performed well last year letÕs hope their good fortune continues. To all others hereÕs to an injury free year and a year of satisfying performances. All the best in running. Graeme Watkins, President
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This site was last updated 18/03/2007