VETRUNNER - —

This is the fortieth year for our club-person award for the Despite moving to Wangi Wangi on Lake Macquarie in 2010 run/walk handicap program. In that time forty-six persons Ray has continued to be a regular competitor in the monthly have been honoured and this year it is the fifth occasion the handicaps and on many occasions he drives down and back in the one day. Whenever he stays for the weekend award has been presented to a family combination. Ray takes the opportunity to coach other throwers. This is the fourth time he has won the Clohessy Trophy. The 2020 recipients of the Encouragement Award are Deb and Ken Gordon. The Gordon Family have had a long and Ray was one of the ‘Originals’ who participated in the first successful involvement with our monthly handicaps. Ken ran event in June 1990. In September 2017 he created club his first of 132 handicaps at Duffy Forest in 2004 and two history by being the first to complete 250 events and now tops years later Deb made her debut at Blewitt Pines and has gone the tally with 275 monthly handicaps. Along the way he has onto complete another 120 runs in the Frylink Series. Neither won thirteen monthly trophies, was runner-up another rarely miss an event and in earlier years it was undoubtedly thirteen times and third on six occasions for a total of thirty- because they were fortunate to be able to utilise our child- two medals. Even more impressive is that Ray has been minding services. honoured as club-person of the year for the program four times by being awarded the Clohessy Trophy in 1998, 2009, Late last year Ken and Deb joined the run/walk handicaps 2017 and now 2020. sub-committee and being ably assisted by their children they took on the task of managing our electronic timing system. Until he moved Deb also offered to be coordinator of volunteers for each event. from Canberra Ray rarely missed Ken and Deb have enjoyed considerable success in the a handicaps for instance each have 13 medals – Ken has won meet and won the four gold, three silver and six bronze while Deb has a gold, Thrower’s Trophy seven silver and five bronze and on several occasions they (now the Ray have shared the podium. (Con’t on page 4) Green Trophy) for men every year since its inception in 1997 to 2009, for an amazing thirteen consecutive seasons. He also has an outstanding record in the Fristad Awards with wins Ray Green in 2000, 2006 and (photo: Sharon Gibbins 2007, runner-up in 1997, 1999 and 2005 and was third twice in 1998 and 2001.

Ray is a champion thrower and a knowledgeable coach who currently holds the Australian Record for the M55 and previously also held Australian Records for the discus. Ken and Deb Gordon (photo: John Kennedy (Con’t on page 4) —

For a great range of shoes for road, trail and track running, including shoes for the competitive racing edge, and running gear to look the part, you can’t run past The Runners Shop. Members of ACT Club receive a 10% discount off full -priced items—just mention you are a Master!

Call us on (02) 6285 3508 | take a look www.therunnersshop.com.au

or visit us in store at 76 Dundas Court, Phillip

New owners

Elizabeth Charlton and Fleur Balmain

Elizabeth takes over from Craig Wisdom and is a physio also offering oncology and lyphoedema services, in addition to sports therapy. Discounts still apply to ACTMA members.

Call or go on - line for more info. 02 - 6260 8244 www.kingstonphysio.com.au

The ACT Masters Athletics Club is grateful for the generous support of the following sponsors and local businesses: · National Mailing & Marketing for printing of the Vetrunner, the Annual Report and promotional pamphlets

· The Runners Shop for discounts to members on purchases, competition gift vouchers and sponsoring the walk/run handicap points score series

· Kingston Physiotherapy/Positive Motion Physiotherapy for discounts to members on purchases & gift vouchers and for donating prizes for the King and Queen of the Mountain in both Thomas & Frylink Series

· Paul Archer for donating prizes for the King and Queen of the Mountain in the Waddell Series.

· Go Troppo Fyshwick Markets for a discount on fruit for our run-walk handicap events

· Belconnen Soccer Club & the Ainslie Football and Social Club for providing rooms for club meetings. —

Congratulations to the new members of the Club’s Executive, elected at the General Meeting held after the Run Walk Handicap on 29 November 2020. More information including contact details is given below, and on our website. A photo of The Local Organising Committee of the 2021 AMA National the new Club Executive is on page 21. Track and Field Championships has recommended to the AMA Board that the scheduled event for March 2021 be can- Our new Club President, Ken Smith, will be known to most celled due to uncertainty over the COVID-19 situation. De- members and has a long spite extensive efforts of the Canberra 2021 Local Organising history of involvement in Committee made in preparation for the event, to the extent club activities. that opening of registrations was imminent, COVID-19 out- breaks and State border closures meant that the committee Thanks again to Shane, was not prepared to carry on because of the continuing uncer- Suzie and Nikki for all tainty. their contributions and hard work. In consultation with the AMA, the Local Organising Commit- tee also considered postponing to later in 2021, but there was Clare Wall, Guest agreement the uncertainty is likely to continue for some time. Editor. Therefore, with much regret, the committee has relinquish the 2021 hosting rights, rather than defer to 2022, in the hope that the 2022 hosts are able to proceed with greater confi- Left: Club President, dence. Ken Smith.

ACT MASTERS ATHLETICS -

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Temperatures in the mid thirties greeted the nineteen Continued from Page 1 throwers as they took part in the final throws handicap for Ken was the winner of the Frylink Series point score in both the 2020 season at Masson Street. With the season reduced 2015 and 2018 and was third in 2017 In 2018 he had the third best age-graded performance for the series and last year won to six events instead of the normal ten events, Suzie Gaynor the Mullins Trophy by finishing on the fiftieth percentile. proved too good for the opposition to take out the yearly point score trophy. She had a total of 279 points to score a Throughout 2011 Deb was involved in two exciting tussles comfortable victory over Tanya Colyer by eight points with within the Frylink Series; one for domestic bragging rights with Jayne Hardy a further eight points back in third position. her husband and the other with Katie Forestier. In the annual The winner of the Clohessy award for outstanding contribu- point score Deb finished a point in front of Ken but a point behind the winner, Katie. In 2012 Deb was the once more the tion to the throwers handicap during the season went to Ray “bridesmaid” by again finishing runner-up in the point score. Green.

Although yet to experience our track and field, when she does The monthly winner was Alex Lloyd who beat Kevin Deb should be able to compete at a high standard as she has an Blewitt by ten centimetres to win her second monthly throw- impressive background in athletics being a Queensland junior ing handicap from fourteen attempts. It was her second vic- champion and member of an Australian Record breaking tory, her last win being four & a half years ago. Third place 4x400m relay team. in the event went to Duncan Macnicol who finished fourteen When other participants learn of Ken’s impressive athletics centimetres behind Colyer. Lloyd’s throw of 24.40 in the background they are not surprised by the speed he can overtake javelin set a new ACT W60 record in that event. them. Ken represented Australia as a 400m hurdler at the 1985 Pacific Conference Championships in Los Angeles, the 1986 The event saw some good throwing with Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh and the 1987 IAAF World Queensland visitor Althea Mackie getting the 3kg imple- Championships in Rome. ment out to 42.65. Leading thrower among the men was Kevin Blewitt who had a best distance of 33.57. Grant Ken has also found the time and energy, and of course the talent, to play Oztag for Australia and in 2016 he and Deb Blewitt led all throwers in the javelin with his best effort of joined a small group of members to walk the historic Kokoda 31.56. In the women’s section Jayne Hardy was the leader Track. with a toss of 26.11.

Report by Bryan Thomas. The weight events took place with the rain starting to come down, however, this didn’t stop a couple of records being bro- ken. Longest throw in the super weight was 10.03 by Althea Mackie. Sharon Gibbins broke the ACT W60 record in that (con’t) event with her toss of 8.38. Ray Green led the male throwers with a best of 6.90. In the 56lb weight event Althea Mackie Continued from Page 1 threw 4.48 to break the Australian record. Ray Green again Ray has been a multiple medallist in all throwing disciplines at led the men with his throw of 4.29. national championships for many years and was awarded the Royce Foley Trophy in 2000 and 2010 for achieving the highest If the Corona virus behaves itself the first of the throwing score in the . Although yet to win a medal, he handicap events is scheduled for February 27th. has been competitive at nine World Championships between Durban in 1997 and in Malaga in 2018. However, he has won Reporter: John Reynolds numerous medals at four World Masters Games and five Oceania Championships.

Ray is an experienced administrator. In 2002 he was elected club vice president and two years later served a term as president. He established the AMA Winter Throwing Championships in 1996 and organised it annually for the next twenty years. As the AMA Director of Competition from 1998 to 2003 Ray introduced a ‘Champion of Champions’ handicapped throwing event at the 1999 Australian Championships. This special competition has since become a feature at every national track and field championships.

Report by Bryan Thomas.

Photo at right : Suzie Gaynor, winner of Throwing Handicap

Annual Trophy. —

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The day was good, except for a slight wind gust and it was in fact chase. Another record Ian could well be chasing is the total an historic occasion because a non-member, but a former medal tally for the handicaps. His tally is 22 medals; eight gold, member, Rod Lynch, was the event organiser. He was ably seven silver and seven bronze. supported by Angel Marina, Richard & Maureen Scutter, Karen Daniel, Will Foster, with Carol Baird and Warren Butler as A very determined Deb Gordon came home in the middle of the course marshals. A big thank you to all the officials, including pack which fits her claim of being "little miss average". She says the time keepers, Alex Gordon ably supported by Mick Corliss. she only "did a plod", which she enjoyed, because the last two (Apologies to anyone not mentioned.) A total of 75 Masters took handicaps she walked due to injury. An investigator of running part making it a successful day. The average number of shoes (see report in the December 2020 Vetrunner) Deb, with competitors in the run/walk handicaps during 2020 was in fact husband Ken, has done some in-depth research on the type of 75. shoes Members wear when running. She says that it will be good to see more runners trying out their new shoes. Deb herself Frylink. will be giving her ASICS a few more runs. And she says it was good to see more runners in the Frylink and hopes the numbers The fastest in the Frylink was Ken Gordon in a time of 13:59 - a will increase in 2021. At the presentations Deb and husband Ken rate of 4:40/km were presented with the ACT Masters 2020 Encouragement Award. Their list of contributions to the club includes being The Frylink saw the 1st finisher for the day, and that was Jill reporters for the Run / Walk Handicap - a fact mentioned at the Brown giving her the Gold Medal. Jill said that she did have an presentation. inkling she may have a chance of a medal because she was actually put forward one group in her handicap, but she was still The prestigious Lanterne Rouge for the Frylink went to M80 surprised. At the start she had Ray Bramwell pacing her and at Brian Austin for his 18th placing. He was the oldest male to the turnaround Cory Collins threw out a challenge to run with finish. Brian has been running for a number of years, joining the her! This was Jill's third Gold Medal to add to her three Silver in then Vets in 1989. He has won three gold and three bronze just over 25yrs with the club. However, what really made her medals. day was Anne Young telling her she was "amazing". Jill does not see herself as amazing but it was truly "delightful" hearing the complement from the amazing Anne Young.

The Silver Medal went to Steve Gray, for his 2nd placing, and he says he was a "little surprised" with his result but says that if you come in the first five positions you are always in with a chance of a medal. He says it is a good course for the final one of the year, even with some slight undulations, so he feels he went a bit quicker than usual. Usually a Thomas runner, Steve dropped back to the Frylink in 2020 due to injury but is now worried the handicappers will be taking note. He has no special training but tries to get in at least three runs every week, including the Tuesday group, and on the other days he tries to get to the gym or do a good walk. Steve is happy with his medal, giving him a total of one gold, one silver, and two bronze. His aim is to catch the tally of his late partner, Narelle Harrison-Heard, which is three gold and six bronze. Steve has been active in various sports all his life, including playing Frylink award winners. (photo: John Kennedy rugby league and union, oz tag, touch, tennis, squash, racquetball, cricket, baseball and has been a keen starter in running events for the last 20 years, and joined the then Vets in Waddell 2008. Since joining he has "managed" to win the Mullins award in 2015 and the Thomas point score in 2018. The fastest in the Waddell was Colin Simpson in a time of 21:15 - a rate of 7:05/km Over the line in 3rd place gave the Bronze Medal to Ian Bowden who says he did not really expect to win a medal as he had Being 1st over the line gave Margaret Taylor the Gold Medal already won two medals in 2020. To give himself a challenge he for the Waddell event. Margaret is well known for her excellent decided to try for the M70 3km record set by Alan Wilson "some results at the track and field events - too many to mention here. years back". Ian did 16:14, which he says is about 50 seconds However. since she started in the Waddell events in 2003 she has faster than Alan's time. Ian is now looking for another record to won six gold, three silver and one bronze. Con’t next page. — -

Amazingly three of her gold medals were won in 2020. She says afterwards talking and mixing and says it was "a good day". that she is trying to incorporate more walking into her daily Michelle started with the club in 2015 competing only in the activities, such as walking to the shops and to the track where Waddell and has won three gold and three bronze medals. she trains. While she is hoping the extra walking helps her fitness she does not expect it will improve her sprinting or The sought after Lanterne Rouge went to John Hunt for his jumping. 18th placing. It was his first event back after a bit of a lay off 'taking it a bit easy' for several weeks, so he was happy just to do Over the line in 2nd place gave Colin Simpson the Silver Medal, it. John has won four gold, three silver and one bronze all in the and as noted the quickest in the Waddell. Col says he was not Waddell. However John is also known for his prowess in track expecting a medal and had not done any extra training but he did and field. His proudest achievement is the 1997 M55 World feel happy with his walk. Normally Col's training consists of High Jumping Championships. It is still an Australian walks about 6km long, and he is happy to finish in the middle of record! John's profession was in the legal area and he was in fact the pack. At Weston Park, though, he did try and keep in front of the Chief Magistrate on Christmas Island in the 1970's. He has Rosemary Parker who he felt was closing in fast. Col thought the written a book on the history of Christmas Island. Its history is course was very well marked, and he always looks for the still changing. John still has interest in the Island and in kilometre markers - especially the last one, which he says are not December of 2020 was interviewed on ABC evening radio to talk always there. Although he does like bush tracks - he is a bush about it. He also says the Masters is a 'terrific club' with very walker - Col said the he found this course was smooth which nice fine social and friendly people. He is proud to be part of it. meant he could keep a steady rhythm going. Col would like to thank Rod, Angel and the team for doing a good job at marking Thomas and all the organisers who did a good job of bringing it all The fastest in the Thomas was Peter Clarke in a time of 27:16 - together, despite the Covid 19 issues. a rate of 4:33/km. Rosemary Parker came across the line in 4th place giving her As with the other two events the 1st over the line in the Thomas, the Bronze Medal. This was Rosemary's second medal in 2020 Rae Palmer, was the Gold Medallist. She was very surprised to and her 14th bronze medal, and when added to her 10 gold even get a medal because she didn't know whether or not she was medals and nine silver medals, she is the club's highest medal eligible. She felt she ran well because it was an easy course to winner. She does point out though that she has been a member follow and there was often a good tail wind. It is Rae's second for 'about 38 years'. Rosemary liked the Weston Park course gold medal, the first being in 2011. It adds to a silver giving her feeling good on the day and she is familiar with it as she is a three medals since joining the club in 2000. Her formal training Jogalong participant on the course every month. While she is with the Speedy Geese and Females in Training, but she also always likes to do her best in races she has no particular training enjoys the Tuesday Group and loves cycling - both road and routine, except getting out and exercising. The most regular of mountain biking and skiing. these are the Wednesday and Thursday bushwalks (when held) and the Tuesday morning walks. A member of the ACT Walkers, Con’t next page. she also participates in their club events. Also a very keen photographer she spends sometimes many hours looking for particular subjects to photograph. Another important walk she does often with her husband Bob, is the 4km walk from home to a coffee shop. After coffee another 4km home! Rosemary has been a consistent Waddell walker since 2002 when surgery made it impractical for her to continue as a runner. As a runner her fastest was 3:18! Another proud achievement for her is being in a team that won a National Australian Dragon Boat race on Darling Harbour, beating several Sydney teams. Rosemary is a life member of the club which she says is a really good club with nice people, and she intends to stay a member.

Coming home in the Middle of the Pack was Michelle Hillard who says she was happy with her performance on the day, trying as she always does - just doing as well as she can - saying it was a nice course, not like some of the others! Michelle 'just enjoys' the handicap and is happy to 'just keep going' without any real expectations. For Weston Park she also had a good warm up riding her bike to the Waddell award winners. (photo: John Kennedy event, with husband Craig. She also enjoys the social aspect — - Now retired. Rae likes her gardening, cooking, travel and good course especially as the surface has improved. He doing whatever exercise she can manage to fit in. And she actually started a group late so he ran faster than his usual manages to work as a hairdresser one day a week. Her main speed on the way out to try and make up time, but on the way ambition though is to be fit, healthy and happy. (Note from back decided to just cruise along and enjoy the day - which he guest editor - we wish Rae a speedy recovery from a fracture she says he did very well. All in all Kevin was happy with his effort sustained while competing in a Kowen Trail Run on 17 Jan). saying he is usually a 50% runner but because of his fast start he was a 58% at Weston Park. A former very keen skier Kevin The Silver Medal went to Craig Wisdom when he came in 3rd now just likes running! Training is simply three regular runs over the line. Craig is not being smug when he says he knew per week: the Tuesday morning group, the BBQ stakes on his number was coming up soon. After 18 months away, due to Wednesdays and a pack run on Saturdays. travel and other things, Craig's first event back was September when he came 1st across the line but was ineligible. Then in October he finished 5th. So he felt third time would be lucky. He liked the downhill start and being a paved surface was also a plus. He always puts his best effort into his runs and Weston

Park was no exception, and he was watching the runners in front with intent. Craig wants to claim a record! Since joining the club in 1993, and participating in 161 Thomas runs, prior to Weston Park he has never won a medal of any description. After 27 years he now has one. A record ? His training consists of joining with runners from the YMCA on Tuesdays and Thursday. He also does solo runs of between 12 and 25km once or twice a week, often enjoying bush running. He has also taken to bike riding two or three times a week with a group whose main aim is to have coffee afterwards. Craig's best Thomas award winners. (photo: John Kennedy memories in sport are winning the Ballarat CAE Snooker competition in 1978, and his 3rd place in the 53km Brindabella Classic in 1988. He now has an ACTMAC Medal. Craig learnt The Lanterne Rouge for 2020 went to M80 Lachie Lewis, who about ACTVAC from a patient in 1993. Being keen on track finished in 39th position. Lachie, who has been competing and field he went to observe a track meeting and was blown since 1989, says position is not important, and at Weston Park away to see the fitness level of many who he thought were older he was in fact doing a bit of a warm up for the Triathlon Club than him. He joined, and felt very welcomed and included, but Championships the following week, in which he won his age was worried about not keeping up with the 'old folks'. Recently group. He likes the course with a smooth surface, scenic with a retired after 30 years as a physiotherapist, and the last 21yrs good shady trees, and easy gradients. It is also near to where as owner of the well known Masters supporter, Kingston he lives! He is also very mindful of not wanting to be "a Physiotherapy, he now enjoys many things he could not find the problem" to others with his finishes. Lachie has won five time for before. The main interest now is learning to be a medals - four gold and one silver, all in the Thomas. However handyman, and he is even building a cabinet, for himself. he has also won three bronze medals in World Age Group Craig says he is a bit worried about the future of the club Championships. One of his proudest achievements was in 1980 having seen the numbers decrease over the past 15 years. when he was the first Australian to run in The Midnight Sun Having said that he says that the ACTMAC is a 'fantastic' club. 84km Ultra Marathon, near the North Pole. In very tough conditions, minus 25C, a 3000ft climb on rough permafrost Robyn Saunders was 4th over the line, overtaken by Craig surface and howling gale Lachie came 3rd in a field of 20. A Wisdom in the last 40m, to win the Bronze Medal. Robyn says retired dentist he also spent time doing oral surgery for the she thought the weather was awful and was surprised with her Inuit people in the Arctic. He still competes in and result. She much prefers running in cooler weather. However, triathlons but is also busy with his four children and their the course was very familiar to her as she regularly competes children so he is a busy man. Lachie would like to express his in the Jogalong there once a month. Also she often competes in gratitude to the Masters and to the many dedicated members the Parkrun which is also on much the same course. Even so. he has met over the last 35yrs. He says it has been a privilege she says the course is not as easy as it looks. Robyn has won 14 to be member of the Masters and he highly values and medals with one of each for the Thomas. She says she does not appreciates the fellowship and inclusion of all the members. do any 'formal' training but walks 10km per day. She also runs on 'some days'. She is a regular at the Tuesday Group and also At the presentations Deb and Ken Gordon were presented enjoys bushwalking. with the 2020 Encouragement Award. It was mentioned that they are regular handicap report writers. There was a brief Somewhere near the middle of the pack was Kevin silence to remember the late Dave Mackenzie, former proof Chapman, a member for many years and who really enjoys reader of the Vetrunner. being a member of the club and being a runner. He liked the course although he did feel a few wind gusts when away from Reporter: Geoff Barker the trees. He knew the course because he ran it with the YMCA Runners Club a few weeks beforehand and says it is a —

WOMENS PENTATHLON

100m Shot Long Javelin 800m Jump

MENS PENTATHLON Javelin 200m Discus 1500m

Women’s Pentathlon

participants —

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Thanks to Dave’s sons –Neil, Ewan and Simon – and to Bryan Thomas, for providing the following information about Dave’s life, his achieve- ments and contributions.

Dave was born in the northern summer of 1931 (17 June), at the height of the Great Depression, in the small mining town of Methilhill near Edinburgh. The coal mine that was the lifeblood of Methilhill pointed to his eventual pathway from Scotland to Australia and his career as a geologist.

He was eight years old when the Second World War started, and he moved with his mother and brothers to Forres. The war was not far away.

In 1950, aged 19, Dave commenced at the University of Edinburgh, studying a Bachelor of Science, with a focus on Geology. While at uni- versity he competed in the 440 yard hurdles, gaining a blue. In 1952 he had the second fastest time in Scotland. The student with the fastest time went to the Helsinki Olympics with the British 4x400m relay team.

In 1954 he completed his degree with First Class Honours, winning the University Medal in Geology. He subsequently completed his PhD in record time over 1955-56, and obtained a contract as a geologist in the then British Crown Colony of Sierra Leone in West Africa.

Dave married Elinor in Freetown on 20 August 1959, but a honeymoon planned in adjacent French Guinea was foiled by a revolt against French rule. Around this time, Dave also contributed to a couple of no- table discoveries. He found a high grade bauxite deposit at Mokanje, which was subsequently mined for over 25 years from the mid-1960s. He also helped to direct exploration teams from a company called Con- Dave Mackenzie enjoying a bushwalk “smoko”. solidated Zinc Corporation (CZC) to more promising prospects of high grade mineral sand deposits, one of which by 1988 was the largest ru- tile producer in the world. (Photo: Peter Kallio)

Returning to the UK, Dave found that employment prospects for geologists were limited, so in June 1961 he sailed with Elinor to Mel- bourne. After a whirlwind orientation to Broken Hill and North Queensland, they headed to New Zealand.

In 1966, the family moved to Broken Hill where Dave subsequently became Chief Geologist at the Zinc Corporation mine. Dave con- tinued work-related travel to many locations around the world, finally settling with Elinor and their three sons in Canberra in 1978.

In Canberra Dave took up running again. This included running with his sons in Canberra Times Fun Run teams and in Weston Creek half marathons. One son, Neil, completed six marathons.

Dave joined the Vets in July 1993. He was a regular in our monthly run/walk handicaps in which he enjoyed considerable success. Until 2000 he ran in the Frylink Series but then moved to the Waddell walk handicap for a total of 241 participations and winning fifteen medals - four gold, five silver and six bronze. In November 2000 he was the inaugural winner of the point score for the Waddell Series. Four years later he was the best performer in the series, as determined by age percentages, as well as winning the Mullins Trophy. He won the Mullins again the following year and achieved a “hat-trick” of victories for this award in 2012. In 2017 he was runner-up in the point score. Believing the Waddell Series deserved to be part of our annual ‘King and Queen of the Mountains’ com- petition, as both the Thomas and Frylink Series had been for many years, Dave lobbied for its inclusion in 2016 and thereafter pur- chased and presented the awards to the winners.

Dave was invited to be athletics convener for the 6th Australian Masters Games to be held in Canberra over eight days in October 1997. This was by far the largest and most complex event we had ever undertaken as it incorporated a full program of track and field, a fun run, street mile, cross-country, road walk, and a social function using seven venues each with their specific prob- lems and set of officials. We were always confident our part in the Games would be a high standard, efficiently run and enjoyable car- nival of athletics - but it was even better than expected! Its success was due to eighteen months of thorough preparation by Dave and his organizing committee.

A highlight of the post-race proceedings of our historic 200th monthly handicap at Molonglo Reach in January 1998, at which we achieved 200 participants for the first time, was presenting Dave and Elinor with a holiday package in appreciation for his outstand- ing contribution to athletics during the Australian Masters Games. (Con’t on next page) —

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Dave was elected to the Vets committee in 1999 and played a Isaacs Ridge ‐ Course Directions significant role in producing our second Development Plan. He was an enthusiastic helper at our monthly run/walk handicap program and a proof reader of Vetrunner for many years. The start area is accessed from Yamba Drive into Julia Flynn Ave ‐ if coming from Woden it’s the second entrance to Julia The year 2001 was especially memorable. In June he became an Flynn Drive (it’s a loop street), then turn first right into M70 and in November he was race director of the monthly Shepherdson Place. handicap that was also the venue at which the club honoured him with the Encouragement Award as sportsperson of the year Follow Shepherdson Place to the small roundabout. for the program. Two weeks later he received a Commonwealth There is a gate here which will be open. Drive through and Recognition Award for Senior Australians for the Canberra park on either side on the grassy areas. The start area is Electorate. further along at the end of the houses. In August 2006 he was presented with his ‘Survivor’ T shirt for being an official at ten ACT Vets’ Half Marathons - he Both courses are out and back ‐ Thomas 7km, Frylink and eventually volunteered five more times. Some years later Dave Waddell 4km ‐ and run along behind the houses in Isaacs joined the ACT Race and Fitness Walking Club and again was at the base of Isaacs Ridge. The long course continues past the an enthusiastic helper working either as a marshal or a 2km short course turn for 1.5km, then turns and returns the qualified judge. same way. At our club’s 2016 AGM Dave was the recipient of an even more prestigious honour – the Stuart Reid Commemorative Award. To top off another remarkable year he was our nomination in the Most Outstanding Administrator/Official category of the AMA Awards.

Apart from his involvement in most club activities for almost four decades, Dave was also a regular member of our “Tuesday Group” in which he began as one of the runners but in recent years preferred to do an hour of hard walking and talking before the morning-tea socialising. He was also an active bushwalker.

Dave will be remembered for his decent character, his personable nature and his sense of humour. People enjoyed working with him in a professional and volunteer capacity. He was widely respected and admired in the mining industry for his energy, knowledge and contribution. He had a good moral compass and sense of duty to community. His indomitable spirit was an inspiration to others. He had a ready smile and was easy company.

Following a short period of ill health Dave died in Canberra Hospital Friday 20 November 2020. He was 89 years of age, and is survived by sons Neil, Ewan and Simon and grandchildren Elliott, Lila, Vivienne, Molly and Olive. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Photo at left: Dave Mackenzie (left) with Peter Kallio — . . Bulletin

the final weekly program is published in the the in is published program weekly final the — (November) Vetrunner Vetrunner For cancellations due to inclement conditions please see the club’s website or Facebook page. Facebook or club’s the website see please conditions to inclement due cancellations For correct at the time of publishing in the the in publishing of time the at correct # Indicative Program Program #Indicative —

The last weekend in November was a big weekend with the final throwing handicap on Saturday 28 November, the The NSW Masters Indoor Championships were held at the Il final run/walk handicap on Sunday 29 November, followed Cadore Equestrian Centre in Somersby, near Gosford on Sunday by a well-represented general meeting. 1 Nov 2020. After all of this, we still managed to fill in an afternoon We had an audience of horses, whinnying and neighing their with some throws coaching at our Masson St Throwing approval/disapproval, with one even doing a few stable kicks. It Fields in Turner. Ray Green, the latest recipient of the was great being indoors while torrents of rain beat down on the Throwing Handicap Clohessy Trophy held an afternoon of roof. The only wind was that from the horses. After only a few throws coaching which was attended by 6 club members. minutes we got used to the earthy horsey whiff. The arena was prepared mainly by Gabi and Dave Watts, arriving the night Shane Hutchison, Duncan Macnicol, Suzie Gaynor, Carol before to rake the hoof prints off the sand. A wooden circle was Condone, Yanping Ji and Jayne Hardy had a very informa- laid, with a hired metal fence to protect the spectators. A green tive session on Hammer and Heavy Weight throwing. A lot carpet of fake grass was laid for entry to help stop the sand being of what we learned could also be applied to all other throws dragged onto the circle. and hopefully the others got as much out of the session as I did. Eighteen women and ten men competed, throwing the weight, shot and super weight. No indoors discus, hammer or javelin as Ray is an accredited coach and it is quite apparent that he the light fittings would be in peril! One thrower drove down from really enjoys helping others as he regularly can be seen QLD, and had to wait to return when the border reopened. giving thoughtful and informative comments to others at our monthly throwing handicaps. Jayne Hardy W55, Ray Green M75, and Sharon Gibbins W60 from ACTMA competed. Two morning and two afternoon groups We hope to have more coaching sessions in 2021 as compe- were mapped out to adhere to Covid regulations. tition picks up.

Jayne had a tough group, the largest and most competitive with See you round the track and field. 5 women all keen on a win. Jayne was hampered by a knee Jayne Hardy injury, so was down on her usual performances with 8.52m in Shot, 8.35m in 25lb Super Weight, and 12.01m in 16lb Weight. Jayne, Carolyn Layt and Vicki Townsend caused some close placings with their competitiveness egging each other on to better throws. Sharon had some trouble with the circle, having to try out different shoes to get traction. Her 12lb was12.33m, 3kg shot 7.45m, and 20lb Super Weight 8.95m, almost a metre down from last year. Sharon’s main competition, Jill Taylor had gone up an age group, and threw very well, actually better than last year.

Ray was in the afternoon session, so he stayed behind to prepare a lunch. He set up a picnic table with a cloth inside on the sand, with a thermos and buns for luncheon, much to the amusement of other throwers. I think they were jealous! (Is indoor picnicking an oxymoron?)

Ray also struggled with the surface, but resolved the problem by finding some concrete to scrape his soles on. (I thought it was a horse scraping its hoof.) He still managed a new Australian Indoor record in the 35lb Super Weight with 7.24m!! Ray threw the Shot 9.36m and 16lb Weight, 11.41m. Full results are on the NSW Masters website.

Thanks to the NSW team for organising the Indoor Throws. It showcases the can-do attitude of Masters Athletes!

Reporter: Sharon Gibbins 4x400 W70 Record-setting relay team: L to R - Carol Baird, Jill Brown, Margaret Taylor & Sue Archer. —

THROWS PENTATHLON & WEIGHT THANK YOU! FOR DISTANCE COMPETITION A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS DECEMBER 2020 FROM THE THROWS COORDINATOR

The final Throws Pentathlon for 2020 was another great event As Throws Coordinator for ACTMA, I wanted to say a big thank with everybody who entered happy to still be able to compete in you to the following people who have assisted me in running what has been an unprecedented situation. eight monthly throws pentathlons, 6 monthly throwing handi- caps as well as the virtual winter throws championships: Three men and seven women completed the five events with some PBs along the way. Shenevelle Dickson (W35) had her best · Frank Nugent, John Reynolds, Alex Lloyd, Warwick score for the year, throwing the furthest of everyone in the Shot Budd, Jan Banens, Bob Banens and everyone else that Put, nearly 30 metres in the Hammer and just over 11m in the regularly helps throughout the events with recording, fall Weight Throw. She has really come along way with all the judging, retrieving, check in, setting up and packing up – disciplines this year. Suzie Gaynor (W50) had a three metre PB too many to mention them all!!!! in the Hammer throwing just over 30 metres and just missed cracking 10 metres in the Weight Throw. Suzie was one of a few Another thanks must go to all those who attended and respected members who enjoyed the training session we ran in November the COVID-19 restrictions and ‘return to play’ protocol that the with Ray Green. club set up and abided by.

Apart from our regular interstate members Jeannette Thanks must also go to Suzie Gaynor as she was there every Williamson (Cooma) and Jayne Hardy (Gundaroo), we were time to help with the new cashless system as well as selling uni- happy to see Althea Mackie from Queensland join us. Althea forms. comes to compete with ACT at least once or twice a year – must be the great competition we run!!! Althea recently went into the See you all again in 2021 and hopefully, we will have less re- W50 age group and is breaking and setting records up North. She strictions and be able to have our regular functions and enjoy had a massive throw and the furthest of the day in the Hammer fitness through fellowship. of 42.71m and nearly cracked 13 metres in the Weight Throw. Cheers, Jayne Hardy It was good to see Bob Banens (M70) return to competition after a hip replacement not long ago. Although below his best score, it was great that he could complete the event no worse for wear. Peter Baker also joined us and had the furthest throw in the Discus with 29.13m. Jayne Hardy had the best throw of 24.81m in the Javelin. Full results are available on the website.

We included a Weight for Distance event as well – this is a relatively new event for our members and is becoming more popular as people start doing it. It is an event introduced a few years ago by NSWMA at the Winter Throws Championships and we have now included it in our throws program. You are throwing the Weight Throw one handed, using any technique you like from a Discus circle and it is one level lighter than your standard weight. We had three club/state records fall for: W50 Suzie Gaynor who threw the 12lb (5.45kg) Weight 10.20m, W55 Jayne Hardy who threw the 12lb (5.45kg) Weight 12.45m and W75 Jeannette Williamson who threw the 6.6lb (3kg) Weight 14.06m. Congratulations ladies! Photos from Dec Throws Pentathlon. Looking forward to seeing more of you in 2021. Top left: Alex Lloyd, Top right: Bob Banens, Right: Jeannette Williamson. Jayne Hardy — -

Chris Higgins Memorial 800m Handicap

Twenty runners of all ages and abilities participated in the ‘30th Chris Higgins Memorial 800m Handicap’ on 3 December 2020. Once again this special event was an exciting race in which the back-marker almost ran down one of our more senior men. If M35 Ken Gibson had managed to catch M70 John Lamb he would have become one of only two younger-age athletes to win this annual event. Only Eileen Cooper who won in 1994 as a W35 and M30 Damian Ruttledge in 1999 have been victorious while in their thirties. Although this was one of the smaller fields in the long history of the event it was still a special race that was again successful and spectacular. Our annual memorial 800m handicap, the ‘Higgins’, was established exactly one year after the tragic death of M45 Chris Higgins following a 3000m race in December 1990.

Winner and place-getters

M70 John Lamb once again benefitted from an advantageous start so it was no surprise he caught the early leaders before going on to win. John is prominent in the history of this special race as he has now participated in twelve and enjoyed seven victories - the most by any athlete. He won in 2007 as an Higgins Winner & Placegetters M55, in 2009 as an M60 and as an M65 in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and as an M70 for the last two years. John was also runner-up in Left: Ken Gibson, Centre1: John Lamb, Right: Bruce Graham. 2010, 2017 and 2018.

In his debut ‘Higgins’ M35 Ken Gibson was rapidly closing the gap between John and himself to be runner-up. M55 They should have viewed the photo-finish before announcing Bruce Graham was third. This was Bruce’s ninth participation what turned out to be an incorrect result. Oops! Apologies and in which he has placed on every occasion. He won in 2013, 2017 lesson learnt. and 2018 as well as being second and third three times each. All runners in the ‘Gift’ are given a handicap depending on Each of the next three place getters were competing for their age therefore younger athletes have to give their more their second time and were all M50s. Anthony Kennedy was senior friends a start. This year the women finalists ranged in fourth, Steve Rohan-Jones fifth and David Austin sixth. Once age from 49 to 84. againW65 Kathy Sims was first woman which she has been in most of her eighteen outings. Kathy was seventh just ahead of W60 Sue Bourke won for the eleventh time. Her W70 Susan Archer running her third ‘Higgins’. remarkable string of victories include ten straight from 2009 to 2018 and now 2020. She has also been second and third on four The Stayers and three occasions respectively in her eighteen runs. Oh so close was W70 Margaret Taylor! Margaret also has a remarkable Jim White participated in this year’s ‘Higgins’ as well history in the ‘Gift’ participating in fifteen for eight victories and as in the inaugural event in December 1991 won by Tony seven seconds – thus never missing a place on the podium. Murray, former M40 World Record holder for the mile. Tony ran Another important piece of history is that Margaret was the a time of 2:00.2 to finish just in front of a pair of M45 champions winner of our very first ‘Gift’ way back in October 1992. W80 Garry Hand and Denis Smith. Last December Jim was 12th Cory Collins just held on to cross the line third. Cory was the with a net time of 3:37 but thirty years earlier he finished 24th in winner of the previous event so now has the excellent record of 2:28. Jim is the only person to have participated in every one win, five seconds and four thirds in her twelve finals. ‘Higgins’ while Bryan Thomas has been involved as race organizer since its beginning. Fourth was W45 Raylene Campbell who was again the back-marker, because of being youngest in the field. Just days Seven members have now participated in half or more of short of turning 70 Maureen Rossiter, a previous three times the thirty ‘Higgins’ conducted to date. Jim White is the only winner, was fifth. W60 Yamping Ji was sixth. person to have run all 30. Cory Collins and Roger Pilkington have run 20, Tony Booth 19, Neil Boden and Kathy Sims 18 Men’s Final each and Rod Lynch 15. M55 Michael Roden won again. This was his ninth win 27th President’s 100m Handicap (‘Gift’) having previously been our ‘Gift’ champion in 2001, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2018. Michael has enjoyed a Women’s Final wonderful season recently setting ACT Records in the 60m and 200m and winning all his races. The women’s final of the 27th President’s 100m Handicap (‘Gift’) 10 December 2020 again produced an extremely close M70 John Lamb was runner-up. John has an outstanding finish with only .01 second separating first from second. record and is one of the most successful male sprinters ever in Knowledgeable (?) persons at the finish line were adamant that this feature handicap sprint. John first won the ‘Gift’ in 2011 Margaret Taylor had narrowly won from Sue Bourke – but then again in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019. He is a very talented their eyes had deceived them. sprinter, hurdler, 800m runner and more recently a long jumper. —

Relative newcomer to Masters Athletics M50 David Austin was DES BUTLER: 150 third and like Raylene in the women’s final because of his relative youth he was the back-marker. While out on a Sunday morning jog in Stromlo Forest Des met Trish Thomas who encouraged her to join our weekly pack Renowned thrower M65 Duncan Macnicol was fourth runs. One month later Des and husband Warren ran their first just in front of M85 Ray Bramwell. New member M70 Chiseil monthly handicap in March 1989 at Copland College. It took Oya was sixth, M70 Jim White was seventh and M60 Angel them a long time to accumulate fifty handicaps (which they both Marina suffered an injury and staggered home in eighth place. did in 2008) because in 1993 they moved to Sydney and didn’t return to Canberra until 2001. Survivors Almost all of her 150 handicaps have been in the long This was Jim White’s twentieth participation – the most course and only a scattered few have been in the Frylink and runs in the ‘Gift.’ Both Sue Bourke and Ray Bramwell have Waddell events. To date Des has won four medals – two gold, a run in 18, Maureen Rossiter 16, Margaret Taylor 15, John silver and a bronze. Perhaps there would have been more if Des

Lamb 14, Leo Kennedy, Gary Maher and Cory Collins 12 had not needed to commence her own run well before the official each while both Michael Roden and Angel Marina have now start so as to get back to help process the finishing times of all participated in ten. participants.

Some have been regulars in both the ‘Higgins’ and ‘Gift’. In 2016 Des and Warren were joint recipients of the Jim White has the most outstanding participation record in Encouragement Award as club-persons of the year for our these two feature events with a total of 50 (consisting of 30 monthly run/walk handicap program. ‘Higgins’ + 20 ‘Gifts’). Next highest is Cory Collins 32 (20 + 12) followed by Maureen Rossiter 25 (9 + 16). Bryan Thomas has In 2011 Des made her debut in our annual Half Marathon organized all ‘Higgins’ and ‘Gifts’. in which she surprised herself by winning the W70 age category. Prior to the pandemic Des was an enthusiastic and adventurous overseas traveler and has long been a regular participant with the Tuesday Group of social runners and walkers. 2021 ‘Higgins’ and ‘Gift’ ROBYN SAUNDERS: 100 The ‘Higgins’ is traditionally held on the first Thursday evening in December so the 31st Chris Higgins Memorial 800m Having completed several Canberra Times Fun Runs Handicap should be Thursday 2 December 2021. Robyn was encouraged to join the Vets by her husband Mick who was a long time member of the club. Her debut monthly The special 100m handicap for men and women is handicap was at North Curtin in February 2004. usually the feature event at our last track and field night prior to the Christmas break so the 28th ‘Gift’ should be on 16 Initially Robyn ran the long course before moving to a December 2021. fairly even mix of the Frylink and Waddell events. In recent months she has returned to the long run. To date Robyn has Reporter: Bryan Thomas. won thirteen medals consisting of four gold, two silver and sev- en bronze.

Robyn is a regular participant with the Tuesday Group and until recently also with the ACT Race and Fitness Walking Club.

HELEN LARMOUR: 100

Helen has been a regular participant at both the monthly run/ walk handicaps and at track and field since October 2003 when she made her handicap debut at Blewitt Pines. All of her one hundred handicaps have been in the long course event in which she has won six medals – two of each colour, and in 2018 she was crowned Queen of the Mountains for the course.

Helen’s favourite events on the track are the middle and long distance races. After being involved in a Bruce Graham training program in 2011, Helen enjoyed considerable improvement and a complete set of PBs followed almost immediately. At the end of that season she was the female winner of the Adler Series and two years later won it again as well as breaking an ACT Record for the W50 . Des Butler (left) and Robyn Saunders (right) Helen enjoyed her first experience at national championships in Photo: John Kennedy Melbourne in 2012 where she won medals in all her events. At the 2013 AMA Championships in Canberra she was second in

the 8km cross-country and third in the 5000m. —

At the 2016 World Masters Championships in Perth, Helen was thrilled to win the silver medal in both the W55 cross-country and 10,000m and a team gold in the cross-country.

Helen has completed six ACT Vets’ Half Marathons for four age group victories – she was W45 champion in both 2007 and 2008 and W55 in 2015 and 2019.

One of Helen’s most unusual, and indeed memorable experiences occurred during the 2009 Canberra Times Fun Run. For many kilometres she had been desperately trying to overtake Jim White because in that race he was disguised as Borak and clad in only a brief mankini and in her own words Helen said “I was trying very hard to avoid running behind his behind!”

Reporter: Bryan Thomas.

Helen Lamour. Photo: John Kennedy

31 January North Curtin 3.2/6.3km 0830 start For more than a decade, Norm and 28 February Isaacs Ridge 4.0/7.0km 0830 start Jocelyn Bowman would arrive at the

Tuesday Group on their semi recum- 28 March Stromlo Forest Park 4.0/8.0km 0900 start bent tandem cycle, Jocelyn low in

front, Norm high aft. The Vets fit- 18 April Majura *1 5.0/10.0km 0900 start ted well with their very active life-

30 May Mt Taylor *2 3.5/6.9km 0900 start style. They rode mostly tandem, ran and walked, swam, participated in 27 June Mt Ainslie *3 4.5/9.3km 0900 start many organised bush walks, were gym members and perhaps their 25 July Little Black Mountain *1 4.5/9.0km 0900 start greatest love, kayaked with groups and independently. They combined 29 August Molonglo Forest *2 5.0/10.0km 0900 start most of these with camping and fre- quent caravan trips to northern Aus- 26 September O’Conner Ridge *3 4.0/8.0km 0900 start tralia, as well as overseas trips. All of these activities were combined 31 October Ainslie Woodlands 3.5/7.0km 0900 start with caring for family and their be- loved grand daughter. 28 November Weston Park 3.0/6.0km 0830 start Almost three years ago Jocelyn died *Note 1: King and Queen of the Mountains event Thomas and Frylink after a short sudden illness. Norm’s health began failing gradually *Note 2: King and Queen of the Mountains event Waddell although he tried to remain active. Recently he suffered a stroke *Note 3: King and Queen of the Mountains event Thomas, Frylink and and died on 14th of Janu- Waddell ary. Norm’s family held a memorial service for Norm at Black Mountain Peninsula where Norm had held a service for Jocelyn, and it was at- tended by members of the Tuesday 31 January - BYO picnic at Weston Park following handicap at North Curtin. Group. 9 February - Social Club dinner at Vikings Club, Greenway (details page 22) Farewell Norm. 9 March - Social Club dinner at Ainslie Football Club Kent Williams. —

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The Super Seven turned up for the first of what we hope to be 40 YEARS AGO (December 1980) many monthly ACTMA Throws Pentathlons for 2021. This year’s Parliamentary Relays (for teams of two women Even though restrictions are still being enforced with hand and eight men, each to run a mile loop around the Old Parliament House) was held in absolutely miserable conditions sanitising and social distancing, we managed to have a very of rain and strong cold winds. We entered two teams. Our best smooth-running event. The CBR Check-in app was available as performances were by – Terry Munro 4:59, Brian Paxman was the written sheet. (M50) 5:19, Tony Hammett 5:23, Roger Abbott 5:24, Jack Pennington (almost 60) 5:39 and Sue Pidgeon 6:42. All the throwing equipment was sprayed with methylated spirits prior to being put out and with the help of everyone there, we Maggi and Alan Johnson had recently arrived in managed to set up and pack up very quickly. Thanks especially Canberra from Melbourne and quickly became very active and to Alex Lloyd for coming in early to help with setting up. involved members. 30 YEARS AGO (December 1990) It was good to Caroline Campbell (W75) return after almost a year off from throwing. Yanping Ji (W60) is really starting to Our weekly T&F program was attracting good attendances enjoy her throwing too. She received a total of 1887 points which and performances as many members were preparing for the is 200 points more than her best to date. Congratulations Australian Championships to be held here next Easter. Sixty-one Yanping! new records (34 by women and 27 by men) were set in the first half of the season. M70 Gordon Boag was regularly setting Two male and 5 female competitors tussled it out for the best records in a variety of events. W60 Juani O’Reilly was doing throws and the most points – Jayne Hardy (W55) threw the the same in the walks. Geoff Moore was also enjoying a “purple patch” and was running excellent times in 800m and 1500m furthest Hammer with 38.57m for a good score of 1020 points races. and also in the Weight Throw with 12.36m for 863 points. December 6 was a warm evening, just perfect for athletics. Peter Baker (M55) put the Shot and Discus the furthest with Early in the night’s program 47 year old Chris Higgins (then 8.16m and 30.40m respectively, but Jeannette Williamson Secretary of Treasury) had an easy run in one of the 400m heats (W75) got the most points – 752 points for 7.30m in the Shot and (69.2) then an hour later participated in the slower division of 693 points for 19.48m in the Discus. Jayne Hardy threw the the 3,000m. He crossed the line in 12th position in a time of 12:08 but collapsed almost immediately. Chris suffered a major spear the furthest with 24.88m, but again Jeannette got the most heart attack and despite the first aid administered by some of points with 641 points for a 16.96m throw. our medically qualified members and a little later by ambulance officers he died on the track. Alex Lloyd (W60) got the Weight Throw out to a massive 13.11m which gave her 856 points to get her a total of 3169 Bob Parker organized three closely matched teams to points. Jayne Hardy and John Reynolds has a good tussle to participate in the annual Parliamentary Relays. The Top Cats start with the Weight Throw, but Jayne eventually got the were our quickest team with a time of 63:12 ahead of Unnamed Weight out to 12.36m. Vets 64:22 and Veteran Villains 64:41. Top Cats consisted of Maureen O’Shea, Ruth Hearnshaw (6:54), Mark Winson, Phil White (5:24), Jim O’Shea, John Dimitriou, Alan The full list of results is available on the website. Williams, Tony Booth (5:27), Bob Hunter and Colin Bridge (5:22). Reporter: Jayne Hardy 20 YEARS AGO (December 2000)

It was an early Christmas present for Ray Bramwell, Pat Mullins, Jim O’Donnell and Keith Perroux when they were presented with Commonwealth Recognition Awards for Senior Australians. Mike Adler and Lucille Warth were previous recipients.

Also for the second year in a row the club received a Highly Commended Award in the ACT Chief Minister’s Awards for the category of Organisational Management.

Our 2000-01 track and field season included numerous new ACT and even two new Australian Records. Bob Banens set an Australian Record for M50 javelin when he tossed the spear 53.36m while Val Chesterton set her AR for the W60 by clearing Jan 2021 Throws Pentathlon participants. the bar at 1.40m. Continued next page. —

ACT Records were set by Val Chesterton for W60 attracted 18 starters. The first medallists were Trish Connell 6.53m, Janice Davies W55 hammer 38.85m, Ewen (later Thomas) gold, Peter Waddell silver and Roger Stewart Drummond M75 pole vault 1.55m, Sharon Gibbins W40 bronze. Will Foster and Trish Dalziel were the fastest. hammer 41.82m, Jayne Hardy W35 hammer 43.59 and by our W40 4x100m relay team of Kerry Boden, Sue Bourke, Vicki 102 ran the long course of 6.6km. Matthews and Marlene Reid with a time of 54.4. 20 YEARS AGO (January 2001) Two special track events are always conducted in December. The 10th annual Higgins Memorial 800m Handicap Carol Baird smashed the Australian Record for the 12 attracted 35 runners of all ages and abilities. M45 Phil White hour race walk at the annual Gosford Carnival. Her distance of won just in front of W40 Elaine Cooper and M40 John Morton. A 97.29km was 2,200m further than her record breaking effort last couple of weeks later our annual 100m President’s Handicap, or year. This was only three months since Carol had broken the AR ‘Gift’, was the feature event. Ken Telfer won the men’s final for 24 hours when she covered 175.4km at Coburg (Vic). from Kevin Matthews and John Morton while Maureen Rossiter just got the verdict over Kerry Boden and Vicki The new millennium was marked by the setting of new Matthews. ACT track and field records by – W55 Janice Davies (now Banens) and M30 Rohan Nelson in the hammer throw with 10 YEARS AGO (December 2010) 40.99m and 54.39m respectively, M75 Ewen Drummond triple jump 6.92m, M30 Nick Fox 1.75m (equal) and 200m M55 Phil White was the winner of the 20th Chris Higgins 22.4, M70 Michael Freer 5000m 22:22, M70 Jack Thackray 200m Memorial 800m Handicap finishing just in front of M60 John 29.4 and W65 Anne Young 3000m 14:34. Lamb and M55 Ken White. Neil Boden, Tony Booth, Phil White and Jim White participated in this year’s race as well as The Combined Centenary of Federation Athletics Carnival in the inaugural event in December 1991. on the eve of Australia Day was a great success. This was a joint project of ACT Athletics, Little As, CCC and the Vets. M50 Leo Kennedy just nudged M60s John Lamb and Geoff Sims on the line to win this year’s President’s 100m Handicap. 10 YEARS AGO (January 2011) Leo had previously won the ‘Gift’ in 2008 and had been runner- up another four times. W50 Sue Bourke narrowly pipped W60 The traditional Campbell Park course for the first monthly Margaret Taylor and W70 Cory Collins to make it back-to- run/walk handicap of the year had to be changed because of back victories in the women’s final. Of his year’s participants recent heavy rains. The course was probably tougher because of John Parker, Margaret Taylor and Jack Thackray also ran the modifications. Nevertheless 224 participated. The long the inaugural ‘Gift’ in1992. course was won by Tony Cavuoto from Terry Giesecke and Geoff Barker. Bruce Graham won the gold medal for the Frylink event ahead of Lorna Burdon and Ken Gordon. The — Waddell walk handicap was won by Warren Butler from Robin Whyte and Vicky Wauchop. 40 YEARS AGO (January 1981) M80 Jack Thackray was the sole record breaker at track Nine members participated in the 4th World Veterans’ and field during the month when he ran the 100m in 18.02 Championships in Christchurch, NZ. seconds.

Arthur Brown M40 made the semi-final in the 400m (57.6) and ran the 1500m, XC and marathon (3:01); M40 Ken — Daniels made the semis in the 100m (12.48) and participated in the pentathlon; Wendy Davidson W35 ran in the 10km road race, 10,000m, marathon (3:30) and won a team silver medal in 40 YEARS AGO (February 1981) the XC: W35 Judy Johnson won silver in the 5000 walk and team silver in the 10km road walk; M40 Bob Mee won a gold 21 runners completed the 6.8km Central Basin medal in the 5000 walk (23:04) and silver in the 20km road walk handicap which started and finished at Grevillea Park. Lucille as well as a team gold in the same event; Rita Mee W40 Warth won from Jack Tonkin and Laurie Sorahan. Arthur participated in the 5000 walk and earned a team gold in the Brown was fastest with a time of 23:37, followed by George 10km road walk; M55 Jack Pennington bi-passed his favourite Hanzar and Roger Abbot. 800 and 1500m events to run in the 5000m, marathon (3:12) and XC in which he won a team gold; Pat Robertson M40 made the 30 YEARS AGO (February 1991) semi-final in the 400 (56.09) and did 2:15 in the 800m; M50 Peter Waddell competed in the 5000 walk and 20km road walk. Trevor Jacobs reported on his efforts at the World 100km Championships in Duluth, USA (October 1990). He was 30 YEARS AGO (January 1991) the first Aussie finishing 14th out of 150 in a new Australian Record of 7hrs 15m. Some of the many ACT track and field records set this month were – W40 Margaret Taylor 200m 26.9, W45 Lesley Fifteen new ACT records were set at our track and field Hamilton 80mH 16.4, W50 Jen Bourke shot put 8.54m, W55 over the month; some were – W40 Margaret Taylor 100m 12.9, Anne Young 5000m 22:12, W65 Joy Bannister long jump 400m 64.4 and pentathlon 2898 points, W65 Joy Bannister 3.19m, M45 Garry Hand 1500m 4:12, M50 Jim Sawkins 800m 100m 15.9, 200m 33.2, LJ 3.30m and an Australian Record in the 2:13, M60 Peter Waddell 1500W 8:08, M65 Ewen Drummond pentathlon 3802 points and M 70 Gordon Boag LJ 3.68m, 800m pole vault 2.10m and M70 Gordon Boag high jump 1.10m. 2:56.5 and an AR for the 80m hurdles in 17.4.

The monthly running handicap was held at the traditional Continued on page 20 East Basin venue. Our inaugural short course event (3.2km)

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(Throws Coordinator - Jayne Hardy 0412 262 257)

Venue: Turner Throwing Fields (corner of Masson and McCaughey streets)

THROWING HANDICAPS (Monthly on a Saturday)

Date Description Start Time Comments

Sat 27 Feb Shot and Discus ` 1.00pm followed by non-hcap Super Weight + 45lb

Sat 27 Mar Hammer and Javelin 1.00pm followed by non-hcap Weight Throw + 56lb

Sat 24 Apr Shot and Discus 1.00pm followed by non-hcap Weight for Distance + 100lb

Sat 29 May Hammer and Javelin 1.00pm followed by non-hcap Super Weight + 45lb

Sat 26 Jun Shot and Discus 1.00pm followed by non-hcap Weight Throw + 56lb

Sat 24 Jul Hammer and Javelin 1.00pm followed by non-hcap Weight for Distance + 100lb

Sat 28 Aug Shot and Discus 1.00pm followed by non-hcap Super Weight + 45lb

Sat 25 Sept Hammer and Javelin 1.00pm followed by non-hcap Weight Throw + 56lb

Sat 30 Oct Shot and Discus 1.00pm followed by non-hcap Weight for Distance + 100lb

Sat 27 Nov Hammer and Javelin 1.00pm followed by annual presentations and Christmas function.

THROWS PENTATHLON (Monthly on a Sunday)

Date Start Time Comments

Sun 14 Feb 9.00am

Sun 14 Mar 9.00am ACTMA Throws Pentathlon Championships

Sun 18 Apr 10.00am ACTMA Heavy Weight Pentathlon Championships

Sun 16 May 10.00am

Sun 13 Jun 10.00am

Sun 11 Jul 10.00am

Sun 1 Aug 10.00am Heavy Weight Pentathlon

Sun 12 Sep 10.00am Oceania Throws Pentathlon Challenge

Sun 17 Oct 9.00am

Sun 14 Nov 9.00am Heavy Weight Pentathlon

Sun 12 Dec 9.00am

IMPORTANT DATES for Championship Throwing Events

ACTMA Championships for Pentathlon and Hammer, Thursday 20 February (Woden Athletics Park)

ACTMA Championships for other throwing disciplines, weekend of 21/22 March (Woden Athletics Park) 2021

AMA Winter Throws Championships, Wollongong 2-4 October 2021

WMA Indoor Championships, Finland TBA 2022

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Twenty-six completed the pentathlon setting seven ACT and one Congratulations to the women’s relay teams (4x100m and AR. The record setters were – W30 Elizabeth Simpson 2797 4x200m) who stepped up to compete in the Athletics in the ACT points, W40 Margaret Taylor 2898, W45 Lesley Hamilton Relay Carnival at Woden Athletics Park on 12 December 2020. 2344, W50 Jen Bourke 2199, W65 Joy Bannister 3802 (AR),

M35 Robert Pritchard 2822 and M65 Merv Collins 2829. Wouldn't have happened without the determination and round- ing up by the extraordinary and ever positive Raelene Our monthly throwing handicap introduced the two Campbell (and honorary Team Captain) to pull the teams to- throws format. Twenty-seven tossed the shot and javelin. Jen gether, and the generous and patient instruction on the day Bourke won from Greg Laws and Ewen Drummond. from her husband Paul (honorary coach) to teach us the finer 20 YEARS AGO (February 2001) aspects of baton change! Two club members travelled from in- terstate to line up on the track, Frances Dewsbury from Mary Wahren was the star of this month’s throwing Goulburn and April Jones from Newcastle. No batons were handicap (in shot and discus) winning the gold medal and setting dropped, no running outside the lanes or DSQ, no injuries, we a W65 ACT Record in the discus (18.24m) in her 100th handicap got the job done and closed the carnival as the last team home event. Mary became the third member to have completed 100 in the last race, then celebrated appropriately on the oval oppo- throwing handicaps. The silver medal was won by Bob Banens site with bevvies splashed on by the Team Captain. and the bronze by Trish Thomas. Good on you girls for flying the Masters flag and looking splen- ACT Records were set by – M50 Bob Banens did in uniform with matching yellow and blue ribbons supplied pentathlon 3505 points, W55 Janice Davies hammer 41.92m, by Frances. M75 Ewen Drummond shot put 8.49m and pentathlon 1478 points, W40 Sharon Gibbins heavy weight throw 12.08m, W45 Report by Suzie Gaynor Rosemary Longstaff steeple 8:43.5, W55 Alice Scott pentathlon 2434 points and M70 Jack Thackray 100m 13.9.

Five teams of six participated in our annual Sprint Marathon Relay, once again successfully organized by Jim White.

Seven members participated in the NZ Masters Games in Wanganui. Kevin Blewitt, Nola de Chazel, Val Chesterton, Cory Collins, Terri Jones, Jim Tucker and Pamela Weiss. They won a total of 32 medals between them.

10 YEARS AGO (February 2011)

Sue Bourke and John Lamb met John Landy (legendary miler, Olympian and former Governor of Victoria) during the Landy Trophy meet at Doncaster, Melbourne. This annual event featured a three race handicap series consisting of a 200m, 1000m and a 400m in which the starting handicaps are determined by WMA age and gender graded percentages. 4x200m teams: L-R: April Jones, Suzie Gaynor, Marlene Reid, Georgia Knudson, Sue Bourke, Cory Collins, Yanping Phil Essam’s original reason for organising the Canberra Ji, Raelene Campbell. 12 hour FatAss Race was to celebrate 20 years since completing his first Ultra and also to replace the now defunct Gosford 12 hour event. Phil was disappointed only 14 turned up to start the race but the atrocious weather Canberra experienced recently was probably a “turn-off” for potential participants.

Many members completed the 26th Weston Creek Half Marathon. Members who won age championships were - W60 Wanda Stewart, W65 Caroline Campbell, M45 Jeff Grey, M55 Nev Madden, M60 Peter Clarke, M65 Kent Williams, M70 Lachlan Lewis and M80 Rad Leovic.

On the track our quartet of Helen Larmour, Maria O’Reilly, Kathy Sims and Kathy Southgate set a new Australian Record for the W50 4x1500m relay with their time of 23:13.57. Two other teams set ACT Records in the relay; they were the M75 team of Ray Bramwell, Bob Chapman, Stuart Reid and Peter Trotter and the M80s John Burns, Merv Collins, Michael Freer and Rad Leovic. ACT Records were also set by Rad Leovic M80 mile 8:28.50 and Val Chesterton W70 10,000mW 81:05 and pole vault 1.30m. 4x100m teams: L-R: Suzie Gaynor, Sue Bourke, Frances Dewsbury, Raelene Campbell. April Jones, Yanping Ji, Report by Bryan Thomas. Marlene Reid and Georgia Knudson.

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Many thanks to contributors this month, including: Jayne Hardy, Bryan Thomas, Nigel England, Robbie Costmeyer, Ken Smith, Suzie Gaynor, John Reynolds, Geoff Barker, Sharon Gibbins, Kent Williams and Robyn Saunders. Continued thanks, also, to our many photographers who bring our stories alive with great photos. As this edition of Vetrunner covers two months of activities, I have not included detailed tables of results. These are available on the club website. Apologies to those who like to see the full results of club events in Vetrunner, and also for any mistakes or omissions in this edition.

We are still seeking a new editor(s) for Vetrunner in 2021.

New Club Executive L to R: Ken Smith, Sue Archer, Nigel If you might be interested in giving this task a go, please feel England, Prue Bradford, Robbie Costmeyer, Kathy Sims, Jayne free to contact me for further information Hardy. ([email protected]), or contact a committee member. It would be good to have a number of editors (or editors-in- training) to share the work.

Next month’s guest editor will be Lauren Watt. Thanks Lauren!

Best wishes to all readers for 2021,

Clare Wall, Guest Editor .

Photo above: Club Presidents past and present.

Photo above: “Thank you” presentation to Robert Kennelly.

Photo left: Former Vetrunner editors L to R: Mick Saunders, Robert Kennelly, Lauren Watt & Bob Banens. — -

YCRC Women’s and Girls Jogalong: first Sunday of the February Social Dinner month, 9am (8am in Summer), Weston Park. Lake Tuggeranong Stakes: Tuesdays, 12.20pm on the lake Date & Time: Tuesday 9 February 2021 at 7 PM. edge near KFC - Peter Thomson 0407 702 683 Venue: Town Centre Vikings Club -Baamoo Tuesday Group: long distance running and walking. Bistro & Grill Tuesdays, 9:00am at Black Mountain Peninsula - Bryan Thomas 02 6161 3635 Location: Corner Athllon Drive & Rowland Rees Mount Ainslie Run Up: first Tuesday, 12.45pm from Treloar Cres, Greenway Crescent behind the War Memorial - John Harding Food: A wide range of food including Vegetarian 02 6244 1153. and Gluten Free Black Mountain Run Up: third Tuesday, 12.45pm, Clunies Ross St, 100m south of Botanic Gardens Entrance. Drinks: Purchase at the Bar John Harding 6248 6905. Happy New Year! This is our first dinner in 2021 and at this Lake Ginninderra Handicap: last Tuesday of the month, venue. We invite all fellow members to join us for good food 12.20pm from outside the Lighthouse Bar and a great night out. Please contact either of the following Simon Wall 0404 859 404. members of the Social Team:

BBQ Stakes Handicap: every Wednesday 12.10pm from Robyn: 0403 808 299 [email protected] Senior Citizens Club, Woden - Adrian Plunkett 6283 2388. Rosemary: 0427 160 129 [email protected] Customs Joggers: every Friday, 12.15pm at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park - Mike Stracey 02 6258 8756 Important note: Due to Covid19 restrictions we need to know if you intend to come by 12 Noon on Monday 8 Parkrun or walk: every Saturday at 8.00am at February 2021so that we can finalise our numbers. various locations around Canberra, including Lake Ginninderra, Gungahlin, Weston Park, Tuggeranong, We look forward to seeing you there! Coombs, Ainslie, Wagi Bridge and Queanbeyan.

Groups of Masters athletes conduct training sessions around Non - Accredited Coaches and Training Groups Canberra. Contact the group coordinator if you are interested These groups are led by a group coordinator (trainer) who in participating, as some are currently in recess. As a will train with you but is not an Athletics Australia member of our club members participate in events out of accredited coach. All ACTMA member athletes are covered by normal hours, the level of public liability insurance varies. our club’s public liability insurance but not the trainer. Social distancing rules apply at all activities. Geoff Moore: Distance interval training. Accredited Coaches Training Groups (SpeedyGeese)—Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, times and places vary. 0425 276 811. These groups are led by an Athletics Australia accredited coach. All ACTMA member athletes and accredited coaches Fran Harris: Strength, sprints and hurdles training— are covered by our club’s public liability insurance. Monday mornings., Belconnen Oval. 6230 2341 (h) Greg Stretton: Middle distance training—Sundays Val Chesterton: Strength, speed & general fitness for except long weekends, 9.00am, also Tuesdays and runners, jumpers & walkers, Calwell Playing Fields, Thursdays at Canberra Boys Grammar School, corner of Fridays 9am, 8.30am in summer. 6292 8994. (Has not Mugga Way & Flinders Way, 0406 377 040 TBC restarted.) John Hunt: Jumps— Sundays, 11:00a,AIS track. 6241 9392 (h) Currently in recess.

2021 Track and Field 2022 AMA Track & Field Championships, Hobart Championships - Tampere, Finland, now 2022 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games 27 Jul-7 Aug 2021 Games of the XXXII Olympiad 23 July to 8 August, 2022 WMA Indoor Championships 6-13 April, Edmonton, Tokyo. Canada now 2023 2021 Australian Masters Games, Perth WA, 9-16 Oct 2023 WMA Outdoor Championships 17-27 August, 2021 Oceania Masters Athletics Track & Field Gothenberg, Sweden now 2024 Championships, Norfolk Island, 2024 Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, Paris now 2022 —

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EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS CLUB PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY Do we have your emergency contact details? ACTMA uses photos and videos to promote the Club. Permission to use photos taken during an event will The details are kept confidential to the club administra- generally be assumed. If you do not wish to have your tors and only used in times of an emergency. photo taken, please indicate this to the photographer, The club has, at least, a moral obligation to let your or ask the photographer to delete any images that next of kin know if you have encountered health issues at have been taken. If an image has been posted to social an ACTMA event. media that the member does not like, please email It’s also good to let the registrar know when changing [email protected], asking that the phone numbers or email addresses, otherwise you may image be removed. miss out on receiving the Bulletin! Contact Nigel England at: The ACTMA Executive Committee. Email: [email protected]

Letters to the editor are welcome. It is important that the club has a vehicle for receiving and answering constructive factual criticism and comments.

All copy and queries for the next edition should be sent to the As a general rule, material is only published if publicly editor at: [email protected] acknowledged. Articles submitted to Vetrunner but not published are usually the result of page limitations, and may be included in the following edition of Vetrunner. Constructive comment is Late submissions will only be accepted if space allows. welcome and should be addressed to the editor at: [email protected]

All reports, articles and stories submitted for inclusion in The Vetrunner is online on the club’s website: Vetrunner should be created in Word, in Century Schoolbook 9pt. font, if possible. Member contributions are welcome, especially of http://www.actmastersathletics.org.au/index.php? module=Vetrunner&action=Vetrunner.ListView an athletic theme, or tells a story of a member achieving an im- portant milestone or award, or simply a story that relates to a member’s background outside of athletics. Please include photo- Black and white hard copies are available for financial members graphs and illustrations where possible or appropriate. Minor at club events. editing may be undertaken.