Stalwart Sharpe achieves 1200 runs

 In CWD Articles

A momentous event occurred at Elephant Park in Orange on Wednesday afternoon. Michael Sharpe achieved 1200 – yes you read that right 1200 – runs with the Orange Runners Club. Michael was an original founding member of the Orange Runners Club back in 1978 when the Bee Gees were stayin’ alive, the Sullivans was the number 1 show in Australia and the SCG hosted the first international cricket game played under lights.

Officially, Michael has been the club handicapper and responsible for the club results since 1988. Since that time he has quietly been the backbone of the club, while members over the years have come and gone. Michael has recorded and published results each week and also donated his time every Wednesday and Sunday, bringing his knowledge and bag(s) of tricks to make sure there is a course and a time for every participant. I have mentioned previously also his skill in developing and maintaining the ORC results database by himself over many years. Always going above and beyond his official role as handicapper, no question is too big or small for Michael, whether it be checking your PB straight after your run, asking whether you can run off a different time or even knowing where next week’s run is. Michael of course enjoys his running and has been a constant achiever during his time with the club. Congratulations on your 1200 runs Michael. You are a true inspiration to us all, not only for your athletic prowess and commitment but for your extraordinary volunteering efforts that have benefitted the club and its members for so many years. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated, selfless and kind man within our midst.
The winner at Wednesday’s run was Martin “Red Dog” Ryan who is blitzing courses all round Orange at the moment in his bright orange ORC top. We look forward to a great run in the upcoming Orange Running Festival Red Dog.

PBs were recorded on Wednesday by Connor Whiteley 3 seconds, John Connolly 9 seconds
Bec Halls 26 seconds, Richard Eggleston 11 seconds, Abby Dean 20 seconds and Jessie Dean 3 seconds.

While we are mentioning the Deans, the winner of last Sunday’s run was Harry Dean, the youngest of Matt and Estelle. The odds of a Dean being the winner on Sunday were fairly high however given the family’s all round athletic ability and the fact there were 12 Dean family members taking part in the run. In total the Dean dynasty made up 13% of Sunday’s participants, so the odds were good. Harry’s dad Matt was also a high achiever taking out the 10km. Well done to Harry and all the Deans on your efforts.

All the shops in downtown Orange must have been closed on Sunday as we had a surprise guest appearance by Maree Moss back for a run with the club. There may be another sighting of Maree at the Orange Running Festival – we look forward to it.

Speaking of, there should be a good turn out from the population of the Clergate community at the Orange Running Festival this year, given the sandwich board with all the details and flyers was left out on Clergate Road following Sunday’s run…. David Craig is the man to see if you are the owner of the sign.

Sunday’s results were as follows:
3km Female – Jane Patteson, Julie Chapman, Medkes Ward.
3km Male – Frank Ostini, Nic Rosser, Mark Chapman.
5km Female – Amber Rich, Karen Neal, Nicole Williamson.
5km Male – Brett Rosser, Connor Whiteley, Brandon Connolly.
10km Female – Liz Simpson, Estelle Dean, Frehiwot Ward.
10km Male – Matt Dean, Brad Simmons, Kyle Ostini.

As you all know, the number 1 event on the Orange athletics calendar is fast approaching – with the ORC Running Festival on Sunday 4 March 2012 at Bloomfield. Members and anyone keen to join in this event for 2012 should now be registered and upping the training. Walkers, families, weekend warrior joggers and serious runners are all encouraged to attend. Head to the website at www.orangerunners.com.au for more info. It is going to be a fantastic day with a great course and the biggest barrel draw on the running calendar. Early bird entries close THIS SUNDAY 12 February so don’t wait! All early bird entries go in the draw to win a Westinghouse refrigerator kindly donated by Electrolux Orange.

Monies raised from this year’s Festival will be donated by the ORC to Cerebral Palsy Orange Branch.

Tomorrow’s run is at Elephant Park, with choice of a 3.2, 4.8 or 8km.

CLUB LEGEND: Michael Sharpe on the run.

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