Wet, slippery, and in some places dangerous conditions for athletes, caused the postponement of Illawarra Blue Stars Annual King and Queen of the Mountain.
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The popular event has been held by the club for a number of years, and comprises a hard-fought run up Mount Kembla and back.
The decision to change to a later date was in the best interests of the athletes.
All clubs have to take into consideration the safety of the athletes, and putting people at risk of injury was the major concern for officials.
This brings me to a point of safety.
How many times do we report people running on the road in dark clothes?
It is not in the interests of the athletes to do so, and on many occasions people are also putting drivers at risk.
In Wollongong we have so many great spots to run, giving people the ideal opportunity of staying fit an healthy, but to run on open roads in dark clothes is a great risk.
Watch this space and the Illawarra Blue Stars website for the rescheduled date of King and Queen of the Mountain but pencil in Sunday, July 14, as a possibility for this event.
Our members have been taking part in their cross-country school events and also their track events.
From reports we have had some good runs and it is great to see a number of our sprinters taking part in the cross-country, doing very well, and moving onto the next level.
School track carnivals have also commenced with many now heading off to the next level for these events also.
Geoff Hynoski has combined his steeplechasing and strength to take part in the recent Kiama to Gerrigong run, and from reports, Geoff tells us that it was a beautiful run in beautiful weather.
He finished a great 10th in his age division and 46th overall.
Mary Thomas has not let a birthday hinder her at all and has wasted no time in posting new state records for the next age bracket she has moved into (75 plus).
Last Saturday saw Mary venture to the UTS Winter meet, and she has now posted state records for the javelin, shot, discus, hammer and weight throw.
All have now been sent for ratification but it looks like Mary will be adding this age bracket to her long list of records and the track season hasn't even started.
A reminder to all athletes who wish to see how they are progressing in the winter, IBS will conduct the club's next round of winter track and field from 10.30am next Sunday, June 23, at the Kerryn McCann athletics centre.
All interested people are encouraged to attend, from all ages (under 8 right through to masters men and women).
What a great way to see how all your winter training is taking shape and also a great opportunity for school athletes to have more competition prior to their next upcoming track and field meet.
No entry fee, just payment through the Leisure Centre at Beaton Park.
Events will be 60m, 200m, 800m, discus, walk, high jump and 3km.
The 3km will be the first event at 10.30am and all athletes interested in this event are asked to be at the track no later than 10am to register.
IBS have conducted the club's Annual General Meeting, with president Sue Sundstrom coming back into the role replacing retired president Geoff Hynoski.
Geoff will retain the role of ANSW representative along with myself and also be our club's rep to the management of Beaton Park.
Ian Smith has been elected to the position of vice-president and also public officer, with myself as secretary and Jodie Sundstrom as treasurer.
Good to see senior athlete Chris Thurbon coming onto the board and he will join all other board members at the July meeting of the club for distribution of portfolios.
IBS was formed in 1953 and is the oldest athletics club on the coast.
It offers all athletic events for both winter and summer and welcomes any person wishing to have a go at track and field or cross-country, whether it be as a challenge, fitness, or for championship level.
All ages from under 8 right through to masters men and women are most welcome and families are a strong focus point.
See website www.illawarrabluestars.com for further information.