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12 questions with………Greg Smith.

1. How long have you been running with the club?

Started running with the club in 1992, so this year would be the 29th year if we get to start at all.

2. You have seen a few course changes over the years. What are some of your favourite?
My favourite course by far is the 25km Ironman course in the Forth Valley.I also liked the Marathon course we had in the early 2000s which started at the Ulverstone Football Ground, headed to Forth and comprised 3 x 10km loops before heading back to the football ground to finish. This course produced my quickest Marathon time of 2hrs 41 mins.

3. How did you get into running and what has it given you?
I got into running after doing duathlons and some triathlons in my mid to late 20s and soon realised I was hopeless at swimming, Okay on the bike and above average on the run so it was a pretty easy decision in the end. Running has given me a passion that I will always treasure and a chance to meet so many wonderful people.

4. You train with the Meercroft group, how have you stayed motivated without them during COVID-19?
The Meercroft Crew are an amazing group of runners and friends and we still keep in touch through social media. There is always great banter happening and Hayden Bishop, Natasha Mapley and myself have a morning crew where we have a rotating roster of 2 due to the COVID-19 restrictions. I’m the slow runner of the 3 of us.

5. What pleases you the most with running?
I get so much enjoyment out of younger runners who show determination and dedication.I’m a bit biased but the Morning Crew of Hayden (Son-In-Law) and Natasha Mapley (Tash) are two fine examples. Hayden has improved so much in the last two years and has a bright future and Tash is so focused and determined. She has that never-say-die attitude that will take her a long way in her running career.

6. Your favourite spot locally you like to run?
My favourite run is the Devonport/Miandetta Loop which is roughly 14km with a bit of everything.
My number 1 run is definitely the Ironman course in the Forth Valley.

7. Some of the reasons that you like being a part of the PCCCT Club?
This is an easy question to answer. The club has been a huge part of my life and I have met many great runners and have gained many special friendships along the way. I have the utmost respect for people like Barry Ling who has been the heart and soul of the club since its formation. There is also the great Devonport/Burnie rivalry which always draws healthy contests no matter the race and then there is the handicapping. No one loves the handicapper (Hi Pat).

8. What is your most memorable running experience?
My most memorable running experience was finishing in front of the great Dave Chettle (my role model) in the Shearwater Fun Run many many years ago. it still brings a smile to my face thinking about it now. Running the Host City Marathon in Sydney as the test event for the Sydney Olympics 2000 was an unbelievable experience with 5 800 marathoners and to win 3 Ironmans, 2 Marathons and 2 Half Marathons with the Club is so special to me.

9. Running tips?
Enjoy the journey, Don’t take it too seriously and control what you can control and improvement will come. My first coach said to me if you’re hurting in a race, so is everyone else as well but if you want to win you have to hurt twice as much.

10. Who are some of your role models in running?
I have 2 role models in running and they are Dave Chettle and Viv Woodward (my first running coach). Both were great Devonport athletes and special people as well. I feel very fortunate to have been under Woody’s guidance and catch up with Chet usually along the walking track for a tip or two.

11. What is something about you most people wouldn’t Know?
I come from a large family of 11 children and life was a struggle for Mum as a single parent to raise us the best she could and keep food on the table, but she did and for that l am truly grateful.

12. If you could holiday anywhere, would you go and what would you do?
I love Australia and it has never interested me to go anywhere overseas.We live in the best place in the world anyway.
(Kelly and Rod)

By Hayden Bishop, ago

Start of season postponed

For all the latest news and updates please Like our Facebook page.

Last night your committee decided that the wisest course to undertake at the present time is to postpone the start to our season.

This morning parkrun has advised that all parkruns in Australia and New Zealand are suspended, at least until the end of March. At the last committee meeting we agreed that this would be a trigger for us to postpone.

In addition, everyone would be aware of the current regulations regarding social distancing. When we all gather at our events this is problematic.

Finally, with all the other cancellations, especially of sporting events, we could be viewed as irresponsible if we pressed on. This could lead to reputational damage to your Club.

We ask that everyone accepts this difficult decision.

If you have already registered, that still stands and you will be set to go when we are up and running. Similarly, those people who have paid the entry to race 1, that will be held in credit for your first run.

Your committee will be keeping in regular touch and will advise when we can get underway and the shape of the season. Clearly some races will be lost for this year.

Please keep checking here and Facebook for further announcements.

Keep safe and keep running (just not in big groups).

Rod (on behalf of President Barry and your committee).

By Rod Viney, ago

Information re COVID-19

Important Information
COVID-19 Update
Sunday March 15, 2020

The PCCCT committee is monitoring the current COVID-19 situation. As the club races attract less than 500 people we do not feel the need to cancel races at this stage. This decision is based on current Department of Health recommendations. We will continue to monitor the situation for any changes. We will act on advice from the local Department of Health to ensure that our response to this ongoing and developing pandemic is appropriate and in line with the most up-to-date advice and guidelines.

The health and safety of our members is our number one priority and we will act on advice and directions from the Health Department if and when they change.

The PCCCT is taking measures to ensure we have a safe environment for our members. Consequently, the morning tea normally held after race 1 is cancelled.

We will have hand sanitiser available for use at races

We urge our members and supporters to adopt the following recommendations from the Department of Health:

  1. Do not shake hands or otherwise contact one another.
  2. Try to keep a distance of 1.5m from other people.
  3. Cover nose and mouth with tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing.
  4. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry with paper towel.

If you are displaying symptoms that are associated with COVID-19 you should seek medical advice. For the health and safety of other members we encourage you to refrain from attending any races when unwell.

The committee will keep you updated both on Facebook and our website if any new information comes to hand.

By Rod Viney, ago

PCCCT Running Tops

Orders from our first batch of tops have arrived! Please check your emails for more information on collection, or you can collect at Race 1 (Wivenhoe).

Orders from the second batch have been received and are processing. 

We are currently not taking any orders. We anticipate to reopen after the season starts. 

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You will be able to get your name on the back, and your race number on the front. This number will be able to be used for races, so you won’t have to pin a bib onto these tops for PCCCT races.

Singlet – $33

Shirt – $38

Fill out this form to place an order

This form only submits an order for one person. If ordering for multiple people, please fill this form out for each person. This ensures we are getting the right details on the right tops. 

Orders for the this batch will close on the Wednesday 12/3/20 at 8pm. More orders will be made throughout the year depending on demand.

We will notify you by email, and post on our Facebook page and website once the orders are ready for collection.

By Hayden Bishop, ago

Special General Meeting – October 23 at 7:00pm Ulverstone Surf Club

Results of meeting

At the Special General Meeting of the Club tonight, members voted as follows:

A majority of members present voted in favour of lifting the penalty (suspension) of the member who had been suspended. That member may now continue as a member of the PCCCT.

A majority of members present voted in favour of confirmation of the penalty of the member who had been expelled and appealed. That member now ceases to be a member of of the PCCCT.

Rod Viney (Secretary)

Your Committee would like all 2019 members and Life Members who can possibly attend to do so.

Some unfortunate incidents occurred after race 25  on September 15 at Burnie Netball Centre (the Big Six), involving three Club members.

As per the Club Constitution Section 31 (link below), your Committee investigated and found all three had breached the Club Code of Conduct (link below).

Consequently, two members were expelled from the Club and the third suspended.

The Constitution allows suspended and expelled members to appeal their sanctions to a special general meeting and two of the three have appealed.

Agenda:

  1. Welcome and brief explanation of proceedings
  2. Details of the penalties imposed by the committee and the reason for the penalties
  3. Up to five minute break for the appellants to prepare to be heard by the meeting
  4. The member suspended may speak to the meeting, should he wish
  5. The member expelled may speak to the meeting, should he wish
  6. Vote scrutineers appointed
  7. Voting slips distributed and members vote to endorse each penalty or lift each penalty
  8. Votes counted by scrutineers
  9. Count result announced
  10. Meeting closes

NB As per the Constitution:

(8) If at the Special General Meeting a majority of the members present vote in favour of the lifting of the penalty, the penalty shall be deemed to have been lifted and the member is entitled to continue their membership of the Association.

(9) If at the Special General Meeting a majority of the members present vote in favour of the confirmation of the penalty, the penalty takes effect, and the member ceases to be a member of the Association without entitlement to refund to registration monies paid.

(10) Persons expelled from the Association will not be eligible to reapply for membership at any time, except with the consent of the Committee.

By Rod Viney, ago

Incidents at the Big Six, 15 September 2019

Following the incidents which occurred at the Club race on 15 September, your committee acted according to the Club constitution, Section 31.

The matter was investigated by your committee and found that three members had breached the club Code of Conduct.

As a result, one member had his Club membership suspended for six months and the other two were expelled from the Club.

The member suspended and one of the two expelled have, according to the constitution, asked the Committee to call a Special General Meeting to which they wish to appeal their sanctions.

Please note that the third member has until October 17 to lodge a requisition to appeal, also.

Consequently, you are advised:

Notice of Special General Meeting

Professional Cross Country Club Inc. has called a Special General Meeting at 7.00 pm, Wednesday, 23 October, 2019 at the Ulverstone Surf Lifesaving Club. Agenda: Suspension and/or Expulsion of Members as outlined in the PCCCT Inc. Constitution. Attendance at the Special General Meeting is open to life members and all current members of the PCCCT Inc. 

Rod Viney Secretary

Please see Section 31, paragraph 7 of the Club constitution for information on how the meeting will be conducted.

Your committee would like all current members and life members who are able to attend, to do so.

By Rod Viney, ago

Race 27: The Sea Lyons Swim School 6km at Burnie

Danielle small

The Sea Lyons Swim School six kilometre handicap was the final race for the 2019 season and was run on an out-and-back course from West Park, Burnie, in fine but windy conditions.

Natalie Luttrell led the field away with Dale Lancaster in hot pursuit. By the turn Lancaster led clearly and was to hold the lead until entering the final kilometre when overtaken by Danielle Newall who was fighting hard to hold off two of the race favourites in Josh Febey and Jason Scott.

Shearwater runner, Newall, managed to hold on to take victory by just 16 seconds from Febey with Scott 6 seconds astern in third ahead of Nick Young and one of the backmarkers, Shaun Batten.

Newall was thrilled to get a win in her first season of competition. Formerly an infrequent runner, joining the Club has inspired her to train regularly, rising at 5:30am to hit the road before work. This has led to constant improvement as the season progressed, culminating in today’s victory. She is now set on achieving good times in the Burnie Ten and the Cadbury half-marathon in January.

Fastest male and female were Thomas Murton and Lyn Saint-John respectively.

The nominated time winners were Jemima McLaren, Ashley Fehlberg, Hannah Elphinstone and Chloe Bates.

Following the event, the Club Champion awards were presented to Thomas Murton and Amie Bramich with the consistency title going to Josh Febey, ahead of Vicki Knapman and Karina Mason.

Race27 Burnie Sea Lyons LinePosition 6km

Race27 Burnie Sea Lyons Fastest 6km

By Rod Viney, ago

Burnie: The Sea Lyons Swim School 6km

The final race of the 2019 season is the Sea Lyons Swim School six kilometre handicap at Burnie.

The out-and-back course starts at the rear of West Park and travels east to the yacht club.

Racing will be keen as members without a win this year will want to take advantage of a season of solid training.

There are several runners who have been close to winning in recent weeks without breaking through and any of them could take out this final race.

Among the frontmarkers Dale Lancaster looks like a solid chance although she would prefer a longer distance while David Wright also has strong hopes after a return to form last week.

Strongest of the middlemarkers look to be Nick Young, Andrew Hay, Jason Scott and Josh Febey.

If backmarkers are favoured by conditions, then any of Thomas Murton, Keegan Powell, Natasha Mapley or Mark Saint-John could break the tape.

However, following his storming finish into fourth last week, Jono Price could be the hardest to beat. Although showing some form during the year, this was his best result and could indicate he his peaking just in time for a victory.

Entries close at 9:30 with the race beginning at 10:00. There will be a nominated time event at 9:15.

Following the event, season celebrations will occur at The Point, West Park. There will be a morning tea (members to bring a plate, please) and trophies will be presented to the season’s consistency winners and club champions.

By Rod Viney, ago

Race 26: The Somerset Pharmacy 10km at Somerset

 Simon small Sep 19

The Somerset Pharmacy ten kilometre handicap was run Sunday on a tough hilly course utilising Somerset’s Back Cam Road.

The event gave runners their second last chance to record a win for the season and so was keenly contested with the first twelve runners finishing within two minutes.

Donna Allen was the first runner away and ran her best race to date, leading until the last kilometre until overtaken by another frontmarker in David Wright.

Two strong middlemarkers in Andrew Hay and Jason Scott, who were among the pre-race favourites, were looking likely to fight out the finish as they soon hit the lead but in the last five hundred metres Simon Gates charged past to break the tape.

This was the second victory for the Somerset athlete, in his five years with the Club, the previous being a five kilometre event at Devonport two years ago. He has been in good form all year and now will set his sights on some longer upcoming events.

Scott finished second just in front of Hay with the very backmarker, Jono Price finishing fourth and recording fastest time of 38:41.

Other eye-catching performances were recorded by Keegan Powell and Symone Denby while Wright hung on for seventh and Allen finished twelfth..

The fastest female was Lyn Saint-John. She was also the fourth fastest overall.

Nominated time winners were Theo and Milla Price, and Mitchell and Hannah Elphinstone.

Race26 Somerset Pharmacy Line Position 10km
Race26 Somerset Pharmacy Fastest 10km
By Rod Viney, ago