69 replies to this topic

[WebmasterAtCanterbury]

City of Canterbury 2012 Australia Day Fun Run

The fantastic City of Canterbury 2012 Australia Day Fun Run is back
Open to all age groups!

The 5km fun run starts at Tasker Park, Phillips Avenue Undercliffe, follows the Cooks River along a walk/bike path to Ewen Park, which participants circle and return along the Cooks River back to Tasker Park and the finishing line. (Link to Google Maps available here)

At the half way point - Ewen Park, all participants must pick up a wrist band and show it at the finishing line.

Registration commences at 7.30am for a 9.00am start at Tasker Park.

PRIZES - Prizes will be awarded to male and female winners in each of the age categories:

• 1st place receives -- $150
  
• 2nd place receives -- $100
  
• 3rd place receives -- $50

Some things to note:

• The City of Canterbury 2012 Australia Day Fun Run is a 5km course from Tasker Park along the Cooks River to Ewen Park and back.
  
• Registration commences at 8am on Thursday 26 January at Tasker Park for a 9.00am start.
  
• All participants must collect a wrist band at the half way point before returning to Tasker Park.
  
• Participants are asked to watch their step and use caution. Part of the course is narrow, there are a few bridges to run over and under.
  
• Water stations are set up at intervals along the course and participants are encouraged to re-hydrate at each water station.
  
• If you injure yourself or notice someone who has injured themselves, please notify the nearest marshal.

Registration commences at 8am on Thursday 26 January at Tasker Park for a 9.00am start.

«Online registrations have closed -- please register tomorrow at Tasker Park before 8.30am»

The City of Canterbury Australia Day celebrations will be held on Thursday, 26 January, 2012 from 10am to 3pm at Tasker Park and Canterbury Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Phillips Avenue Canterbury, and is proudly sponsored by: The Bankstown-Canterbury Torch, The Cooks River Valley Times, Campsie Woolworths and Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink.

RELEASE & INDEMNITY. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
ALL ENTRANTS MUST ACCEPT THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS -- The terms on which you are allowed to participate in the City of Canterbury 2012 Australia Day Fun Run are set out below. If you do not agree to be bound by these terms you are prohibited from participating.

• Your level of fitness is sufficient to participate in the Fun Run.
  
• You are participating in the Fun Run at your own risk.
  
• The organisers of the Fun Run and all persons who are assisting in conducting it are not liable for any injury or damage that you suffer as a consequence of your participating (to the maximum extent that the laws allow), including injury or damage caused by their negligence and you release them from any such liability that they would have to you.
  
• You indemnify the organisers of the Fun Run and all persons assisting in conducting it against any claims made against them as a consequence of any injury or damage that you suffer from participating, including injury or damage caused by their negligence.
  
• You comply with the directions of the persons conducting the City of Canterbury 2012 Australia Day Fun Run.
  
• You must return the timing tag after completing the race. You are liable to cover a $5.00 fee if tour timing tag has not been returned.

Edited by WebmasterAtCanterbury, 25 January 2012 - 03:15 PM.

[bobbys]

Thanks for posting this Webmaster. If any CR's are interested, it's a great day out even if it has been humid over the last few years. Course is reasonably flat. The only real issue is the bridge under Canterbury Rd. Very low and narrow and a few runners had some cyclists make unnecessary comments.

Well done Canterbury Council for putting on this event. I hope to be there on the day.

BS

[champix]

I ran this one last year. I remember it being an extremely hot day. I'm disappointed they are not using a timing chip. Lots of great food at the finish and the council pool was free last year. It was generally well organised and I'll do this again as I recover from Achilles Tendonitis.

[slowmo]

This is a great little race. It's also the only event that I can claim to done every time it's been run (2008-2011) so I'll definitely be there to chalk up another one. I agree with bobbys about the low bridge being something to watch out for, but other than that it is a nice course. Out of interest - does anyone know why the race, and the Australia Day fair, were moved from the previous location in Gough Whitlam Park, Tempe ?

As to timing chips, sorry champix but I think they would detract from this event. It encourages everyone to have a go including many people who wouldn't normally take part in a fun run. Last year was a bit unusual being so hot, but in previous years the race has attracted a very wide range of ages and abilities, especially because it is free and informal.

slowmo

[Bert]

Regarding the low bridge, I seem to remember that the local council promised to upgrade it in time for the 2000 Olympics cycle traffic. Then the upgrade was postponed until the following year's estimates, after which it quietly disapeared off the agenda. As someone who cycles on this path regularly, I haven't noticed any change in the underpass itself in about twenty years, although the approaches have been tidied up a bit. Do keep your head down, though, or it will be an even bigger headache than usual.

[bobbys]

Skowmo, the run got moved to highlight the redeveloped acquatic centre that the council spent money on. I preferred the run at Gough Whitlam park as it was a short walk for me. I note that the old course also involved road closures to allow runners to cross illawarra rd whereas the new course has no closures.

I hope to be there in some shape although a fast time will be out given I did SMC marathon today.

See you next week,

Bobbys

[WebmasterAtCanterbury]

Hi all!

Thanks for your interest!

This year, we are taking a step up in the technology stakes and are employing TIMING CHIPS! We're very excited about this and are sure that this will result in more accurate timekeeping, particularly for the benefit of the more experienced competitors.

As for the underpass at Canterbury Road, this will remain the same. We did receive some comment about it being not only quite low but also narrow. We will be taking steps to coordinate traffic in and out of the underpass, and we appreciate you working with us to ensure a smooth-running event.

It will be a fantastic day out, with food stalls, rides for the kids, a sausage sizzle, and all day pool entry for only $2.00!

Registration commences at 8am for a 9.00am start at Tasker Park.

PRIZES - Prizes will be awarded to male and female winners in each of the age categories:

• 1st place receives -- $150
  
• 2nd place receives -- $100
  
• 3rd place receives -- $50

«Online registrations have closed -- please register tomorrow at Tasker Park before 8.30am»

Edited by WebmasterAtCanterbury, 25 January 2012 - 03:16 PM.

[slowmo]

WebmasterAtCanterbury, on 16 January 2012 - 10:01 AM, said:

This year, we are taking a step up in the technology stakes and are employing TIMING CHIPS!

For all entrants ?  Amazing.  I didn't think it would be possible to introduce chips and still have free entry.  Full marks to Canterbury Council !

Looking forward to seeing lots of familiar and new faces there.

slowmo

[WebmasterAtCanterbury]

Australia Day is the biggest day on our nation's calendar and the City of Canterbury has been planning our fabulous celebrations for months!

On Thursday 26 January, we will again be holding a family fun day at Tasker Park and Canterbury Aquatic & Fitness Centre, with:

• a free sausage sizzle
  
• great local entertainment
  
• rides for kids

We have a great variety of musical acts to keep everyone entertained including:

• the reggae sounds of V-Tribe
  
• plenty of favourites from cover band Ajay Goldsmith
  
• original blues music from Green Beaver
  
• the Charlotte Jane Band will also be back again for the fourth consecutive year with their popular melody of jazz tunes.

For the little ones who aren't into jazz, reggae or blues we will have The Party Pirates, a colourful, fun loving group of pirates with antics that should keep the kids entertained.

There will also be Little Kickers soccer games for kids under 5 years of age and an exhibition from the Sydney Self Defence Academy.

We're also providing $2 'Mates Rates' entry to Canterbury Aquatic & Fitness Centre, and we will be holding our popular Australia Day Fun Run!

The 5km course will start at Tasker Park, go along the Cooks River to Ewen Park and back. The popularity of this event gets bigger each year and its great to showcase a different section of the Cooks River and our fabulous cycle ways and pedestrian paths.

«Online registrations have closed -- please register tomorrow at Tasker Park before 8.30am»

The City of Canterbury Australia Day celebrations will be held on Thursday, 26 January, 2012 from 10am to 3pm at Tasker Park and Canterbury Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Phillips Avenue Canterbury, and is proudly sponsored by: The Bankstown-Canterbury Torch, The Cooks River Valley Times, Campsie Woolworths and Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink.

Edited by WebmasterAtCanterbury, 25 January 2012 - 03:16 PM.

[champix]

You get a timing chip and the fun run is free! Well done Canterbury Council.

[BeesKnees]

I have registered, first race in my "new age" category

[slowmo]

BeesKnees, on 19 January 2012 - 11:49 AM, said:

I have registered, first race in my "new age" category

Congratulations BeesKnees - you're just entering the prime of life !

I must say though, when I went into the 50+ category I suddenly dropped back to the bottom of the ladder in all my races. It's so much more competitive than the category below. Do all the other slow runners retire at 49 ?

It will be lovely to see you there.

slowmo

[BeesKnees]

Gee slowmo now you've let everyone know that I have turned the big 50.

[slowmo]

Oh dear...  I didn't mean my words to read quite like that but now that you mention it they do look a bit foot-in-mouth-ish.

But you'll always be younger than me (probably why you always leave me so far behind in races).

slowmo

[WebmasterAtCanterbury]

Hi all!

It's great to see increasing interest in the race as the big day draws closer! We're hoping to have as many participants this year as we had in 2011, so don't forget to invite family and friends and spread the word in general!

Just a note about registrations. Online registrations will close at 4pm on Wednesday 25 January 2012. That said, participants will have a chance to register on the day, where we'll be accepting registrations up until 8.30am.

«Online registrations have closed -- please register tomorrow at Tasker Park before 8.30am»

It's gearing up to be a fantastic day. Our events staff are working hard to finalise preparations for the day. We've all got our fingers firmly crossed for good weather for Thursday, and if it's been anything like what we've had recently, we're hoping that it will be much milder than last year.

We're looking forward to seeing you all there and we'll be sure to touch base with you again next week.

Edited by WebmasterAtCanterbury, 25 January 2012 - 03:16 PM.

[Long Arms]

Bert, on 02 January 2012 - 08:26 AM, said:

Regarding the low bridge, I seem to remember that the local council promised to upgrade it in time for the 2000 Olympics cycle traffic. Then the upgrade was postponed until the following year's estimates, after which it quietly disapeared off the agenda. As someone who cycles on this path regularly, I haven't noticed any change in the underpass itself in about twenty years, although the approaches have been tidied up a bit. Do keep your head down, though, or it will be an even bigger headache than usual.

I have been incorporating "speed crawling" into my training program so I can squeeze under this bridge

[slowmo]

Long Arms, on 20 January 2012 - 07:40 PM, said:

I have been incorporating "speed crawling" into my training program so I can squeeze under this bridge

Would duck walking be faster ?

slowmo

[Gadfly]

I'm thinking about this one.......I need to get back into running more consistently now recovery from Narrabeen is well under way.

..and who could pass up a chance to run with slowmo and BeesKnees......

[Rainlover]

quote name='WebmasterAtCanterbury' timestamp='1326672071' post='705447']

This year, we are taking a step up in the technology stakes and are employing TIMING CHIPS! We're very excited about this and are sure that this will result in more accurate timekeeping, particularly for the benefit of the more experienced competitors.


That's good to know. Last years system with being given a tag at th halfway point was a bit unusual. I was one of the people held up when one of the officials ran out of tags and then had to wait momentarily until another raced over to assist. Was placed in a good position at that point but completely lost momentum when that happened. I think the tag system will be appreciated by all runners out there. Hope to get there this year.

Edited by Rainlover, 22 January 2012 - 09:39 PM.

[bobbys]

Rainlover, the timing chips are there to provide a more efficient result and stop the organisers from manually writing all the times down. Runners will still need to pickup a wristband at the halfway mark to prove they have made it otherwise there would be people turning around too early everywhere.

[bobbys]

Gadfly, on 22 January 2012 - 08:00 PM, said:

I'm thinking about this one.......I need to get back into running more consistently now recovery from Narrabeen is well under way.

..and who could pass up a chance to run with slowmo and BeesKnees......

C'mon Gadfly - it's a good run - relatively flat (well- undulating) and a few good things for the kids. Free bbq and $2 pool entry (enough to sway you?)

BeesKnees - just note that the location has changed from when you last ran it (was Gough Whitlam Prk - now it's at Tasker Park (near Canterbury Ice Rink). Can you autograph my copy of R4YL as well?

BS

[slowmo]

Gadfly, on 22 January 2012 - 08:00 PM, said:

I'm thinking about this one.......

You just have to remember to stop after 5km Gadfly otherwise, knowing you, you'll run and run...

slowmo

[WebmasterAtCanterbury]

Good Morning All!

With only days remaining before the big event, excitement is building for what is set to be another AMAZING Australia Day Fun Run for 2012!

The Events Organisers are also tidying up a few loose ends in preparation for what is going to a great day for the whole family!

The 5km fun run starts at Tasker Park, Phillips Avenue Undercliffe, follows the Cooks River along a walk/bike path to Ewen Park, which participants circle and return along the Cooks River back to Tasker Park and the finishing line. (Link to Google Maps available here)

At the half way point - Ewen Park, all participants must pick up a wrist band and show it at the finishing line.

Online registrations will close at 4pm on Wednesday 25 January 2012. Registration on the day will commence at 7.30am for a 9.00am start at Tasker Park.

PRIZES - Prizes will be awarded to male and female winners in each of the age categories:

1st place receives -- $150
2nd place receives -- $100
3rd place receives -- $50

«Online registrations have closed -- please register tomorrow at Tasker Park before 8.30am»

Edited by WebmasterAtCanterbury, 25 January 2012 - 03:17 PM.

[BeesKnees]

Bobbys I am chuffed that you saw my photo, autographs will be free as a special price to competitors. Thanks for the info regarding location.

Hope you make it gadfly, looks like lots of hugs and kisses wil be given on the day!

[Davinator]

[quote name='WebmasterAtCanterbury' timestamp='1327276133' post='706745']
[size="4"]Good Morning All!

With only days remaining before the big event, excitement is building for what is set to be another AMAZING Australia Day Fun Run for 2012!

The Events Organisers are also tidying up a few loose ends in preparation for what is going to a great day for the whole family!

At the half way point - Ewen Park, all participants must pick up a wrist band and show it at the finishing line."

-----
Great to see a newish fun run becoming established. The "inner-south-west" is becoming spoilt for choice.
I'm a bit surprised about the introduction of timing chips, given that it's a free event. I guess it's to make life easier for volunteers/officials (as bobbys points out). My cheapish suggestion would have been to set up a video recording of the finish line to backup accuracy. The Bay Run did this without a timing mat in about 2005. I had one second and one place added to my result as I mustn't have slowed enough in the finishing chute and must have passed someone. As a conscientious person I appreciated their accuracy and thoroughness esp as no bling involved.

Your solution would be more immediate and also have the advantage of sorting age category winners etc err, immediately.
Hope you got a good deal somewhere, if not I'm sure the CRs who organise races can point you in the right direction.

Anyhoo, having read previous posts and threads about this run, it seems one of the teething problems or concerns or little mysteries was the need for the wrist band. If there is a timing mat at the turnaround point, you wouldn't need a wrist band. Don't mean to be Captain Obvious, maybe you've ruled that out due to cost. I do have a soft spot for another option- paint-balloon snipers stationed along Canterbury Rd, ready to nab short cutters (with bio-degradable materials of course). However the tall poppy syndrome alone would rule that one out!

Edited to allow for bobbys post; dang those short threads where you think you have read everything!

Edited by Davinator, 23 January 2012 - 08:54 PM.

[Gadfly]

bobbys, on 23 January 2012 - 06:23 AM, said:

C'mon Gadfly - it's a good run - relatively flat (well- undulating) and a few good things for the kids. Free bbq and $2 pool entry (enough to sway you?)

....'relatively flat' sounds good.....although something tells me that 'undulating' will keep me on my toes

slowmo, on 23 January 2012 - 09:25 AM, said:

You just have to remember to stop after 5km Gadfly otherwise, knowing you, you'll run and run...

Thanks for the vote of confidence........but these legs are telling me I can't do that all the time! (hopefully in another 4 weeks tho)

BeesKnees, on 23 January 2012 - 11:55 AM, said:

Hope you make it gadfly, looks like lots of hugs and kisses wil be given on the day!

I should be there and will be great to see you to say 'thank you' for getting me into these crazy races!

[bobbys]

I like the idea of the painted balloon snipers Davinator - they can also be used if you pre-enter your target time and are over time at Canterbury Rd - they can then give you a hurry along - sort of an  extreme fun run......lol

There is no absolute way of eliminating cheating without marshalls every 300m. I remember reading of the Canberra Marathon where a runner went into the toilet during the run and came out and went back the other way - cutting a good 5km from the course.

Anyway - only 2 days to go for a fun way to start Australia Day....

[Davinator]

bobbys, thanks for having my back on the balloon snipers. Extreme seems to be the trend. Combining some examples of out there fun runs that are out there, perhaps a mud run obstacle course while wearing a santa suit is in the offing? With green paint bombs.

Being an idealist, I wasn't looking at the cheating angle. More looking for a solution to the bands.
You're right.
Threads floating around in this site show that anything is possible, and that being caught short for some is an opportunity to take a short cut.
Although I did "think" that the tunnel was there as a back up- frenetic runners who missed picking up a band but had their cap askew/ sufficient bark missing/ muddied knees or in LongArms case muddied shirt front from commando crawl could be waved through.

[BeesKnees]

Iam quite short so was hoping would be good for short people like me, certainly wouldn't want to be accused of cheating due to the shortness of my legs.

[WebmasterAtCanterbury]

Greetings all!

We've been getting quite a few registrations for the Fun Run taking place tomorrow so we're set to see a large crowd in for the event. Entrants have up until about 4pm today to get their entry in online, but any entries that participants would like to submit after this afternoon will need to be completed tomorrow morning at Tasker Park before 8.30am.

Now, onto the unavoidable question regarding this fabulous weather we're experiencing here in lovely Sydney-Town! The event will go ahead unless the weather becomes hazardous, which is pretty unlikely. We won't be able to make that call until tomorrow but we'd ask that all participants take extra care when completing the run if it happens to be raining. Most of you have probably run in a variety of conditions, so a little bit of rain won't be stopping you!

PRIZES - Prizes will be awarded to male and female winners in each of the age categories:

• 1st place receives -- $150
  
• 2nd place receives -- $100
  
• 3rd place receives -- $50

We'd like to remind all participants to make sure that you return your timing chips into the boxes provided at the end of the run.

It will be a fabulous day, full of fun for the whole family.

• a free sausage sizzle
  
• great local entertainment
  
• rides for kids

We have a great variety of musical acts to keep everyone entertained including:

• the reggae sounds of V-Tribe
  
• plenty of favourites from cover band Ajay Goldsmith
  
• original blues music from Green Beaver
  
• the Charlotte Jane Band will also be back again for the fourth consecutive year with their popular melody of jazz tunes.

For the little ones who aren't into jazz, reggae or blues we will have The Party Pirates, a colourful, fun loving group of pirates with antics that should keep the kids entertained.

There will also be Little Kickers soccer games for kids under 5 years of age and an exhibition from the Sydney Self Defence Academy.

We're also providing $2 'Mates Rates' entry to Canterbury Aquatic & Fitness Centre!

See you all there and we wish you a Happy & Safe Australia Day for 2012!!!

«Online registrations have closed -- please register tomorrow at Tasker Park before 8.30am»

Edited by WebmasterAtCanterbury, 25 January 2012 - 03:18 PM.

[slowmo]

A little rain will be luxury compared to the hot day we had last year.

slowmo

[WebmasterAtCanterbury]

That's the spirit Slowmo! Glad to have you with us! Interested in becoming our mascot???

[Davinator]

BeesKnees, on 25 January 2012 - 11:15 AM, said:

Iam quite short so was hoping would be good for short people like me, certainly wouldn't want to be accused of cheating due to the shortness of my legs.

Cheating? Nay, enjoy the advantages of natural selection(after "banding" together)!
Or bring a stepladder (helmet optional) or return with a severed snorkel.

[champix]

Does "hazardous" happen when the Cook River breaks it' s banks? At the moment that's do-able. Lol

[bobbys]

I'm more concerned about the very very soggy ovals that we need to run around. Might be a few lost shoes in them fields after tomorrow's run

[slowmo]

WebmasterAtCanterbury, on 25 January 2012 - 03:18 PM, said:

That's the spirit Slowmo! Glad to have you with us! Interested in becoming our mascot???

Um, I thought a mascot was usually something like a dog, or a lion, or a dragon...  I'm a snail.

slowmo

[aDrain]

slowmo, on 25 January 2012 - 05:55 PM, said:

Um, I thought a mascot was usually something like a dog, or a lion, or a dragon...  I'm a snail.

slowmo

Not necessarily. France's mascot is, after all, a chook.

[champix]

slowmo, on 25 January 2012 - 05:55 PM, said:

Um, I thought a mascot was usually something like a dog, or a lion, or a dragon...  I'm a snail.

slowmo

Given that this fun run is run by Canterbury Council and Todd Greenberg is it's Australia Day ambassador I'm guessing the mascot is a bulldog.

[slowmo]

aDrain, on 25 January 2012 - 06:08 PM, said:

Not necessarily. France's mascot is, after all, a chook.

Ah - now they could have a snail.

Meanwhile, it's been raining cats, dogs and elephants here in Kogarah today so I'm looking forward to a bit of serious sloshing in the grassy sections of the run tomorrow. Should be great

slowmo

Edited by slowmo, 25 January 2012 - 08:02 PM.

[thomo]

slowmo, on 25 January 2012 - 08:01 PM, said:

Meanwhile, it's been raining cats, dogs and elephants here in Kogarah today so I'm looking forward to a bit of serious sloshing in the grassy sections of the run tomorrow. Should be great

slowmo

You could use these for the grassy sections.

[bobbys]

Lol thomo - vvv funny

[slowmo]

thomo, on 25 January 2012 - 08:59 PM, said:

You could use these for the grassy sections.

Wow - portable grass !

slowmo

[fhorn]

Thanks City of Canterbury council, the organisers,and of course the volunteers.  Despite the gloomy conditions this was a really fun and well organised event with something for everyone...timing chips, varied course (including some muddy cross-country terrain!), sausage sambos and all this for the prize of zilch. Just wondering why my neighbouring (and I suspect somewhat better off council) doesn't do something similar???

[emjay]

What a wonderfully organised event.  friendly, helpful volunteers.  Course markings were clear and easy to follow, good marshalling, the KM markers were within 10m according to my Garmin, the closest I have ever found.  Thats quite an achievement considering they had cones looping around a field.     I had a lovely time catching up with people, especially Gadfly, KatieR, Slowmo and Beesknees.      Despite the gloomy conditions a great time was had by all.  congratulations to the organisers, I'm looking forward to next year.

[slowmo]

Great race. It's lovely to have an event that draws in such a wide range of ages and abilities - a real community atmosphere.

I thoroughly enjoyed my run although I did notice the humidity and that lap of the park at the end seemed a lot longer than it was at the beginning. It wasn't as slushy as I thought it might be, but I was still pleased to be wearing vibrams rather than my usual huaraches.

Super to catch up with BeesKnees, Gadfly and Emjay as well as those two venerable Westies, Doug and Rob. Very pleased that bobbys was there because, although he probably didn't know it, he was my pacer throughout the race. I spotted his CR top just after the start and tried to keep it in view (apologies for any feelings of excessive drag that you might have experienced bobbys).

The family and I stayed for a while afterwards to enjoy some of the stalls and entertainment, not to mention the fairy floss and ice creams that the kids needed after watching me run.

Many thanks to Canterbury Council and all the very friendly volunteers for a really enjoyable morning. I think it's safe to say that this race has become a tradition now.

slowmo

[Long Arms]

well done Canterbury Council on an excellent race. You can't beat a race with friendly volunteers, dead accurate distance, clearly marked and punctual. I hope you can keep this rolling. Well done to race winners Nancy Newsome and Matt Cox.

[KentlynTiger]

Have to agree that Canterbury Council should be given a pat on the back.
Well organised under testing conditions ( wet under foot ) and some showers.
This is a great little run and yes it will become a tradition.
Two years for me now and I'll be back in 2013.
5km is a good distance in the middle of Summer.

[champix]

I support the comments made here. Nice race and well organized. I'm recovering from injury so I was just happy to be running. My 11 year old son joined me and he was thrilled to have finished. The conditions were humid but much better than last year's heat. My Garmin had the course at 4.89km. Did everyone skip breakfast? The hot dog line was huge! Lol

[slowmo]

champix, on 26 January 2012 - 02:07 PM, said:

My Garmin had the course at 4.89km

You probably lose coverage for a bit under the bridge / tunnel.

This is the one day when I wish I was faster - then I might have seen how Long Arms folded himself up to get through it.

slowmo

[Rainlover]

Who were the first 3 placegetters, Male and Female.  Will there be official results at all ?