ULTRAMAG Editorial - March 2002

It seems that we have had a share of reminders that none of us are invincible. Not only have we seen the first anniversary of the tragic loss of Bryan Smith [2-2-02] but we have recently learnt that Cliff Young has suffered another stroke. True to form, Cliffy is not letting it get the better of him and is still going strong. Cliff is a true grandfather of the sport and many will say that he put ultrarunning on the map. This issue contains an old article called "Cliffy's Tips", an invaluable collection of his do's and don'ts compiled during his prime running years that make invaluable reading for any newcomers to the sport.&! nbsp; Another of our true pioneers, Tony Rafferty, was recently awarded an OAM after a long and distinguished career and this issues profile features Steel Beveridge whose career goes way back to the 70s. Meanwhile at the other end of the scale, 19 year old Don Maclurcan is currently midway through a solo run from Perth to Sydney and progressing well

One article that is compelling reading is "Eleanor Robinson's top ten" Nine pages in length, Eleanor details the top 10 performances of her long and distinguished career with five of those performances having occurred in Australia.

It was with much frustration that we saw Canadian Dave Blaikie's "Ultramarathon World" web site crash without explanation. Dave put a lot of time into establishing an incredibly informative site covering ultrarunning right across the world. After many months of retrieving old data from his former service provider, the Ultramarathon World site is back in a bigger and better format. Dave's site is at www.ultramarathonworld.com

A new event to look out for is Paul Ashton's Mount Feathertop 50km, a gruelling but scenic run in the same area as the Bogong to Hotham event. Details can be found in the ultra calendar

Overseas, Andy Milroy and Dan Brannen have compiled their "TopTen" male and female ultrarunners for 2001

RENEWALS RENEWALS RENEWALS

Yes, that is right, renewals slips appeared in the last issue. Membership secretary, Dave Criniti, tells me that most of you have renewed but there is still a few that haven't as yet. If you don't wish to renew then this will be the last magazine you receive this year. However, just get $30 off to David Criniti at 14 Cambridge Ave North Rocks 2151 NSW