With 2023 behind us it’s time to reflect on what has been a bumper year for Achilles Melbourne.
It has been yet another busy year for Achilles Melbourne filled to the brim with training opportunities and events. During 2023 we have had the opportunity to take park in a large number of events both near and far including but not limited to The Tim Gates Fun Run, the Beer Mile, Stadium Stomp, Run 4 the Kids, Pride Run, Melbourne Marathon, Connors Run, Run Prix, Sydney Marathon, Puffing Billy, Bright Running Festival, Shepparton Running Festival, City2Surf, Gold Coast Marathon, HBF Run for a Reason, Mother’s Day Classic, Canberra Marathon and our biggest event for the year Run Melbourne where we had more than 100 participants from all Australian Achilles chapters come and take part. A big thank you must go out to Amanda K, Bronson, Rhiannon, Vincent, Max C, Maddy, Max, Simon, Jermaine and The Wharf, City of Melbourne and our interstate chapter organisers Ellis J, Brian O, Peter R, Aaron B (Canberra’s Max), Robert J.
We also had Claudia, Jack T, Maddy, Karen B, Nicole M, Joo, Deb C and Jacinta W venture over to the USA where they were able to take on New York Marathon.
With thanks to Nat B, Bupa and Trailbus we were able to hit the trails multiple times where we explored George Bass Coastal Trail, Werribee Gorge, Yarra Ranges National Park and Lake Mountain.
We also had a good turnout for our 6th annual Tan Handicap where we introduced a second race for our guides. In our VIP event first place was taken out by Jack T and in the guide event Max C took out first place. A big thank you to all who helped put on the event including Emily H, Peter E, Amanda K, Julie C, Jez and Vincent.
Wednesday strength continued to remain strong both virtually and in face to face at Tom’s Block and Kathleen Symes Library. Strength welcomed a number of new participants and worked hard to support all participants. A big thank you needs be given to our strength Coaches Deb and Karen for running the sessions and to Peggy and Julie C for covering while Deb and Karen were away in NY.
We also teamed up with our friends at parkrun on numerous occasions including a successful guide training session at Pakenham parkrun and filling all volunteer roles with athletes with a disability or guides at Parkville parkrun in honour of International Day of People with Disability.
Throughout the year our volunteers shone bright as always. Whether guiding, coordinating Sunday training sessions and events, running guide training sessions, assisting at expos or just being there to lend a helping hand your time and effort is appreciated.
We brought attention to the contributions from our volunteers of the month for 2023 Amanda K, Vincent, Maz Strong. We also had a change in our committee where we welcomed Emly H and Peter E as new committee member and thank our current ongoing committee Vincent H, Claudia S, Simon B, Max C, Nessa S, Amanda K and Madeline S.
But of course, our biggest thanks goes out to you, our members. Your enthusiasm and support for one another and our club shines through. Yes it has been a big year, but when you’ve got members from the best running club (slightly biased opinion), it makes everything we do worth it.