South Australian Athletic League in Adelaide, South Australia | Sport & recreation

South Australian Athletic League

Locality: Adelaide, South Australia

Phone: +61 404 350 907

Address: 1st Floor at Mile End Santos Stadium 5031 Adelaide, SA, Australia

Website: https://saal.teamapp.com

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25.01.2022 MEET THE NEW CHIEF STEWARD - DENNIS LETTON Age: 66 Occupation: Retired... Family: Brad and Megan Letton (son and daughter In law), Kim and Travis Meigel (daughter and son in law) How long have you been involved with the SAAL: Since 1998 What makes you want to take on the challenging role as Chief Steward: I have performed the role of Chief Judge, and was Chief Steward for 1 season (2012/13) and I'm keen to support the League to the best of my ability. The League needs officials and I believe my experience and background suit this role.

25.01.2022 Don't miss the start!!! McKinnon Parade Carnival at Marion CLOSES TOMORROW!!! Get those noms in!

25.01.2022 Take advantage of an offer available for supporters of the Bay Sheffield! The Oaks is providing a 10% discount to all runners, coaches, officials and spectators... attending this year's Bay Sheffield for accommodation at either the Oaks Liberty or the Oaks Plaza Pier. Links are listed further below however to use this code please follow the below: Visit the website www.oakshotels.com.au Select desired location / hotel (e.g. Glenelg Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier) Selected your dates (must be between the 25th 30th December 2020) Enter your code: SAAL2020 Select your room type and follow the prompts to book. Password/ Code: SAAL2020 Hotels Links: Oaks Plaza Pier: https://be.synxis.com/ Oaks Liberty: https://be.synxis.com/

24.01.2022 Missing your running mates? Flinders and Marion are now open! Marion Gift Jan 2020 120m Novice Final

24.01.2022 MEET THE NEW MENS SPRINT HANDICAPPER (70m-400m) IAN BYRNE Age: 57 Family: Wife Stephanie and four children between us (aged 17 to 27)... Sports background: Involvement in junior athletics and football. As an adult, active participation in community sport as a coach and in management. Previously involved with Eastern Districts Little Athletics and Adelaide Wildcats Netball Club. Current Professional Career: Senior Executive with Anglicare SA What you like most about pro-running: The level of competition and atmosphere created by running in different locations. What made you want to take on the challenging role of handicapper: An interest in sports statistics and wanting to give something back to the sport.

23.01.2022 Acceptances and Scratchings are now open for Port Adelaide. Please ensure you either accept or scratch prior to 3pm THURSDAY 18th of February.

23.01.2022 Marion 2017 Back in the days before Hi-Vis!

23.01.2022 Meet our new Treasurer! Ian Gore joins the League with an impressive background: - Graduated with a Bachelor of Accounting at the University of SA - Senior Finance Officer at the University of SA (1987-1991)... - Finance Manager with the Master Builder Association (1991-1997) - Managing Director and Owner of Combild Manufacturing (1997-2005) - Chief Accountant at Walford Anglican School for Girls (2005-2019) - Current President of the Adelaide Footy League Umpires Association Ian will bring a fresh perspective to the Management Committee and will play an important role in ensuring the Leagues future financial security. We are excited to have him on board.

22.01.2022 We are off to the City of Burnside Kensington Gift this Sunday. Want to run? You MUST accept before 3pm today! Any issues call or email the office asap so we can get you racing. http://saal.org.au/index.php?id=105 Don't forget that Mount Gambier Gift closes TONIGHT!... http://saal.org.au/index.php?id=12 See more

22.01.2022 The first raceday for the new season will be held at Marion Oval on Sunday October 25. As the 2020 Pulteney meet was cancelled due to the outbreak of COVID19 in SA, the McKinnon Parade Athletics Club (which hosts Pulteney) will be providing some of the prizemoney for the day and all races programmed for Pulteney will now be held at Marion. Runners who nominated for Pulteney will have their nominations transferred to Marion. Other runners will be able to nominate in due course.... Once the racing is finished, an informal dinner will be held in the Marion function centre to present trophies to the 2019/20 Season award winners. More information will be provided in due course.

22.01.2022 Nominations for Pre Bay and Brighton CLOSE FRIDAY! Giving Brighton some love in pics tonight. Home of the Keith Patching Sprint it is your last chance for a hit out before the Bay Sheffield. Nominate here: http://saal.org.au/index.php?id=12

21.01.2022 You only have one chance to run on our beloved Colley Reserve this year, at the Mort Daly Running Foundation Pre Bay Sheffield! Don't miss it. Pre Bay - CLOSING FRIDAY Brighton - CLOSING FRIDAY Bay Sheffield - Open... Reynella - Open Nominate for all meets here: http://saal.org.au/index.php?id=12 See more

21.01.2022 The new SAAL Management Committee is seeking feedback from all runners, coaches, officials and spectators of the sport, both locally and interstate. Any responses to the survey will be kept strictly in confidence amongst the committee only. Please complete the survey by COB next Thursday (July 9) in time for the first committee meeting. The link to the survey is https://forms.gle/gxteq9if7Ma4jbHz7

21.01.2022 The SAAL Committee has set a date of Tuesday 30th June 2020 for SGM / AGM to be held at SA Athletics Stadium , Mile End at 7:30pm. This will be subject to Government Covid-19 restrictions. Should restrictions still be in place limiting the number of people in one room we will advise an alternative strategy. We will distribute the usual material and other material prior to this date. The SAAL Committee has vacated all committee positions.... We are calling for SAAL Committee nominations for : President Vice President Member Representative 1 Member Representative 2 Member Representative 3 Member Representative 4 Member Representative.5 If you wish to be considered for any of these positions, please forward your nomination to the SAAL committee by 22nd May 2020 by emailing [email protected] All nominations shall be in writing, signed by the candidate and his or her proposer and his or her seconder. To ensure our membership can make an informed decision regarding their vote, we ask that you forward a brief about yourself by 22nd May 2020. Please note: the brief you supply will be distributed to the SAAL membership. For more information about the positions please contact the SAAL via email mentioned above, as the office is currently closed.

20.01.2022 MEET THE NEW VETERANS HANDICAPPER CHRIS DIMITRAK Age: 59 Family: Married to Maria with three daughters aged 23, 27 and 29... Running Background (including best achievements): I started pros at 46 years old! The highlight was winning the over 45 best and fairest for Season 2010/2011. My best result was finishing second in the in the 2011 550m Over 35s final at the Bay Sheffield Carnival, beaten in a photo finish. Current Professional Career: I have run a real estate/property management business with my brother (Dimitrak Real Estate). It has been operating for nearly 7 years now. What you like most about pro-running: When I was running regularly (for nearly 10 seasons), the comradeship/friendship you make along the way, especially with veteran runners, officials and coaches. Obviously also having the opportunity to be competitive and win some races! Your most memorable highlight of pro-running: Watching many brilliant 1600m open races and the Mens/Womens Bay Sheffield Finals. It is too hard to name just one! What made you want to take on the challenging role of handicapper: Change is important for a lot of sports moving forward and I feel the time is right for good communication of policies/procedures that the League wishes to implement. And hopefully in the Over 35s we are able to discuss and identify/resolve any issues that do come up during the season.

20.01.2022 McKinnon at Marion CLOSES TONIGHT! No late entries so get those nominations in. Any queries or issues please email [email protected]

20.01.2022 3 weeks to go until McKinnon Parade Carnival at Marion!!! Nominations CLOSE this Friday. www.saal.org.au

19.01.2022 Early bird registrations for Season 20/21 close this Friday! https://www.saal.org.au

19.01.2022 MEET THE NEW OFFICIALS - Terry Barry, Josh Forner, Brian Curtis, Steve Pringle, Nic Rogers, Robert Tainsh and John Cronshaw have all committed to joining the panel of officials for the upcoming season. If anyone else is interested in assisting the League in this way, please send an email to [email protected]

19.01.2022 Continuing our looking back on Season 2019/20, here are some photos from Jenny Poole of the Flinders meeting in November

19.01.2022 Subscribe to The Advertiser online for an introductory rate of $1 per week for the first 12 weeks to see the live streams at Kensington, Brighton and the Bay Sheffield as well as read articles like this one https://www.adelaidenow.com.au//6a16805708bb7465c2c5915bff

18.01.2022 There may be times when athletes, coaches, officials and spectators wish to address a particular issue with the League and we would like to outline the ways for this to occur. - Handicappers will be available throughout the season to discuss any questions and concerns about the handicapping system. - A written request for an official handicapper review about a specific runners handicap will be able to be lodged, with documented replies provided by the relevant handicapper. -... If unhappy with the outcome of the review, the runner/coach may choose to engage the services of the handicap appeals committee. - Other issues which are not related to handicaps can either be taken through the appropriate representative on the Management Committee or through Brodie in the League Office. If anyone chooses to take any matter through these processes, the League will ensure the matter is addressed appropriately. Please note that we encourage members to use social media and other forums to positively promote the sport respectfully so we can work together moving forward. See more

16.01.2022 Following the 2020 Annual General Meeting, the following committee was elected for the upcoming season: Colin Rowston (President) Mark Barnett (Vice President) Craig Trewartha... Ali Saliu Bryce Watkins Lyn Peake Phil Daws Here is a transcript of the incoming Presidents speech: To become President of a sporting organisation with such great history and which means so much to so many people is a great honour. I am humbled to be elected into this position and I will do everything I can to serve the Leagues members and to progress the sport forward. I would first like to acknowledge those members of the previous committee for putting their hands up to run the League. Although it hasnt been the easiest of times for them, I appreciate their efforts as I do realise what it takes behind the scenes when you take on these roles on a voluntary basis. I now look forward to working with a great group of people on the new committee. It will be expected that we will discuss issues with passion, with honesty and with the best interests of the League at all times. Decisions will be made democratically and it is important that the groups majority is respected at all times. I have some strong ideas on how the League will best operate but it wont mean I will always get my way, as will be the same for others on the committee. I can promise to the Leagues members that there will be constant communication about what is happening at board level while there also needs to be respect for some level of confidentiality at times. Even though there has recently been a great deal of unrest, it is important we all refocus and all work productively for the League. This means putting personal issues with others aside and respecting what anyone does which is helping the League. The current economic climate makes it hard for every sporting organisation at the moment so we need to work together to assist the League to survive and move forward. One of the first things that will happen is to hear feedback from members on a range of issues and a survey will be sent out in the near future. Interstate runners and coaches who play such an important part in our major events especially the Bay Sheffield will also be invited to put forward their thoughts. Some of these issues include: Positives and negatives of the handicapping system which was introduced last season Pros and cons of having handicappers reintroduced Timing of the release of handicaps Ideal process for dealing with inconsistent performances The best set up for appeals Having a hard copy vs online version of programs at all meets Structure of the seasons fixture I encourage everyone to take the time to provide as much feedback as they can so the new committee can take it on board. There is much to be done.

15.01.2022 MEET THE NEW EXECUTIVE OFFICER - BRODIE NEWBERY The League is pleased to announce that Brodie Newbery has been appointed as the new Executive Officer. Brodie is qualified with a Bachelor of Business (Tourism and Event Management) and Bachelor of Business (Property) and has an employment history in Adelaide and London as a Program Coordinator, Hospitality Sales Coordinator and Events Manager. He also plays soccer with the Blackfriars Old Scholars team and is on their organising committee. Brodie will spend his first day with Jenny Poole in the League Office this Wednesday.

15.01.2022 Bruce McAvaney has agreed to remain as the League's Patron for the upcoming season

15.01.2022 Pre Bay and Brighton CLOSE TODAY. Nominate here: http://saal.org.au/index.php?id=12

15.01.2022 In an effort to remain COVID-safe, the sharing of colours/bibs will no longer be possible going forward. What is a good alternative option?

15.01.2022 Season 2020/21 is fast approaching! Get your registrations sorted! Marion nominations are open.

14.01.2022 It has been decided that athletes will need to purchase a set of colours for the upcoming season to avoid the sharing of tops due to COVID19. While different options were looked at, it was important to find something which the racecaller and the officials can easily identify during a race. Continuing to use coloured tops ensures a tradition of the sport is also maintained. The main concern was the cost but a deal has been done with the Sports Centre (142 Port Rd, Hindmarsh) to allow an athlete to purchase 8 tops plus black tape for $50. For races with more than 8 runners, the tape is to be used for numbers. Runners will be notified when the Sports Centre has the stock ready (different sizes will be available).

14.01.2022 McKinnon Parade Carnival at Marion is CLOSING FRIDAY! Don't miss it. Jan 2020 Marion 300m Women Finalists

13.01.2022 It is with great sadness to learn that SAAL Life Member Greg Adams passed away yesterday morning, aged 84. Greg was the winner of the 1963 120m Bay Sheffield, on the same day that he also won the 70m Sprint a rare feat! Greg was inducted into the Bay Sheffield Hall of Fame in 2014 for his efforts as both an athlete and coach at the Bay Sheffield Carnival. He was instrumental in coaching juniors and trained Todd Bateman to become the youngest ever winner of the Bay Sheffield... in 2003. Greg also spent many years on the Leagues committee, including time as President during challenging times. Greg was a tremendous leader, mentor and friend to many and will be greatly missed. Funeral details are still being finalised and should be announced in tomorrows Advertiser newspaper. The League wishes to pass on its sincere condolences to Gregs wife Margaret and their family. Rest in peace.

13.01.2022 CLOSING FRIDAY!!! Get your noms. in for McKinnon Parade Carnival at Marion. Grab your tickets and catch up with everyone upstairs for dinner afterwards at Club Marion.

13.01.2022 Are you good to go for SAAL Season 2020/21? - Registrations are open - Nominations for Marion are open - Singlets can now be ordered from the Sports Centre

13.01.2022 Bruce McAvaney being filmed for a new League video

13.01.2022 Freshly laid! Pavers are now in place at Camden Oval to honour the winners of the men's and women's Camden Classics.

13.01.2022 For the first time in the event’s 134-year history, the Bay Sheffield will be held at the Glenelg Oval on December 27-28 in a COVID safe environment. We’ll be ...pushing for the maximum crowd numbers and will be guided by SA Health when it comes to that, but we have the facility now so the race will go on, - Sport Minister Corey Wingard. Report in 7NEWS at 6pm. www.7NEWS.com.au #BaySheffield #7NEWS

12.01.2022 Are you ready to get on your blocks? - McKinnon Parade at Marion NOMINATIONS CLOSE TODAY - NO LATE ENTRIES http://saal.org.au/index.php?id=12 - Tickets to our dinner at Club Marion also close tonight. https://www.trybooking.com/BLQDX - Have you got your singlets from Sportscentre? They have singlets in stock ready for collection. ... Need help or have any questions? Please email [email protected]

12.01.2022 Are you heading up to the Nippy's Loxton Gift? Does anyone have orange bowling skills? Why not consider entering a team in the Nippy's Loxton Great Underarm Bowling Competition?

11.01.2022 A throwback to "The Reddaway" race at McKinnon Parade April 2019.

10.01.2022 The League was invited this morning to hear about the impact of COVID19 on sporting organisations and how to prepare for the upcoming summer season. SA Health authorities, including Dr Nicola Spurrier, provided a great deal of information for the League to consider.

09.01.2022 McKinnon Parade Carnival at Marion CLOSES 9 October. Flinders is open for nominations.... Don't miss out! saal.org.au

09.01.2022 FLAGSTAFF GIFT & MCKINNON PARADE ATHLETIC CARNIVAL Nominations are now open for SAAL's final two meets of the season. Nominate here http://saal.org.au/index.php?id=12 STAWELL GIFT Stawell Gift nominations are open. Nominations are through the Victorian Athletic League Inc and is an amazing event that we encourage all SAAL Athletes to enter.... Stawell Gift https://www.val.org.au/SeasonFixture/Stawell.aspx See more

09.01.2022 ACH GROUP STADIUM TO HOST 2020 BAY SHEFFIELD The South Australian Athletic League will conduct this year’s popular Bay Sheffield Carnival on December 27 and 28 ...at ACH Group Stadium (Glenelg Oval). Colin Rowston, President of the South Australian Athletic League, made the announcement today after the League had determined that Colley Reserve would be unsuitable with the current COVID19 restrictions in place. The Bay Sheffield is the state’s richest and most famous footrace which has been run every year since 1887. Not even the historic Stawell Gift has been run every year since its inception, having stopped for four years during World War 2 and this year for COVID19. The 2020 Bay Sheffield will be the 134th consecutive running of the race. While Colley Reserve is the traditional home of the Bay Sheffield, the race has been run five times at Wigley Reserve and three times at Adelaide Oval. This will be the first time that Glenelg Oval has hosted the event. The historic nature of the race complements the beginning of celebrations for the Glenelg Football Club which has its 100th birthday in 2021. The South Australian Athletic League is working closely with SA Health to ensure a COVID safe event, with spectator limits likely to be set at a similar level to those already approved for SANFL games at the venue. It is yet to be decided whether the event will be conducted during the day or under lights in the evening.

09.01.2022 Bring on summer! It is freezing. Here is a flashback to last year's Brighton Gift meet and a return to more regular photo posts from the SAAL.

09.01.2022 MEET THE NEW JUNIOR HANDICAPPER ALI SALIU Age: 58 Family: Married to long time sweetheart (Susan), 2 children (Alex and Lauren)... Running Background (including best achievements): Started in 2006. Best effort was winning 9 medals in the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast (4 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze). In the 2011/12 SAAL season, I won 10 sashes as well as finishing second 6 times. The most memorable highlight was winning the 2017 Bendigo Vets 300m after 6 months of chemotherapy and 3 months recovery the emotion was overwhelming. Current Professional Career: Postal Delivery Manager What you like most about pro-running: Inclusivity of athletes of all levels. Unpredictability. Wonderful people and the ability to build young adults self-esteem and confidence. What made you want to take on the challenging role of handicapper: Id like to do my best to make it a fair and level season for all athletes to enjoy.

09.01.2022 Due to the move of the All Schools Championships to the weekend of October 31/November 1, the second event for the season at Flinders has been changed to Sunday November 8. The nomination form is now online at http://www.saal.org.au/index.php?id=12

08.01.2022 Get On! Yes, it time to get your noms in for Pre Bay and Brighton, both meets CLOSE TOMORROW! Nominate here: http://saal.org.au/index.php?id=12

08.01.2022 The life of SAAL Life Member and Bay Sheffield Hall of Fame Member Greg Adams was celebrated this morning. A replay of the funeral service is available for viewing https://livestream.com/accounts/8710393/events/9298124

08.01.2022 Handicappers wanted! It has been decided that Handicappers will be appointed for the 2020/21 Season to help oversee and develop the Leagues Handicapping System. Expressions of interest are required for the following positions Male Sprint Handicapper, Female Sprint Handicapper, Junior Handicapper, Veteran Handicapper and Distance Handicapper.... A modest Honoria will be paid at the end of the season. Send an email by COB Friday 7 August to [email protected] if you would be willing to assist the League in one of these roles.

08.01.2022 Can you believe that this season we will be celebrating the 20th Nippy's Loxton Gift! How many have you been to? Pop the 27th of February in your diary! This is a throwback to the 2020 Under 18 300m final.

07.01.2022 Nominations for Pre Bay and Brighton CLOSE FRIDAY! Nominate here: http://saal.org.au/index.php?id=12

07.01.2022 Update: Soon after today's announcement of the border restrictions ending on December 1, we floated the idea of moving the date of the Mt Gambier Gift to allow Victorians to compete. The overwhelming feedback from SA runners who have already made arrangements to attend the event on November 28 was that this was going to be a considerable inconvenience. Therefore the League will now turn it's attention to requesting SA Health to provide exemptions for Victorian athletes and coaches to be able to cross the border on November 28. Nominations will remain open and we will update any developments early next week.

07.01.2022 Jan 2020 Marion Gift 300m U18 Girls Finalists

06.01.2022 MEET THE NEW DISTANCE HANDICAPPER (Mens/Womens 550m+) KYM MORGAN Age: 39 Family: Married to Adina. 2 daughters (Charlotte, 7, and Elise 3)... Running Achievements: - Twice national finalist in 1500m - 1500m pb of 3.42 (metric 4-minute mile) - Multiple state titles on track, road, XC (800m-10k) Professional Career: currently SA/NT State Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager at NBN Co What like most about pro-running: The supportive, vibrant atmosphere and inclusiveness of the sport. Pro Running Achievements: - Won Backmarkers Mile Bay Sheffield 2001 - Won David Abbott Memorial 3200m in 2004 and 2006 (off scratch in 2006).

06.01.2022 Orders can now be taken for coloured tops. They should arrive at the Sports Centre in early October (Facebook and the SAAL Update will be used to notify runners when ready the collection) https://www.facebook.com/156400151080571/posts/3206574576063098/

06.01.2022 McKinnon Parade Carnival at Marion CLOSES THIS FRIDAY!!! Flinders is also open. ... Get those noms. in so you don't miss out! Link in bio.

06.01.2022 Port Adelaide Gift - Important Information Spikes must be 7mm or less for the 100m events on the synthetic track. Starting blocks will be provided for 100m events.... Canteen will be operating all day selling: BBQ , drinks, donuts, ice creams etc. Card payments accepted. Bring some cash as we have over $1000 worth of prizes in the club raffle and we will again hold a Melbourne Cup style sweep for the men’s 100m. Parking alternate parking can be found at the adjacent Port Adelaide Cricket Club, Baynes Place. See you at Alan Iverson Reserve, Port Adelaide!

06.01.2022 Registrations for the 2020/21 SAAL Season are now open! Early bird rates are available until the end of this month (July 31). https://www.saal.org.au/

05.01.2022 The League will welcome back Jenny Poole back as a staff member in Season 2020/21. Jenny was a highly valued and respected worker for the League in recent years before having a break last season. She will be re-employed on a part time basis in the near future.

04.01.2022 As mentioned in last weeks SAAL Update, the races from last seasons cancelled Pulteney meeting have been transferred to the opening raceday at Marion. In the past the City of Marion have kindly provided money for the 120m Marion Mens Gift and they were willing to do the same again so a 120m Mens Gift was initially added to the program. After the League was contacted this week about the resulting discrepancy in prizemoney between men and women at this meeting, it has been ...decided to delete the 120m Mens Gift from the program and put an extra $800 into the 800m Womens race to make it equal the 1600m Mens race. The remaining money from the City of Marion will be distributed among the 70m and 300m Mens and Womens races. Thank you to Club Marion, the City of Marion and the McKinnon Parade Athletic Club for all agreeing to these changes. The updated nomination form can be found at http://www.saal.org.au/index.php?id=12

04.01.2022 This season registered runners can log in and see all their own results on the League's database. The link to do this is http://www.saal.org.au/index.php?id=108

04.01.2022 What a great day for racing at Flinders! A huge thank you to the Flinders Athletic Club and President Paul Sutcliffe for hosting the Toby Schreier Flinders Pro Meet. Thank you to sponsors Southside Suzuki, Solarquotes, Blackchrome, Linen and Lime, RunAsOne, Flinders Athletic Club, Paul Sutcliffe, Sutcliffe Family Trust, Reliance Fencing Products and Mort Daly Running Foundation.... Thank you also to all our generous sash donors.

03.01.2022 Last day to nominate for Loxton! Check out photos from the last few Nippy's Loxton Gift Carnivals at https://gswatty.smugmug.com/Athletics/Nippys-Loxton-Gift The link to nominate is https://www.saal.org.au/index.php?id=12

03.01.2022 5 weeks untill we kick off season 2020/21. Are you ready? - Registrations are open - Marion nominations are open - Singlets are available to order from Sports Centre... - Don't forget your ticket for the Awards dinner upstairs at Club Marion https://www.trybooking.com/BLQDX See more

02.01.2022 Mount Gambier Gift Nominations CLOSE TOMORROW! Nominate here: https://www.saal.org.au/index.php?id=12

01.01.2022 Members will be kept informed of any developments in relation to this year's Bay Sheffield

01.01.2022 MEET THE NEW WOMENS SPRINT HANDICAPPER (70m-400m) STEVE McBAIN Age: 53 Family: Wife (Karen) and 3 children (Josh 27, Hannah 14, Lily 10)... Running Background (including best achievements): 3rd in 200m World Junior Games (1986), World Cup 4 x 100m (1989), Commonwealth Games Auckland 4 x 100m (1990), State records Senior Mens 100m (10.40), U20 Mens 100m (10.51), U20 Mens 200 (21.21). In pro-running, running in three Bay Sheffield finals (including 3rd in 1986 and 2nd in 1989) and winning the Bay Sheffield 70m (1986) and 120m (1991). Current Professional Career: Saint Ignatius College IT/Database Administrator What you like most about pro-running: The meets are so efficiently run, the handicapping gives everyone a chance, and the drama of the race is heightened for competitors and spectators because of that. What made you want to take on the challenging role of handicapper: I have enjoyed pro running over the years, this is an opportunity to give back to the sport.