Words from the NRA President: Captain Andrew Whittaker, RAN

Fellow runners,

The Navy Running Association has just hit 200 members (as of the end of January 2012) and continues the significant growth we have experienced in the past few years, in particular since 2010.  This growth has been pretty well all over Australia, but we have had a particular increase in event participation and membership in WA.  Our funding also remains very healthy, thanks to our major sponsor, the RANCCF.  As such we are in a strong financial position to support members in participating in running events around the country.

While our funding is primarily aimed at reimbursing members for entry fees into civilian events, it is also used to provide subsidised running kit and limited travel expenses.  The kit list is at the Downloads page and the Handbook gives details on how to apply for support.  If you wish to contact the Committee, please e-mail us at: navysport.running@defence.gov.au.

The Association is always in need of event managers and I ask you to step up to the plate and return something to the Association and other members.  You will be provided with ample support to ensure you are able to carry out the necessary tasks, so please don't think that you will be left on your own with a blank sheet of paper.

The Committee underwent some significant changes at the AGM in November 2011, with some long standing Committee members (and I'd like to single out the inaugural Treasurer, Jeff Rayner, for special mention) deciding not to stand for re-election.  There are some new faces and new ideas and the first meeting of the new Committee displayed that you will have a dynamic team managing Navy Running.  The first changes you will see will be the use of Facebook and the publication of region based membership lists to facilitate the development of training groups.

High on the agenda for the Committee is to deliver at least two running clinics this year.  The first of these last year got great reviews.

2012 promises to be a big year for Navy Running.  In order to maximise our exposure, I encourage members to purchase the new style kit (which is also more comfortable) to get the Navy Running brand out there to the public and other Navy members.

I look forward to meeting many of you at running events this year.

Run strong.

Andrew H Whittaker

28 Jan 12