In 2005 All Who Ran Became Anne Fans
By Lou Slaces, running reporter

         On February 4, GERWC continued it’s tradition of combining a night of meeting friends with a chance to brush shoulders with world class athletes.   Anne Audain highlighted the night with her own story—every bit as inspiring as Glenn Cunningham’s on the track and containing a real life “Forrest Gump” quality in the way the athletic world changed because she did what she did. 

         Born in New Zealand with congenital foot defects, Anne spent much of her first thirteen years unable to walk normally and in and out of casts.  After doctors took an unconventional surgical and rehab approach to her condition she was able to join a Track and Field Club at age 14 and found – in her words—that she had been given a gift for running at what at that time was “long distance” for women – 800 and 1500 meters.  By the age of 16 she qualified for Olympic Competition in the 1972 Munich Games in the 1500 meters.  From then until 1992, she qualified for Six Olympic Games in every distance from 800 meters to the marathon.  Included among her athletic achievements was a world record at 5,000 meters in 1982.  So overcoming physical disability in every bit as dramatic a way as Glenn Cunningham, she also set world standards in distance running events .  So Anne, like when is the movie deal coming up?

          Perhaps even more inspiring than her athletic exploits is her decision to challenge the prevailing standard of the time—that track and field and road racing were sports only  for “amateur athletes” .  Beginning in 1981 she challenged the status quo by becoming  the first “professional” female distance runner—but not without being castigated by many in the world of athletics.  Her dogged persistence in fighting this battle while winning 75 victories in 122 Road Racing starts during the 80 ‘s changed the world to a place where one with “Uncommon Heart” and “Uncommon Talent” today can aim to make a living with the talents they have been given.

          Anne’s focus in her talk was that to achieve a goal, one must believe in him/herself.  However. Anne says, equally or maybe more  important  is having someone else who believes in you and inspires you.  Citing to people such as her parents, coaches and even some writers ( She failed to mention Ol Lou by name, but surely I must have been in there somewhere) Anne suggests that those who helped her believe in herself were instrumental in challenging her to keep going in the face of adversity .  And that is an especially important thing for those of us with more “common” hearts and talents.  Maybe we will not be Olympic athletes, but we can be the ones who make others believe in themselves and achieve uncommon success.  And that make us champions in our own right now, doesn’t it.  It’s for that message that we all became Anne Fans.  And in thanks for her inspirational words, what did the club do?  Well, we broke several of her awards !  ( Notice, I didn’t say we broke any of her records)  Yes to say that her speech was a “smashing success” is accurate.  For details ask someone who attended.  Anne – we love you and are sorry !

          After Anne, the focus of the night is to recognize those up and coming runners who have been found to be among the area best.  Shelby Cron of Memorial was designated the outstanding female cross country runner.  Her Memorial girl team mates were selected as the outstanding team.  Hanna Fox was recognized as the highest local female finisher at the state meet .  Patrick McKinney of Mater Dei and the Central Boys Cross Country Team were selected as the outstanding male individual and team in the area this year.  Aaron Duhacheck of North High School was introduced as the highest local male finisher at the state meet.

          Our club had over 60 members submit ballots this year to honor those club members who had great years on the roads this year.  In spirited balloting, Angela Reckelhoff was awarded the Female runner of the year, and Kenji Heilman and Chad Hartmann were tied for Male Runner of the year.  Female Master went to Becky Kiesel and Male Master to Dave Nichols.  Male Walker of the year was awarded to Bob Head, and Female Walker of the year went to Suzanne Wells.  All of the nominees for the awards had some substantial support – showing that there is a pretty good depth of talent in the area.

          Finally, the club award for Volunteer of the Year provided what  the audience all knew – that is that “Everybody Loves Raymond” Pritchett.  Ray has been a major volunteer at all of the middle school, high school and road race timing crews.  He is a calming force in all the club meetings, a gentleman, and a person we all like to be around.  Thanks Ray for all the work in 2005.  ( You are still on duty for 2006, by the way).

            This year was the Ninth Annual Award Banquet.  New President Gordon Benfield spoke about improving the club and has already found some new voices to be heard in where we go from here.  2006 looks to be an exciting year.  Mark up your calendars for the first Saturday in February 07.  The 10th edition of the Banquet should be even better than the 9th. Ol Lou plans to see you there.