Sarnia Road Runners Club

This was a funny one, with some made up quotes..

The Observer
John Lawton
August 18, 2003

Sarnia Road Runners Club returned to action, Saturday morning, to the delight of club president Noelle Nelson.
"We have runners running 10 km in some very adverse conditions," said Nelson. "The humidity is a real factor and yet there continues to be new faces at these Canatara Park races. The soothing cherry Popsicles were welcomed by all after the races."
Theo De Jong, a grade seven pupil at Sarnia Christian School, won the one km race with a 4:28 time for his age group. " I love the competition. It makes me want to perform at a higher level," said the cross country and track runner. De Jong credits his father with getting him involved with the Road Runners and gives special credit to his gym teacher, Miss DeVries, for her encouragement.
Chris d'Esterre ran the 10 km run. He likes the format of the Road Runners program. The University of Western Ontario student participates in a number of their events as well as cross-country and track at UWO. His personal best for a 10 km cross-country race is 34:19. The future science teacher trains daily and runs over 100 km a week. His father who is a physical education teacher and marathon runner inspired him to run.
"Running is special. It gives me an opportunity to set goals and test myself . It is freedom from the routines of the day and is very challenging. I recommend it for everyone," said d'Esterre.
Nelson said that there is an army of regular volunteers who help faithfully at various events. Darcy Higgins is one of many assistants. The University of Waterloo freshman runs the five km race and volunteers as well. It was his assignment to take photographs of entrees as they crossed the finish line. Higgins said, " I like to help out because I believe in the cause. There are plenty of jobs that may not be as exciting as others but are just as important." The U of W student will study Environmental Studies this fall.
Frank Higgins, past president of the club, is 20-year member. He placed third in the 10 km event and makes all the Road Runner events. He has participated in over 450 races and has the expertise and offers these suggestions to young people:
1. Eat low fat foods.
2. Eat low quantities of meat.
3. Enrich your diet with high fiber fruits and vegetables.
4. Read the labels and be aware of the contents.
5. Trans fatty acids are a major problem for people today.
6. See a doctor before any major changes in athletic activity.
Running is a major cardio-vascular activity. You may think that you are in good condition but without a minimum of one and one half hours per week of cardio workout you can be at risk. Join a club, any club, to motivate you to stay fit. Above all, listen to your body. It will give you direction.
Maria Varsava runs for a variety of reasons. " Running gives you energy that lasts through the day. It makes a person feel good and healthy," said the mother of two children.
Kent Hollingworth picked up his red ribbon for the three km event. Hollingsworth is a permanent fixture at the finish line and on Sarnia streets and avenues during training sessions.
Hollingsworth encourages others to join running clubs and keep journals of their races and training sessions. Road Runner Club information can be attained by phoning (519) 336 8636.

[Illustration]
Photo: Darcy Higgins submitted photo / Sue Williams crosses the finish line.