Are we ever ready to fly in 2019!
We’ve been hard at work at Harriers headquarters, trying our best to carry on the legacy of the incomparable Megan Brown while forging our own path forward as the newly minted Toronto Harriers. We’re just about ready to launch registration but before that happens, here’s a bit of information on our direction for 2019 and beyond.
Board
An interim board has been struck to get the Harriers into lift-off and through its first year:
Carrie Scace: President
Gila Ossip: Treasurer
Christa Plumley: Secretary
Andy Blackwell: Director of Racing & Events/Vice President
Ian Kinsella: Director of Membership & Recruitment
Alistair Munro: Director of Coaching (non-voting member)
Suzanne Zelazo: Director of Communications
Sarah Stern: Member-At-Large
An AGM will take place annually in early December, beginning in 2019. This will be an opportunity for the membership to take an active part in getting involved in and voting on the future Harriers board.
Club
Thanks to Christa’s hard work, we are now officially incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. The Club belongs to all of us; as a Board, we represent the membership so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any suggestions or concerns. Our goal is to approach the Harriers with the same tenacity and thoughtfulness that we do our running.
We’ll be structured as a membership-based club with annual renewals. Membership includes:
- team singlet
- all group runs
- access to extra supports (strength training, workshops)
- coached weekly quality training options (fee-based)
- access to members-only Facebook page
- invite to the Toronto Harriers Strava team
- regular socials
- perks and discounts with local partnerships
Registration will begin Monday, December 17th. Ian will send an email with the link to our registration site and from there, it’s just a matter of a few clicks. You’ll have the option at this time to sign up for our first set of 8-week training blocks. Our first session begins January 14.
Early Bird Membership Fee: $100 until January 7th.
Annual Membership Fee: $110 after January 7.
Winter Training (January 14-March 10): $100
All other 8-week training blocks: $120
All registration questions can be directed to Ian: membership@torontoharriers.com.
All fee-related questions can be directed to Gila: office@torontoharriers.com.
Coaching
The best thing about the Harriers is the coaching staff! Alistair Munro will assume the responsibility of Director of Coaching, with Jennifer Faraone, Lucia Mahoney and Brittany Moran guiding our athletes through weekly quality sessions. Expect to hear more from our coaching staff in advance of our winter training season.
Harriers Launch Date
Our launch celebration will coincide with the Race Roster Spring Run-off 5K/8K on April 6, 2019. We encourage all our athletes to make this an early goal race and come on out to show off our new look and establish ourselves as the leading run club in the city. Andy Blackwell will be heading this effort beginning in the new year so circle the date and let’s show the Toronto run community that we’re a force to be reckoned with. Follow us on Instagram @torontoharriers too!
Survey
Finally, thanks to everyone who completed the survey that we sent out last month. We got a huge response! Clearly we’re a club who cares about preserving all that Megan nurtured. A quick recap of the responses:
Values
Performance was the dominant value, with community and supportive environment not far behind. It’s clear that we have a special group of athletes who share similar values; to this end, membership going forward will be on a referral basis (interested members must be referred by two existing members) and/or prospective members will be required to have a face-to-face with Ian and one of the coaches.
Other Supports
Our membership is interested mainly in strength training and workshops. Look for opportunities in the new year.
Gear
Singlets are a must! Each new member will receive a singlet in time for the Harriers launch in April 2019.
Indoor Training
66% said yes to training at Monarch Park so this option will be presented during the winter training blocks.
Indoor Base
It was a resounding NO for a convenient place to meet and have access to a locker so we won’t be pursuing this option in the immediate future.
Social opportunities
Most respondents would like a social every few months. Done!
Finally, thanks to everyone who has extended such generous offers to help in so many different capacities. You will be called on! The Harriers are set to make huge strides forward in 2019 and we need many hands to make it happen.
I know that I speak for the entire board and coaching staff with this pledge: we are committed to fostering a team that challenges, supports and empowers our runners. Our aim is to make the Toronto Harriers the foremost run club anywhere and we can’t wait to get started with all of you!
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at president@torontoharriers.com if there’s anything you’d like to chat about. I’m keen and open to everything that our amazing collection of athletes can offer! In the meantime, the happiest of holidays to everyone in our run family and see you in 2019.
Warmly,
Carrie