December 16 Newsletter

We will be hosting a Topeka to Auburn Half Marathon practice run on January 1 at Indian Hills Elementary School ( Corner of 29th and Indian Hills Road) starting at 8 AM. There will be support on the course. There is also limited amount of shuttle services being offered for those parking at Auburn and needing to be shuttled back to the start line. If you need this service, please be by the Auburn Fire Station no later than 7:40 AM. An RSVP to either Les Watson <lrrpwatson@aol.com) or Paul Wagner( paul.wagner@washburn.edu) to use this shuttle service would be appreciated. Rides from the finish in Auburn back to the start in Topeka could be available.

This would be a good chance to get your virtual Topeka to Auburn Half Marathon done also. So bundle up and get ready to hit the road from Topeka to Auburn.

A retirement event for Frank Weinhold is being held this Saturday, December 18 from 9-10 AM at Pizagels ( just north of 29th and Fairlawn ). Though Frank has been doing a lot of bike riding of late, he is a former runner and Strider member. So if you know Frank and have the opportunity to attend please feel free to do so. You are encourage to bring a card.

Concerned about stores running out of stuff before you do your Christmas shopping? Having trouble deciding what to give your favorite Sunflower Strider?

Well we have the answer! How about giving an entry into the Topeka to Auburn Half Marathon or membership to the Striders? Or both? Access to both is listed later in this newsletter. So these gifts will be about out running, not running out!

And now a plug for Gary Gribble’s. Mark and the crew have been big supporters of us Striders, so drop by the store( next to Target) and load up on gifts for your favorite Strider, even if that is yourself !

Registration for the 2022 Topeka to Auburn is now open at runsignup.com Both in person and virtual race options are available. Current plans are for a point to point race. However COVID-19 protocols may require changes to the route and other aspects of the run. A special 40th Anniversary finishers medal will be awarded. Also a Striders Hoodie will be for sale .

An important aspect of the event is having enough volunteers. Sharon Wenger has graciously volunteered to recruit/coordinate the volunteers for the T2A. So please agree to help when Sharon contacts you. And you still can contact Paul or myself about volunteering.

Another aspect of staging the T2A is seeking sponsorship/donations. We have received some already and are working with several entities to receive sponsorship/donations. If you think your employer or favorite business would want to sponsor or donate please feel free to contact Les Watson at lrrpwatson@aol.com or Paul Wagner at paul.wagner@ washburn.edu.

Thanks!

Thank you all who have renewed your memberships. If you would like to join the Striders and receive a club shirt as well as our discounts you can click on the button below and fill in the necessary information.

The number of local runs is winding down as winter approaches, but please let me know if you find out about a run so it can be posted.

January 15. Topeka to Auburn Half Marathon. Register at runsignup.com

Thursdays, 6 PM At Gary Gribble’s (next to Target). Distance is your choice. Route through west Topeka and Shunga Trail.

Tuesdays 5 PM. McClellan Park (by Governor’s Mansion,just west of 6th and Fairlawn.)

Sundays 7:30 AM at 10th and Fairlawn. Route and distance TBA.

Josey’s Bakery Run: A group meets at Josey’s Bakery ( Huntoon and Oakley) on Saturday mornings with a start time of 7:30 AM this winter. Distance is usually 7 to 8 miles at a 10 minute pace. Neal also said that he and perhaps some other runners meet earlier and get in a few extra miles. You can contact Neal at the address below to get info on this option.

Neal Farron

785-478-9283

I was going to grow some herbs, but couldn’t find the thyme.