Joe Radench tackles the grueling Leg Six of the Jasper to Bannf Relay
A Wee Bit of History
The Wapiti Striders Road Running Club was established in 1980 by Bill Turnbull and a number of other Grande Prairie and area road runners . Many of the founding members had been involved in the old Grande Prairie Legion Track and Field Club which flourished in the late 60's and 70's.
Initially, the main purpose of the Club was to field a team in the Jasper to Banff Relay. The Striders were one of only nine teams which contested the first Jasper to Banff in 1980. The Club participated in 20 of the 21 relays including the final relay in 2000.
Over the years, Club activities expanded to include hosting and helping with a variety of road running, triathlon, cross country running, and track and field events. The 2000 Alberta Summer Games were headed up by Andy Beal, one of the Club's founding member. One of the great legacies of those Games was a new all weather track and field facility at the Legion Field.
The Wapiti Striders Track and Field Club was formally established in 2002 although a number of members had started competing in track and field in the late 90's. Over the past few years, Striders Track Club members have distinguished themselves on the provincial and national stage. These accomplishments included Fred Setterington's 1999 Western Canada Games gold medal in the 10,000m, Jenna Huber's pair of 2002 National Junior Track and Field Championship gold medals in the 3000m and 5000m., Kyle Reynolds win at the 2004 CCAA Cross Country Running Nationals.
In Memoriam
Penny
Thompson passed away suddenly
near Grovedale, AB on Friday, September 14 at approximately 6
p.m. Penny was killed while cycling near her home.In addition to being a stellar runner, Penny was avid x-country skier, biathlete, triathlete, and mountain biker. At the time of her death, she worked as hospital nurse at the QE II in Grande Prairie. She will be sorely missed by her many friends, family, and co-workers.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 21, 2007 at 2 p.m. from Oliver’s Grande Prairie Funeral Chapel (10005-107 Ave) Grande Prairie with Rev. Vern Begalke officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wapiti Nordic Ski Club.