President's year end report

It was a great year for Vancouver Front Runners. I enjoyed meeting all the new members and seeing the ever-larger turn outs for our regular runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The big event of course was the Vancouver Front Runners Pride Run & Walk, the first held as a community event for Pride Vancouver. The beneficiaries of this event were the Dr. Peter Centre and Gab Youth Services—and all who took part as volunteers or participants. Many out-of-towners made it part of their pride weekend experience. We reached our parks board imposed limit in registrations and hope to be able to put on another successful Pride Run & Walk in the summer of 2007.

There were some board changes this past year. We thank Mary Petty, who is retiring as women’s rep. Luke Ding has gone on to romance and studies in Berlin. We welcome Chris Drake and Jag Bilkhu, who are joining the board in marketing (communications) and marketing (sponsors) roles respectively. Dean Spottar, Patrick Tham and Bob Knall are continuing with the board as is Luke’s replacement David Webb. I am also continuing.

Other notable happenings in 2005 were:

• The first complete year of our website, managed by Stanley Ulmer.
• The inauguration of a regular, first-Wednesday-of-the-month women’s run.
• Vancouver Marathon dinner at the Wild Garlic for our out of town guests.
• The first and second place finishes for our club teams at the Edge to Edge Relay, Scotiabank Half Marathon, James Cunningham Seawall Race and Sun Run.
• Trips to Tofino and New York City.
• Several members qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
• Sandy and the Wild Garlic’s staff consistent, welcoming smiles and service Saturday mornings.
• Dapper Dean’s bon ton events.
• The orange VFR singlet addition to the wardrobe.

In 2006 the board’s premier goal is to continue increasing the club’s membership.

We have become Team Vancouver associates and hope to work with them in training for, promoting and attending the Gay Games and the Out Games, which take place in July and August of 2006.

A new out-of-town excursion is planned for April 1-2, 2006 to Mission BC for a 5 km, a 10 km and a half-marathon.

As well, look for an attempt to regain the number 1 finish in the Sun Run, another Vancouver Marathon dinner for out-of-town guests, an opportunity to update your VFR wardrobe, and a change in our sponsorship from Yaletown Walk and Run to Rackets and Runners.

I would like to thank everyone for their contributions this past year and particularly those who worked on the Pride Run & Walk planning committee. Wishing all members of Vancouver Front Runners and their families an enjoyable and memorable year of camaraderie and of running or walking in 2006!

Ray Duggan