KR Traditions and Rituals Part 2 - KRClassic
Steve Kibble
Greetings KRew
As promised, I’m continuing the ad hoc and potted history of KR and what makes us who we are. Today I’m looking at the KRClassic, our beloved course that each week takes us over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, along the Cahill Express Way, round the Opera House and back the same way.
Although it hasn’t really changed much in 20 years, it has had a few tweaks, some variations due to events like Vivid and closures due to maintenance work, etc. The biggest change though and the one that divides the first decade of KR from the second decade, is that the original course used the lift on the Cahill on the way back!
The reasoning at the time for the lift was that KR is supposed to be a social run, and not a race so they thought ‘let’s make everyone use the lift as a bit of fun’. Of course, they, like us are runners and one thing we know about runners, is that we are competitive by nature. So, the lift became part of the run, and many a strategy for using the lift during the run was employed over the years; from the ‘nice’ holding the door for the runners behind you and sending it back down as you got out. To the ‘not so nice’, closing the doors as others are coming towards you so that you can get an edge for the run back up Cahill.
When I took over in 2016, I changed the course and removed the lift and got everyone to run up to the express way back through monument park. This had an unintended consequence, because, then for a couple of years there was debate as to which was the faster course and who could claim the title of ‘Fastest KRClassic’. If you have several hours to spare you can go back through our FB page and find the written battles that occurred between the lift and non-lift KRew. (It got so heated at one time that I had to step in quash the conversation…..)
Of course, I think which is the fastest KRClassic course has been well and settled by Rick, and so far I’m not seeing anyone coming forward to take the crown from him….
The challenge is always open for someone brave enough to step up on any given Thursday at 6:40pm….
Just don’t forget, KRClassic is not a race and you can’t win…..
20th Anniversary Update
As I mentioned last week, I have now published on the KR FB page the 2026 KR Calendar so that everyone can see what we have planned for the coming year. The calendar has all the regular KR runs as well as the major races that we will be following and promoting. We will add to the races as the year goes on. If you have a favourite race, then let me know and we can add it.
As part of the 20th Anniversary celebrations, we have events planned for most months of the year and I hope you can join them and be part of the fun as the year goes on. The big date is 26th March which will be the celebration of the running of the first KRClassic back in 2006, followed by a celebration picnic and BBQ on the 28th March.
Our first event for the year will be KR Invitational Beer Mile. This is going to be held on Saturday 7th February at 2pm at Andersen Oval in Neutral Bay. I have invited NRG and Kirribilli Joggers to be part of the fun. I’m sure it will be a hotly contested event with some pretty competitive runners and drinkers representing all 3 clubs,
We will release the rules in the coming week.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday Speed Sessions. We will be meeting at 6:30pm at the usual spot at Gore Hill Oval. It is open to all and if you want to know more details please reach out to me.
KR Sunday Long Runs last Sunday saw a small, dedicated group of the KRew who risked it all in the torrential downpour and ocean size puddles to take on the short course. Was a lot of fun and who doesn’t love running in the rain. The next Long Run will Sunday February 21st. Stay tuned for details shortly.
Upcoming Races
This Saturday 31st January will see plenty of the KRew toeing the start line for the annual Sun Run, Dee Why to Manly. A challenging and fun 10k or 7km race and the perfect way to start the year off. So come along and join the fun. Post race we will gather at the Boat House at Shelley Beach for brunch and post-race debrief. (There is an invite on FB for the brunch.)
If anyone is interested in small trail race to kick off the New Year I recommend you join us for the 17km Whale Rock Trail Race. I did it last year and it was very well organised and great course and solid medal to all finishers.
https://www.whalerocktrailrun.com.au/
Canberra Times Running Festival 11 and 12 April 2026. This is always a popular event for the KRew, and I know there will be a lot of us heading off to our Nation’s Capital for the weekend. If you are thinking of doing it, then sign up today.
https://solemotive.com/pages/canberra-times-marathon-festival
As a hint check out the new Paramatta Half held in June which should be a good race to head out west for.
https://www.parramattahalfmarathon.com
For a friendly, low pressure local race series that is very reasonably priced, has various distances on offer and held is some of the most scenic parts of Sydney, check our Sri Chinmoy. https://au.srichinmoyraces.org/sydneyraces
Of course, there are many races throughout the year that the KR will do, such as those out at Sydney Olympic Park and around the foreshore. We will highlight as many we think of, but if you have one to promote you think the KRew will love, let us know!
If you want to find some races for yourself, I highly recommend using The Running Calendar website which lists just about every race in Australia. If you find a race that has a KR Team and needs a code let me know. Or if you are the first KR to sign up for a race, please create a KR team and let me know.
https://www.runningcalendar.com.au/
If you are bringing bags tonight Trevor is back and has promised to bring his car to hold them for you. As always please collect them straight after the photo. Thank you, Trevor, much appreciated.
Regarding the bag drop, to help keep KR running smoothly I have asked Trevor to take on being the coordinator for Monday and Thursday nights to ensure there is a car to enable the bag drop. He has a group chat and would love to add you to it if you are able to help from time to time.
That’s a wrap for this week; remember to take care of yourself, and if you can, others.
Keep running @everyone and happy trails,
Steve
Director
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