KR Traditions and Rituals
Steve Kibble
Greetings KRew
As we start the 20th year of Kirribilli Runners I’ve been thinking of the various traditions and rituals that a group like KR develop over time. It is these traditions and rituals that give us a stability and cohesiveness that make the club work and be a place that we all come back to run with each week.
As you all know KR has no infrastructure, we collect no fees, nor do we ask the group for any contributions. Yet KR is on 3 times every week and once a month on a Sunday providing to the community the opportunity to run here in Kirribilli with other like minded folks. Each week I watch as people arrive searching out the friends they have made at KR, smiling and catching up, running, sharing a drink after the run and maybe even sharing food together.
How does it work, how has KR grown and continue to be a place that lots of runners here in Sydney and visitors from all over, come to each week to run? Well, I think part of the answer is the traditions and rituals that have developed in the club over the last 20 years. Some of these are deliberate and have been introduced by the those of us who run and organise the club. Others have developed organically and have become part of the way we do things, and we can’t imagine not doing them and having them as part of the club.
I thought that as the year progresses, I will occasionally write about the way we do things, what I think our traditions and rituals are and what I think they add to the club.
The first one I’d like to talk about is what we do at the end of each run. Something that has been part of KR that from the beginning is when we finish our run we all stand on the end of the bridge and wait for all the runners to return. Then after all have returned do we head down the steps for a photo which is the end of the night of running.
This tradition, I think, is one of the best traditions that we have, and so many people over the years have commented on how encouraging it is to see the KRew waiting for them to finish their run, and to be welcomed back with a ‘high-5’ or a ‘fist bump’, and an encouraging word from those already finished.
So tonight, and every night when you are finished your run, hang around at the end of the bridge to encourage and cheer for those coming in after you, doing that may just make another runner’s day!
Shoe Testing Tonight
Tonight, at KRClassic Nick has again arranged for shoe testing and tonight we have Saucony coming along with two shoe models for us try the Triumph 23 and Endorphin Speed 5e.
This is always popular and so be early to get your size and be ready for a great run on the KRClassic course.
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 to again be part of the fun and have reached out to another running club to see if they want to join us as well.
More details will be published shortly, but as a teaser, it will be great fun with two blue ribbon events and a few novelty events. Based on last few years this is always a fun afternoon, and a true spirit of good-natured competition.
Update on 20th Anniversary KR Shirts: I hope that by now everyone who ordered shirts have received notification that they are on the way. If they come tomorrow then we can wear them for the KR Long Run on Sunday, else we are all going to be looking awesome on Monday night in our new anniversary shirts.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday Speed Sessions is back on next Tuesday. We will be meeting at 6:30pm at the usual spot at Gore Hill Oval. So come ready to dust off the post Christmas Blues and take on the challenge of the speed session. It is open to all and if you want to know more please reach out to me.
KR Sunday Long Runs will start again on Sunday 18th January with one of my favourite courses the 10 Bridges KR Variation. I’ve asked Adam to host as usual host Tully is busy and we will lead you on either the 10k, 20k or 30k option. Should be a fun run to be sure.
Upcoming Races
As hard as it is to believe but we are nearly at the end of the 2025 and soon the 2026 races will be starting. On Saturday 31st January will be the first race that will have plenty of the KRew toeing the start line is the Sun Run from 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.
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.
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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