Q: Who are the New York Harriers?
Formed in 1988 in New York City, the New York Harriers is a running club
of over 120 members. Most of us run a bit, although some merely bask in
the glory of past running accomplishments. We have long been known
for being as serious about our merry-making as we are about our running,
and we are equally well known for being a welcoming, friendly bunch of people.
Q: Are the Harriers the best running club in NYC?
Some say yes, some say no … it all depends on your point of view. What are you seeking in a running club? If you are looking for a group that combines a love of running with a zest for life, then you’ll love the Harriers. If you are looking to run with a group that is low-key, friendly, and has an accepting attitude toward others, then you’ll love the Harriers. The Harriers are a team that respects one another’s individual schedules and goals. You can find other teams that have slightly different approaches (some are invitation-only, others pressure their athletes into participating only in certain races, others aim only for specific types of members, etc.). To be a Harrier, all you really need is the right frame of mind.
Q: How many members do you have?
There are about 120 dues-paying members and then there are the so-called
hangers on. We might be the only club around who welcomes the latter.
Some Harriers run a lot, some run not at all, everybody knows how
to savor life.
Q: Why all the parties?
We’re still working on the answer to this one. Some possibilities
include: (1) Why not? (2) We are working on one for each day of the year,
stay tuned (3) life is short, make it fun and filled with laughter (4) It’s
a great way to demonstrate new stretching techniques (5) Ah, young grasshopper,
does not the sun rise each day? To truly understand, you must un-ask the
question.
Q: What’s your affiliation with the Hash House Harriers, Hoboken Harriers,
or the fill-in-the-blank-Harriers.
There is no affiliation with other teams or organizations that use the term “Harriers,” which is basically a nickname for runners (see below).
Q: Why “Harriers”?
The origin of modern competitive distance running dates back to a game
played in schools in old England called Hounds and Hares. This was
a running game, with the Hares getting a head start off into the woods.
They would leave behind a trail, typically splashes of flour or shreaded
newspaper, that the Hounds would then pick up and follow. The idea
was for the Hounds to try to find and catch the Hares, while the Hares would
try to run away. Of course, in a real hunt, dogs were used to chase
and trap hares (rabbits), and those dogs bred for this task were called
harriers. As the game of Hounds and Hares evolved into cross country
foot races, the nickname stuck. Just like basketball players are still
referred to as “cagers” (yes, they used to play inside of a fenced area
before the idea of out-of-bounds was created), runners to this day, particularly
those who run cross country races, are still called Harriers.
Q: When was the club formed?
Q: How do I join?
First, meet some of us. Come to a run, a social event, or
send an
Do something to get to know the club. If you
want to get to know other clubs, please do that too, we encourage it. When
you decide you want to join, then let us know!
Q: Pace?
The club is open to runners of all paces. We are just as proud of our speedsters as we are of our back-of-the-packers who are out there giving it their all. It happens that most of our members run 5:30-8:30 10k race pace. Yet there are faster and slower Harriers than that, and there probably always will be. Some of our group runs are designed to make sure that no one ever gets left behind, others are more like every-runner-for-him/herself. What matters most in the end is that everyone goes the same pace when seated together, sharing tales from life, of the running and non-running kind.
Q: How do I obtain one of your cool shirts/singlets/bras?
Dues-paying members may contact Valerie, our Membership Director and Women’s Team Captain, at
Q: Do I have to race?
As a team, the Harriers focus on about two dozen races per year that are designated as team races. These events are important to the team, and we encourage all of our members to participate. However, if you don’t want to race, then by all means don’t. Some years just about everybody on the team has a great year of racing, and the Harriers boast a high ranking in local races; and some years the racing might not go so well (depending on injuries, weather, jobs, etc.). If you are fired up about racing hard, you’ll find Harriers who are right there with you. If you’d rather just race when you feel like it, you’ll find plenty of Harriers right there with you too.
Q: To whom do I direct an infrequently asked question?
Ask any Harrier! Of course, one drawback to that approach is that every Harrier will probably offer a slightly different answer (and in fact we don’t really see that as a big issue). If you prefer to get an official response, just e-mail our President at
Q: How can I find out more about the team?
Feel free to send an email to the team, or come to a workout or social event. Introduce yourself; everyone is warm and welcoming to potential new members. Once you have paid dues, you will get full access to our team Discussion Board, where you will find loads of information on races, results, training, social events, injury prevention, and insider tips.
Q: How do I join the team Discussion Board?
All members who have paid up dues are eligible to join the Discussion Board. The first time you use the Board, you must submit a request to join (it’s pretty self-explanatory on the site).
Q: I am a member of another club. Can I hang out with you?
Many folks on other clubs like to come to our parties and to our runs.
We’ve raced in big out-of-town relays with folks from other New York
clubs. If you like to run and are somewhat friendly, then yes, please,
we hope to see you around. It is a love of running that brings us
together, and an easy-going attitude, not some uniform color or membership
status.
Q: Who’s in charge?
The Harriers are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation, governed by an elected leadership Board. As a result of the Board elections that took place at the Annual Meeting on January 15, 2009, the new slate of Board Officers and their respective terms of office are as follows:
- President: Todd Knapp
- Vice-President: Valerie Raffle
- Treasurer: Joe Arencibia
- Board Officer At-Large: Anil Bhambhani
- Board Officer At-Large: Sabrina Hassan
- Board Officer At-Large: Diane Kenna
- Board Officer At-Large: Ken Weingold
Other important positions include:
- Women's Team Captain: Valerie Raffle
- Men's Team Captain: Anil Bhambhani
- Harrier Update (email newsletter) Editor: Valerie Raffle
- NY Harriers Discussion Board: Ken Weingold
- Webmaster: Jud Santos
- Team Coach: Kevin Horty
- Run Leaders: Todd, Kevin, Caitlin Quinn, Jon Crane, Keith Pepper
Q: How much are dues?
Q: What do you do with the dues?
Insurance, awards, end-of-the-year banquet, uniforms, etc. There
is a full financial report at the annual meeting, so members get a complete
breakdown and budget.
Q: What do I get for my dues?
Discounts at various local and national running stores (the list varies over time, and plans are to grow it). The right to wear the uniform. Invitations to myriad parties. The occasional bragging right. Cool friends. Much laughter. Running partners. Access to an informative and often hilarious online Discussion Board. Total peace of mind (no, wait, that last one is a bit much).
Q: I’d like to meet you!
We’d like to meet you, too!
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