Q: Who are the New York Harriers?
Formed in 1988 in New York City, the New York Harriers is a competitive running club of over 175 members. We have a reputation for being as serious about our merry-making as we are about our running, and we are also well known for being a welcoming, friendly bunch.
Q: Are the Harriers the best running club in NYC?
It all depends on your point of view. If you are looking for a group that combines a love of competitive distance 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 is a team that respects members’ individual schedules and goals. You can find other teams that have slightly different approaches (some don’t compete in races, some are invitation-only, others have speed requirements, etc.). To be a Harrier, all you really need is the drive to run well and a sense of humor.
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 race a 10K at a 5:30-8:30 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 we support one another on and off the road.
Q: Why all the parties?
We’re still working on the answer to this one. Some possibilities include: (1) Why not? (2) Life is short, make it fun. (3) 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 shredded 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: How do I join?
First, meet some of us. All are welcome to check us out at a workout or attend social events posted on the homepage. You can e-mail us first or just show up and introduce yourself — we’re all pretty friendly. If you want to get to know other clubs, we encourage that too. When you decide you want to join, then let us know!
Q: How do I obtain one of your cool shirts/singlets/sports bras?
Dues-paying members may contact board member Anil at
Q: Do I have to race?
As a team, the Harriers focus on about ten races per year that are designated team races. These events are important to the team, and we encourage all of our members to participate. However, sometimes life gets in the way. Plenty of members take weeks or months off from racing because of work, travel, and injuries.
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
Q: How does the team stay connected?
In addition to in-person contact at the aforementioned workouts and social events, we have two forms of written team communication. First, there’s a weekly email update sent to all members and prospective members who ask to be on the list. Second, dues-paying members have access to our team discussion board, which contains loads of information on races, training, social events, and insider tips. Once you’ve paid dues, you can set up your login information on the board, and you’ll receive access to the site shortly thereafter.
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 and an easygoing attitude that bring us together, not some uniform 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 February 4, 2010, the new slate of Board Officers and their respective terms of office are as follows:
- President: Todd Knapp
- Vice-President: Valerie Raffle
- Editor of Harriers Update weekly newsletter
- Correspondent to prospective members
- Treasurer: Joe Arencibia
- Manager of team gear needs
- Board Officer At-Large: Anil Bhambhani
- Board Officer At-Large: Sabrina Hassan
- Board Officer At-Large: Diane Kenna
- Board Officer At-Large: Ken Weingold
- Manager of discussion board
Other important positions include:
- Team Coach: Kevin Horty
- Run Leaders: Todd Knapp, Caitlin Quinn, Jon Crane
- Webmaster: Jud Santos
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?
A year of coached workouts. The right to wear the uniform. Invitations to myriad parties. Discounts at various running stores (the list varies over time, and plans are to grow it). The occasional bragging right. Cool friends. Much laughter. Running partners. Access to an informative and (we think) hilarious online discussion board.
Q: I’d like to meet you!
We’d like to meet you, too!
|
