How do I become a member?
You can fill in a membership form and pay your membership fees at any run. EFTPOS facilities are available at the first run of the season. We ask that you pay your fees promptly so that the club can pay its bills.
How do I become a member?
You can fill in a membership form and pay your membership fees at any run. EFTPOS facilities are available at the first run of the season. We ask that you pay your fees promptly so that the club can pay its bills.
Do I have to register with Athletics Victoria?
Only if you think you may compete in AV events in either the winter XCR program or the summer track season. If you join AV and nominate Uni as your club, we will reimburse you for your club membership.
Do I have to become a club member?
No, you can choose to pay an $8/race casual race fee. This is a good option if you think you may only make it to a few races in the season. Your first race is free.
What is the routine at a club run?
Head to the registration table to get your name marked off by the race captain. The captain will give you your start time. If you're a new runner, the captain will write in your name, help you with an estimated handicap, and issue a bib or tag. Warm up before your start time with a short run and some stretches. Listen to the course description by the course marker. Wait for the starter to call you to the line and count you down to your start. Follow the on course signs to the finish. Recover with a warm down, sretches and a cool drink. Enjoy some afternoon tea with the other runners and presentation of ribbons for the day's races.
When does my run start?
The long run starts at 2pm. The 1 km run starts after the last runner in the long run finishes (usually around 3:15pm). The intermediate race is the last event on the bill after the finish of the intermediate race (around 3:30pm).
What do race winners get?
Ribbons are awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd placegetters each race. The first three place getters in the club champion award in each distance category are awarded trophies or medals at the end of the year. The speedchampion in the long distance event also wins a trophy. The President's award goes to the club member who is deemed to have made the biggest contribution to the club for the year.
How is my handicap calculated?
New members are asked for an estimate of their per km pace at their first race. This is used to calculate the start time but the first race for a runner is not counted in the club champion award. The actual per km pace recorded will help the handicapper establish a more accurate handicap for the next race. Each race will help identify individual trends which will suggest what adjustment to make on the handicapper's sheet. Ribbon winners are normally handicapped more rigorously than others for the following race. more
What should I bring to a race?
Water and cordial is available but bring an electrolyte drink if you prefer. If you intend to stay for afternoon tea, bring something to share like a packet of biscuits, cake or slice. Home baked goodies are much appreciated! Tea bags and instant coffee is available if you bring a thermos of hot water.
What should I wear?
Some days can be quite cold so make sure you have tracksuit pants and a warm top to wear before and after your run. Club hoodies are an excellent way to stay warm. The club encourages you to wear a club singlet or T-shirt but we won't stop you running if you haven't got one. Your running shoes should be suited to cross country terrain.
What are the track surfaces like?
Most courses are undulating dirt tracks but some include road running on bitumen. Be prepared for eroded, rocky surfaces and wet weather conditions. While all courses are safe, most include hills and some concentration is required to avoid tripping. Road crossings are kept to a minimum but are a part of some long courses.
What if I break down or get injured during a run?
Injuries or illness can sometimes happen during a run. If you can't make it back to the start/finish line, sit tight and wait - the club will send help after the race is over. If other runners don't notify the timekeeper of your situation, your absence will be noted at the finish line. If you make it back under your own steam you can notify the timer to put you down as a DNF (did not finish) so your handicap is not affected.
What are my responsibilies as a club member?
Like any sporting club, there are tasks that need doing from time to time. Each run needs a race captain, a timekeeper and a course marker. Volunteers are sometimes needed for marshalling duties at Athletic Victoria or Athletics Bendigo events. The University Invitation relies on our members to pitch in and help out for registrations, BBQ and the afternoon tea stall. Each week, we need somebody to simply take home the coffee cups and wash them for the following race. And of course, the club committee needs volunteers to fill places at the beginning of each year.

Responsibilities are not huge or compulsory but sharing the load ensures that everybody can enjoy their involvement, help improve the club, and encourage more members. Talk to a club committee member about how you can be involved.