Sponsors
2025/26 Registrations
It's not too late to sign up for Season 2025/26!
To join us, simply go to the Registration page on the club website.
Steeplechase
It's time for one of the most fun events of our Summer Series of weekly Wednesday meets: the steeplechase. It's a rare chance to try the event and we give every member the opportunity to dip a toe in the water, so to speak!
While we hold the full range of events at the appropriate barrier height and distance for record-breaking purposes, we also hold an intro event called the 'Steeplesplash'. Athletes of any age are welcome to join this 800m taster. You'll negotiate a series of spaced-out hurdles and have two goes at the water jump. You will get wet - and that's the fun part!
We recommend bringing a change of shoes - and clothes if the spirit truly takes you. We'll hold another steeplechase later in the season, but you'll enjoy it so much you'll want to do it twice. Join us this Wednesday, 19th November at Athletics Wollongong.
Run Havoc Vouchers
The sponsorship of Run Havoc has proved a ranging success, with our members earning $100 gift vouchers at our pointscore meets. Each month we give away one voucher for participation and one for achievement.
The participation voucher is awarded by lucky draw. All you need to do to gain entries in the draw is to enter a programmed event on a Wednesday. The more weeks you attend - and the more events you participate in - the more entries you gain and the better your chances of winning. Our October voucher winner, Ezekiel Curtis, demonstrated this to the fullest: he attended every week and participated in every possible event. Get your entries in for the November draw!
The monthly achievement voucher is awarded by performance in a nominated event. These performances are age-scaled so that everyone competes on an even playing field. The October event was an 800m race, taken out by Thomas Baltyn. The November event was a 60m race, won by Harlow Pate in club record time. Our final achievement event of 2025 will be at our End of Season Special on December 17th.
Show your appreciation of Run Havoc's support by giving them a visit. You'll find them in Wollongong's lower mall - where AW members can receive a 5% discount - or online HERE. If you're looking for shoes, running gear or nutrition, then check out Run Havoc.
Athletics Wollongong Gift
Somewhat unbelievably, it's only a month until our Christmas break! Our final date of 2025 will be December 17th, when we will hold our End of Season Special.
There are more details to come, but there'll be a Free BBQ for members and their supporters, a fun 4x400m relay and some select field events held. The biggest attraction, however, will be the Athletics Wollongong Gift. This is a handicapped 100m race, where slower runners get a headstart. Then, all being well, everyone should be crossing the finish line at more or less the same time. It's exciting to be a part of and thrilling to watch. While everyone's understandably busy at this time of year, it's really worth reserving this evening on your calendar.
The December Run Havoc 'Achievement' $100 Gift Voucher will be part of the prize pool, to make it an even more appealing occasion. As it's a handicapped event, absolutely everyone who has a sprint time on the board (in order to determine a start mark) will have the opportunity to win.
We'll then return in 2026 on January 7th - there's plenty to look forward to in the New Year!
Treloar Shield
In addition to Athletics Wollongong's weekly Wednesday meets, there are a wide variety of competitions held on the weekends. You can find these listed on the event calendar at the NSW Athletics website.
The main focus for athletes at this stage of the season is the Treloar Shield, a club-based pointscore competition. It's held over six rounds before culminating in a final limited to the top clubs.
Athletics Wollongong is faring very well in the pointscore in both the 50+ Masters and Open divisions. Last season our club finished on the medal dais in the 50+ class, this year they're driven to be on top of it. They're certainly looking good for the final: comfortably holding 2nd place with two rounds to go. It's a closer-run thing for the Opens, as we currently sit in equal 9th position with the Top 8 making the final.
We encourage everyone eligible to give Treloar a go and help get us across the line. Remember also that this includes officiating: a three-hour volunteer shift will also earn points for the club.
NSW Athletics is trialling taking the event to multiple venues each round. While the program is duplicated across tracks (for the most part) and athletes are welcome to contest either, we've chosen to nominate a 'preferred' venue - just to ensure the greatest support from the AW cheer squad:
South Coast Highlands Zone Championships
Zone Championships will be held at Beaton Park the weekend of November 29th and 30th. Junior members in the 13's to 15's will be contesting this event, hoping to progress through to Region and then to State. If you have missed the close of entries, it's not the only way to make State Champs (and Nationals) though: you can also make it there as one of the 'next best qualifiers'. Of all the performances from our region at 'State Permit' events (like Zone and Region, but also Treloar, High Velocity, etc), the next best - from those who haven't qualified via placings at Zone/Region - will win through.
More detailed information regarding pathway progressions for our Junior members is HERE. (Note that everyone else can directly enter their respective State Championships).
We encourage everyone to visit the track that weekend to cheer your clubmates on, or lend a hand running the event.
Australian School Championships
The Primary School Sports Associations's Australian Championships are being held November 27th - 30th in Canberra.
The Australian All Schools Championships - for senior students - are being held December 4th – 7th in Melbourne.
Best of luck to any club members attending!
NSW Relay Championships Results
Athletics Wollongong teams recently contested Weekend #2 of the NSW Relay Championships. While there were plenty of strong performances, special note must be made of the Women's 160+ Javelin team who not only took the win, but also smashed the State Record. You can see the full results of the teams here.
React Facility Solutions
Relay team entries were largely made by possible due to the support of React Facility Solutions. Thanks to their sponsorship, our members were able to represent our club at no additional cost to them.
React's range of services includes:
We'd like them to consider lending the same support next season so, if you do require any of their services, please give them strong consideration - and let them know you heard about them from AW!
Vale Howard McGarry
Sad news this week, with the passing of Athletics Wollongong Life Member Howard McGarry.
Howard joined AW (then Wollongong Southern Flame) in 1999, where he quickly proved an invaluable asset to the club. He spent many years on the Committee as Vice President but was perhaps best known to our members for being our regular starter at our Wednesday meets.
We certainly weren't the only recipient of his dedicated efforts for track and field though, with Howard also holding Life Membership with Lake Illawarra Athletics Club and Mid South Coast Zone.
He was all set for a return with us this season, before getting some news regarding his health that demanded his full focus. He is now at peace.
The club's thoughts and condolences are with his family.
Wollongong Aquathon - Early Reminder
Athletics Wollongong will be lending assistance at the Aquathon, held on January 26th around the harbour. We've been an event partner for many years, assisting entrants at check-in. The organiser is a former member of the club and shows his appreciation for our help with a donation. It's a fun morning and we'll be calling for volunteers to lend a hand in the new year.
To sweeten the deal, athletes (or their representatives) who assist will become eligible for funding from the club to attend the Junior or Open National Championships. The last few years it's been $200 - which is pretty good for a couple of (early) hours' work!
Committee Vacancies
We are very keen to have a chat with anyone who can fill the remaining open positions on the Committee. Note that we don't need you to have amazing qualifications, we're just after people that want to work towards the best possible outcomes for the club and its members.
Some of the tasks within the roles are nice-to-haves, but others are definite must-dos. Without people in these roles, those already on the Committee will have to spread themselves even thinner to ensure that the must-do's happen.
If you have some time to donate, please consider lending your club some assistance.
Donate to Athletics Wollongong
If you can't donate your time, perhaps you can donate your money! This season, all clubs have been encouraged to set up a portal on the fundraising website provided by the the Australian Sports Foundation. If you support our mission and would like to assist us in reaching our goals, please feel free to make a donation. Thank you to those who have already donated!
Athletics Wollongong Hoodie
There's still time to purchase an Athletics Wollongong hoodie. We have sizes available from Junior 14 through to 3XL. Buy a hoodie HERE or see us on a club night.
SMART Treatments deal
Athletics Wollongong members can receive $15 OFF their first massage treatment at SMART. That means you’ll get 60 minutes of premium, sports-focused care for only $100. Give them a call on 0433168151 for the deal.
Coming Dates