MAWA acknowledges the passing of life member, Rob Shand. Rob joined MAWA (then WAVAC) in 1975 the second year of the club. His club number is 9. Rob competed mainly as a middle distance runner and promptly showed he was prepared to contribute to the administration of the club. He was club secretary for five years 1976/1980 and Vetrun editor for four years 1976/1979. He was awarded a club Life Membership for his contribution.
Rob became a thrower and competed successfully when he found he was unable to continue as a runner. Apparently, Rob said he gave up running marathons when he could no longer run one in under three hours. Rob still holds the M45 record for a one-hour event being an impressive 16.248km!
There were conversations with Rob about his “difficult” birthday date in relation to MAWA and AMA championships. With his birthday in March and the age group always being taken as the first day of the Championships Rob sometimes had to compete with a younger group when he had just moved in to the next age group. He was unhappy with this arrangement.
Many years ago one of the Sunday Trophy runs was the Carr/Shand Trophy. Sadly, David and Rob have now left us within six months. We extend our condolences to Rob’s family and loved ones.