Ripped from the Headlines of the Past
(and discovered by D.Dunham)
Article in Yankee Runner - 1979
Central Mass. Striders
The origins of the Central Mass. Striders can be traced to the late 1950's with the formation of the Wachusett Striders. While the name was eventually changed to the Central Mass. Striders, the club continued for nearly two decades as a small entity comprised primarily of area high school runners. Within the last two years, the composition of the membership has changed dramatically. Runners of all ages and abilities have joined, bringing the number of club members to over 300 at present.
With the rapid growth came an unsettled period during 1978 when the club established ties with a sporting goods concern and expanded its name to reflect this affiliation. (My comment: I believe this was when CMS was known as "Flying Feet Central Mass.") However, a majority of the members found this arrangement to be unsatisfactory and, in December 1978, voted overwhelmingly to return to the time-honored CMS appellation and to revert to an independent status.
During 1978 the club sponsored and/or co-sponsored 20 races in various cities and towns in Worcester County. While terrain and distance certainly varied from race to race, each run shared a common motif in being organized by runners, for runners. With the exception of no entry fee runs, CMS races generally offer a large number of merchandise prizes as well as either ribbons or medals to all finishers. What concerns the club most, however, is that courses be clearly delineated, water stations be provided when weather condition warrant, and times and places of all runners be accurately and quickly posted.
The number of area races will expand to 30 in 1979, encompassing such geographically separated location as Fitchburg, Barre, Hardwick, Worcester, Oxford, and Shrewsbury to name but a few. Aside from two races, which are restricted to club members only, these runs are open to all runners. The club plans to enter a number of teams in selected New England races and hopes to establish several "home-and-home" meets with other running clubs.
A bi-monthly newsletter is sent to all members featuring items of general interest, race schedules and a listing of the times and places of all members who participate in area races.
