Helen's Special 2007
Wow – another stunner in the Naki. In town there are still showers passing through, but as we head past the winery and then the brewery the weather just gets better. The start for this one is along Pukearuhe and certainly lives up to its micro climate reputation. Not a cloud and no wind.
Most of us were so caught up in the scenery we were a bit late starting. The Tuis (that alcohol theme again!) were in full song as normal in the line of Banksia trees. We were entertained by a 2 year old French mastiff (larger than a French prop and lucky for the ABs didn’t get on the field the previous night!). Some of us were too busy taking in the idyllic surroundings so didn’t warm up properly, did we, and so took off too quickly and paid the price after about 5K (Alan!).
In the Masters events this year, Ivor had been ruthless in his dominance. Today though Arthur had other plans. There are not steep hills on this one but it is a challenging course with gradual climbs towards Waiti Beach, and certainly suits the I love hills brigade. This though wasn’t Arthur’s only secret weapon on the day. He seemed to have an extra spring to his step. He was seen before the race escorting Helen from her house to the start and then chased her all through the 5K to finish hot on her heels. So Arthur was 1st home followed by Richard and then Ivor. Arthur did his fastest 5K of the season in 35’26.
In the women’s event, it was a 1 filly race. I asked Anne afterwards what she had for breakfast, I am not going to divulge her secret, but needless to say I will be trying it myself next race. The rest of the places were fairly even with only 40 seconds separating 2nd to 6th. Katie Tahere was second with Marlene White just holding out a fast finishing Tanya. Vanessa Lowl did not quite catch her daughter on handicap, but took out fastest time of 61’17.
In the men’s race, Jeff Wells came storming through the field in the first 5K. He seemed to want pass everybody after only 5 or 6K. Dave and Eric bided their time and got stronger as the race progressed. It was good to see Eric racing after he had to pack ice on the hamstring after his efforts of the weekend before (or was that for the Handicapper’s eyes only?). Eric took the lead in the last Kilometre of the race and Dave Wackrow started to close on a slowing Jeff. The line came too soon for Dave and Jeff just held onto 2nd behind Eric and ahead of Dave. Glenn had a hard day at the office, but took out fastest time of the day 50’43.
Once again, the morning tea at Helen’s was spectacular, the soup as usual very welcome after our hard morning’s work. Many thanks Helen and Doug.
Results:
