Norm Read Memorial 2008
What perfect conditions for the Norm Read Cup – no wind and a glorious sunny blue sky, perfect for racing. Would people take this into account with their estimates?
Norm one his gold medal 52 years ago at Melbourne and next year TRWC celebrates it’s 50th Anniversary. If Norm was watching today, he would have been very proud that 31 walkers lined up at the start – this was a fantastic sight and must be some sort of record for our event. It was even more pleasing to see 3 juniors, as they are the future of the club. The Norm Read Memorial Cup is presented to the competitor who is closest to their estimated time over 3, 5 or 10K. This not easy when no watches are allowed and no times are called out to gauge splits.
The previous 2 events – Oakura and Sandra’s Safari are fairly tough courses whereas the Kaimata circuit is reasonably flat. If you want to estimate this one based on race pace it can be hard when comparing to previous performances.
What a clever lot we are though! 6 people were within 10 seconds of estimate (that would be phenomenal if I could pronounce it). Another 7 people were less than 30 seconds away from their times. Some people just plain and simple went far too fast and blew their times – which is really good to see, but doesn’t help one win the Norm Read Cup.
Well done to Julie Griffin who was only 2 seconds out from her estimated time. That is an excellent pace judgement and Julie is a very worthy winner of the Norm Read Cup for 2008. Arthur Lester was only 5 seconds from his time – I have come to the conclusion that Arthur has a metronome in his head; he has won this cup twice and was also second in the estimated wind wand walk this year. Arthur takes the lead again the Points trophy. Denise Stewart-Jacks took 3rd place after only a 7 second difference.
Special mention goes to Dianna Morrati who estimated a time of 8m 10s for her 1K; she completed the race in 8m 11s. Dianna was not entered in the Norm Read because she would have needed to do a 3K to qualify, but with estimates like that, we can see a future winner. Excellent walking Dianna.
Fastest time in the men’s 10K went to Glenn Burrell in a time of 48 minutes 36 seconds. The women’s fastest 10K was Rachel Gilberd who blitzed the course in 54m 36s – excellent time Rachel. In the 5K, Arthur Lester did a very fast 36m 18s. In the juniors 3K, Renee Morrati walked a very good time of 22m 4s.
Last word from Rachel – “she goes from the gun as fast as she can for as long as she can, because she can”! Only one thing wrong with that – Rachel this event is all about closest to estimate, going nearly 2 minutes quicker than you think must be fantastic, but you won’t win the Norm Read Cup!
Good luck to everybody at the Ekiden next week. Have fun and race hard.
Results:
