I hope everybody else noticed the pink blossoms, the contrasting yellow of the Kowhais and the red of the rhododendrons along Kaimata Street. In addition of course we had the sun reflecting off a long line of white shirts. Richard Park tweaked this course to what it is today; he always noticed the beauty of spring on Kaimata Street. I took careful note myself, it helps when everybody else overtakes you to have some positives!
As Mike says, we should hand out the Tuis at the end of this race each year. This is never a wind down; it is always a wind up. Everybody seems to decide, hey it’s the last race of the season, let’s get rid of the cobwebs and go for it. I guess the other factor is with the half marathon the week after then with training tapering a bit a final fast five is what the doctor ordered. What is really good about this event though is the fact it is an Open handicap over 5K for everybody. It means that you get to race all walkers in the club; it is the only event of the year that first across the line wins the points. In fact it worked well because in first was a Senior Man, second was a Senior Woman and 3rd was a Vet.
The first to show he meant business today was Ivor; he had two Ladies to chase from the off and soon made short work of them. The next two making their mark were Dennis and Tanya. Not sure whether it was a good idea starting them together or not, they seemed to feed off each other, so they were either trying to get away from each other, or the excitement of being together stirred to good times. Tanya ended up doing her best time of the year. I started with Serena, but must have said something to her because she tore away from me and looked a very likely winner. Tony caught me within 2K, and seemed very keen to catch up with Serena, perhaps he wanted to know what I had said; but try as he might he couldn’t and she finished 2 seconds ahead of him. The next express trains coming through the pack were Jeff, Mike, Peter and Eric. There was some great racing going on today.
Tanya dragged Dennis through for most of the race and they eventually passed Ivor. Dennis said thanks to Tanya for helping him on the walk and promptly left her; to take out the Richard Park Memorial Trophy. Good to see you walking again, a much deserved winner of the Trophy this year – but remember the season finishes in September, it starts in April!
Tanya took second and Ivor managed to hold on for 3rd, holding out Jeff by 6 seconds and then just another 7 seconds back to Peter. Excellent racing.
Eric did a very slick 25m31s walk today to be fastest man, Vanessa was fastest woman in 29m22s and the ever youthful Arthur was fastest Vet in 36m9s.
The Points trophy has still not been decided. This event just seemed to confuse it yet more. The Pukekura wind down is a Sprinter’s course; they came out to play today. This meant the leading Points participants all only took 2 points each. So this leaves Mike and Helen still tied with Arthur and Tom only 2 points back. The Daily News half will decide the event, so hopefully you are all taking part. The odds are on Helen and Mike sharing the Trophy for the year! Good luck to everyone next week.
Results:
