Serena's Sprint 2010
This was our first time on this course. A great little course. We had 1 vehicle the whole time the race was in progress, we got some interesting odours from the Countryside and we got a fairly challenging course, not too steep, but just enough of a climb to make you work. If you are not fit then the gradual gradient would get the better of you on the last lap. Excellent morning tea at Serena’s afterwards.
It was Father’s day at Serena’s Sprint and as I tend to write these reports in my head as I race, I had the perfect script today for the Senior’s race. The way it was unfolding we were either going to get Serena winning her own event or Neil getting the perfect Father’s day gift, but Helen decided to intervene! From the start, Helen was walking and racing well, but Neil and Serena were also racing through the field. Marlene and Alan threatened to catch Serena within 4K, but seemed to go to sleep during the middle part of the race. Wacky until about the 7K mark also looked very threatening, obviously keen on winning the points with the other contenders not here today. At the end, Helen kept Neil at bay by 20 seconds and a fast finishing Serena was only 23 seconds behind Neil (who had his fastest 10K of the season). Dave Wackrow got fastest time men’s time of 58m45s and Vanessa fastest women’s time of 66 minutes.
What a great race we had in the Vet’s 5K today. Denise had exerted her power over the men at Bell Block, but the men decided on Father’s day that it was their turn. Denise had been hopeful of holding them out, but first Brian and then Arthur in the final 500 metres got past her. Arthur finished extremely strongly and was closing fast on Brian. Well done to Brian though, he managed to hold out Arthur by just 9 seconds, with just another 20 seconds back to Denise. Without Mike or Tony at today’s event, then Brian gets the Grunter of the day award, that final 200 metres was impressive Brian.
The Points trophy has taken another twist today. My money was on Wacky to take full advantage of Mike and Harry’s absence. Well I lost my shirt today, Helen, Neil and Brian decided to have their best walks of the season. Arthur and Serena also walked very well, which meant that although Dave walked exactly to the second of his handicap time he only gets the 2 points for attendance! Helen has taken control of the race for the Points trophy and is now on 39; Tom is second on 38 and Arthur on 37. Mike is still in the picture on 36. Points are up for grabs in the Marton to Wanganui relay, the club champs, the Richard Park memorial and the half marathon. Miss any of these at your peril!
Many thanks to all the helpers out there today – Sue (back after her hip op); Marion; Trevor; Mary and Dave. Thanks to Tom for setting up the course.
Results:
