The Loaded Hog 5k Series 3, Race 10, 11 April 2006

Yet another week where we cheated the weather – in fact arguably the best ever conditions existed for this evening’s race. PBs were plentiful for the 91 finishers in the finale of The Loaded Hog 5k series of races that commenced many months ago on Tuesday, 9 August 2005.

After a tussle throughout the race, Cameron Goldsmid (Scottish) pulled away from Stephen Day (Scottish) and recorded a sound 16:24 to win the running race. First woman home was again Gabrielle O’Rourke (Wellington Harriers) in a time of 17:40s, with Lotty Baldrey (Scottish) in second place. The race walk was won by Sevana Minassian (Victoria University) in a good time of 29:52 with Diane Isherwood (Valleys United) next in 32:37 with Johnny Hines (Scottish) next across just 1 second later. Overall, there was excellent racing tonight with many close sprint finishes evidence of this. Special congrats to Don MacKay (who won a personal battle and had a huge 1 minute PB) and also young Luke McDermott who kicked it tonight and went under the magical 20min barrier. Sorry, I can't mention everyone’s achievements – suffice to say there were many highlights both tonight and over the season of races.

Thanks to all officials over the series of races – especially our stalwarts Dan (starter), Bob, Kathryn, Todd and David plus many others who have stepped in to help ensure the club (Wellington Scottish) is supported in bringing these events to the Wellington running/walking community. Thanks also to The Loaded Hog for an incredible home base which is very inviting after a race – evidenced by the support shown for the weekly Spot Prize draw and a complimentary beverage after each race.

It was especially fitting that our guest selector made some appropriate selections for the special prizes on offer at the conclusion of the 2006 series. The two Pauls – Paul Homan and Paul Compton both received a well-deserved dozen stubbies for their incredible participation. Both have run all 10 races since 1 Jan 2006 and both have clearly improved their performances immensely over the last three months. Gabrielle O’Rourke took away the most improved $100 Loaded Hog Gift Voucher (lucky number 14 of 42 eligible participants) and another solid supporter (and most improved qualifier as well) Clare Sutton was the recipient of the other $100 Loaded Hog best supporter gift voucher – having missed only 3 of the 10 races. John Palmer took away the treasured Lifestyle Sports – 53 Willis Street $50 weekly spot prize voucher.

Finally, a HUGE THANK YOU to all the participants within the inaugural Waterfront series of races – without the support from Wellington’s runners and walkers we could not have made a decree that the series is a success. It was also great to watch the replay of the race on the big screen afterward and perhaps this can be made a regular feature next season.

And so that’s it for a while as we move on to our Harrier Winter season – you are all warmly welcomed to come along for a run with us (no commitment). I would like to think everyone who has raced in our series can be termed friends of Scottish and you will be made welcome if we do get the pleasure of your company for a run sometime in the future.

Check out the Scottish website calendar if you ever wish to seek us out – we’ll be running somewhere in or around Wellington.

One last thing – mark down Tuesday, 8 August 2006 in your diaries – that’s race 1 in our new Spring series (just four months away). We will be back!

Jim Kerr, Race Series Organizer

5k series

Wellington Scottish Athletics Club, PO Box 6239, Te Aro, Wellington 

Clubhouse, Prince of Wales Park (map), Salisbury Terrace, Mt Cook