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Loaded Hog 5k Race, Spring Series, Race 1, Queens Wharf, 7 August 2007

Welcome back to racing on Wellington’s waterfront. 70 participants fronted for our first race (of nine) in Series One for Spring 2007. The light southerly that prevailed was perfect – providing a generous tail wind on the way home. Whilst darkness set in, the artificial light provided a great setting for the twilight run. It will no doubt get better as each week passes.

Walkers – First across the line was Jane Bliekendaal (a new walker to the series from Trentham United) in a good time of 30:23. She was followed by fellow clubmate Andrew Shelley (who took first place for the men) in a time of 31:23. John Hines (Scottish) took 32:54 to place third overall (second male) with his clubmate John Leonard third in 34:10. Second woman home was Leeane Palmer (Scottish) in 36:39 with Hannah Minot taking third place in 36:57.

Runners – 18-year-old Ryan Woolley of Scottish claimed victory in his first ever Loaded Hog outing (choosing to by-pass last Saturday’s NZ Cross Champs in Dunedin) and recorded a very good time of 16:24. Second placing went to Carl Daucher (also of Scottish) with a time of 16:40 – not bad for his first race of the season – with third place going to Hayden Shearman who also posted a very good time of 16:48. Thanks to stalwart coach/mentor/guru Steve Plowman, Hayden also recently joined Scottish and gave them the trifecta this evening in the men’s race.

The Scottish women tried very hard to repeat that trifecta but were thwarted in their efforts by a very good run from young Piret Klade – a specialist Orienteering and Rogaine eventer who capably represented NZ in age grade events not so long ago. It would appear she is equally adept in a 20 minute run as she is in an off-road 5 hour plus run. For the record, evergreen Scottish runner Bernie Portenski returned to the waterfront course to take line honours for the women this evening with a time of 18:59. I gather from her actions at the conclusion of the run that she was happy with the effort. Sadly, if she had waited for the prize-giving, she would have also claimed a Loaded Hog spot-prize voucher for her efforts. Second home was young Aubrey Begley (also of Scottish and also coached by Steve P) comfortably under 20 minutes in a time of 19:50 and next runner home (taking third) was Piret Klade, also under 20 minutes in a time of 19:53. For the record, a very happy Michele Allison took that 4^th spot in 19:59.

It was great to see the support of these races from Scottish and fellow Harrier Clubs – all preparing for the forthcoming Welly Road Champs (in two weeks' time) and ultimately the NZ Road Relay Champs to be held in Timaru on the first Saturday in October.

Thanks to all the Scottish members who officiated this evening's race – Dan Powell (starter and chief time judge), Bruce and Noeline Perry, Senior Men A squad members Glenn Hughes, Caleb Milne, Scott Ferguson (turnaround official also), Joseph Bulbulia along with hard-working Scottish General Manager Todd Stevens.

Great to be back and have the continued support of The Loaded Hog (as naming rights sponsor) as well as continued support from Lifestyle Sports – Tawa Dressmart Mall for spot prizes.

We have 14 minutes of video footage which will be played from next week onwards – after the race has concluded – as a little added value to the event. Clips will be available should runners, walkers wish to take a more indepth look at their race style, technique, biomechanics, etc.

So until next week – please spread the word for this event and we look to an even bigger field for Tuesday, 14 August 2007 – same time, same place, of course!

Jim Kerr
Race Organiser
Wellington Scottish Athletic Club 

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