Loaded Hog 5k Spring Series, Race Nine, 3 October 2006  

Again we had the weather gods delivering exactly as requested – light south easterlies with rain ceasing before the race and coming in later in the evening – great for the 82 participants in the final 5k race of the series. Next week sees Race One of Series 2 – commencing half an hour later, though.

Fastest around the course tonight was young Scottish athlete Tim Hodge with an equally impressive performance as Terefe Ejigu last week – albeit Tim’s 15:12 was slower, but he did it all on his own out in front. Many onlookers commented at the finish that he looked to be doing it so easily too. Next home was Ben Revell in 15:36 – which we understand was a time trial for a place in the Scottish A Team for this weekend’s National Road Relay Champs. Good luck here Ben! Fastest woman around the course to night was Fleur Walter in 19:17 – this looks like a series PB and that on top of competing in the Scorching Duathlon’s middle distance race just two days ago.

Quickest race walker tonight was Ian Morton, stopping the clock at 30 minutes even. Next to finish was Leeane Palmer in 37:35 with 3^rd home going to Daphne Jones in 39:01.

Thanks to all Scottish officials tonight – Dan (we say thank you and goodbye/best wishes to Dan for next three weeks as he trips to Hawaii as a support crew for Michele Allison at the Masters World Triathlon Champs?), Bob (deputy starter in Dan’s absence), Todd, Paul and Stephen all helped with recording and marshalling tonight.

In addition to the usual weekly spot prize draw tonight, we made The Loaded Hog Special Incentive prize draws for all participants who had competed in five races or more during this series. After tonight’s race, 57 regulars were included in the special prize draw. Lucky recipients were Katie Elkin, another who backed up from Sunday’s duathlon, was first drawn prize-winner and next up M-co sponsored competitor Alec Mladenovic scored the second $100 Loaded Hog voucher. Looks as if both will have some friends that they can bring along and partake in some beverages and food – courtesy of The Loaded Hog. Karen Smith, also of M-co connection picked up the $50 Lifestyle Sport – 53 Willis Street voucher, as well as recording a series best time this evening, too.

There were some good PBs recorded tonight with the 20-minute barrier seemingly under a huge assault. Aubrey Begley shattered it for the first time – recording 19:53; followed then by Jonathon Harper (in his second runner’s life) in 19:58 and then Grayson Mitchell (a long-time supporter of our races) posting 19:59 – well done, all of you!  I know you will all savour tonight’s race in your running memories. 

Other series PBs were noted by Pete Kelly - 16:32 (may even be a PB); Adrian Shields (19:49); Karen Gillespie (20:16); Shona Sargisson (20:18); plus I also note our esteemed Mr Scottish Webman Paul Rodway eeked out a one-second series PB – no doubt just in case I was scrupulous in my interpretation when awarding the Most Improved Special Prizes. Of course, we did not worry too much – as in my eyes everyone has improved over the course of the series – so all qualifiers of five races or more were in the draw.

LOST PROPERTY: Last week a white, long-sleeve polyprop top was left behind – small women’s size I detect (as it had a lingering perfume) and tonight a tartan scarf plus a Hallenstein’s large grey (with white bands across chest) jumper. Send me an e-mail if they belong to you – I’ll bring them along next week.

NEXT WEEK, REMEMBER:  REGISTRATIONS FROM 5:30PM  -  WALK STARTS AT 5:45PM  -  RUN STARTS AT 6PM

Thanks to everyone who has participated over the last nine weeks – we hope you have all enjoyed the experience (thanks to all those who have passed on positive feedback to me – really appreciated) and we hope to see you all returning for the next series and more of the same – plus improving sunshine hours as well. But we really can’t complain about the weather.

Jim Kerr, Race Series Organiser

Cumulative results | Autumn series | Loaded Hog page

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

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