Winter Trail Run Series 12K Results - January 27, 2007

G'Day.

Well here we go again, it was really magic to be back in Blue Jay with all those smiling faces. Thanks for the welcome back, from the old farts to all the new runners to Blue Jay. We were lucky the weather was nice, although the usual complainers were back! Marking the course the day before reminded me how tough it is, especially if you don't go out slow the first few miles! Poor Linda Kassmen found out the hard way, that staying upright is good, her scares will tell the story, and she even refused medical help from yours truly.

As for the race itself, 57 runners listened intently to all the instructions at the starting line, sorry to say 3 people missed because they came late... no worries they made it in the results. I had to go out onto the course to redirect the route and was returning when I heard footsteps pounding somewhere in the forest. I was just in time to direct Eric Frome onto the final turn. I remember running that fast!!!

Before I made it back to the finish line about 5 runners had finished. Lucky for me my good mates were there to greet Eric crossing the line, under one hour I might add. Amazing! The famous local Rob McNair was real happy to finish only 7 minutes back to take second overall. Being twice Eric's age was his excuse. Kyle Huang took third just seconds in front of Brian McDermott. Brian's pop Bill came in sixth overall, not bad for a 55 year old, good training for his Catalina Marathon.

Lovely Michelle Barton just has it all, speed, endurance and hair! Very happy to win, but was only 30 seconds in front of Ann Hall. 42-year-old Sherry Kilersby was 3^rd and smiling. Congrats to all the award winners, including 10-year-old Max Stein and the oldest bloke out there on the course, Mr. Malewicki. I will increase the award as we get more runners and it helps me when you enter early, thanks to all who entered all the 4 races. Michelle and her dad did good work with helping attract runners and everyone enjoyed the detailed web site. All this tech stuff is beyond me! My good mate Bill Ramsey did well with our friendly raffle.  Hope you enjoyed the spoils thanks to our local sponsors: Crank Sports and Fleet Feet Sports in Laguna Niguel. Those runners who had to leave early missed out!

Must thank Bill and Sandy Johnson for helping at the start and then going out onto the course to remove all my ribbons. I did notice Rob got an extra loop in, too old to know any better! I am really happy to be back in the Cleveland National Forest, lets hope we get more street runners, they just don't know what they are missing, right! See you on February 10^th, bring the smiles and stay healthy, I do try to make each race special. Don't forget to tell a friend. 
Love BAZ