Winter Trail Run Series 18K  - February 23, 2008

G’Day 

Sunday morning and it is raining again, we got lucky yesterday up at Blue Jay; must be our good living. Oh yes, it was very cool for us standing around at the finish line, but once the runners started to come in things warmed up.

Another good turn out for the third race in the series, all 109 starters finished including a few first timers to the trails. By all accounts everyone had a good run. My good mates Steve and Annie did start early to ensure the trail markings where still up after Fridays down pour. Actually took us 3 hours to mark the course on Friday, didn’t see one mountain bike person, but several were out on the course race day, all seemed to be good folks.

My good mate Kevin again brought the magic Starbucks supply, which everyone appreciated, including the raffle winners, I know he will be running the 21k, he wants his sweatshirt. They will be available to all who have completed all four races after the next run. I think I made enough race shirts…. for those interested in buying one for a family member etc, just ask, only 10 bucks…. That nearly buys me 3 bottles of red from TJs. Fleet Feet Sports and Mike at E-Gel still support our races, so lets make sure we support them. Bill and Sands again never missed a runner; there will be some form of probation for those finishers who do not display their bib number when crossing the finish line! Thanks to all my mates who just join in and help. Maybe I will need some help with the Old Goats 50 and 50k on April 12, just call or email me if you can make yourself available for duty.

As for the race itself, Bill McDermott and I came close to guessing the finish time, after we had been out on the course to redirect the runners. Christian Haymes turned the tables on Dean Dobberteen, having come in second in the 15k, he was real happy with his strong finish and a good time. Dean was only 54 seconds behind to take second. Darren Cox just couldn’t stay with the younger blokes in front, but was only 14 seconds behind to place third overall. My girl Michelle Barton again won the women’s race and 7th overall isn’t too shabby for the 36- year old mum. Lisa O’Leary again came in second as she did 2 weeks ago and Rufus Schneider was real happy taking third place at 47 years of age. Must say Jeff Wong had a good run coming in 4th overall at nearly 50…. Old is good! All the age group winners were happy, hope those who were not able to stay got their medals…. I do have some from the previous races also, going cheap! Jonathan Felix won the youngest finisher and will be back as will me old mate Tom Pontac, he arrived at the finish line with wife about midnight! Just-a-note to all runners. I must lock the gate at the end of the black top when I leave, so please remove all vehicles from Lower Blue Jay, thanks. That doesn’t mean you can’t go run more miles on the trails.

One more race to go ladies and gentlemen, how time passes. I hope everyone is enjoying their day in the woods, I know I do, lets make the final race a bloody beauti, those anting to bring more goodies including cream cakes, is fine. Don’t forget the OCTR, I do appreciate their support. Most importantly bring ye best smile.

Lots of Love BAZ

PS. I did have a visitor at Blue Jay when I was packing the van, a large gray fox, four legged one of course. I invited him to share my apple and a cold one, but he declined, probably a female!

Entry forms for the OLD GOATS 50K & 50 miler are available.... bazhawley@sti.net