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Handicapper's Report - January 10k Handicap
Very oppressive conditions greeted all our participants, from our first away through to the finality of the event and beyond. We must thank Chris, Bert and Zenita, and Peter and Brian, for their super great work on the water stations, and to Di and Nadza doing their icicle thing at the finish line. You are the best. The runners truly appreciate it.
We had 59 starters. This is our best January and New Year number for at least the last 10 years (39 last year). We had 13 having their first run. The numbers were buoyed with visitors from abroad (3) and interstate (1) who contacted the club during the week after finding us online, and requested the opportunity to join us. Thank you for choosing Westies. Another 3 stepped up from the 3.5k, and another 6 showed up on the day, including a couple to do their first 10k. Given the conditions, what a day to do so. The conditions took their toll. We had 4 dnfs – a record – and in so saying, 2 (new to 10k) made it to within 8k, and 2 regulars succumbed to injuries. We have now had 101 start the 10k in the 5 runs this series.
Our first four to finish were visitors or qualifiers returning from injuries. The next to finish was Lisa Wedgwood running her 3rd qualifier, and the only participant in the field to return a pb, by near 4 minutes. Lisa has big goals for May19 and the boys in her family are getting her in training. Well done Lisa.
A special mention to one of our new starters, Isabel Gomez, who moved through the field, and past Lisa, to be close to heading all home, but missed a turn, and ran extra ks. Directions given on course may have contributed to this. You were running great Isabel. We hope you will join us again.
Next to cross the mats, and only ‘qualified' runner to better handicap, was our trophy winner, Paul Moro, running his best time since March'18. Congratulations Paul, a great run.
Nearly a minute behind was 2nd place Chandra Gurung, with his best since September'18. Coming in officially 3rd another minute behind was Eamon McCann. Well done boys.
Most of the field obviously returned times below handicaps. This was truly influenced by the conditions. 28 degrees before 7:30am. High humidity. Extremely muggy. All participants displayed great grit in having a go because we knew beforehand that it was going to be beyond warm. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who took part.
Thank you to those who helped set-up and clean-up, to our magnificent volunteers on drink stations, and to Davo for chalking up the course, and for the great photos. Thanks to Rob E for getting the field away while I was attending to our newcomers. We just wouldn't have the successful event without all of you.
And some trivia – the water cups we are now using are recyclable. We recycled 200 cups on Saturday.
Handicap Results:
1st: Paul Moro – 57:22
2nd: Chandra Gurung – 49:16
3rd: Eamon McCann – 46:56
Fastest on the day:
Males:
Gibson Sananikone – 42:50
Steve Pappas – 43:29
Paul Webb – 45:39
Females:
Lilian Molesworth – 45:04
Louise Noble – 45:53
Pnina Tofler – 47:15 – from LA
Juniors (under 16):
Jack Wedgwood – 48:22
There are 6 reports attached.
Winners of the random draws:
were #19 Michelle Harvey, #24 Grant Moroney & #31 Danni Moro. The lucky ticket draws were won by Trevor Ching & Sue White. You must be present at the draws to be a winner!
Thanks everyone for another great morning at Westies.
Vic.