20 May 2012
The crowds are every bit as big as they appear on the TV but the start is far better organised than it was a few years ago. "Faster club runners" which seemed to mean anything up to 42 mins for men had a start pen just behind the elite runners, while "the masses" weren't allowed across the start line for another 30s. I was the official 40 minute pacer complete with lollipop signs towards the front of the Orange wave. It was all rather fun and I kept Katy and Graham in sight for most of the race as they became "the pacer's pacers". I encouraged my posse to go with the trademark late surge by Katy and this brought us in just under 39.50 on the clock.
A great race between Andy Whittingham and Mike Hill brought them both PBs. Katy continued her excellent form with a sub 40 although was somehow pipped by the pacer on chip time.
As I walked back from returning the pacer signs the next wave was just starting and it was tempting to go round again. Now there's a thought for next year.
1 HAILE GEBRSELASSIE 00:27:39
121 MIKE HILL 00:36:17
123 ANDY WHITTINGHAM 00:36:20
183 MARK BALE 00:37:45
286 GRAHAM SCREAWN 00:39:09
316 ROB DOWNS 00:39:24
319 KATY GREEN 00:39:25
675 ED HICKLING 00:41:32
1099 PAUL NORRIS 00:43:01
3898 SALLY JOHNSTON 00:47:57
10194 CHARLOTTE GODFREY 00:54:40
11059 LEANNE BYRNE 00:55:31
Rob
The records do show Angus and this should be followed for any handicapping, but this was actually an equally great PB for Mike Hill – so he has to be loaded with a big handicap too! I saw Mark Bale, also running under an alias, and I think he came in at 37:45. Andrew Whittingham is back from injury it seems, with 36:20.
Not quite sure why Janet was showing as WRC, must have been a bit distracted when entering.
Graham
Well done everyone-no bad weather to complain about this time! This is also my PB and so it shows how much WRC has made me into a better runner so thanks to everyone who has helped me on the journey. Here’s to sub 55 mins next year! 🙂
Ha would love to claim that time…But I cant, it was Mike running in my name.. Angus