Tuesday, October 13, 2009

World Masters Star sets the pace at Kirribilli

In (another!) grey and cool afternoon, M35 WMOC Sprint Gold Medalist Nick Barrabel turned up for an early run and carded an excellent 540 point result. Although a few local speedsters had the pedal down, James Lithgow's tough hillclimb didn't do them any favours in trying to upset our early leader. The 'Pork' didn't record times (being in helping mode), but noted Michael 'Chaiman' Free beat Glenn 'Both Barrels' Horrocks in a great run - but still was denied the 100! A cruel world Michael.

The early start proved it's worth with several WMOC competitors dropping by to sample to outing. Although we were hoping this might have been a 'biggie' as a result, many of our local regulars have obviously been caught up in the Masters organising and are yet to debut for the 09/10 season. I guess things will return to normal next week at Eastwood and then at Parramatta. Despite this, we seemed to run up close to 200 starters, again with several first timers and groups throwing tenners at the till. All good.

So although I don't have specific scores to review, we can have a closer look at James' course. First glimpse suggested 600 looked tough, especially when you throw in the tip of McMahons Point, the northern slog to #27 and #9, and Wendy's garden! Michael gave the point a miss, as did many others, sweeping north from #22, through the suits of North Sydney, and over to the Neutral Bay and Ensemble Theatre precincts. Probably have to give the lonely pot award to #9, although I dropped #14 in running a circle via 19, 25, 15, 21, 17, 23 etc. I suspect many others worked this loop.

The Luna Boardwalk caught Waz and has been a known trap for the unwary. Both this water level run, and the opening or finishing along to #11 were spectacular indeed. Sydney always looks great from here and I know many of the overseas runners enjoyed this bit (including the tide washing over the rock platform at number 11!!). So, we didn't get a pot on Kevvies front door, but did enjoy immense variety - and a bit of hilly stuff to torture the ribbons of steel. Everyone is hoping that this outing is just the right tonic for massive performances in the bush this week for the WMOC final.

Unusually, we now have a nine day break before Michael Halmy reawakens the Eastwood map for SSS 09/10 event three. Michael has set many great courses for the series over the years (noting particularly his great runs at Pottery Green) and will no doubt have us on the flog chasing the points in this underused area. There are streets of course, but also plenty of parks and who could miss paying homage to 'Judge Murphy' as we chase the pots in Terrys Creek. With the Masters behind us, summer series addicts will be back on the feeding tube at last. Don't miss it.

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Michael B said...
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