'Round the Bay Classic'

Race Report
Saturday 5 January 2002 and the inaugural 'Round the Bay Classic'. A 5.00am start saw 14 runners head off from Lions Park, Gosford and remain in a pack to the first drink stop at Green Point, the proprietor being Brian Dawson. The hills to the second stop at Kincumber (Wayne Rogers) allowed the field to spread a little. The third drinkstop at Bensville was visible from about a kilometre away with signs, fancy dress, lots of people, Mars Bars and musk sticks. Thanks to Oona, Debbie and the crew, the runners wanted to stay and be part of the party!
But on we pressed, the fast guys headed by Paul and Theron had taken off, although there was still a decent pack of 7 runners as we reached Mike Gero's drink stop at Empire Bay. Across the Rip Bridge and finally we were starting to turn the corner, Col Woods stop at Blackwall and an enjoyable run along the waterfront to Woy Woy. Onto Brisbane Water Drive and relieved to be heading for home but look how far it is to Iguana Joes way off in the distance!
Grateful to see Brian Dawson at the sixth drink stop at Koolewong, the field was spreading out and I'm not sure about the others but I was feeling the strain, although the weather was kind and remained fairly mild. If we were grateful to see Brian, it was even better to see Wayne Rogers at the final drinkstop near the railway tunnel at Point Clare, only the bike track to go!

I was still with the Whites however Sonia didn't stick around long and did her normal end of run acceleration trick leaving Carl and myself in her wake.

Finally the finish and a good reception by the large crowd, estimated to be around the 1500 mark. I'm told that Theron and Paul, despite being too quick for a couple of drink stops looked fresh and fit. Christian and John made there own variations to the course but the arrival of Greg Teggart meant 14 finishers from 14 starters, 100%, congratulations to everyone.

Theron was the first to finish and the youngest male, Sonia was first lady, youngest lady, last lady, oldest lady and won her age group! Sadly I was the oldest to finish and Greg was the last to finish, but he seemed to recover very slowly after he died a couple of times on the massage table! Steve Dunn despite having run, assisted with our recovery by providing very welcome massages, thanks Steve. The Kings won both the most runners with the same surname (3) and the most spectators with the same surname (5) except for the Woods who had six.
A great day, thanks to the drink stop proprietors, Gwenda and Bev for the finish and for the support from Trotters.


Regards
Keith King

Results

Theron King

2.48.19

Paul Mahony

2.50.50

Christian Pons

3.08.00

John Graham

3.20.00

Wayne Daly

3.28.55

Steve Cannon

3.37.59?

Craig Riddle

3.38.00

Steve Dunn

3.41.00

Sonia White

3.46.00

Keith King

3.52.00

Carl White

3.52.30

Johnathon King

3.57.15

Chris Hatcher

4.14.59

Greg Tegart

4.19.59

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