Caboolture (July 2009) Race Director’s Report
Caboolture Historical Village National 48hr and State 24hr Run/walk Event.
Thursday evening saw a number of competitors and the Historical Village’s President and wife enjoy a delicious three course carbo loading Pre-Event Dinner while mingling and chatting. This is a social way to meet before the hard work starts in the morning.
The evening allowed us all to meet our Japanese visitor Norio Ito, who just sat and listened for he found our conversation too rapid & confusing.
Friday’s weather was just great. With all seven of the competitors toeing the line Roger, the President, sent them on their way to the traditional ringing of the old cow bell.
In the first couple of hours Tim was strolling around leading the field comfortably. But sadly, troubled with a bad dose of flue Tim slowed during the fourth hour allowing the field to gather in what he had previously achieved.
Norio consistently travelling at around 10kph took the lead from Tim. Running very up right and with sense of the hours ahead, Norio was proving worthy of International representation. While this man, hour after hour continued circulating with no fault, his competitors behind kept coolheaded noticing the endurance & stamina within him.
Excitement rose on the seventh hour when Ron Schwebel & Norio were on equal number of laps. Ron, taking a rest allowed Norio to continue leading the field with Collin Brooks keeping them both honest in third place followed by the hardened competitor & gentleman, Tony Collins. Another great supporter of ultra events, Allan Staples was circulating steadily, along with John Timms who now runs in support of Prostate Cancer after overcoming the disease himself. While this was going on Tim sadly was sleeping.
The hours passed without any change.
Ten 24hr competitors (consisting of two ladies & a walker) were now on the track, along with Tim after a lengthy sleep.
Jason Dunn was setting a rapid pace out front, wanting a fast 100km time. David Kennedy was in second place, running slightly more conservatively in front of Michael Lovric. Jason completed the 100km within 9hours, while Shaz Scholz finished her 100km within the 11th hour and Justin Scholz within the 12th hour. During the excitement of the 100km achievers, our champion race walker, Peter Bennett was displaying his skill moving steadily around the course. Michelle Thompson was circulating comfortably before blisters developed, slowing her somewhat. Mysteriously they settled but for unknown reasons she left the track, not returning till the finish. Graeme Best, also starting steadily, found some discomfort which caused him to retire from the track during the 11th hour.
During the 24hour venture, the 12hour event was started. It consisted of 5 men and 2 ladies. This event contained two recognized world champions, our 1st winner and record holder Martin Fryer, and Susannah Harvey-Jamieson. Martin took off, at around 12kph. Malcolm Gamble & Michael Murrell kept in touch with each other with only a few laps separation. It was only in the last hour that Malcolm found a reserve of energy to pull away while the others Eric and Chris challenged each other. Susannah continued on, smiling as she passed but sadly Michelle Warren had a troubled night, preserving onto the finish.
Still going, Norio’s lack of sleep was showing while Ron’s refreshed appearance was gaining momentum.
3am Sunday saw the start of another three competitors, Tina, Alun and Lindsay in the 6hr event, while at 6am Carla decided to go for a training run while husband Chris was out doing the 12hrs.
Ron slowly wore down Norio. Michael gained on David in the 24hr. Martin performed brilliantly in the 12hr while Malcolm & Michael challenged each other. In the 6hr Alun dominated with both Lindsay and Tina troubled with injuries but battling through to the finish. While Carla’s last minute decision ran for the 3hrs as a training run for a future event.
After measuring the final meters of each competitors, putting them into the computer and showers were had, presentations were started.
Special thanks were expressed to Norio for his travelling from Tokyo to compete. His goal was to better his own personal best, that I think he did. During this time, we gave him a koala holding an Australian flag. He was enjoyable to have visit, a gentleman.
All formalities completed competitors were thanked for supporting the event and wished safe returns.
Thanks go to supporting companies – Healthworld with Endura, Caboolture Sports Club, Woolworth Morayfield, CJ’s Pastries Caboolture, Coca Cola, and Twisted Arm Hotel
Thanks are forwarded to Francis Harvey and Caboolture Running Club for their participation in lap scoring and to other people who also helped with the laps.
Big thanks to Betty my wife for all the hours cooking and serving the meals through the event and at the Pre-Dinner Night.
To the Society, thanks for allowing competitors & friends to come and go while using your track.
In appreciation, a cheque for $1,350.00 was handed to the President.
Many thanks again to all competitors, supporters, business help, volunteers & officials.
Please tell your friends and hope to see you all in 2010. The exact dates are 30th 31st July, 1st Aug 2010
Thank you
Geoff Williams
Race Director