Met up first with Good Guys Richie High and Billy Batt on there warm up before heading over to the start line to see a cast of thousands. Lot of nervous energy around as i snapped away and had a good chat with many from the group. The gun was soon fired and Marty Dent was soon away and basically everyone else was fighting for 2nd spot. Quickly headed over to the 2k mark down the hill and the team were going well although was disappointed when Richie High had to pull the pin with a tight hamstring (told you he was getting old). It was then a quick dash over to the 5.2k mark and didn't have to wait long before the race was about to unfold. First through for the team (and 3rd overall) was Andrew 'Tucks' Tuckey.......Man, how good is this guy, all class. Not far behind (about 8 seconds i reckon) was the Chairman Tom who NEVER runs a bad race in my eyes for 4th overall. A few places later it was Bartles having a good run and B'Grade Binfield (trying to lose his tag) with a super run despite heavy training for Ironman. Skippy Heyden was close by as well before i saw a very 'drunk' wobbly legs(Durante like) J-Fen looking in a world of pain thinking the finishing line couldn't come quick enough. Before him though was Enda and despite no training and even less sleep over the past 7 weeks was PBing with another great run (but really you'd expect nothing less from a man with such a high VO2 Max?). Delighted to see Richie P finally breaking the 19 minute mark after 27 attempts over the years and Mikey Conway claimed his first BIG scalp with a moral victory over Macca Mcclarnon and Slim Sammy Agnew on his way to a 19.05.
Special mention also to 'The Fat Italian Stallion' Micheal Durante who was also back out there after his knee troubles over the years, still looks a machine even if he runs more like a Clydesdale then Stallion these days - didn't see him at the end so just hope he managed to break 30 minutes ?
In the ladies - HuRTS #1 Young Laura showed what a class act she really is on her comeback race and with limited training was still able to hit just over 20 minutes to finish 2nd Female,
It was then over to the Moelis/A.N.Z/ Allens tent courtesy of Enda, Richie and Tom for the post race rundown and reports from all, over a few beers and steak rolls. It wasn't long before Enda was giving it large ones and saying that he is now Number 1 Irish runner in the Country, although Kanser did say he would have smashed him by 20 odd seconds had he run, Billy Batt tried to get Angry Boy Clyde's record by scoffing 8 burgers down in 17 minutes, whilst L.L continued her PB record by getting through 4 bottles of plonk in the time it took her to run the 5.6k race.
Had a good chat with many thoughout the evening on what is a cracker of a night and without doubt in the top 5 gatherings with the team for the year alongside the Presentation night, City to Surf, and Half Marathons that we attend.
Many thanks to Tom, Enda and Richie High for the hospitality for the night and letting me attend the celebrations despite me not running or even in the Corporate world.
Had to leave early as had an early and busy morning on the Thursday but the party looked as if it was just beginning for many and no doubt there were some sore heads around in the offices yesterday.
Look forward to the next BIG BASH that is the HuRTS presentation evening on the 13th December, and even got me wondering ........Did Tucks do enough to get 'Performer of the Year' for his efforts in this race to regain his rightful number 1 crown over the Chairman ? , and did J-Fen ruin his reputation by possibly trying to get Mikey's Under performer award :)
A few photos from last night.
Cheers
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