Waiwhakareke Random Relay 2023 Results

Report by Harry Coles

This was my first time attending the random relay, and with what was to come, I was glad I turned up.

Teams of three needed to be created with runners choosing to run 1, 2, or 3 laps. With 27 Hawks, it worked out well to have 9 in each distance. Lucie split the teams into their threes, and all teams looked pretty even except one questionable team, which included both Peter Moorefield and John Crane, two of the fasted old blokes in the club. However, we were all reassured that John was coming back from injury so it should be okay.

I was happy in Team 2 with Sandra and Helen; we were in with a strong chance.

With the closeness of the teams, this race was going to come down to tactics. This was the first year teams could run their laps in any order, meaning you could have strategic gaps between laps, an opportunity Dave Gunn bravely turned down. Our team opted for a 3,3,2,2,1,3 tactic. Other formations included a 3,2,3,1,2,3 as well as the classic 1,2,2,3,3,3.

With a few of the speedsters starting, there was pressure to start fast and fast it was, it was a tough two laps, but at least I could rest for 3 laps before my final lap.
The race certainly made a great watching, with the lead constantly swapping between teams. That’s until the “injured” John Crane started running and his solid pace soon saw his team in a healthy lead with Peter “sub 3 marathon” Moorfield up next. The competition for 1st place was over. However, it was still very close with the rest of the field. As we were approaching the final handovers, the rain was falling, and everyone but time keeper Lucie was sheltering in the barn, listening for shouts that their teammate was coming. Sandra came in fast, giving me a great opportunity and motivation to catch those in front. I went 100%, passing a few on the hill before Aimee made it very hard work to pass her in the final 500m. Along with Helen’s and Sandra’s efforts, this helped to secure 3rd place for our team, not too far behind 2nd place. The rest of the field was very close behind. So, except for the one stacked team , the teams were very well selected, and it made for a very entertaining race.

Congratulations to the winners, team three, and thank you to all those who helped put on this thrilling event.

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