Runs 784, 785 and 786

It has been a few weeks since I have found the time to sit down and write about what has been happening with the River Runners, so here goes.

Run 784

With only two runners this morning, there were big points up for grabs. Paul ran early and then took on the time-keeping duties for James.

In the end, Paul managed to take out the win this week, adding 17 points to his total, while James took home six points for second place.

Neither runner was within 15 seconds of their personal best time, so there were no bonus points awarded.

Run 785

There were five starters for this week's run, with Nada running early and then doing the time-keeping duties.

Atsuko was the first person home, ahead of Dave in second place. Jozica and Stephen were fairly close in third and fourth places respectively. Once her handicap was added, Nada was the final runner to complete the course.

Again, there were no PBs recorded and nobody finished within 15 seconds of their PB, so no extra points were awarded.

Run 786

It was a wet morning for this week's run along the banks of the Birrarung-Yarra through Warrandyte, with five starters taking part. Thanks again to Nada for once more taking on the time-keeping duties.

Dave took on the shorter, unhandicapped 2 km distance this week. In the longer distances, Stephen was the first person home, ahead of Monica in second place. Nada came home in third place, with Atsuko the final runner to complete the course.

There were no PBs recorded and nobody finished within 15 seconds of their PB this week, so there were no extra points awarded.

Next week's run will be on Sunday 4 October, with the Warrandyte Market on Saturday. The timer will begin at 7:30 am.

New runners and walkers are welcome at any stage during the season.

Runs 782 and 783

Run 782

It was the final run of Season 50, with seven runners taking part in a mass start . With everyone starting together, the handicaps were kept secret until after the run so that no one would know where they had placed.

Many thanks to Nada for taking on the time-keeping duties.

Once the handicap adjustments were added, Stephen took first place, just five seconds ahead of James in second. Paul finished third, followed by Atsuko in fourth. Nada, Sandi and Jozica completed the field.

There were two PBs recorded in the final run. Stephen took 23 seconds off his previous PB, while James took 10 seconds off his best time. Stephen's PB was particularly well timed, coming in the final run of the season and earning him the maximum 20 points.

Run 783

It was a great morning for our weekly run along the banks of the Birrarung-Yarra through Warrandyte, with excellent weather making for ideal running conditions. There were eight starters this week, and we thank Atsuko for doing the timing before heading out to run afterwards herself.

Paul was first across the line, just one second ahead of James in second place. Stephen took out third place, followed by Dave only seconds later once the handicap adjustments were made. Atsuko came home in fifth place ahead of Nada, with Jozica and Sandi completing the field.

With eight starters, we held our random number draw for a pair of socks. The number drawn was 3, which means Steve takes home the socks this week.

After the run, we had a few awards to present. Firstly, we congratulated Sandi on completing her 50th run today, which is a fantastic achievement. Well done, Sandi, on reaching this milestone!

We also announced the top runners for Season 50. The winner was Stephen, who finished with 145 points from 13 runs out of the 18 runs in the season. He had seven wins and finished the season with another win in the final run. To make it even better, he also recorded a PB, earning the maximum 20 points for that run.

James came in second with 126 points from 13 runs, including five wins. He also recorded a PB in the final run of the season.

It all came down to that last run, with either Stephen or James able to take out the season win. A great way to finish a very competitive season! Congratulations to Stephen on taking the season win, and well done to James on a very close second place.

Next week's run will be on Saturday 12 September, with the timer starting at 7:30 am.

New runners and walkers are welcome at any stage during the season.