This is the finish of the '6 foot track marahon' with 400 m to go! The 6ft track marathon is a beautiful 45 km run from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves along fire-trails with at least three long, steep climbs. The official cut-off is 7 hrs and I finished in 7:00:29! This is my second attempt at this race and I still have the challenge of getting under this time - maybe next year! In fact, my 'nett time' (measured with a timing chip) was 6:59:39 but it is the 'gun' time that counts. Below is a picture of the '7 hr sweeper'. He ran past me with 10 km to go, but then slowed down and I went past him with about 6.5 km to go. At that point I felt I was easily going to finish within the 7 hr, but I hadn't counted on a very steep descent to the finish line on tired legs and the sweeper went past me again with about 400 m to go! Nevertheless, a good run followed by an enjoyable dinner of pizza and good beer, a very sound sleep and a lazy breakfast on Norton Street the following morning. Many thanks to Jez for his good company and a lift to the start and to Jez and B for their hospitality over a beautiful Sydney weekend.
5 comments:
What's a sweeper doing in a marathon?
The 'sweeper' removes competitors who won't make it on time. If I had been any slower, he would have made me stop at the next water stop and wait for a vehicle (a 'sag-wagon') to collect me. I was so close to the end, however, he let me finish.
BTW did you check out the skiing in New Zealand? It is supposed to be pretty good.
I see... but did he actually run with a broom? Hahaha...
I'm definitely going to check out skiing possibilities in NZ. I've not skied since Ophelia was born - I shall have to learn again with - this time together with Ophelia.
Yes, he runs with a broom! There is a 'sweeper' 30 min behind him who runs with a sickle and is dressed like the Grim Reaper. I've never skied and never been to New Zealand, but it is supposed to be the most beautiful country on earth.
How can anyone run carrying a sickle and wearing a weird robe? Hahahahah.....
Anyway, we're going to the Snow City at the Singapore Science Centre, just to show Ophelia what snow is REALLY like. If she freaks out, we will be going somewhere warmer for our holiday :)
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