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What Happened- An Organiser's ReportRe-write the record books. It's happened again. A new highest-ever level of competitors - 113 at Greenville Park tonight. Plus, even more surprisingly, barring the odd skiff of rain we have had 3 dry evenings in a row to enjoy some fast runs round Belfast parks.Ben's courses made the best possible use of a small area, and the flat, runnable terrain was reflected in the quick results times. Little to no control vandalism also helped competitors' enjoyment (and the organisers' stress levels!). My thanks to the park rangers, the PSNI & Anti Social Behaviour Officers (they're not as bad as they sound) for helping things run smoothly. For the experienced runners amongst you, did you enjoy your first run on an LVO sprintO map? Bill Simpson has been out doing some extensive mapping, and you can enjoy 2 more of his recent productions at Musgrave and Botanic over the next 2 weeks. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many new faces out this evening, and I hope you enjoyed your introduction to the sport. Look at the results section, and also the handicap-based league, to see how you did compared to everyone else and to pick your target for the next time. Any of you unfortunate enough to mispunch (you know who you are, I shan't name names!) has been the recipient of a 15 minute penalty per control. Mistakes will happen, but check your codes carefully when you get there. Particularly next week, when the scale is even larger and the area particularly intricate and interesting. Plenty of flowerbeds to baffle you! It is also very encouraging to see so many people competing each week, and we have the grand total of 27 competitors who have completed 3 or more courses. In the final 2 weeks, they will now have the luxury of being able to drop their lowest scores and maximise their chances of glory! Some major changes to the shape of the league this evening, with some new names at the tops of the tables. In the long course, 5th place on the night was enough to move Philip Stuart into the lead in the league, with Fred Hamond second and Pauline O'Hara the first of the ladies. A lapse of concentration cost Jonathan McCloy dearly, but no doubt he will be keen to drop tonight's score from the books. Another one to watch out for on the long course is Jack Millar. A late arrival meant he had to run the short course at Lady Dixon, which he duly won, and a score of 197 for two long courses is not to be ignored. Harry Millar and Mark Stephens led the way on the Short course this evening. Harry is intent on setting an unassailable lead in the league, just 1 point short of the perfect score, with Jamie Wilson close behind. I'll not do the roll of honour this evening, just a big thanks to everyone who helped out. Well done to Ben on his planning debut, and we look forward to his next offering. See y'all next week. Susan |
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