Running Wild Race Report
Event: Narrowneck short course (14km / 20km)
Date: 18 November 2017
You’d be lucky to find anyone who can remember the last time rain and fog held off for the Narrowneck night race. Somehow though, the grimmer the conditions the more fun this particular race seems to be. And as usual, Running Wild racers seemed to embrace the wet and cold and continue make this event – which for many is the highlight of the season – a memorable night of trail running.
The ladies 14 km race saw Katherine Costello continue her winning ways – following her effort in the Hume and Hovell 100km only 4 weeks prior – placing first in 1:18:49. The following two runners (Mia Rose and Sarah Fischer) had to fight all the way for second and third place respectively with places second through to sixth finishing only 5 minutes apart. Congratulations ladies.
The men’s short race was a triumph of youth over experience with young Harry Fitzpatrick claiming first place (1:03:56) ahead of his two closest – more seasoned – competitors. Harry has earned bragging rights at home for 12 months by beating his dad by the slimmest of margins – 1 second. And Paul Waddell, coming in third, looks to have a few more podiums in him yet. Well done men.
The first four place getters in the ladies 20 km event pushed each other from go to whoa, finishing a mere 3 minutes apart. Brook Martin (1:47:20) timed her run well to pass Melanie Shields close to home to claim first place with Melanie holding on for second less than a minute ahead of Lorraine Cruickshank. Great running ladies.
Hamish Macdonald (1:19:49) led from start to finish in the men’s 20 km race finishing 2 minutes ahead of Dominic Perry in second with Matty Abel finishing third. Congratulations gentlemen.
Given the unique situation of race registration for this event being at a different location to the race start, RW would also like to thank all participants for your cooperation throughout the registration and transportation process. Your assistance goes a long way to ensuring that the race starts on time.
As always of course, RW events wouldn’t work without the wonderful support of our volunteers. Narrowneck requires more volunteer resources than most events, so a huge debt of gratitude goes to all those that helped out until late into Saturday night.
Additional thanks and appreciation goes the way of those that make Running Wild races the best value for money on the planet….namely:
- Lucas Trihey and his team from Event Safety Services who offer tremendous support with their first aid service, knowledge and experience;
- Peter and Simona from Snax on Trax are amongst the first to arrive and last to leave to ensure everyone gets their fill of pre-race coffee and post-race nutrition;
- The Glenbrook Greengrocer for supplying fruit for every event;
- Chris and the team at XThomas photography for capturing all the action;
- Murray and the team at Tempus Sports Timing for accurate race times and results;
- Blue Mountains City Council;
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service;
- WaterNSW; and
- Department of Lands.
Running Wild Membership
Don’t forget that you can become a Running Wild member, and by doing so you could potentially save more than $100 on race registrations in one season alone!
It’s worth remembering that RW is a not-for-profit organisation whose objective is to organise excellent trail-running events that cater for all levels of runner. Our events are the best way to meet a wonderful group of like-minded people, as well as enjoy some of the most stunning trails in the Blue Mountains. Annual membership is only $40 and you can register online.