April 2009: Trip to Sydney
By Malcolm Ballantine
Malcolm wrote this in October for our end of year newsletter. But because that newsletter never got printed, this story missed publication. I felt however that it was such a good read that it was still worthwhile to have it in here.
Ever wondered why they make you meet at the airport so early when you are travelling overseas?
That’s so people can go home and get the correct passport.
Yep it happened to a nameless soul who paid a fortune in Sheriffs fines for that little indiscretion.
The Big Day arrived and the group mustered at Napier Airport 6am to fly out to
Sydney and the Blackmore’s running Festival. A quick one hour flight to Auckland and then over to the International terminal. A chance to stock up on the compulsory Duty Free purchase for the daily “Happy Hour” at our Sydney Hotel.
The plane was full but our crew made themselves known to the Air NZ Crew who all wished us an enjoyable visit and best wishes in the Marathon.
Self-appointed Sheriff, Graham Holt was challenged by Customs staff who wanted him to clean up the town while he was here. And who was it that was caught on Border Patrol for trying to sneak in a couple of extra Cans of Steinlager.
Arrived at the superb Meriton Apartments right in Downtown Sydney. Rooms were great and the views fantastic, especially from the 48th floor – my room! It had everything from indoor pools, spas and a gymnasium. After getting used to the complicated lift system we discovered our other home across the road, the Shakespeare Hotel which was an ideal spot for an $8.00 meal. Now we’re not saying we are cheap but funds had to be reserved for shopping and fines. Yes there was copious fining at happy hour each evening.
Next morning, it was down to pick up our race packs at the Blackmore’s Running Festival HQ on Circular Quay. We were very impressed with displays and merchandise. No such thing as spot prizes or goodie bags with product however, just the ankle timer and instructions on the event.
We then had two days to relax, do some last minute training which for the ladies meant speeding through the shopping malls and Paddy’s Market and the blokes put in the odd arm exercise at a local. Whichever, everyone was able to enjoy Sydney at its best.
Some it could be said enjoyed it a little too much and the Deputy Sheriff and his posse were asked to surrender their drinking weapons on the monorail. It appears they have rules about that sort of thing. Another fine or four.
Saturday was a very hot 35 degrees and we were pleased we were starting at 6.30am the next day, as we were sure it would be cooler then!
It was up at 4.30am to catch the train and be at the start line by 6.30 am. Some people were so keen they set their alarm for 3.30 am .The sheriff didn’t catch that culprit. We were just heading out as the young ones were heading home. I think some of those ladies must have been marathon training too. You should have seen their blisters! Joff and Lynette could sleep in however as the Marathon didn’t start until 7.30, while the 10ks started at 8.00.
Leanne’s advice was not to take track suits etc just wear event gear as it was too hard to reclaim your property at the finish. She knew, she had done the event before. We also wondered why she opted for the 10 k and not the half.
The crowd was huge; I understand 32,000 took part in the three events.
Eleven hardy Souls line up for the start of Sydney’s Half Marathon.
See the sign where they lined up "Slow section".
Surely a signal they were not out to break any records!
Organisation was excellent except for the Port-a-Loo man (Kenny?) who delivered a hundred or so Port-a-Loos to the start line the night before and took the keys home with him!
10000 athletics wanting a nervous one before the start got the message. “Boys use the hedges, Girls hang on!”
Aussie reaction? Rip the doors open! There are lots of cheap porta-loos for sale in Sydney right now!
We started on the North Shore under the Harbour Bridge. When the gun went you forgot about walking there were thousands all starting at once. You would be trampled so I became a runner for a while. Aussies don’t walk anyway. Across the bridge, which was surprisingly flat, but the view great, and then down the expressway all of which had been closed for the event.
The Big crowd began to thin out a bit and then the sun came out it was very hot.
A real fun event. It’s nice to see the locals who turn out to cheer their support. In Sydney however they congregate at Cafes and tap their Latté cups when you go past.
It was an out and back course and I was just past the 6k mark when the leading African runner came back. He was like a gazelle. I guess I was 9ks behind him and I had been going 45 minutes. Forget 1st prize.
Drink stops every 3 ks were a welcome sight. Don’t worry about the water bottle they look after you, but I did see a few badly dehydrated people getting serious first aid in an Ambulance. I can’t understand why they ignore the drink stations, they can’t blame anyone. You could be excused for thinking it had snowed white cups for 200m around each water stop.
Soon The Opera House came into sight and the huge crowd who gathered to welcome me home hadn’t noticed I had finished. The event was great, well run, by the organizers that is, and if you haven’t done it before mark it down as a must do. You will love it.
Congratulations to Kathy and Gordon who got this one on the road.
Lots of fun with some real nice people!
