Did I really send a message to the Chief of Security last week to ask him to open the bridge to Donaupark a little earlier this year because of the nice weather ? Today we had 3 degrees, cold wind and rain. Comeback of the day: Ann's first mile race since March 2002 (before baby and Zurich).
The 1st VICRunners Games were opened today with the mile competition, 6 men's and 4 ladies' teams registered. We missed the Austrian Mission team, however. The following results list shows the ranking separate for ladies and men. Similar to the rating in the IAG, the rankings are added for the teams and the team with the lowest sum is first etc.
In a well-balanced race (13 ladies, 13 men) participants once more demonstrated the new popularity of the mile distance and we could again welcome some new talents. Gulab managed to run the mile under 5 minutes, the best VICRunners time since 10 years and he jumps to no. 5 in the eternal best list.
Thirty-two athletes (a new record on this distance !) strained their lungs in the first mile race of the season, our timers were under stress but did an excellent job. Again some significant improvements could be recorded despite the disturbing wind.
Today's mile was not only the first competition for Graeme after his severe knee operation but also the first appearance for Natalia and Hilario in a VICRunners event. Seven personal bests were accomplished under perfect autumn weather conditions.
Just in time the heavy rains stopped, and even the fact that a small lake had to be crossed during today's mile race did not prevent 11 runners to set up new PRs ! Again there were more female than male milers - a very interesting development.