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.
At today's 10k qualification run, top-runners and retirees set up some impressing PRs. Christian ran his fastest 10k since May 1993. Feyza was another victim of the Donaupark labyrinth and lost her way in the first lap. We hope to see Tom again soon - he is going back to the States in the next days.
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.
Headlines of this race: Clear victory for our regular guest Peter - Alfred breaks the 40 minutes barrier - Beate improves by 1 minute and makes the VIC Top 10 - Jakov improves his PR by more than 2 minutes - an excellent overall performance by the CTBTO team.
Heavy snowfall last week and high temperatures this week left us with unpleasant muddy lakes in some parts of the course, but nevertheless the regular 10k could be performed.
Their PRs improve the rankings of Beate (now no. 12) and Alfred (no. 63) in the top 100 lists.
Comebacks of the month: Jayne Stringer's first race since 2001; Tom Dolan is in Vienna again until March and joined us once more today.
Even minus 5 degrees and a strong wind could not keep twenty participants from taking part and in particular Alfred, Beate, Wafa and Jakov from setting up PRs. Our stiff-frozen timer Stephen LLOYD was carried to his office after the race and two hours later he could move toes and fingers again.
In order to be among the top runners in a handicap race one has to improve the performance from last year - that's what many participants did and some even set up new PRs. Congratulations ! Mahim ran the first sub-37 10k of a staff member since 1995.