2007 YOU TUBE Coverage !

   2008 Calendar Download

  Judy's 2007 Road Relay Report
  Why is it that the night before the Road Relay sleep is impossible? You would think that with three long days coming up, the body   would grab every possible chance to get some shut-eye. After several attempts to see if it was 1.45am yet, the clock finally ticked   over to the time and the weekend was underway.
  Most team members were getting themselves ready for a trip to Santa Slim’s Shack at Moorooka or cabbing it to Kangaroo Point to   hitch a ride with Judy, who was hoping the Tomato Man had managed to wake up and get ready for a ride with Elf to Helensvale.
  A quick dash down the highway to Helensvale to be greeted by the sight of yawning, stretching, bleary eyed fellow runners busying   themselves with signs, ropes, water tanks and race numbers.
  “Uncle Phil Hungerford” was grinning from ear to ear – another relay was about to kick-off. Our usual fans, Carol Kinne and Tanya   Jelenkovick were there to wave us, and Justin and Michael, good-bye. I am sure Carol was giving Michael his final warning about   running in these events with a lack of suitable training. (More about that later)
  Santa Slim had spent a couple of hours the night before kitting out our Follow Vehicle so Redman Runners not only had the best back   of lights but the greatest sound system of any team on the relay. Thanks Slim you are a treasure.
  Elf had the mobile bar ready to go. Such a variety on the menu – water spray, cold water, room temp water, ice, water bottle, plastic   or styrene cup and plenty of Service with a Smile during the entire weekend.
  Thanks to Liz Atkin, our Follow Vehicle had spreadsheets the envy of all teams, folders with copies of the Relay Bible and maps of   local areas. Thanks Liz you can always be depended on to do the extra little bits to help make the weekend so successful.
  With the bus loaded and everyone dressed in their red polos, we were set to go. Vivian looked fit and fast and was looking forward   to getting the relay off to a good start for us, and she did.
  After a very fast first leg, Viv handed over to the Red Terror (Justin) and he made good work of running down a number of teams in   front. Mark (Mountain Man) made good work of the hills and continued to mow down all before him. With Liz A, Gary, Peter (The   Legend) and yours truly giving it a good go, we made it into Canungra in record time. Unfortunately, the good luck ran out. Dave   McKenna ended up in the back of an ambulance on his way to hospital. We wish you well Dave, but please come back next year to   finish your weekend of fun and adventure.
  We blitzed it into Beaudesert and continued our great show all the way to Rathdowney. By this stage Justin was keen to know if   Mocha was really going to join us before Boonah or would he have to front the bitumen for a third time in the day. The weather   started to look threatening. Alan Barber sent his second weather report for the day – nasty weather coming. I will bet he was secretly   glad he wised out and was not out there with us. We hit the road with a vengeance and headed to Boonah. Everyone was really   working hard. We were making good progress. The New Kid – Jason gave an outstanding Opening Performance. We hope he   comes back next year. It started to shower but the clouds were really closing in. Would we make it to Boonah? Would Mocha find   us? We found Mocha, thanks to Jo for driving him out there. The Rain Gods must really like Mocha. We all know about his cars and   rain – but his new DS Trainers and rain? It continued with light showers during Mocha’s run and Yours Truly was hopeful this would   last during her last run into Boonah. Not so. 50m after the changeover the heavens opened and it bucketed down. I had new shoes   too and they were red just like Mocha’s but they got wet, really, really, really wet. Thanks to Michael and Mocha for stopping the   car along the way to check that I hadn’t drowned in the potholes.
  The Criterium runners copped the same. It did not seem to bother them. Congratulations to Viv who was the first female home and to   Karyn who was the fourth female. Peter and Tony had fantastic runs, Peter a top 20 finisher and to Liz A and Mary who ploughed   through the downpour to finish in good times.
  The new format on day two proved a winner for Redman Runners. Justin and Paul got us off to a great start – Justin came in in fourth   place with Paul just behind him. Trudy and Karyn kept us in touch with the top group before handing over to Geoff and Gary who   relished the nice downhill section to keep us in the top five teams. They handed over to our Mountaineers – Mark and Peter who   scorched up and down the dippers to get into Mt Alford in the top group. Vivian was waiting patiently for her adventure up the   mountain.
  Once again, Vivian proved herself a true champion. She was the first female to finish and her time will become the record time for that   leg. Well done Viv.
  The long road trip to Killarney was a little nasty in the torrential downpour – thanks Alan for the advance warning, but it was made   easier with a coffee and snack along the way.
  The rain continued to hang around. Once again, it eased off during Mocha’s run – what is it with Mocha and rain???????
  The rest of us put up with a heavier shower or two but it was nice and cooling. The race between Redman and Intraining started to   get serious on this stretch of road. Mocha managed to get in front by the changeover, Yours Truly fought hard to keep the distance   before handing over to Johnny Drysdale who continued to expand the lead. Liz D, Tony, Michael and Liz A all worked hard to keep   us in front.
  We arrived in Downtown Warwick for the 5k Road Race (a new event). Redman Runners did very well. We were still in the top 8   teams. Redman Runners provided the trophy for this event.
  The afternoon’s section got underway with Viv in a close tussle with Bushies. It was neck-a-neck right to the changeover. Justin was   jumping out of his skin with excitement. Mocha was next and the race was on. Everyone had a run in this section. The sky was heavy   and the air was getting very murky. The wind had got up and was quite nasty. Peter got out the lawn mower and mowed down   everyone in sight. Tony held his own and handed over to John who continued to do the same. Mountain Man Mark loved the culverts   full of water and motored through the uphill section. Geoff bored down the hill and gave Mary a good lead into Clifton. Michael and   Jason had great runs handing over to Viv for her final run of the weekend. She did not disappoint. Liz Dooley had a fantastic run,   particularly as her nasty team manager did not tell her the last 80m would be straight up a hill to the finish. The sky opened up and we   were glad it was over for another day.
  Sunday began well but went downhill very quickly. Our criteriums runners were ready for a good go and they did very well,   particularly Geoff A Roberts and Big Gary.
  Meanwhile Justin and Yours Truly were getting ready to kick off the road section. Justin got a great start for his 5.2k but it all went   wrong. Victory and Telstra were out in front of Justin and the Bushies and everyone else was way behind. Unfortunately, the fog was   unbelievable. The first two runners were able to see the turn off. The Police Escort arrived and directed Justin and his group the   wrong way. At the changeover, I was waiting patiently to begin the incredible run down the mountain. The first two runners came   through and I expected to see Justin any minute – the butterflies were really testing the stomach walls. We waited and waited and   waited. I knew something must be wrong. A Gold Coast runner came through. He usually runs 5.30m ks. Slower teams followed   him. Where were Justin and the other Fast Boys?????????
  We were told by some of the slower runners that Justin’s group was sent the wrong way. Oh No?
  After a long, tense wait, I could make out Justin through the fog. He was shattered, swearing loudly and very not happy Jan! I set off   with a sinking stomach. Liz A, Peter, Paul etc would be waiting at the bottom, all thinking I was doing a really bad job of the   mountain. I could not wait to get down to tell them what really happened. It was eerie. I could not even see a roundabout in front of   me until I wondered way the road had suddenly developed a big lump of concrete. The Team Endeavour runner decided he had a   better chance of survival if he kept up with me as I seemed to remember where the turn were after driving over the course. We could   not make out footpaths, trees or anything. We suddenly found ourselves heading the first of the steep slopes and knew somewhere   within 200m we had to turn right. It was a case of looking at the bitumen and working out where it started to rise – we had to head   up a hill. The next turn downhill was nasty as the camber was tight and water was running over the road. It was like ice-skating. I   started to calm down – I was more concerned for Justin and the others at the bottom waiting for me. Having another runner with me   helped. We kept each other running at a good pace and were able to suss out the best way to tackle some of the bends. I started to   enjoy this. I often wondered if it was easier to go down than up. I have to say, it is just as hard. Maybe aerobically a bit easier, but   the legs cop a lot more heading down. Sitting here today, I can tell you my quads feel the same way they do, the day after a   marathon. THEY HATE ME! The mental challenge is what I like. It is a leg I would like to do again next year. (Someone hit me now   – I must be still tired and dehydrated)
  After quickly telling Peter and Paul about our misfortune, they decided to try to make up the deficit and they did. Peter did such a   good job, Paul was upset that he didn’t leave anyone else out there to run down. Paul and Jason helped to get us back up the order.   Intraining was still in our sights. We kept right behind them all the way into Gatton.
  The Gatton Crit got underway and Redman Runners gave it a good go. Justin really worked hard in his last run, Mocha chino   managed to smile all the way through, Geoff J, Liz A worked hard but Karyn really pushed herself to finish in the top group of girls.   Well done Karyn.
  We got underway again on the new section of the course. Trudy was very ill but in true Trudy style didn’t give in and preserved all the   way in good time to hand over to Michael who was in usual style, giving 150%. Geoff was getting his post-marathon form back and   blazed away to hand over to Mountain Man to tackle four nasty hills, dirt track and dead flat bitumen to put us right up there. Oh no,   more water.Would Mocha stop to take off his new shoes or would he be brave and run through the water? He ran through and made   up a lot of time. Karyn, John and Peter finished off our time on the road in great style. The final Run Around the Lake saw the   Mountain Man finish in the top ten – he is a serious Legend. Michael, Liz D, Tony and Gary all had great runs to finish off a great   weekend.

  Tony Di Tomasso received an Endeavour Foundation Award for 15 years of Road Relay participation. John Drysdale and Judy   received awards for 10 years of participation. It was amazing to see the number of 20 and 25 year participants.

  Thanks to everyone for a fantastic weekend. Redman has moved up another place on the ladder. Next year we will go even better. I   will pass on the official results as soon as they become available. I think we managed to finish in second place in the Mixed Teams   section. I believe there are only a couple of minutes between teams placed 6 to 8. Once again, we proved we can compete with the   best. We certainly looked the best.

There are a number of people who help make this weekend possible:

Elfman (Alan Elphinstone) – The Elf is the best moneyman around. Without Elf’s help,
organizing the funds would be impossible. He is also the
Best Water Man around. We have never received a Water
vehicle penalty and our runners are always very well
looked after. Elf is always there to toss around ideas and
plans. Elf we salute you and thank you.

Slimbo (Bus Driver) – Many of you find it difficult to run without music so we have Slim
to thank for giving us the best sound system of any team on the
road. Slim also organized the bus for us and as you all know, he
spends the entire weekend driving and does this without a break.
Slim also gives the best massages and is happy to help where
necessary. He cleaned the bus and cleaned up after everyone
before leaving Toowoomba. Without the likes of Slim, we would
not be able to get our team around the 500ks of the Relay.
Thanks Slim and all the best for your Iron Man Events in 2008.

Liz Atkin: As you heard on Saturday night, Liz has spent the entire year trying to get
some fundraising happening for the team. Liz organized a Lolly box at her
work and raised over $1000. Liz also designed the recording sheets for the
Follow Vehicle, provided the crockery for our Redman Dinner and spent
most of the weekend navigating in the Follow Vehicle. Thanks Liz for all
your help in getting our team on the road. Your contribution has been
outstanding.

Michael Kinne - Michael has had a tough year. He has had to battle injuries and a huge
workload but still manages to get himself on the road for the relay.
Every year he spends the weekend helping in the Pick Up Vehicle.
He helps organize the water for the finishing runners, assists with
navigation and driving and is a great back up person to help solve the
many problems that arise during the three days on the road.
Thanks Michael. You are the best running buddy ever!

Julia Sloman – Although Jules could not be with us this year, she was there in spirit.
Work and injuries have kept Jules away from us this year but she still
managed to organize free vehicles for us and organized our
accommodation in Boonah. Come back Jules we all miss your smiling
face on the road every time you run. You are also a valuable team
person.

Geoff A Roberts – Geoff is the team Mum. Not only does Geoff morph into an excellent
runner when he hits the bitumen, but Geoff is the guy who without
any fanfare, goes around cleaning up after everyone. Along with
Slim, Geoff went about cleaning up after everyone in Toowoomba,
cleaned up litter in Gatton and helped clean out the bus before we
left Gatton on Sunday afternoon. He always does this with a smile
on his face and without any grumbling. Maybe he thinks he is still at
home with his kids. Well done Geoff, you are our favourite Wiggle.

Paul Ross – I don’t know if any-one else noticed but Paul spent most of the weekend at
the changeover zones ensuring all our runners had something to drink at the
end of their run. Paul took this role upon himself and did a magnificent job.
Our Mr Movember also made himself valuable out on the road. Paul ran
fantastic sections. Paul has had a great year with his top 5 finish in the
Brisbane Marathon and now a great relay. Thanks Paul – you do look
better without the lip lawn.

Some other great Redman People who gave their all.

Vivian - She who runs very fast uphill, downhill and flat. A new member this year and
What an asset. Not only did Viv win the Queen of the Mountain award, but she
sizzled every time she hit the road. Viv backed up for three runs a day and they
weren’t the easiest of runs, usually the toughest of the day. She did this with a
smile and her runs were an inspiration to everyone in the team. We hope you
will be back next year Viv.

Peter – Our interstate legend. This man seems to like punishing his body. For the past
two years, Peter has backed up on the Relay just a fortnight after New York
Marathon. Peter also has some of the toughest runs on the weekend and does
them with such determination he can be relied upon to make up time and mow
down those in front. He always looks so happy when tackling a hill or a nasty
stretch of road. His gutsy efforts in criteriums are to be admired. Thanks Pete.
Make sure you book us in for next year.

Mark – The Mountain Man. Mark always goes that little bit further. No one else goes
all out and dyes their hair in the name of team spirit. Mark is a true supporter
with the red hair. This man is a freak. Seeing Mark motor up hills that would make most runners faint in awe-inspiring. Give Mark a challenge and he relishes the opportunity. This man is tackling the Sarah Marathon next year. 2008 Relay should then be a Piece of cake. Good luck Mark. Enjoy the sand.

Liz Dooley – Lovely Liz always runs with a smile on her face and a “Thank you that was
A great run” at the end. Liz always looks out for others during the
weekend. She always checks to see how everyone is going, if they have had lunch or something to drink. Helped out with fundraising and always
puts in 150% on the road. Liz is always full of praise for others and
is willing to take on any task that may need doing. Thanks Liz for your
help and support during the weekend.

Mary – Mary’s knowledge and experience is invaluable during the weekend. Mary
is always willing to help out where needed and gives her absolute best when
out on the road. Thanks Mary for helping out with the driving during the
Weekend and for the little treat in Killarney. You don’t know how much that
was needed.

Tony – Not many people realize that Tony made the relay on two months training after
not running for the best part of two years. This feat is in itself incredible. Those
of us who have known Tony for some time, remember how tough a
runner Tony used to be. This toughness was evident during the weekend. Tony
toughed out his runs and showed signs of the Tony of Old. We hope this weekend
has inspired Tony Tomato to come and join us again next year, when your chance
to Run Past Tony will have well and truly gone.

Justin – Our very own Red Terror or Energizer Bunny. Justin can always be relied on to
run fast and run tough. Justin has had a great year with awesome efforts in every
race he has tackled. With Justin out on the road, we can always depend on a top 5
finish. Justin brings a lot of life to the team and usually manages to endear
himself to everyone. His enthusiasm rubs off on everyone. Thanks Justin for
being a great performer and a great team person.

Mocha – Another Redman who has had a disruptive year. Mocha has been ill and injured
a lot this year but still managed to put in some awesome efforts during the
weekend. He is another runner who eats hills for breakfast and then has more
for lunch. Mocha always gives 150% and this showed every time he hit the
road. Thanks Mocha for a great effort.

Karyn – Thanks Karyn for looking after Peter. Karyn picked up Peter from the airport
on Thursday night and made sure he had somewhere to stay for the night.
Karyn has been in great shape this year but injured herself before the
Toowoomba marathon. She has made a great comeback and managed to
place 4th Female in the Boonah and Gatton criteriums. An awesome effort
Karyn and Redman Runners wish you all the best when you become a
Police officer next Monday. Hope you will be available to join us next year.

Gary – Another First Timer. Gary is such a tough runner. He had some rough runs
but managed to get through them without any problems. Gary enjoys a challenge
and hopefully he enjoyed the challenges of the relay. We hope you join us again
next year.

Trudy – After missing last year’s relay, Trudy was back with a vengeance this year.
Trudy is such a great performer. Even when not feeling well, Trudy still
managed to complete all her runs in great style. Not many runners get past
our Trudy but she sure makes it her business to get past others. Trudy has
also missed part of the year with injury so she should be even better next year.

John – We snared John a couple of years ago and this year he returned. John is an
outstanding performer. His long legs wind up and away he goes. I would hate
to be against him. The look of determination on his face when he gets into the
Changeover Zone is enough to scare off the best. In every stage he raced, John
managed to pick up time on the opposition and put the next runner in a good
position. Well done John. Please come back next year.

Geoff J Roberts – Geoff joined us a couple of weeks ago as a helper for the weekend but
ended up filling in for a couple of runs. Thanks for your help in the
Water and Follow Vehicles and for your great efforts on the road.

Dave – We hope you get well soon. We were looking forward to you being part of our
team this year. We hope you will join us next year for a drive and a run or two.

Alan Barber – Although our resident weather commentator didn’t join us on the relay,
Alan did donate his house for our inaugural Redman Dinner and managed
to raise $500 for the team. Once again Alan’s weather predictions came
true. Thanks Alan for the updates throughout the weekend. At least we
were prepared in advance. Maybe next year you can predict the weather
while on the relay?

Thanks again everyone for another great weekend. This year’s event seemed to pass very quickly. Maybe it was because we seemed to get through the weekend without too many hassles and troubles. Maybe it was because we have such a great team of people who are very talented and very committed to the team. It has been a pleasure to organize the team again this year and I am happy to continue to do this again next year unless anyone else would like to take on the job.

Thanks again everyone

Judy Bell
Redman Runners Team Manager

     Following is a copy of JUSTIN J's times from the weekend.

     Day 1 5.3km 20:40 5.2km 19:19

     Day 2 5km 17:47 (very fast runners in front of me almost a PB for me) 5.6km 20:23

     Day 3 7.5km 20:07 (this was meant to be a 5km but there where no marshals so I walked a little also) 3.2km 12:07 (Gatton Crit)

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