Hi each and all and those who have recently harrassed the handicapper,
Well His Excellency certainly picks windy days for GP8 - but at least he went through the motions of "running" it this year.
What can one say about the final results?
Overall team winners were a group of non-humans - incidentally the first ever team of non - humans to win the GP team prize - which included 5 unattached runners.
Second team was also a team made up entirely of non-humans. Congratulations to each team.
Overall individual winner was a fireman who had never raced before this year's series.
Six of the first ten to finish on the night were unattached runners - including the scoring four from Northern Rock who set an all time record of having their four scoring runners in the first eight.
Whilst the runners were fighting the gale it was suggested to me that in such severe conditions my handicapping system was unfair on the weaker - my critic did not define weaker - runners as they were less able to cope with severe weather conditions. All I can say is congratulations to all - especially unattached competitors - who proved my critic to be incorrect.
One non-human made a very nice comment to me. She implied that she had not wished to compete in GP8 for various reasons - but having done so she now has no fears about running in the Blaydon Race.
All of the above bears out one of the reasons for His Excellency organising the Grand Prix. All results are based upon a handicapping system which ensures that ALL competitors have an equal chance. One may well be the slowest competitor but that does not mean one finishes last.
What about the good runners.
I was enjoying a pint after the race when a non-human accosted me with those wonderful words "Hi! Did I break the record tonight?" I choked into my pint and as politely as possible said "What?? In those condition! Buzz off!". Refusing to go away the aforementioned non human said "I think I ran the course in 31.42" I replied ""£$%^^&&I&& I have you down as 31.41..........OH£$%%^&!!! Congratulations you have broken the record by 2 seconds"
Congratulations to Angela Hibbs for breaking the record in such terrible conditions.
Peter Newton was fastest finishing 9th on the night some 51 seconds outside the course record.
Forms are already out for next years series and - with the exception of Angela - you are welcome to criticise His Excellency for at least one error.I have to agree with HE - no ordinary human would be expected to break a course record on such a windy night!
Once again I would thank Start Fitness and our band of volunteer helpers. I also have to congratulate Heather for encouraging her team of Maniacs, who finished 17th in GP1, to perform so well and emerge as winners at the post.
All the best to everyone
Phil