Bimbler’s Bash 2009 Race Director’s Report

It is late on Sunday evening and I must confess I am feeling quite tired, but also content. Today was memorable for so many reasons, all of which were centered around a few hours known to many as ‘the Bash’. This was the third year and the event has continued to grow not only in terms of the number of participants, but also reputation. The word has clearly spread. Several runners had traveled significant distances to participate, while others had brought their friends (by fair means or fowl, I’m not sure) to join in the fun.

I started the pre-race brief with a quotation that I had been given a few days ago. “Friends can be our best weapon in times of adversity, as they strengthen our resolve. One study asked people to rate the gradient of a hill, and anticipate how difficult they would find it to climb. People who rated the hill in the presence of a friend saw the slope as less steep – and the closer they felt to the friend they were with, the easier the climb appeared.” My thought was that on the basis of these words, the runners would discover that the Bash course was flat! The reality is of course, is that while there are no large hills, the constantly change of gradient is quite a challenge. Then there is the actual distance; but hey, the race shirts said it all, “… the distance isn’t significant …”!

160 starters headed out, the wait before had been chilly in the wind, but I suspect that before too long several runners were felling the heat in more ways than one. Heavy rain 2 days earlier ensured that the going under foot was good, but muddy in places. The conditions were perfect for trail running. Returning to defend their crowns, Robin Pitt and Kerry Arsenault were tipped to repeat their success. Kerry had already run the course once today as she had helped mark the route at 6 am! But within the start line up, it was evident that there were several competitors capable of giving these two a run for their money and the outcome proved just that.

From the perspective of a frustrated runner who wished he was also out there, despite what it might feel like for the runners, the 50 plus minutes before the leader reappeared passed slowly.

Guilford runner Jesse Efron was the first to appear, gliding into view with a seemingly effortless stride to cross the line in 53:41. Five minutes behind him was George Buchannan (58:46), closely followed by Charlie Iselin (59:01). Kerry Arsenault has won every Bash to date and we thought she might have a job defending her crown this year. However, she did it again, sweeping away the last couple of ladies ahead of her after the Lost Lake aid station and crossed the line in 1:05:31. It wasn’t her fast Bash time, but after nearly 12 months battling injury, it was a satisfying run.

Second behind Kerry was Megan Raymond (1:07:35), third overall female was Megan Lehmann. I wonder what the odds would be of all the top three finishers being named Megan!

Last year I was shocked to discover that a race day entrant was only 10 years old. Tyler McConnell returned with Dad Brian but our youngest competitor this year was Jacob Tratnyek who finished in an impressive time of 1:38:41.

As an added attraction we engaged the services of a piper at the finish, and the sound of the pipes drifted across the field at the finish to welcome the runners back. From the feedback, he was well received. I hope that in the coming days, we shall hear more from people who took part in today’s race. If you feel inclined to comment on the Bash, please send me a link to wherever your comments have been posted, or if you prefer send a copy that we can post on the Bimbler’s Sound web site.

Thanks to everyone who supported the race this year, especially the many volunteers who unselfishly give their time so willingly. Events like this simply couldn’t happen without their commitment.

I hope to see you all next year!