Once again the road running crew got together for the early morning drive up to Gympie to take part in this year's Race the Rattler. It was last minute plans of who's 1, what about 3rd, and hey we missed 2nd as each team played out their strategy of which runner goes where, and make sure you all catch the right bus out to the checkpoint.

With the weather clearing up and going against the forecast of rain, it was perfect conditions for the 18.5 km race against the old girl, the valley rattler, who knew the conditions better than anyone. There was a grateful sigh, and loud blast of the steam engine, as it pulled out of town, thankful that the course had now been spared the lake crossing waters slashing at the track from the powers above.

With a quick stop at Dagun station, it was up to Phil, Anja, Robyn E, and Leanne to race across the start line and start the track back into town. Phil flew past changeover 1, as Anja passed on the race to Sandy. Robyn passed on the baton, ok it really was a leg tag, over to Diane for the Cross county section, and then Judith was about to be inducted into the joys and experience of what the Race the Rattler is all about.

At the half way stage Iain was on the hunt as he took off with fresh blood in his legs, and made his way past a bunch of the quicker runners at the front of the field. It was Glen's turn to hit the hills, and Diane was almost in a state of panic as Gundars was nowhere to be seen, until the door to the little boys room opened. Judith handed over to Regina, and once again the race continued.

Iain fought hard as he battled on past changeover 3, and battled it out on the hills into town and tried to maintain his position. Just before Glen was seen making his way over the crest and with a sprint finish to the changeover, there was another M.I.A . as Bill tried out the magic disappearing act, only to be discovered a short time later with Glen about to use the leg tag as a baton and hit someone. Gundars passed on the tag for Team E, as Laimon started further back in the pack and made his way quickly past all the wearier battlers who were struggling up the never ending hill. Audrey, who couldn't be missed with the fluro outfit, took the team to the finish and made her way back to Gympie station.

As the medals where handed out it was a well deserved 3rd team finish for Phil & Iain, who averaged 14.4kmp/h over a very hilly course, finishing in a time of 1:16.54. Next it was the guys and girls, with Anja, Sandy, Bill & Glen taking home a 2nd place in the mixed team, with an average speed of 12.1 kmp/h and time of 1:31.38. Further back in the field Team E finished in 1:41.46 with a speed of 10.9 kmp/h, showing that age shall not weary them. And nothing was going to stop the all female team that Audrey had gathered together who finished in 2:12.06 at 8.4 kmp/h.

Thanks to the Mary Valley Rattler and race organizers for another great event.

Full results at http://wizard.racetectiming.com/default.aspx