Ascension : Ascension Day Fair (ADF) - Runway Dash
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Internet Editor) 21.05.2009 (Article Archived on 04.06.2009)
The event started well at 0700hrs when Marc and Larry’s first vehicle loaded up with tables and equipment was found to have a puncture.
The event started well at 0700hrs when Marc and Larry’s first vehicle loaded up with tables and equipment was found to have a puncture. They then transferred all the tables and equipment into the second vehicle, jumped in and guess what? It wouldn’t start! Not to be deterred, all the equipment was then transferred into the ambulance and Steve Bailey’s truck and taken to the start line. Tables and chairs were set up, signs erected, volunteers ready to go and then, believe it or not it started to rain!! There seemed to be a theme emerging here. However, not put off by this, the participants started to arrive which was a relief to the event organisers. On final count 110 runners registered on the day, not including the children under 10.
A safety brief was given; our Administrator Mr Ross Denny then welcomed all the runners to the event and from his high vantage point released the serious runners to the sound of the whistle, at approximately 0915hrs. The fun runners then lined up with a mixture of “modes of transport” and released at 0930hrs. The competition was fierce. However, no one was going to cross the line before Dr. Milenko on his titanium racing bike. Good effort but no prizes for cheating Dr. Milenko.
  
24 minutes after hearing the starting whistle, the first of our serious runners were approaching the finish line. First, with an impressive 25.49 minutes was Olivia Renshaw from the Conservation Office. Second, was Yanick, the hot favourite, with a time of 26.25 minutes. Third, Chris Owen with a further impressive time of 27.10 minutes. The first 8 runners in were as follows:
Place Name Time
1st Olivia Renshaw 25.49
2nd Yanick Low-Hong 26.25
3rd Chris Owen 27.10
4th Errol Thomas 28.24
5th Steve Bassi 29.07
6th Patsy Bennet 31.20
7th Kieran Yon 31.45
8th Jay Block 32.15
The fun runners then came over the horizon and started to appear on bikes, trikes and rollerblades etc followed in hot pursuit by the Cubs in their very well made go karts. Some very wet runners and walkers decided that enough was enough and hitched a ride on the bus. Following up the rear was our slightly damp Administrator, who left last after staring the event, well done Ross! Well, remembering what my father used to say to me “If you get too wet you could melt “ Larry and I decided to stay dry in the rear of VT Merlin truck. A truck with a settee, armchair and coffee table in it. (Only on Ascension Island!)
All those who participated in the event were awarded their medals by Marie Anthony. The serious runner’s presentation was conducted by the Administrator, and Olivia was awarded the Winner and First Lady Trophy and Yanick the Runner up plaque. The Administrator and Sqn Ldr Chris Ramsden then judged the most innovative mode of transport and awarded the first prize trophy to the Cubs Go-kart, piloted by Nathaniel, Aiden, Dominic, Adam, Scott, Mikey Y and Mikey G. Mike and Ian the Cub Leaders supervised their efforts. Second prize plaque was shared by the 2 roller blade entries Kirin and Michael. All the children had a ‘Lucky Dip’ to choose a prize from. However, Marc and Larry on the advice of Johnny, did eat some of the dolly mixtures sweets first in order to save the children’s teeth!
The organisers and Father Clive would like to thank Major Jay Block and Sqn Ldr Chris Ramsden for the use of the runway and facilities. Also thank our Administrator Mr Ross Denny for starting the event and handing out the prizes. Thanks to all the many volunteers who made this a very worthwhile event. And finally a huge thank you to all the Runway Dash participants. The event raised approximately £305 for the ADF and St Mary’s Church funds.
 
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