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Stage 5 Results
Thursday 20 August 2004
Chicopee Ski Club
Kitchener
25.6 km Mountain Stage
PLACE Last Name First Name Sex Bib City Prov Country Age 25.60 km
Individual                  
1
Bedley
Charles
M
10
Toronto
ON
Canada
31
1:41:48
2
O'Connor
Nathan
M
18
Kitchener
ON
Canada
24
2:06:01
3
Parke
Steven
M
13
Kitchener
ON
Canada
38
2:11:46
4
Pepper
Jay
M
14
Kitchener
ON
Canada
26
2:23:28
5
Callaghan
Dan
M
11
Burton
NB
Canada
38
2:26:09
6
Champagne
Catherine
F
15
Oakville
ON
Canada
28
2:35:50
7
Harder
Douglas
M
12
Waterloo
ON
Canada
34
3:23:25
Relay                  
1
Runners' Choicee
1322
ON
Canada
 
2:01:48
2
Longboat Roadrunners
1321
ON
Canada
 
2:08:54
3
7-to-Win
1323
ON
Canada
 
2:28:44
4
Crazy Canucks
1320
ON
Canada
 
3:17:21
Guest                  
1
Johnston
Adam
M
1320
Richmond Hill
ON
Canada
30
2:04:03

Brief recap of Stage 5:

What has become most apparent after the first 5 Stages is that having experience is a definite advantage to competing in and completing The ENDURrun. All returnees from last year were beaming with confidence heading in to the most difficult Stage, whereas last year the daunting mountains were an intimidating presence.

For the course this year, each loop had three difficult extended hill climbs, tight trails and very rough footing, especially on the steep downhills. One hundred percent concentration would be necessary at all times in order to prevent potential injury. Two of the climbs were also run one after the other, not allowing for recovery before the next climb.

The weather was cool, overcast and virtually no wind, making almost perfect weather conditions for the challenge ahead. The course was expertly flagged and marshalled, and the aid stations were fully stocked and staffed. Course support and participant encouragement during this 5-loop course was second to none and appreciated by all participants.

Spirits we re high as this Stage began. Charles displayed his amazing strength and versatility as he ran each loop faster than the previous loop for his first four loops. Running smoothly and not labouring at all, Charles ran and incredible 13:09 faster than last year, keeping intact his goal of running each Stage this year faster than the previous year.

Both Catherine and Steven admittedly struggled during this Stage last year, but what a difference a year makes. Catherine ran a remarkable 31:10 faster than last year and Steven ran an equally impressive 13:38 faster than last year, and they looked strong and comfortable doing so. Both are feeling strong and confident having put this difficult Stage behind them.

Nathan was running like a machine, never breaking his concentration. Jay admitted that the mountains beat him, but you couldn’t tell by his running form. I think Dan was pulling our leg when he said he didn’t like the trails, as he ran incredible today. Having run 108 km so far, this is the most that Douglas has ever run in a week, and he still has 52 km to go. We know that you can do it Douglas!

In the Relay, Longboat surged into a 46:32 lead, overcoming a 17:39 deficit, while 7-to-Win has narrowly taken over 2nd place.

On a lighter side, Longboat Relay Team member Mike Bedley was overheard shouting “words of encouragement” to his son Charles as Charles lapped him.

Guest runner Adam completed his participation in The ENDURrun by tackling a most difficult Stage. Adam completed the first 5 Stages and was a welcome participant.

The biggest transitional run is tomorrow, as the runners come off a mountainous trail run to compete in a flat 10 km road race on Saturday, which is also a time trial. Good luck.