It was a little bit difficult to calculate the VICGames results because not only the teams ran in today's 10k but also other regular runners and guests, but at the end it was clear: the CTBTO men were too strong to be in danger, and Beate's new PR was not enough to secure gold for her team (see final ranking below).
At today's 10k qualification run, top-runners and retirees set up some impressing PRs. Christian ran his fastest 10k since May 1993. Feyza was another victim of the Donaupark labyrinth and lost her way in the first lap. We hope to see Tom again soon - he is going back to the States in the next days.
Headlines of this race: Clear victory for our regular guest Peter - Alfred breaks the 40 minutes barrier - Beate improves by 1 minute and makes the VIC Top 10 - Jakov improves his PR by more than 2 minutes - an excellent overall performance by the CTBTO team.
Heavy snowfall last week and high temperatures this week left us with unpleasant muddy lakes in some parts of the course, but nevertheless the regular 10k could be performed.
Their PRs improve the rankings of Beate (now no. 12) and Alfred (no. 63) in the top 100 lists.
Comebacks of the month: Jayne Stringer's first race since 2001; Tom Dolan is in Vienna again until March and joined us once more today.
Even minus 5 degrees and a strong wind could not keep twenty participants from taking part and in particular Alfred, Beate, Wafa and Jakov from setting up PRs. Our stiff-frozen timer Stephen LLOYD was carried to his office after the race and two hours later he could move toes and fingers again.
Only the rebegin of the running season after the summer break, but five personal records show that the VICRunners are already in good shape. Effects on our eternal Top100 lists: Andrea makes it to rank 14, Daniela to 53, Wafa to 79; Stephen jumps to rank 61 and Alfred to 88.
Who else but Teresia could run a PR while a high percentage of the other runners did not finish due to the enormous heat and humidity. VICRunners founding member Frannie did one last lap with us before returning to Boston, Hiro won one more race before he leaves for Japan. Goodbye to both of them and to Doreen who will go back to Malta.
Ito-san added another victory to his record before he leaves the Agency in June. The presence of four female timers inspired Chuck and Tamas to new PRs, Teresia and Maria-Julia improved by 1 minute, Maria by almost 4 minutes - congratulations !