The inaugural RunWest fun runs launched last Sunday, and Westies were to the fore as the Start Line management team of the 12k event. 19 Westies were on hand to guide the participants off through the start at Eastern Creek Raceway... to loop the raceway, then head north through the still-under-construction Western Zoo, the Western Sydney Parklands and then the roads to Rooty Hill.

Westies did their job to perfection. And are congratulated. Some of the Westie volunteers had entered the event and joined in as they wanted. The general feedback has been positive from our vollies perspective. We spotted some of our fellow Westies amongst the throng.

Unfortunately the event suffered from several issues: most seriously the race-start parking, shuttle buses, and the finish line. Facts are that the management of the event changed hands 6 weeks before run date. The initial management came to the realisation that they wouldn’t succeed in making the event happen notwithstanding 5 months of launch, prep’ing, taking $, etc, etc. Then Pont3 (of Blackmores fame) were asked to effectively save the event. They have attracted much criticism in the backlash.

Pont3 are to be congratulated for making the event happen given their 6 weeks involvement. They acknowledge that the end result was not to their usual standard, and should the event go again next year, they will have control from the outset. And Pont have thanked Westies for a task done “most professionally”.

Two comments made in post-race days:

• from Rachel - Athletics Australia: Pont3 were so insistent that Westies manage the 12k Start chutes.
• from Simon - Pont3 Operations Director: Again, I want to throw to the team a massive thank you. The ever reliable Westies made a challenging event much easier knowing you guys were about.

Well done again Westies.

Vic.