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Stook 10 Mile - 22nd November, Gowran, Kilkenny.
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Thanks for kind feedback lads. So pleased you enjoyed it.
I thought I'd do a quick race report from the other side of the fence.
This was our fourth year of Stook and we had hoped that following good weather and positive feedback from 2014, we'd be in a position to build on our numbers. For the first three years we've had about 300 runners on the start line, with about 330 registering - every year you get about 10% who register and then can't make it. It's of no benefit to us, because there is no cost associated with someone running, so we'd prefer if people would actually turn up! You have to reach critical mass to get the right buzz.
Our aim is to build a unique, slightly idiosyncratic club run race, that is run like a community - we know that Stook does not appeal to everyone, but we like to think, that if you get it, you really get it. We love to welcome runners back.
So in the weeks coming up to the race, we could see that online registrations were tracking well, we had built a new website and it looked from the analytics that numbers were good - lots of new visitors, low bounces and lots of time on the site. Because I was running Frankfurt I was probably a little less focused than normal, but because the same core team run the event so well each year, i realised i am not as important as I thought.
We closed registrations on the Friday with more people pre-registered than had run the year before; this was a massive boost. It was great to go into the day knowing you had enough for a viable race - normally around 100 people register on the morning and we are able to handle that. Last year, we had cut our catering tight, and almost ran out, so lots of effort into getting the community and the two clubs behind us to bake more cakes and fill more sandwiches. I think 500 is the upper limit of what we could handle and still deliver the same buzz.
The Friday evening before the race is setting up the hall; getting chip and number packs sorted, we pick up the sound system for the rave on the hill, drive the course to make sure all is ok, bringing and cleaning any old signage, and get new signage dropped out - and ensuring the mile pre-markers are out in place, preliminary signage is up and we have everything we need for the weekend. Saturday is a mental day of preparation then; we do all of the goodie bags, computer are set up, participant lists downloaded and formatted, and we are always looking to try and see if we can improve efficiency on the day. We also had to pick up winners flower bouquets. The day just zips by.
This year we introduced a photo-wall backdrop that people could get their photos taken against and also a local cabinet maker made us a podium for the winners. The photo wall had to be framed and assembled, a few locals call into pick up their numbers and we wrap up at around 7pm.
On the morning of the race, we have a running order sheet that has all of our tasks laid out in a minute-by-minute format from 8:00am. As even age nationals XC are on, I drop my daughter with her coach to make their way to Santry. She has run three times there and I've never seen her because of the clash. So I was late down at 9:00, all volunteers arrive, and total timing are in doing the start of the 10 mile and the two finish lines - at this stage the course is set up. We drop the sound system to the top of the hill and spend an inordinate of time plugging in phono cables and din plugs until it kicks into life. By the time I get down from there, registration is in full swing, and my heart rate is z4. There is a certain amount of being a busy fool, but mostly meeting and greeting people and trouble shooting registrations - and the minutes tick by...soon enough its 10 minutes to go and its almost time for action.
In the weeks proceeding both Gary O'Hanlon and Philip Harty had confirmed they were going to race; sadly, our date clash with the interclubs means we lose a big strata of good club runners - say in the 55 - 57 minute range. On Saturday, I got a call to say that Gary was out, and on Sunday morning I got a message from Philip to say he couldn't make it. As I had seen Krusty's and Abhainn's name on the entry lists, and bumped into them with Slogger Jogger as they made their way to pick up. I figured with the two quickest lads out, the boys might have a chance. I get the word from registration, we got another hundred on the day; total registration up 70 people so about 25% up on last year. success.
So we head to the start line with 5 min to go, people are still registering - but we fast track them through - have an idea to do a racegenie service for next year! There is noticeably more people around than last year. I meet my starter, it's the only time I meet him, he has his quad and his shotgun ready to go; I have my phone, loudhailer and walkie talkie - I get the all clear to go from registration - everyone is done....I count down and boom - we are off. I shake hands with the starter knowing all going well - we'll meet again next year.
In the meantime the guys are up on the hill with the soundsystem and glow sticks, ready to cheer on the runners as the near the summit.
As the 10 milers go out, the "5kers" cheer them on and its a great buzz; then the 5kers go. The 5k is a fun run for families and kids - and it ads a great dimension to the day. It bring the community into the race. The minute the race starts, the catering team take over from the registration crew (who go to help at the finishes) - while the guys on the computers continue to input all the details from those who register on the day to hand to the timing people.
The 10 milers return to the village after a 3.5 loop, so just under 20 minutes and Danny Smith goes by, followed by Krusty and Abhainn, not far behind is a bunch of good club runners, and then some other average runners and then sharkey and village runner :-) They get a good cheer as they go through - and we get to see how the race is shaking out.
Through the race, we get updates from around the course - so we had a fair idea that the top 3 were still close together. By now the 5kers are finishing thick and fast, but a whole separate team are working away hand recording times, handing out medals, and giving drinks and buns to kids. We get an update on positions from the top of the hill, and from 1 mile away. By this stage it was clear that Danny was holding off Krusty, who in turn was keeping Abhainn at bay.
The boys cross the line, one, two and three - and after a brief panic as Danny disappears we get them back to do the prize and medal presentation, and the women's presentation too.
Womens Winners
Mens Winners
By now Dungarvan is filling up with happy Stook finishers, the sun is shining, cowbells are tinkling, lots of people getting their photos taken against our backdrop and you can sense the mood is positive and the day is good. The hall is rammed full of people enjoying tea, cake and sandwiches. Our guy in charge of the results pulls the category winners and as soon as is feasible I get to stand on stage and call the winners and handout envelopes to those who remain. The others get posted out. This is also a chance to thank all those who give time and effort to the race, and to all those who "get stook" and take part.
Once that is done, by 2:15, most runners leave and the caterers become cleaners. We have a huge team of volunteers, who work together to take apart everything - it takes an hour and half to take it all down and packed away or shoved in cars. By 3:30 we are all done and head to the Ouncel bar for pints and food. We are only a little club, but we take great pride in our race.
full results here0 -
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+1 to all of the above positive comments A most enjoyable run. The view from the top of Stook is amazing and well worth struggling up the hill to see. Ran the first two miles with VR ( we just chatted away) and the last two with HelenAnne ( who came galloping down the hill past me). All very friendly. Well done to Bahanaman and KC who have both clearly recovered from their exploits in Frankfurt.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/86489211@N00/22597538144/in/album-72157659199489893/0
well done Gowan AC 
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