Out to Hell 'N Back - A Winner!
They're Number One - PaulMarmaro (left pic) & Runner-up Winston Taylor (right pic)of Jamaica with Governor Peter Smith
Over two hundred people went through Helllast Sunday, and later, a number of them claimed to have actuallyenjoyed the exerience.
The Out to Hell 'N Back 10K topped off a weekend of extraordinaryrunning-related opportunities for local residents and visitors.The chance to get up close and personal with several world-classdistance runners delighted all the persons who took advantageof the unique occasion, and it is unfortunate that so many residentslet the rare opportunity pass them by.
Bill Rodgers thoroughly enjoyed renewing old acquaintances, andexpressed the wish to have met up with more of the now-adult youngparticipants of his former races here.
The multi-faceted theme of the activities incorporated Australia,the Olympics, and the return of Bill Rodgers, and was interwoveninto the various programs.
First item on the agenda was the pasta party to end all pastaparties, hosted by the Hyatt Regency. Luckily, it was scheduledtwo days before the race, else many of the runners would stillliterally have been "carbo-loaded".
On both Friday and Saturday, participants in previous Bill Rodgersraces were able to view the 1982 edition of the race, and to marvelat how they and Grand Cayman had changed over the years sincethen. This race had been shown on ESPN and fatured the BarefootBrigade.
Registration on Saturday gave everyone a look at Cayman's earlyrunning history with an exhibit of photos, news items, shirts,and other paraphernelia associated with Bill Rodgers' visits here.
A clinic providing coaching tips from the invited runners waswell-attended, and advice offered benefited everyone from walkersto serious marathon participants.
Concerns about tropical storms were allayed when race morningdawned bright and perhaps a bit too sunny for some. Most of theparticipants hitched a ride on the Tropicana Tours busses providedfor the two-mile journey to the start.
It's true that "the road to Hell is paved...", and competitorscan attest that it's still being worked on.
Upon starter's orders the tenscore plus group took off like thedevil (everything being relative) to encounter the Devil himselfhanging out at the two-mile mark. That meeting was added incentiveto head for the bonzer tucker awaiting at Outback Steakhouse.
The awards ceremony was enhanced by the presence of the Governorand Mrs. Smith, continuing the Bill Rodgers race tradition ofdistributing prizes.
The very warm weather affected finishing times, but did not detercompetitors from crossing the finish line to be presented witha medal depicting the Olympic torch.
Paul Marmaro took up where he left off three years ago. Runningstrongly, he was accompanied early on by Winston Taylor and TonyKeely, but pulled steadily away to victory in a time of 34:07.Taylor represented Jamaica in fine fashion with his runnerup honors,while Keely upheld resident pride as he placed third.
Kim Pawelek is as cute as a button, and not much bigger than one,but she is sixty and one-half inches of deceptive strength. Shepowered around the 6.25 mile course almost on Tony Keely's heels,ending up with a time of 36:39. New resident Wendy King livedup to predictions made off her recent local outing, while veteranveterinarian and ultra participant Ann Lichtenwalner took thirdplace for the ladies behind King.
Marlene Ebanks proved that the race is not only to the swift asher determined effort to complete the course earned her a NewYear's weekend in Tampa. Generous contributions will provide travelon Cayman Airways, accommodations at the Tampa Downtown HyattRegency, and attendance at the Outback Bowl college football gameon New Year's Day.
In addition to overall and age-group awards, numerous random prizeswere distributed, particularly pertaining to the Sydney Olympics.
The Glassblowing Studio created an outstanding replica of theOlympic torch, while many other items were available thanks tovisits that some residents have recently made to Australia. Anassortment of Olympic pins were handed out, and recipients wereencouraged to wear them on the days that Cayman's representativeswill compete.
Bill Rodgers received a gift compliments of Bernard Passman, andall invited runners were presented with a variety of Cayman commemmorativecoins.
Visitors hailed from Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas,Oklahoma, Belize, and Jamaica.
Consideration is being given with regard to a similar event nextyear, and all invited runners expressed an interest in returning,some possibly participating in other events scheduled for theupcoming year.
The Phoenix Athletic Club, organizers of the activities, wishesto express its gratitude to all sponsors, financial contributors,officials, volunteers, competitors, spectators, and all otherswho participated -- GOOD ON YER, MATES!!