This year’s "The Pizza Hut" Annual 5 k. Handicap was the closest in overall terms yet . We have had several close finishes but this was a scintillating race, with the lead changing about five times in the last 600 metres, as the backmarkers caught the rest of the field, and twice in the last 130 metres. Richard Sloane who improved his best time by 26 seconds from 1998, and Tina Takagaki, who were the frontmarkers, took it in turns to lead the race for over four kilometres, with the lead changing hands on a number of occasions. Then, with 800 metres to go, Wes Winsor surged to the lead, and appeared the likely winner. But with only 300 metres or so to travel, and almost within sight of the finish line, first Tom Waters and then Marcus Tierney claimed the lead. Tom Waters sat back behind Marcus Tierney, until around 80 metres from the finish and then unleashed a powerful finishing kick to eclipse his opponent by two or three metres.

Both runners slashed the times which they had recorded in 1998, with Marcus recording the fastest-ever time in the eight years this event has been run. He improved his time by a massive 44 seconds from last year in recording the extremely impressive performance of 14 m. 34 s. Tom Waters has run this event many times previously, last year running 16 m. 46, a modest performance. But over the last year, Tom has improved his race performances enormously, running brilliantly in the 1500 m. and other distances, repeatedly setting Personal Bests during the Track season. He sliced an enormous 68 seconds off his ’98 time to record the winning time of 15 m. 38 s. Just behind the first two placegetters, was Wes Winsor, who improved his ’98 performance by 26 seconds, finishing 12 seconds behind Tierney for third, followed by Chris O’Connor, fourth, four seconds further back and Graeme Olden, fifth, one second behind O’Connor. This was a rare year with Graeme Olden, perennial fastest runner in the field, being eclipsed by Marcus Tierney’s brilliant effort. Graeme must have been dealt with leniently by the handicapper, as he recorded one of his highest placings.

There were a number of other fine performances in the race. These included Adam Pepper’s best ever performance, timewise, in this race. Four runners outside the top 5 broke 17 minutes – Phil Pelgrim, who surprised himself with a meritorious run (16 m. 51), Jamie Strudley, returning to form (16 m. 49), Sam Hassett, a former winner, (16 m. 18), and Simon Bromley (16 m. 40). Other younger runners, Nathan Roberts, David Tyler and Tim Renowden also showed promise. Michael Bourne, twice a previous winner, recorded his fastest time this year. Well done, Michael! Congratulations to Marion Gamble who was the fastest female this year (20 m. 13). It was pleasing to see Ian Jones and his nephew, Nick, compete, and also Noel Dunstan’s return to racing, after a frustrating run with injury.

Thanks to Jamie Strudley for his exceptional efforts gaining sponsorship from "The Pizza Hut" Doncaster, "The Pancake Parlour" Doncaster, and "New Balance". These companies were very supportive of Box Hill and are thanked for their sponsorship. Thanks to Doug Bourne for his generous donation of prizes for leading runners. "McDonalds" at Box Hill Central were also extremely generous to the club with the provision of prizes in offering over one hundred and fifty prizes for competitors. Thanks also to Stuart Livingston and Angela Robbie for their preparation for the after-race function.

1. Tom Waters 25 m. 23 16 m. 15 9:45 15 m. 38

2. Marcus Tierney 25 m. 24 15 m. 10 10:50 14 m. 34

3. Wes Winsor 25 m. 36 19 m. 15 6:45 18 m. 51

4. Chris O’Connor 25 m. 40 16 m. 50 9:10 16 m. 30

5. Graeme Olden 25 m. 41 15 m. 25 10:35 15 m. 06

6. Nathan Roberts 25 m. 43 17 m. 30 8:30 17 m. 13

7. David Tyler 25 m. 45 17 m. 45 8:15 17 m. 30

8. Adam Pepper 25 m. 49 17 m. 30 8:30 17 m. 19

9. Phil Pelgrim 26 m. 01 16 m. 50 9:10 16 m. 51

10. Jamie Strudley 26 m. 04 16 m. 35 9:25 16 m. 39

11. Sam Hassett 26 m. 08 16 m. 10 9:50 16 m. 18

12. Marion Gamble 26 m. 13 20 m. 00 6:00 20 m. 13

13. Richard Sloane 26 m. 16 21 m. 45 4:15 22 m. 01

14. Tina Takagaki 26 m. 17 21 m. 45 4:15 22 m. 02

15. Ian Jones 26 m. 20 19 m. 40 6:20 20 m. 00

16. Dave Boyd 26 m. 24 17 m. 40 8:20 18 m. 04

17. Elizabeth Bird 26 m. 25 21 m. 00 5:00 21 m. 25

18. Nick Jones 26 m. 30 18 m. 20 7:40 18 m. 50

19. Simon Bromley 26 m. 30 16 m. 10 9:50 16 m. 40

20. Tim Renowden 26 m. 32 16 m. 30 9:30 17 m. 02

21. Michael Bourne 26 m. 41 20 m. 00 6:00 20 m. 41

22. Noel Dunstan 26 m. 52 19 m. 10 6:50 19 m. 52

23. Kerry Walker 27 m. 09 21 m. 00 5:00 22 m. 09

24. Simon McGuinness 27 m. 20 20 m. 10 5:50 19 m. 00

25. Tim Conrad 27 m. 47 17 m.00 9:00 18 m. 47

1992 Leigh Miller 17 m. 06 Graeme Olden 14 m. 56

1993 Nick Luxton 16 m. 48 Graeme Olden 15 m. 09

1994 Dale Bickham 17 m. 16 Scott Jackson 15 m. 08

1995 Sam Hassett 18 m. 38 Graeme Olden 15 m. 17

1996 Michael Bourne 24 m. 40 Graeme Olden 15 m. 27

1997 Michael Bourne 20 m. 50 Glenn Tooze 15 m. 58

1998 Ashley Boyd 20 m. 11 Graeme Olden 15 m. 07