69 replies to this topic

[MrD]

I'm sick of reading people whinge about the bloody entry. The correct balance between competitive/lifelong/recreational/new runners has been attained through the entry process. This is a step in the right direction and as events all over become more popular, will look at 6 Foot as a model for how to keep the balance right too in their races.

Let's start talking serious stuff.

Well done Race Director and committee. A truly classy field from first glance. Probably the best quality field at the pointy end for a trail race in Australia ever....

Seeing the field only makes me more excited about standing at the start line. From first glance, Sleep, Matthews, Robbie, Wallace, Tucks, Lee, Fats, Walker, Scott, Mcclymont, Fryer, Osmond, Arthur? Throw a few darkies/younger up and comers and what a race!

Perhaps some female CRs could comment about that side of the race. I see Haverd, Middleton, Cardelli, Sharp, Bateup are all in.

oh...and is entrant 68 really from a place called Tai Po or was it the rush to get his entry in?

Edited by MrD, 10 December 2010 - 04:34 PM.

[Jogger]

Quote

is entrant 68 really from a place called Tai Po

I think it's a typo  

[Coogee1979M]

I'm interested to know the identity of secret entrant #393, "S K".

[SixFootTrackMarathon]

Great idea MrD,

Told ya the field is the 'best and fairest' ever.

Coogee1979M, on Dec 10 2010, 06:14 PM, said:

I'm interested to know the identity of secret entrant #393, "S K".

LoL

He apologised profusely this morning. Autofill put his test rego name in and he had to go with that. He can't edit name (prevent substitutions) so I will do it later.

Did you see "Sputnick Sputnick" , some adventurer guy, changed his name years ago...but his credit card doesn't agree   

MrD, on Dec 10 2010, 05:29 PM, said:

I see Haverd, Middleton, Cardelli, Sharp, Bateup are all in.

Bespalova there too, plus a few other top 10'ers last year. McConnell too
Haverd, Flannery still to be added. Plus there is Pivetta -1st glasshouse,Cradle Mtn, 2nd B2H and World 100km rep.

On the men's side there is also Gibson

MrD, on Dec 10 2010, 05:29 PM, said:

From first glance, Sleep, Matthews, Robbie, Wallace, Tucks, Lee, Fats, Walker, Scott, Mcclymont, Fryer, Osmond, Arthur?

Davies??
Amazing how far he's come since I ran a 19min Sydney Summer Twilight 5km with him in 2008

Edited by SixFootTrackMarathon, 10 December 2010 - 05:45 PM.

[undercover brother]

SixFootTrackMarathon, on Dec 10 2010, 05:41 PM, said:

Bespalova there too, plus a few other top 10'ers last year. McConnell too
Haverd, Flannery still to be added. Plus there is Pivetta -1st glasshouse,Cradle Mtn, 2nd B2H and World 100km rep.

deb nicoll: 1st GH100km in 2009 with a 10.10, placed at kepler at least once, cant remember how far she run at caboolture 12hour but it was a frigging long way...

[MrD]

SixFootTrackMarathon, on Dec 10 2010, 06:41 PM, said:

Plus there is Pivetta -1st glasshouse,Cradle Mtn, 2nd B2H and World 100km rep.

On the men's side there is also Gibson

Right you are, apologies to Stu and Caroline, was just a quick glance down the list. Good to see Stu back from injury too which kept him out of World Mt Running Champs this year.

19 m for 5k? That would give me a sub 3h 6 foot! I'd take that!

[iRonnie]

Elsewhere JoggerKev said he didn't want the race to become elite.

Quote

Yes I would not want the race to become "elite" - I like the grungy nature of the thing.

I am not sure what JK means by "elite" but if the quality of the field is the primary measure than this is hardly an elite race.  No offence, but apart from a 62minute 21.1k  runner and a Comrades gold medalist - both of which were achieved a while ago -most of the the runners are hacks, albeit, really, really, really fast hacks (compared to the other contestants) - but far from elite in relation to the wider world of footracing .

Given the "grungy" comment, it also may suggest that faster runners have an elite (aloof) attitude and may contribute to the race becoming a top-level, racer-only event.    I have found that elitism is often more prominent amongst runners of lesser ability and commitment.  In other words, the faster  runners around the place are mostly really, really, really grungy f**kers who don't need to have a stick up their arse because they let their legs do the talking (run quicker than the rest of us).

I suggest using the term faster or leading runners  to describe the SixFoot pointy enders and  leave the cultural divide- type language -and often consequent attitude- to others.

I like the way SixFoot organisers are trying to include runners of all levels.

Back to the race.    You can count on Queenslanders to add some spice.

Edited by iRonnie, 10 December 2010 - 07:20 PM.

[Rico]

Well the field still needs more Rico to balance it out, but yes I was excited to check out some of the elite/really fast hack names involved.

[Jogger]

Quote

I am not sure what JK means by "elite" but if the quality of the field is the primary measure than this is hardly an elite race.

it was in response to someone (on a previous thread in a different context) who said the RD should keep tightening the entry criteria (until he could get a place) and presumably chop out the slower runners. I like slower runners in the race, I like faster runners in the race. Just don't want to see the balance skewed wither way. was on a different thread also.

Quote

Given the "grungy" comment, it also may suggest that faster runners have an elite (aloof) attitude and may contribute to the race becoming a top-level, racer-only event.

No I didn't mean that at all. I don't like races where you are a number and not a name. I like the old-fashioned traditions of six foot. that's what I meant. Six foot is not broke so doesn't need fixing.

[SixFootTrackMarathon]

So when are we going to start talking about the expected action at the pointy end?

Have a look at the lists on 6FT website and tell us who your favourite is and what the match ups will be. I will give no clues as to 'smoky's' at this stage.

[langswm]

I think Fats is out, isnt he? Lookin after the missus...

[Pasty]

MrD, on 10 December 2010 - 04:29 PM, said:

Perhaps some female CRs could comment about that side of the race. I see Haverd, Middleton, Cardelli, Sharp, Bateup are all in.

Also Nikki Wynd from Melbourne who recently won Mansfield to Buller.
We will see her form this weekend at Maroondah Dam 50km.

[Dutchie]

I'd also like to add Georgie Moore in the womens field, a very strong competitor, keep an eye on her.

[MrD]

langswm, on 17 February 2011 - 09:52 AM, said:

I think Fats is out, isnt he? Lookin after the missus...

Sorry to hear about that for both reasons. Hope all is well Fats.

[superflake]

Matthews and Middleton backing up as defending titleholders.

Pushed hard by Sleep Train and Izzy!

[Rico]

Is there any word re Sleep Train's fitness?  No blog entries for 2011 and I haven't noticed any strategic leaks from BMMC coolrunners?

[buzzlightyear]

Rico, on 17 February 2011 - 12:44 PM, said:

Is there any word re Sleep Train's fitness?  No blog entries for 2011 and I haven't noticed any strategic leaks from BMMC coolrunners?

Thats is why its called "Sekret Training".

[Mister G]

ST submerges in January and February....

[Coogee1979M]

Rico, on 17 February 2011 - 12:44 PM, said:

Is there any word re Sleep Train's fitness?  No blog entries for 2011 and I haven't noticed any strategic leaks from BMMC coolrunners?

I had the pleasure of running with Sleep Train for a few kilometres in late January on the Oaks Trail.  However I am bound by the terms of the confidentiality agreement that I signed and cannot reveal any further detail about the former titleholder's fitness.

[Brick]

Coogee1979M, on 17 February 2011 - 03:16 PM, said:

I had the pleasure of running with Sleep Train for a few kilometres in late January on the Oaks Trail.  However I am bound by the terms of the confidentiality agreement that I signed and cannot reveal any further detail about the former titleholder's fitness.

You might say that today but in January you said on FB you beat him.
Or was that passed him?

[SixFootTrackMarathon]

Thought this thread would have more traction from a 'prediction' point of view.

If you guys had perused the list you will note that Stuart Gibson is no longer there , but on the plus side his counterpart at 'team Salomon' , Anna Frost is a smoky for podium or win.

Comments from those who know more about her?

[TropicThunder]

SixFootTrackMarathon, on 18 February 2011 - 10:31 AM, said:

Thought this thread would have more traction from a 'prediction' point of view.

Mens dead set cert - Didn't Alex Matthews take 9mins off his already impressive BTBS record this year??

Women's smokey - Beth has to feature this year - has been killing the longer stuff - is she quick enough??

[Coogee1979M]

Brick, on 18 February 2011 - 07:14 AM, said:

You might say that today but in January you said on FB you beat him.
Or was that passed him?

Yes, very true Brick. But as much as I enjoyed my "win", I was the the only one of us running anywhere near 100% of our fastest possible speed at the time.

[SixFootTrackMarathon]

Trying to garner some interest in the actual race up front as opposed to the umpteen 'social' 6FT threads.

Alex will have a lot of catching up to do on Ben after the technical sections. Would be interesting to see if he has another 6min in him.

Beth probably just outside the first tier. Anna's problem is that of 'first timers' and track knowledge, but she appears to have the best international credentials.

[rodthehornet]

Angela Bateup in the ladies.  Had her first run over the course in 2010.  Hopefully big things for 2011.
Sleep Train in the mens.  PB is a good five mins faster than Alex.  Some might say Alex didnt have anyone pushing/to chase in 2010, but the race record was set in 2009 by ST largely flying solo.

Absolutely no coincidence in my selections being Running Wild members.  

[Spud]

Anna should podium if running, TNF50 mile Endurance Challenge champion.
Interview here

[TropicThunder]

rodthehornet, on 18 February 2011 - 11:43 AM, said:

Absolutely no coincidence in my selections being Running Wild members.  

Like mine being from Sydney's North.......

[HillsAths1]

GoGirl has been in pretty good form of late and while not having the same base speed of some of the other female contenders, has a heart as big as an ox and will make sure that the female race wont be won by a Bradbury type performance.

[SixFootTrackMarathon]

Steve are you seriously implying that she should be in W1? .... because you can only be on the podium if in W1 irrespective of your nett time.

With the quality of the ladies field and last year's winner (4:03) being pushed by more elite runners, I suspect it may require under 4hrs and a fair bit of 'falling over' to get any Steve Bradbury of the plus 4:30 order.

[ScamBullant]

Is it true there was a banner recently sighted hanging off the train bridge at the bottom of Lapstone hill that read:

"Welcome to BMMC territory, Warning trains here running ahead of schedual"

Mens: Sleep Train in new course record (lets suggest another 4mins 35sec)
Womens: Angela wont let the lead slip again in 2011 having now seen the course in race conditions.

[Mister G]

Pity no Stu Gibson any more. I was thinking it would take sub 3.10 to win... mind you this may still be the case regardless.

[SixFootTrackMarathon]

ScamBullant, on 18 February 2011 - 12:38 PM, said:

Is it true there was a banner recently sighted hanging off the train bridge at the bottom of Lapstone hill that read:

"Welcome to BMMC territory, Warning trains here running ahead of schedual"

I think that was BMCC, i.e. Blue Mtns City Council... but the trains are usually late up there aren't they?

Back on topic, Sam Walker is also a scratching but Matt Robbie must be itching for better than 2nd and Darren Moyle has been a big improver this year.
For the ladies, Vanessa Haverd is the only one with a sub 4

[rodthehornet]

Always love a smoky in the big race.  Picked Mr.D last year to run a slashing race and he duly delivered.  Here's my smoky for 2011..... Sara Burgess in the womens.  Young lady who won the 25km at Glenbrook in November.  Flew home and posted a solid time about 10 mins behind the leading men.  There were a couple of handy runners in the mens 25km that day.  Anyway comes off a 4:17 in 2010.  Plenty of room for improvement and could well get down in the 4:00-4:10 range.

You heard it here first.  

[HillsAths1]

SixFootTrackMarathon, on 18 February 2011 - 12:30 PM, said:

Steve are you seriously implying that she should be in W1? .... because you can only be on the podium if in W1 irrespective of your nett time.

With the quality of the ladies field and last year's winner (4:03) being pushed by more elite runners, I suspect it may require under 4hrs and a fair bit of 'falling over' to get any Steve Bradbury of the plus 4:30 order.

I wont speak for her however as a Top 20 female finisher last year, it might be nice to be in with a chance. Without a full understanding of the wave process, from what you say, the possible winners for the female race, will be limited to under 19(based on last years results)If entry to W1 is only for those who finished better than 4.30 then the possible Womens winner is limited to 9(based on last years performances)Seems like pretty good odds!

I understand that the quality and quantity of Female(and Male)entrants from year to year may vary so last years results may or not be a true reflection of this years results.

[Tom31]

Alex Matthews and Sleep Train are obviously the clear favourites for the win.  3:15 was a herculean effort so doubt it will be broken this year.

More interesting is the fight for the minor placings.  Matt Robbie, Andrew Lee, Don Wallace, Mr D, David Osmond and Tucks will all be in with a shout.  Watch out for dark horse newcomer Quentin Reeve though.

[MrD]

SixFootTrackMarathon, on 18 February 2011 - 10:31 AM, said:

Thought this thread would have more traction from a 'prediction' point of view.

If you guys had perused the list you will note that Stuart Gibson is no longer there , but on the plus side his counterpart at 'team Salomon' , Anna Frost is a smoky for podium or win.

Comments from those who know more about her?

Wow, that's big news...sorry to hear about Stu not being there. He was definitely one of my tips to challenge Sleep, Andy Lee and reigning champion Alex.

Awesome work getting Kiwi Anna Frost into the race too. I've seen her run at both Keswick in the short course mountain running and then at Pikes Peak last year in the longer stuff. She is all quality, although I don't know her credentials over the marathon and longer distances? Regardless, Aussies Haverd and Bateup won't let her have it all her way hopefully!

Edited by MrD, 18 February 2011 - 02:40 PM.

[SixFootTrackMarathon]

Yeah Reeve had 2:36 at Boston (he is from there but based in Sydney now), then you also have to look at Tim Robinson (2:31 in Melbourne) for the minors.

[Mister G]

Reeve was just behind Mr D at the Kedumba Half last month. Smokey.

Another contender for top 10- Paul Robertson. Usually an adventure racer, he has focussed on running in recent months, become a bit of a ST disciple, and gotten some good results at various events.

Edited by Mister G, 18 February 2011 - 03:13 PM.

[thomo]

HillsAths1, on 18 February 2011 - 01:24 PM, said:

I wont speak for her however as a Top 20 female finisher last year, it might be nice to be in with a chance. Without a full understanding of the wave process, from what you say, the possible winners for the female race, will be limited to under 19(based on last years results)If entry to W1 is only for those who finished better than 4.30 then the possible Womens winner is limited to 9(based on last years performances)Seems like pretty good odds!

I understand that the quality and quantity of Female(and Male)entrants from year to year may vary so last years results may or not be a true reflection of this years results.

2010 20th women 4:54:16 overall placing 176th. 4 under 4:30:00

2009 20th women 4:59:52, overall placing 201st. Five were under 4:30:00

2008 20th women 4:58:21, overall placing 204th. 3 under 4:30:00

[tucks]

Tom31, on 18 February 2011 - 02:11 PM, said:

Alex Matthews and Sleep Train are obviously the clear favourites for the win.  3:15 was a herculean effort so doubt it will be broken this year.

More interesting is the fight for the minor placings.  Matt Robbie, Andrew Lee, Don Wallace, Mr D, David Osmond and Tucks will all be in with a shout.  Watch out for dark horse newcomer Quentin Reeve though.

I'm just trying to beat you this year Tom.  Will be interested to see how Quentin goes, he seems to be able to handle the hills pretty well.

[Tom31]

Tom31, on 18 February 2011 - 02:11 PM, said:

Alex Matthews and Sleep Train are obviously the clear favourites for the win.  3:15 was a herculean effort so doubt it will be broken this year.

More interesting is the fight for the minor placings.  Matt Robbie, Andrew Lee, Don Wallace, Mr D, David Osmond and Tucks will all be in with a shout.  Watch out for dark horse newcomer Quentin Reeve though.

Hell, I forgot to mention fellow HuRT Squad member Darren Moyle, although his PB only looks to be 4:21?!

Dickyboy and I are doing a 35km bush run with Quentin Reeve tomorrow morning so will be able to give better feedback on his chances after that..

[SixFootTrackMarathon]

thomo, on 18 February 2011 - 03:14 PM, said:

2010 20th women 4:54:16 overall placing 176th. 4 under 4:30:00

2011 20th women 4:52:00 . up to 9 under 4:30:00

Top three should come from Haverd, Middleton,Bateup, Bespalov, Frost, (sub 4;10'ers) Cardelli, Moore, Blaber, Burgess (sub 4:30'ers) and then you still have Sharp, McClymont, Ruff and Miller all just under and over 4:30.

The ladies race should be more competive than the mens, harder to predict and better spectacle.

[MrD]

Agree with Darren Moyle..could be his year. the 4:21 year was the year of the blowup...we both blew it at roughly the same point and limped home

Edited by MrD, 18 February 2011 - 09:51 PM.

[Perseus]

Quote

Agree with Darren Moyle..could be his year. the 4:21 year was the year of the blowup...we both blew it at roughly the same point and limped home

I'll bet that Darren runs sub 2.25 later in the year.  ed. sub 2.20 if he ditches the tshirt.

Edited by Perseus, 19 February 2011 - 09:07 AM.

[Mister G]

I'd also nominate Mick Donges as a top 10 threat, but not sure of his recent preparation. Certainly he has the raw talent to win the whole thing in a few years.

[judo]

Do not wite off MATT ROBBIE. The Robbie monster has taken 3 months off work to fully prepare for this event. Do not be fooled by his performance at the black stump this year where he was underdone in january. It is nearly March and i can guarentee he is FIT and FIRING.

JUDO

[Animal]

You will be up there as well JUDO, mate i hope to not be far from you as well, as we have said the right pacing needs to take place from the start instead of 'all guns blazing'!

I've had a good campaign this year with training & taken a different approach, i am positive it will pay off. Running with Angela Bateup from the top of Pluvi until around the 35km mark was great stuff last year. I am hoping for a similar event to take place. Although it does sound like the field really has gone up a notch or two with the quality of the field mentioned. Either way I just want to crack that 4hr barrier. The last downhill will need to be my friend this time instead of my enemy.

A shame Stu Gibson is out, he smashed everyone in the double (B2H & Cradle) a great guy as well, had a good chat after B2H with him. Crazy fast irishman.

Haven't seen greyhound Alex since last year's race, his engine is pretty amazing and although he has a slower start than a lot of the top 10, he climbs a lot faster than most, he will be hard to beat & good chance will be stronger. Anything close to 3.15 would be amazing. Hope he wins it again but would be good to hear about a 'very close' race with sleep train.

Vanessa Haverd, she can climb, very fast up centrepoint tower run up race, think she went sub 6hrs at Kepler, she will challenge the best of them.

It will be a great race no doubt it. Road marathon time verus six foot i think its hard to compare, sure you can have a fast runner over road marathon but very different race six foot with the varying terrain with 2 massive climbs & a very steep downhill to cap it off. I can't wait for SF#2 for me.

[Tom31]

I'm pacing myself off Judo.  Last 3 Six Foots all within 90 seconds of each other.  He must be a metronome.

[SixFootTrackMarathon]

Animal, on 22 February 2011 - 02:05 PM, said:

A shame Stu Gibson is out, he smashed everyone in the double (B2H & Cradle) a great guy as well, had a good chat after B2H with him. Crazy fast irishman.

Irishman?

Anyway...he will be missed up front given his range of performances from Half Marathon (62 ?)  to Marathon de Sables.

As for the ladies, one of the guys I am tipping for a top 5 told me recently that he will be 'chicked' this year and if he is right that will mean a sub 3:30 !! and new record from the person he is tipping. He doesn't agree with me that the ladies race will be close...well he says it will be close for 2nd to 4th maybe.

Big call.

[snarkyboojum]

MrD, on 18 February 2011 - 02:39 PM, said:

Wow, that's big news...sorry to hear about Stu not being there. He was definitely one of my tips to challenge Sleep, Andy Lee and reigning champion Alex.

Awesome work getting Kiwi Anna Frost into the race too. I've seen her run at both Keswick in the short course mountain running and then at Pikes Peak last year in the longer stuff. She is all quality, although I don't know her credentials over the marathon and longer distances? Regardless, Aussies Haverd and Bateup won't let her have it all her way hopefully!

Anna Frost can *slam* longer distances - she beat Lizzie Hawker to win The North Face Endurance Challenge 50 Mile ultra in the States late last year - http://www.irunfar.c...interview.html. Awesome time (7:45:03 for the 50 miles) and awesome mountain runner.

Edited by snarkyboojum, 22 February 2011 - 06:31 PM.