Hell N' Back 2019

A miserable rainy and windy start prevented many people from coming out and running this morning, but 50 runners did get their backsides out and the weather improved with low temperatures. The rain was not helpful for the Timers as the equipment used doesn’t like getting wet, especially the computers. However, the show must go on as they say and we were able to get the race started at 7:07am. Fortunately, the volunteers are made of tougher stuff and all came out to ensure there was water stops, traffic marshals, registration and timers.

With the construction at public Beach blocking off most of the area we had to make slight adjustments to the start and finish. The race started on Raleigh Quay next to the Kimpton and headed towards the beach, followed the walkway past Tikki Beach and up West Bay Road. Crossed over the 4-way stop and continued towards John Cumber School. A left turn to Hell post office, round the timing panels and back the way they came down West Bay Road, except when on Raleigh Quay, the route continued through the start point and onto the By-Pass. Turn right and follow around the Public Beach car-park and finish at Calico Jacks.

At the turn round (Hell post office) it was Levi Superville leading the way and followed by Leo Schilling then Wyatt Bodden. The next two were Doug Anderson and Chase Young from Red Sail with Javier Perez and Wes Heistand following. The first female was Ava Hider, a good 66 seconds ahead of Charlotte Cloete, then Tricia McCarthy, Megan Webb-Sanders and Laurence Mercier.

The way back was tough as it was still windy and raining. Levi pushed on and at the end was well clear in a very good time of 38:45.7, an average of 3.52 per km. Wyatt had moved into second place with Doug third. In the ladies race, Ava had forged ahead and won easily in 47:33. Charlotte came home second whilst Megan had moved in to third place.

Thanks to the RCIPS and Red Cross for providing invaluable support and to Pirates Week Office for arranging the event. Well done Tiffany Cole for being race director and organizing the volunteers.