Even the kids were on board for this one.

First off I would like to thank Rob Miller for organising the Bustard Express, excellent work. I would also like to thank the Mareeba Mountain Goats for allowing us to use their recently formed trails. Can’t wait to get back on them, just as soon as my calves stop hurting!

Coming straight off the back of ‘Speewah Legends’ we nominated for the ‘Bustard Express’, figuring that it would be good for all of us to be able to have a go. Having only heard how good the track is from various uses, mostly mtn. bikers, we were unsure of what it would be like to run on and how technical it would be. There were some mixed emotions at the start of the race for our team; Tayhan had just finished a game of league so was not overly enthusiastic to do the first lap; Kerry and I were keen and ready to go; and Kayla was uncertain of what she was in for. After some discussion on who wanted to run the first lap and a bit of a hiccup in our organisation, I got to run the first lap. I think it was one of the hardest and fastest 3ks I had ever run. Although the short course did not accumulate any altitude, the leaders made up for it in pace. Tayhan and Kayla did very well in racking up laps, giving Kerry and I opportunity to relax and get fired up for the next lap. The ‘Pony express’ layout lent itself exceptionally well to families being able to compete and socialising of all competitors. Luxuries that are not always affordable at trail runs for obvious reasons. The Mareeba Mountain Goats did an excellent job at catering for the hungry competitors; I know we eat several helpings.

Some thought on next year’s Bustard Express that may be of benefit if possible is to have the ‘pit’ area alongside the running course and a little more privacy for the toilet?

Looking forward to next year’s Bustard Express, might even be able to get Tenzing in for a lap.

Kirk Morley – Team T Triple K