REPORT #2 March 4, 1985 “Two Paris runners among top finishers”

HONOLULU March 4, 1985

Fabulous news' Dan and Donna Verschoor were among the almost 12,000 runners in Sunday's first annual Great Aloha Run. Unofficially Dan 18, came in fourth over-all with a time of 39 minutes 41 seconds. Donna 16, was the fifth woman to finish. Her time was 48 minutes 40 seconds Results won't be official until later in the week, but we're pretty sure both Dan and Donna came in first in their age categories (15-19 male and female). It's so amazing when you think of all the thousands who took part Dan and Donna were super I'll put them on the line and let you talk to them. Dan: “The 12.1-kilometre course was a little hilly in spots, and there was some wind, but conditions were pretty well ideal. The pace was good, except the first mile was rather slow as all the runners sorted themselves out. The water stations were a little far apart for me, but I guess most of the other runners were fairly used to the heat.. We're not yet sure about prizes. They're not handed out until the final day of the bed race.”

Donna: “I've been staying out of the sun for the last couple of days and that's rather difficult to do here! in order to stay in shape for the race. Like my brother, I paced myself quite well You sort of picked up with other runners and they encouraged you. The crowds were great, too. It was all very well organized. Yes. I'll be ready for the bed race practices.After all, I just have to sit on the bed with my best smile ” There, weren't they super? We're all proud of them. Our first bed race in competition is expected to be next Saturday We think we're up against a team from Japan, but I have to go to the race office on Monday to try and get more details. Race officials will be here Monday to inspect our bed to make sure it meets specifications. The pressure of today's run is now behind us and we can get down to serious bed racing. As soon as the sun goes down Monday evening, we’ll have our first actual practice run Up to now we've kept in shape by jogging every day. We've been warned not to attempt practice between 10 a.m. and 2 p m too hot The entire group of us racers and parents have been holding a Sunday night session to try and work out some sightseeing trips. It's cheaper if we all go in a group. So, it's going to be a week of practice and sightseeing. Thursday night there'll be a banquet at which we'll meet the other competitors. The television station here apparently has some arrangement with CHCH-TV in Hamilton A cameraman will be staying with us all day Saturday, and then the station will be sending the tape back to Canada We don't know much more about it at the moment. Everybody's feeling great. Sorry to hear about your Sunday night storm warning.

…To be continued next week!