Thanks to Gail for running this outstanding event. Congratulations to Brendan and Tom for their great wins – how you blokes can cover the ground in the time you do is astonishing.

Congratulations also to every other participant – those who did not win. There can only be one winner in a race, but that should not detract from the exceptional efforts of the less gifted who stay the course to finish a tough event like this. The effort is the same – it's only the time on the clock that is different. Sometimes participants fail to achieve their potential due to lack of preparation or injury. For the most part however, genetics and/or age are the primary difference between winners and the rest of the field.

As a back of the pack runner myself (it took me 43 hours to complete the course), I know what it takes to be on the course hours after the fleet of foot are home and tucked up in bed. I am particularly in awe of Lorraine who finished in 50+ hours. I've never seen a person finish after such a time with such a positive attitude – well done Lorraine!

This is a great event, and I'm so pleased to have had the opportunity to participate. It is by far the toughest event I have done, and I have done many. Like most of the expatriates, I thought I had factored in a sufficient level of extra time for the difficulty I knew I would experience. I ran the Western States 100 Mile Run in America in 29.5 hours last year. That's 162 kms. I thought I would be able to complete the 96 kms of the Kokoda Track in a somewhat similar time, but I greatly underestimated the difficulty of the course.

Great event – give it a go!

John

Photograph: John Lindsay at Nauro Village Checkpoint 25th August, 2007:
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