Dear Friends,
It’s Nearing Australia day…

Over the past couple of years a group of people come together on Australia day with one common goal; to remember a mate who we lost well before his time. Nick Green was a great mate to many of us; small in stature, big on personality with a massively infectious laugh and positive perspective on life. Nick passed away whilst travelling in europe in 2007. Greeny was a talented sportsman who, amongst other things was a gifted footballer despite being completely devoid of any running ability (you cant have it all) so it seemed a fitting tribute to his sense of humour that we remember him by doing something he loathed (a run)… followed by something he loved (a beer & a roast).

The plan for the ‘Nick Green Memorial Hotlap’ began in Melbourne in 2008 on the 3.2km course upon which Nick previously trained but quickly spread to numerous locations across Australia and the globe as mates everywhere put their hand up to pay tribute. Runs have been held in : Risdon Dam Hobart, Princes park Melbourne, Wye river on the Great Ocean Road in VIC, the basin in NSW, Noosa QLD, Airlee Beach QLD, Dubai, London, Rio,.. the list goes on…

The idea is that you can run, jog or walk the distance then we can all join together for a beer and/or feed afterwards. All friends of Nick and friends of Nicks friends are of course welcome..

After sharing victory last year in London Alex ‘Thomo’ Thomson will no doubt be invited to the blue ribbon event in melbourne where the pace and competition are equally fierce.

Since England doesn’t recognise Australia Day with a holiday, the London Leg will be held on Clapham Common on sunday Jan 24.. yup, even if it is snowing.. its only 3.2km!
Tom ‘the Toad’ Nowell has been putting in some serious miles over the past year and despite having worse hips than most grandads is about as firm as Tiger Woods in a La nightclub. Nevertheless he will need to overcome one of last years co-winners Matt ‘Knackers’ Best who will be sure to rise for the occasion..

The rest of the field are likely to follow well behind but never write off an upset on the day.. especially since Toads pond could be frozen over, and someone could be sleeping on Besty’s couch making it impossible for him to leave the house. Bobby Bailey’s been rolling them over before breaky to inspire Team Bailey, Hugo and Ab’s will be in the mix for the fastest couple time, Andy Wood is a dark horse… or is that mule? time will tell.

Shell ‘the Kenyan’ Bernados will be back intown looking more kenyan than ever after some Aussie sun.. will her pace share the same enthusiasm as her complexion? Can Danni Bevan match her in the tanning or running stakes? Struthie and Lucy have been pushing out some serious miles in marathon preparation so recent form should be well and trully in their favour.. Smasher has a touch of Radcliffe about her (without the injuries), Em’s been making excuses as to why she cant go out for a run so is unlikely to finish on the podium.

Its more about participation than winning for most of us but Box the field,.. throw numbers in the air, this race is anyones.. get on down and see how it all pans out..
Let me know if youre coming asap so we can book a big enough table for lunch.

Run starts at 1pm out the front of the Windmill be there at 12.50pm bring whoever you want as im sure i dont have everyone on my email list.. and a ’shower in a can’ as we’ll head straight to the pub afterwards, a late lunch will be at 3pm.. If you fancy a real shower have a chat to one of the locals, but really if we all pong together only the waiter will smell it!

Happy trotting

AO