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	Macedon Du-o Run-ride-run Monday 28 January 2008 RESULTS HERE PHOTOS


	RACE REPORT There was a 75-strong field competing and while not everyone managed to finish there were some gutsy performances. While some people blitzed the race director’s estimated winning times (2 hours for the long course) others decided to get more value for their money. I think fun was had by all. The race At the first transition there was a tight cluster of long course competitors who were led out onto the mtn bike leg Jim Russell. Jim kept the 4 minute lead he established over Tony Clark on the first run leg throughout the mtn bike leg and the final run leg, winning the long course in 96 minutes. Tim Hatley wasn’t far behind taking 3rd place in a time of 1.47.13. Carolyn Jackson put in a typically gritty effort in winning the women’s long course. She completed the 250km Wildside race in Tasmania just days before and also competed in the Saturday night Hurstbridge MTBO event. Experience was obviously just as critical as fitness as Jim turned 46 during the race and Carolyn turned 50 just last year. Some of the younger competitors are going to have to work hard to overcome these guys. Jim was ecstatic with his win which confirmed his all round skills in adventure racing while Carolyn Jackson was just relived to have beaten her daughter, Melinda. On the short course Jenny Mitchell had a comprehensive win in 77 minutes, with Peter Hill taking out the men’s short course category. Jim, Carolyn, Jenny and Peter all took home $25 gift vouchers from the OASA store.
	In the junior ranks 16 year old Peter Markworth showed that he will be a force to reckon with at the elite levels of adventure racing and orienteering in the future coming in 4th overall on the long course in a time of 1.50.47. He won a movie voucher. Melinda Jackson completed a family double in winning the Junior Female Long course & Morgan Clark, showing the same top form as his father (2nd in the long course overall) won the Junior Male short course. Both also won movie vouchers. It was a close tie for the ‘stack-of-the-day’ prize with Bruce Paterson’s frame-breaking log jump a close contender. He’ll be doing some bike shopping before this Saturday’s mtn bike race! But the prize has to go to Dick Barker (pictured right before the stack) who sailed over his handlebars on a steep hill on the mtn bike course, using his face to stop himself in the gravel! Luckily his helmet took most of the impact and he was able to finish the race – a fine effort considering.
	Many thanks to the great team of Melbourne Forest Racers volunteers who helped make it a fun day for everyone. Thanks also to Hancocks Plantations, Parks Victoria and Macedon Council for use of their land and to Bayside Kangaroos and Central Highlands Orienteering clubs for use of their maps. Thanks to Darren Sandford and his family for setting up the OASA table, coordinating the map board hire and providing a great Heart Rate monitor as a spot prize. And a special thanks to Peter Cusworth who pioneered the Du-O concept and provided invaluable help and guidance in the preparation of this event. The next Du-O race in the series will be on May 11 (location TBC) and then another one on Saturday May 24th at Gembrook. Come along to get points towards the overall Du-O champion for 2008. Stay tuned to www.vicmtbo.com for all the details.
	If you were new to adventure racing or navigating and want some tips before the next race then get in contact with me and I’ll be able to point you in the right direction. A great way to start is to come along to an orienteering event, a full list of which can be found at www.vicorienteering.asn.au. (or ask Carolyn Cusworth (pictured right) who managed to to run straight off the map at the start and had to be rescued by her husband, Peter!)
	Your feedback on the race would be appreciated. Tell us what was good or bad and what we could improve for next time. Many thanks once again for coming, having a go and making it a great day. Dion Keech, Race Director Melbourne Forest Racers