
SummerGong 3 at Balgownie
SummerGong wrapped up its third week of competition today with some sizzling temperatures to add to the challenge. Thankfully Simon had chosen a beautiful old fig tree as the starting point which provided ample shade for the post-run recovery.
In Week 2 it was a strong southerly sea breeze (more like cyclonic wind) that provided the environmental challenge (that, and the hunt for a parking spot around the very busy Bulli Beach).
In Week 1 everyone enjoyed exploring the Wollongong Botanic Gardens and the laid-back old -fashioned question and answer format was a novel change, not to mention the honesty system for recording your start and finish time.
30 plus people attended the first two events, with a few new faces turning up, and the free kids courses proving popular. Today there were 21 people who came to check out the streets and reserves of Balgownie and Fairy Meadow.
For more photos of the events see our FaceBook page (photos courtesy of Salme).
Summergong concludes next week at Windang – who will take out the series? Our own weather guru Simon is looking a strong contender in the Long course, or will it be dark horse Matt Ryan from Gerringong? In the medium course its Kev Curby and John Hodgson who currently lead the score board. In the short course the enthusiastic Sheddon brothers are in the lead having competed in every week so far. Other enthusiastic juniors who have become regulars at IKO events are Keith’s grandchildren Cooper and Flynn.

SummerGong 1 at Wollongong Botanic Gardens