THE 30th Hydro Imperial 20 was a triumph. Australia’s only coast to coast foot race commenced in Naracoopa on the east coast and after hitting the west coast at Currie Harbour, the runners, walkers, individuals and teams need to climb back up heartbreak hill to cross the finish line in Main Street Currie.
The feature event, the 32km Handicapped Running Event overall winner was Mick Vivian 2:23:57.8, second was Bevan Harman 2:27:11.8 and third Samuel DeBomford 2:29:14.2. The Handicapped results had Karen Cole coming in first and Imperial 20 Race Director Ian Allan second and Anthony Biddle third.
Chris Palfrey won the 32 km Walking Event 3:56:44.0. from Lachlan Wilkinson, followed by Shey Cooper with one toe hitting line ahead of Mel Shaw. All event and race results can be found kingislandrace.org.au follow link 2023 RESULTS.
As the sun rose on Sunday, the 32 km competitors at Naracoopa, the 8 km relays, runners and walkers and Main Street Kids dash entrants, felt the drizzle and most likely had second thoughts and reconsidered their commitment, wondering if this would become a downpour. But the skies cleared, with little wind, and many considered it perfect running weather.
Nothing was going to stop Fox Mahoney as he lined up for his 30th Imperial. He is the only competitor who has entered and completed every Imperial 20 since inception. His wife Mandy said, “This year he walked the 32 km, and predicted it would take 5 hours. He came in 4:58, so he was chuffed.”
The weekend started with the JBS sponsored Beach Fun Run and race trials
on Saturday afternoon at Porky Beach. The dinner on Saturday night celebrated the 30 years of the Imperial 20 and reflected on the history, memorable moments and memorable runs through Jan van Ruiswyk’s filming of every footfall over the 30 years. An Imperial 20 trivia competition celebrated and reminded participants of the evolutionary road the event has followed over the years.
After the race, President Imperial 20 Committee, Gary Strickland said, “I’ve been speaking with some of our runners, who have agreed that the Imperial 20 on King Island, is the ‘Best run event they have competed in.’ That’s rewarding to receive that sort of comment from people who are experienced competitive runners. It comes down to the committee and their enthusiasm, and the overall organisers of various sections and the community who get on board for the day.”
When asked about what has changed over the 30 years, Gary said, “The
event has expanded, and it’s imbedded in the Community. It is also more community focussed. After 30 years we have multigenerational Imperial 20 entrants. The grandkids are now running because parents ran, even the grandparents ran or are still running, walking or active in the event.”
Race Director Ian Allan added, “We have the same formula today as when the Imperial started 30 years ago. The formula works.
It started as a point-to- point handicapped foot race over 20 miles. It’s a nice distance. The 32 km is between a half and full marathon, and there aren’t many races of that distance in Australia.
“It’s perfect for those starting to consider a marathon or aiming for a marathon. Also, we cater for all ages and provide different length races, team events, suiting all abilities, within the one race. From active aging and kids to high performance athletes, there’s something for everyone.”
Gary jumped in and said, “Tonight is the Recovery Dinner, and
we have messages from past competitors. Steve Monaghetti still holds the race record, and he will be contributing. Then there’s Stewy, [Stewart McSweyn], growing up on King Island, he has competed and has sent a message.
As Stewart moves towards competing in longer distances, and the marathon…I know he would like to break Monaghetti’s Imperial 20 record. It’s a bit hard now when the event coincides with the European track season. But that’s something we can look forward to.”