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SIX RUNNING EVENTS …IN 8 DAYS

 

Al Oppliger endeavored/survived a hectic week of competition at the 2002 World Masters Games in Melbourne, Australia. He participated in six running events during an eight-day period beginning October 6.

Oppliger, 70, a Monmouth realtor, came close to making it to the awards stand, but just missed a Bronze medal in the 2000 Meter Steeplechase by 9 seconds.

"My first event, the 10,000 meters (6.2 miles), was run on the Grand Prix race course around Albert Lake, two laps. There were 17 entrants in my 70-74 year old age group. I came in 8th with a respectable time of 52:00.3. Surprisingly, I finished first among other entrants from the USA in my age group in this event and in every other event that I ran."

In the 10K, the top 2 and 12 of the 17 competitors were from Australia. "The Aussies were awesome in numbers and in their abilities. I was pleased though, to be up there consistently and representing the USA as the top finisher."

Next day was the Steeplechase, 200 Meters (1.24 miles). The course was 5 times around the track at Olympic Park, across 23 30-inch barriers … 4 of which lead into the water hazard. "I finished 4th, just 9 seconds behind the third place finisher who was from the Czech Republic. Australians took first and second."

"On the following day, a hilly course on grass in one of Melbourne’s many parks greeted us on a windy day for the 8K Cross Country run (almost 5 miles). I came in 5th out of 12."

"After a day off, I finished 10th in the 5000 Meters (3.1miles). Time of 25:22.2. This is an event in which I often compete in the Salem area, but did not perform well in Melbourne. Next day was the 1500 Meters, which was just under one mile.

To my surprise, I was leading the pack of six runners after the first lap. Suddenly, and for no reason, my right hamstring ‘spoke to me’. Hobbling, grabbing at my leg, I continued to run and was able to finish in forth position. My time was just under 7 minutes.

"On Sunday the 13th, the final day of competition, came the longest race, the Half Marathon (13.1miles). I had been icing and elevating my hamstring injury since Friday. So with an upper right leg carefully wrapped by coach Jayne, I warmed up gingerly and started out slowly. The muscle twinged, but actually began to feel better as I made my way. My routine is to run for nine minutes and then to walk aggressively for one. The course near the University of Melbourne campus was 4-plus laps around a park and a large cemetery. My thought: One doesn’t want to do poorly in a race around a cemetery! I finished strong in a respectable 1 hour 58 minutes."

"The Games Closing Ceremonies were held that night. My wife Jayne and I had participated in the 1998 World Masters Games when they were held in Eugene and Portland. It was just a long commute for us. At Melbourne, a somewhat longer journey, there were over 25,000 competitors from 97 countries who took part in 29 events… from Archery to Weightlifting."

For 70-year-old Oppliger it had been a challenging week with the six running events in 8 days. The result: no medals, but two 4th place finishes, a 5th, 7th, 8th and 10th. And, the top position by a USA runner in his age group was rewarding.

The next World Masters will be in 2005 in relatively nearby Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. "Team Oppliger will probably be there", Al concluded.

See this year’s results and photos at <www.2002worldmasters.org/home.htm>