Kevin defended FinOps title

THOMPSON ISLAND  September 5, 2002 --

On a clear, sunny, mild temperature Thursday afternoon, Kevin successfully wins Team FinOps 1st place title second year in a row with a comfortable margin of 15 seconds over second place young challenger, Andrew Chused. Kevin's time was 19:09, 58th overall. Team FinOps finished 15th overall.

Kevin shows composure and resilience to take over our team lead half way through the race and never let up.

Despite life-long soccer training, Hidden Leung (that's me) and Couching intern, Michael can't find any kicks nor breath up the combat trails. Neither one was any threat to the running reigning Master Woods.

Young-guns; Michael and Andrew bolted to the lead for the first mile, running an impressive 6-minute mile pace, with the older guy (Yes, that's me again) foolishly following closely behind.

However, the hilly island terrain got to us rookies who were gasping for air and looking for the white flag half way through the 2.5-mile race.

First-time runner Diesel Mike snapped out of the dreamy ferryboat ride and transformed into a vintage humvee, cranked his way through the pack and hung tough to finish the race ahead of by now cramping intern, Michael.

Gal-power Irina and Stacy, yeah baby, showed their stuff and willpower to breeze through the scenic trail with major groovy attitude;  come 'N catch us "fellows". O-h-h, b-e-h-a-v-e !!

The course was a challenge of staying power combined with strength to battle the rough surface and the ups & downs of island terrain.

The biggest thrill was that all FinOps Seven finished the race without injuries and with fairly high spirit and lots of hungry stomach.

After the feast, awards, photo-ops with Boston running legend, Bill Rodgers and a short boat ride, we were safely back in Beantown. For now we set aside any lingering trash talks or should-have-beens, until next year, of course. As for rookies like myself (to this race) at least for next year's race we'd know what to expect and train accordingly.

Lastly, We wanna thank Kevin, Marina and FinOps' support for a fun-filled day. I'm sure we all look forward to next year's run.

By Tom Leung

The event was sponsored by Equity Offices and the funds raised goes to Thompson Island's Outward Bound Education program.