By Mark Tucker

'Skimpies' - a word not usually associated with a running race but on one weekend in June, in the remote mining town of Leonora, the two collide and 2008 did not disappoint! Leonora is located just over an hours flight away from Perth inland and is built on mining. It has a couple of pubs and service stations but not a whole lot else - until the golden gift weekend rolls around. This year, I made a last minute decision to race in the mens elite mile - a decision based on the combination of having a few guys missing and the big money on offer! However, if it wasn't for 'Scrivo's (my coach: Bruce Scriven's) encouragement, I would have not gone - a recent marathon and change of focus was a dangerous combination for taking on an elite mile race.

Anyway, on the Friday night I made my way into Perth and was met by my host, Courtney Carter - a young local runner on the way up. This was the start of a memorable weekend. Saturday morning saw us arrive into Leonora on our small chartered plane and then hit our accommodation. The Horse racing is always popular on the Saturday, with the majority of the runners ending up at the race track for a small flutter on the horses and to experience all that a small country race meet has to offer. I decided against going to the races this year and instead wasted away time with some of the other runners, staring into the distance and chatting about important topics such as how tough it would be to live in Leonora without work!

That night, the heats were run in front of an enthusiastic crowd - although the promise of Kate Ceberano singing later on could have contributed somewhat to the numbers! Most of the expected guys and girls got through to the final unharmed, although my host - Courtney Carter - found himself in the slow heat and was the main casualty of the night.

Sunday morning started with the traditional breakfast at the Hoover ranch -a gold coin donation with a nice view and spread of food and beverages. After this it was focus time - 6000 dollars and a gold nugget were on the line and it was going to take a mighty effort to take it down. The Womens race was a real crowd pleaser - Nicky Molan and Emma Rilen diving for the line with Emma winning by the barest of margins. The Mens race was always going to be tough - 7 guys all with a shot at the title. In the end Craig Huffer showed he was one to watch for the future with a good win.. unfortunately at my expense - bastard! The plan was to go from about 450 out, just before the 2nd last turn and then hold the lead all the way to the line. The first part was carried out but Huffer's change of pace to go past me down the back-straight left me in his wake and another 2nd place was added to my previous 2nd and 3rd placings at Leonora. Nevertheless, 4000 dollars helped cope with the loss!

After the races had ended the real fun began - the 'skimpies', scantily clad women who serve beverages at the local pubs (very politically correct!), were the central focus of our attention - or more specifically, one of the skimpies, who decided to give us a good laugh with her crazy antics; Craig Huffer will never be the same! Leonora golden gift weekend is definitely a unique experience!