Special Events Line. Showgrounds and Flemington Racecourse.
SHOWGROUNDS. 26/9/2018. 177th Run. 16.2 km.
Who would have thought that this station would be so hard. To start with it is only operating during the 10 days of the Melbourne show. But that turned out to be only the first problem. Caught an after work train from Southern Cross and arrived at the station without issue. Headed to the station exit and then more problems. The only exits to the outside world were closed and patrolled by security guards that had no interest in letting me out. I was informed that the only exit was into the actual Show. But I have no ticket I told him. Then you will have to buy one he said. But I have no money I replied and he told me my only option was to get back on the next train to Southern Cross. With a 15 min wait until the next train I decided to try and talk my way into the Show. I waited until the station was empty, picked the most sympathetic looking attendant and explained my challenge and the situation. After looking left and right, he gave me the go ahead and I was in. As promised I headed directly towards the big exit sign, only to discover it was actually the exit from the show-bag pavilion. Now I was stuck in the crowd. 15 minutes later I had found my way out of the showgrounds and finally got to start my run. The run part was easy but I was home much later than planned. All the runs left from now on are half marathon or longer - but probably easier to start.
FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE. 4/11/2017. 98th Run. 19.1 km.
The first day of the 2017 Cup Carnival was Derby Day and of course it is one of the days that this station actually operates. I got an early start to beat the big crowds although still busy. Properly dressed for my run but out of my league with the rest of the passengers meant I did get a few strange looks. No doubt I wasn’t a threat for the fashions on the field event. Got a station selfie as always and then one outside the Hill Gate and set off in the opposite direction to everyone else. Ran around the outside of the course and then past the 1200 m starting stalls before heading into the city. Met 3 police officers outside Southern Cross station that were up for a chat as we waited for the lights to change and I suggested they close the streets to make it easier to run home. They liked the idea but thought it was a bit much trouble. Into Middle Park and got stopped by a lady who was looking for Middle Park bowling club and I was able to help given I had just run past it. Finally in Fitzroy St St Kilda I was stopped by a guy who wanted to know where I got my fuel belt. 3 interruptions in one day, just lucky I wasn’t trying to run a PB for this course. Turns out I did anyway.