The Amazing Race

It began with a harmless enough conversation in the office of Wunderman Sydney. New Copywriter Ben Peppernell jogs to the new offices from Balmain. Thomas Tearle, Digital Strategist and New Business Lead, cycles the same route. Claims were made about how long it takes each man to commute that distance by human-power. Ben could run it in 32 minutes. Tom could pedal it in 22.

The challenge was set. The runner, with a 10 minute head start, against the cyclist.

For the more astute observers, it was a race of ginger proportions. Bets were placed and everyone had their theories on the outcome.

Ben hit the pavement at 6pm with a cheering crowd to send him off. After a quick mechanical check and tyre pump due to attempted sabotage, Tom pedaled off just 10 minutes later, raced across busy William Street and through a major intersection (possibly against the red light, but who could tell against such a speeding blur).

This morning we have the result.

At about 6:25, Tom pedaled his ass up the final hill on Victoria Road, Balmain, and from the top could see Ben ahead at the bottom, pounding the pavement with long strides, headed for the finish line. Tom's legs pumped like never before and he powered down the hill, chasing down Ben. The runner crossed the line and threw his fists in the air like Rocky Balboa, then turned just in time to see the cyclist only 5 metres behind careening down on him. Too late.

Ben was victorious. Man against machine and man prevailed.