Cross Country was held at Billy Jean Park on Saturday 29th July. This new course at Tomerong was brought to us by the Bryce family and we appreciate all the work that has gone into making the course. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with all athletes praising the course with its meandering track amongst the beautiful tall trees.
As usual there was just 1 entrant in the 1km course – Hayley Astin-Briggs finished the loop in 9:20. In the 2km event Ashleigh Astin-Briggs was 1st in 12:26, Winter Bell was 2nd in 12:59 and Joshua Astin-Briggs was 3rd in 14:10.
The 3km course was taken out by Glenn Sansom in 14:33 followed by Noah Dyball in 16:03 and then Hugh Thirlwall in 11:05 who was the fastest runner over this distance. Miller Bell was 4th, Ryder Monkerud 5th and then Peter Dooley was 6th as second fastest runner with 12.50. Mikaela Monkerud finished 7th with her trademark smile followed by Emerson Boatswain, Reece Andrews (visitor), and Kai Thirwall. The field was rounded out by William Anderson.
Non-member Andrew Parry took out the medium course in 26:49. Natasha Toms was next across the line in 32:27 followed by Alison Havadjia in 34:44. In 6th place Gavin Dyball recorded the fastest time of 22:28 and in 10th place, Emily McLaren was the fastest female with 25:58. Lily Sproule and Mia Monkerud were equal 11th with more big smiles and a time of 27:44.
Long course had 7 competitors and victory went to Peter Khourey in 49:38. Rebecca Cooper was 2nd in 50:32 and Martin Bell was 3rd in 47:39. Perry Strand was 4th in 46:25, whilst Elisha Bell was 5th and was fastest on course with 45:19. Graham Anderson was 6th in 50:35 and Scott Johnson completed the field in 52:03.
After the running, attendees enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea. It was a great opportunity to socialise and enjoy the warm Winter afternoon. Once again, huge thanks to the Bryce family for the opportunity to run on such a wonderful course in a beautiful location.