A pack start was the order of the day for cross country at Longreach on Saturday 22nd July with everyone off “go”.
It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and whilst numbers were considerably lower than past weeks, enthusiasm and friendly banter was high.
There was no pressure of points on offer so everyone was relaxed and some may have run their quickest times yet!
In the 1 kilometre Alisha Mustapic and Kate Leung both crossed in five minutes whilst Adle Graham recorded 5.23 minutes and Micah Procter was hot on their heels, finishing in 5.25 minutes. Next was Elsie Procter followed by Noah Dyball, William Anderson and Toby Graham. Well done 1’kers!
In the 2kms it was Toby Dyball who crossed the line first in 8.49 minutes with Cameron Harrison crossing second and Thomas Duncan third. Next was Travis Graham then Levi Wallace, Brodie Wilson and Jacob Wilson.
From 17 competitors first home in the 3km event was Alec Dobson in 11.05 minutes followed by William Dyball then Jasper Arnold. Tara Mustapic ran well to finish fourth then Zac Peters and Francis Fairs.
The Medium course saw 19 recorded runners finish (with another two who ran off their own start time!) and this time it was Hugh Dobson who took line honours in 20.22 minutes. Next home was Lucas Johnson then Jon Schol.Cooper Thomson, Bill Broughton and Annette Sampson ran in next in respective order.
The long course had another 17 runners record a finish time with Matt Lewis crossing the line first in 33.47 minutes. Next in was Scott Martin then Brad Sawyers. Not far behind were Scott Johnson, Perry Strand and Darcy Hopkins.
It was a great afternoon of running.
Next week there will be mixed cross country relays at Timberhills. Everyone needs to arrive by 2.30pm so we have time to organize relay teams. This is another great opportunity for some pressure-free running in a picturesque setting with an element of fun and friendly competition thrown in.
The following week will be the final week of cross country running for the Winter season. This will be held at Willandra and in addition to the novelty-event run, we will be holding the Winter Season Presentation. Trophies will be awarded for the first three placegetters in each division of each distance. There will be a free sausage sizzle to enjoy and to add to the festivities there will be the special launch of the Club’s new uniform with a mini fashion parade! Uniform order requests will be taken on the day so athletes can get in early for their uniform in preparation for the upcoming Track and Field season. Don’t miss out!
We invite everyone to attend and enjoy an afternoon of fun, running, celebration and camaraderie.