Saturday 18th June saw Nowra Athletics contest their cross country running skills at Dapto in the return match against Kembla Joggers Club for the McCaffrey Challenge.
Nowra was rigorously outnumbered on the day by the home club, but all 39 runners that made the trek to Dapto did their Club proud.
Nowra was represented in the 1 kilometre event by just two athletes. Tynan Caswell ran in 9th in 5.13.56 and Lexie Burinaga was 10th in 5.14.77 minutes.
In the 2 kilometres event Nowra had 5 eager runners. Reilly Caswell was the first Nowra runner across the finish line, in 5th place. James Babian was 12th, Kate Leung was 15th, Alastair Urquhart was 19th and sister Harriet was 25th.
Well done to all these youngsters running in the gold and black for Nowra.
The 3 kilometre event had 7 Nowra competitors with the best runner Jake Babian coming in 5th. Chelsea Pascoe was just behind in 6th place. Then Taliah Moxham crossed 10th; Scott Delo was 12th; Emily Burinaga was 19th; veteran runner Andrew Havadjia was 23rd and Alyssa Toms was 25th.
Leith Babian dropped back to the shorter distance of 4 kilometres this week and sprinted his way into second place behind Kembla Joggers James Seal. Leith crossed in 13.31.63 minutes just marginally ahead of third place Dylan Holland who clocked 13.31.71.
Next to cross for Nowra was Teresha Moxham in 15th place and Shenay Edwards was 16th. Lillian Boland was 19th whilst Ethan Havadjia crossed in 21st place and Cristine Suffolk was 22nd. Paul Duncan was 29th, Gavin Urquhart 38th; and Megan Fitt 39th. Finishing off the 4kilometres for Nowra were Angela Urquhart (42nd); Alison Havadjia (43rd) and Eva Moeller-Duhme (44th).
It was talented runner Jye Edwards who brought home a first place ribbon for Nowra, winning the 8 kilometre event in 25:23.82 minutes. Jye was well ahead of second place who crossed in 27:37.46 minutes. Next runner home for Nowra was Scott Martin in 5th place. Brad Sawyers ran in 9th and Club president Scott Johnson finished 19th.
Also finishing the long course for Nowra was Bill Broughton (26th); Annette Sampson (29th); Michael Duncan (33rd); Ming Leung (40th); Milton Cox (42nd); Eric Moeller-Duhme (45th); Laura Babian (49th); Sky Martin (56th) and Natasha Toms (57th).
Next week, there will be no Saturday running because the NSW Athletics & Little Athletics combined State Cross Country Championships will be held at Willandra on Sunday 26th June. Every club member is invited to participate in this history making event! There are Championship events and ‘Altogether Fun Run’ events so there is something for everyone – of all ages and abilities. Remember, bonus points for Round 11 will be awarded to everyone who participates! The first event is bright and early at 9.30am and all the details for race start times can be found on the website or facebook page. Online entries will close midnight Wednesday 22nd June. On the day entries are available but close 45 minutes prior to the event that the athlete wishes to enter.
The Club also needs volunteers on the day so if you can help, please let a committee member know. The donation of cakes, slices, muffins etc would also be very much appreciated for the cake stall fundraiser to be held on the day.
Nowra Athletics Club looks forward to seeing all runners at Willandra on Sunday.