Nowra Athletics held the first pointscore round of the Winter Cross country Program on Saturday 2nd April 2016 at the picturesque Willandra course.
Numbers were a little low compared to other years, however there were quite a few runners from down the coast who travelled to test their speed and endurance on the rolling hills.
In the 1 kilometre event there were 12 competitors. Callula Norwood was first across the line, followed by mum Kelly Norwood. Tynan Neil was third.
The 2 kilometre event had 22 takers with two more members of the Norwood family featuring in the podium finishers in Division 1 ; Eilish Norwood was first home, followed by Reilly Caswell and third was Stirling Norwood. In Division 2 Ben Godfrey was just in front of Peter Godfrey and third was Brae Hudson.
In the 3 kilometre event there were, once again, 22 competitors. Division 1 was won by Alex O’Brien in the fastest time of 11.40 minutes. Ben Shephard ran in second and Alec Dobson third. Division 2 was won by Louie Godfrey whilst Takesa Frank took second and Thomas Pratt was third.
The 4 kilometre distance was the most popular distance of the day, well represented with 34 runners.
Stephen Grant was the fastest male over this distance and claimed line honours in Division 1 in a time of 14.42 minutes. Hugh Dobson ran across the line next followed by Jon Schol.
Division 2 saw David Hughes, Kyra Florance and Graham Smith finish top three and Division 3 was completed with Alex Arnold, Alison Havadjia and John Price in the top positions. (Great to see Alison back running after her knee injury!)
There were 29 runners keen enough (some might say silly enough) to complete two laps of the Willandra course on Saturday. Division 1 was claimed by Scott Martin who reportedly found the second lap “very tough in the heat” but still managed to achieve the fastest time of the day with 33.00 minutes on the clock. Second was Leith Babian just behind Scott in 33.06 minutes and third was Steve McCullugh. Division 2 was won by Angela Bond; second was Kathy Hopkins and third was Scott Dobson.
Gordon Clark showed that his ‘off-season’ fitness regime is paying off with 4th place in Division 2 of the 8 kilometre event on his debut return to the cross country competition.
Next Saturday’s run will be held at the scenic Timberhills course. Runners not yet registered are advised to arrive early to register between 1.30pm and 2.15pm. Events commence at 2.30pm.<
A change of date to note for the winter cross country calendar is that the Cross Country Gala and State Championships will be held at Willandra on
Sunday 26th June instead of Saturday 25th, as printed in our program. This event will now also include the Little Athletics State cross country. Mark the change of date in your diary!
See you running!