It was a beautiful sunny afternoon on Saturday and runners seemed to revel in the first run at Timberhills for the season. There was some fantastic efforts by all.
In the 1km Charlie Braddick was first home, followed by Katie Martin and third was Jed Seccombe.
The 2km course Division 1 was won by Alisha Mustapic. Second was Matthew Higham who weaved his way through the pack from a 2.20 handicap showing great form this season; and third was Cameron Harrison. In Division 2 Tom Fraser ran from back marker position to cross the line first. Brae Hudson ran in second and Rachael Banwell was third.
3 km Division 1 was taken out this week by Jess O’Donnell. Jasper Arnold was next across the line, followed by Leah Dobson. Division 2 winner was the consistent Max Buckham. Erin Smart pushed all the way, from back marker to finish second, followed by another backmarker William Pratt, both proving that the 2 minute handicap was not enough to put them out of taking line honours.
Each year a run at the Timberhills course is dedicated to the Bill McKinnon Memorial. This year the Medium Course Division 1 was the nominated memorial race. This race saw a battle stirring on the track. Jade Mustapic was the winner of this race, just ahead of hard working Cristine Suffolk who was the fastest lady on the day. Derek Edwards from the front mark held on for third in his best run this season. Steve Grant was the fastest male over this distance overtaking many from his back marker start to end up 7th. Division 2 this week was won by the ever-smiling Zahra Wells with her canine companion in tow. Megan Fitt was second and Alex Arnold third. Terry Bailey ran a consistent pace to take out Division 3, with Donna Johnson getting back into the swing of running taking second and third was Chris Russell.
The Long course back markers were particularly impressive this week. They overcame their respective handicaps to get through the field with amazing speed and agility. Harry McGill overcame all and won division 1. There was great running by Scott Seccombe to finish second, Darren Morris was third and Stuart Drury close behind. Jye Edwards from a 12 minute handicap ran through to 5th place and broke the course record in the process in a new time of 35.04.
Division 2 was won by Andy Depree. Another back marker starter Andy proves that his recent holiday adventures have not affected his fitness! Trish McInally ran in second and third place was taken by the very consistent and durable Milton Cox.
Next week cross country will be held at Huskisson.
Athletes are reminded of the upcoming Greater Nowra Fun Run which will be held on Sunday 31 May. This is an inaugural running event for Nowra that supports family fitness. Runners can choose from a 2km, 4km or 8km fun run. This event will take place instead of the regular Saturday cross country competition, so it serves as a pointscore day for Nowra Athletics Members. Runners must enter on line and are encouraged to do so by Friday 15th May when the ‘Early Bird’ cheaper rate closes. All the info. is on the website nowrafunrun.com.au