It was a windy morning in Cambewarra for the start of the 32km long distance running event. This year numbers were up with 168 entries received. This is testament to the unique appeal of ‘The King’ – long distance runners simply love the Shoalhaven King of the Mountain!
There was a good showing of local athletes amongst the competitors who traversed the quiet country roads, and rolling hills. The highest point of the race was Mount Scanzi – 24 kilometres from the start and approximately 360m above sea level. I’m not sure how many of the runners were able to appreciate the breathtaking views at this point after pushing up the mountain but of course they ran on as the course took them down a steep descent and then on through Kangaroo Valley to the welcomed finish line at the showground.
The race was won by Alex Matthews aged 30 from Turramurra in a time of 1.58.35. Alex was injured in last year’s King with a fall in one of causeways. Despite his battle scars he returned this year and claimed the crown for his determination. In his victory speech Alex praised the efforts of Nowra Athletics Club and the volunteers for staging such a wonderful event and promised he’d be back again!
In second place was Tony Fattorini from Petersham and third was Gary Mullins from Neutral Bay. The female race winner was Cecily Butler from Randwick in a time of 2.28.15. Jane Butler from Bruce finished second and third was Sarah Carpenter from Bowral.
Our first local runner home was the smiling Leith Babian who finished 8th in a time of 2.14.58. Next home for Nowra was Damian Smith in 12th place, followed by Scott Johnson in 13th and Darrin Smith in 14th. A great result to have 4 Nowra runners finish in the top 15!
Our first local female home was Kim Waters in a time of 3.10.18 who finished 98th overall. Angela Bond was our next female runner home in a time of 3.24.04 in 122nd place and Laura Babian finished in 140th place in a time of 3.40.13. The girls certainly showed great resolve and persistence to conquer the gruelling course. Another local female to do us proud was Kathy Johnson who was the winner of the 60-69 female category in a time of 4.06.02; although perhaps Greg Brennan needed an award too for riding the distance on his bike with Kathy for moral support!
A special award was made to Club stalwart Kevyn Davis who ran his 38th King on Sunday. Kevyn finished the race in 110th position in a time of 3.18.34. This is an extraordinary effort from this veteran of running.
The 40th anniversary of ‘The King’ was certainly a successful event. Special thanks to all the organisers, sponsors and volunteers who helped make the event possible.