As the rain continued to fall on Saturday, numbers were slightly down for Round 2 of the Winter cross country series, many obviously deterred by the wet weather. However Peter Dooley’s opening address on Saturday afternoon was “We run in all weather…this is perfect conditions for cross country running!”
Well, I’m not so sure the washers of the mud-stained clothes would agree with that comment, but nonetheless the round was run with lots of enthusiasm amongst competitors, and needless to say lots of mud! More than a few people were caught slipping and sliding around the hills of Willandra and some runners came back looking as though they had been rolling in the mud too!
In the 1km race James Babian was first to cross the line with a huge smile on his face. He was followed by Annie Secombe, and Callula Norwood, with young Charlie Braddick coming in 4th and Aimee Coulson-Knight finishing a close 5th.
In the 2km Division 1 Sienna Bricker took line honours followed by Matthew Higham.
Then proving that running ‘runs in the family’ Stirling Norwood took 3rd place, (like sister Callula in the 1k) and Jake Babian ran almost as fast as brother James, finishing 4th, with a smile just as big!
In the 2km Division 1 Sienna Bricker took line honours followed by Matthew Higham. Then proving that running ‘runs in the family’ Stirling Norwood took 3rd place, (like sister Callula in the 1k) and Jake Babian ran almost as fast as brother James, finishing 4th, with a smile just as big! In Division 2 it was another family affair with Alastair Urquhart finishing first and Harriet Urquhart coming in 3rd. In between was Rachael Banwell.
In the 3k Division 1 back marker Jesse Buckham made it look easy as he came hurtling through the pack to finish a commendable 7th. Crossing the line first was Ella Munro, followed by Indie Secombe and Max Bricker. In Division 2 back markers Emily Michell and Mikayla Check ran strong all the way to push through and finish close to the front. They weren’t quite quick enough to beat David Hughes, Lou Reali, Angus Lowbridge and Jasmine Greenwood who finished 1st to 4th though. In Division 3 Rick O’Shea came past the post first with Sharron Charwood and Anabelle Dallas hot on his heels.
In the medium course Cameron Musgrove led the charge, proving he can transfer his track speed to the cross country course. Watch out for the handicapper next week though! He was chased home by Chris Morris and Paul Duncan. In Division 2 Jill Tuckerman beat Megan Coulson-Knight across the line with a determined Dean Bryce coming in 3rd. In Division 3 consistent and steady runner Alison Havadjia led the way, with seasoned runners John Price and Jill Smith not far behind.
In division one of the long course Mitchell Cunningham took the honours for first place followed by Damian Smith and Joel Lord. In Division 2 Linda Clarke put in a gutsy run to finish 1st. Motoring along for 2nd was Peter Heald and barefoot runner Kev Davis, no doubt loving the toe-gripping mud, finished 3rd. Steady improver Laura Babian crossed for 4th showing that consistent effort pays off!
Next week is Easter Saturday and Round 3 will be run at Longreach. Racing kicks off from 2.30pm and we encourage everyone to arrive well ahead of their race time to check their handicap and get some warm ups in before running and starting to indulge in chocolate! Don’t forget to check the website or the new facebook page for any possible change of venue notices in the event of continued wet weather.