It was a cold Winter afternoon where it was very tempting to curl up on the lounge with a blanket, however a few dedicated runners braved the cold to run at Hollyhill on Saturday 19th June.
The course was amended so the front paddock circuit was run at the end of the course rather than at the beginning. Most people agreed they preferred the course deviation; getting the hills over and done with earlier in the course!
There were no starters for the 1 and 2km event so the 3km kicked off first with eleven participants. Zoe Musson was first home followed by William Anderson in second and Noah Dyball was third. Erin Smart who arrived just in time for the start of the race managed fourth without any warm up, and recorded the fastest time of 15.25. Darren Morris was fifth, followed by Harry Thomson, then Emily McLaren, and Michael Duncan then Anna Duncan, Andrew Havadjia and Sharyn Bryce.
Medium course had ten competitors and Toby Dyball worked his way through the field to take victory in the closing stages of the race, from an 18.30 handicap. Toby was also fastest over the 5kms with a time of 21.27. Darlene Musgrove held on for second and Jade Mustapic off 15.30 came through for third. Phil Duncan was fourth and Alison Havadjia was fifth. Next home was Glen Mustapic then sprinter Matt Reid was seventh in a quick time of 22.44. Lisa Carroll, Ming Leung and Hamish McLaren rounded out the field.
There were nine contenders for long course. Lucas Johnson had an 18.30 handicap and took line honours. Cam Musgrove, home from Canberra for the weekend was fastest on course with 40.47, after apparently just ‘taking it easy’. Perry Strand, in third place was the next fastest with 47.32. Graham Anderson was fourth, and it was a lovely moment when son Will joined him stride for stride as he neared the finish line in a show of support and encouragement. Next was Steve O’Connor, then Scott Johnson and Dean Bryce. The only female contesting long course was Sabina Hamaty who clocked 55.32 in eighth place and Richard Bosdyk completed the field.
Next week cross country round 11 will be held at Worrigee. In addition, the State Cross Country Championships will take place at Willandra on the same day. For those wanting to enter the State Championships, entries close on Wednesday morning at 10am.
