Round 6 of Nowra Athletics Club cross country was run last Saturday 7th May at the beautiful Timberhills.
The weather was unseasonably warm and there were many “it’s too hot” comments heard being uttered by the disgruntled runners. However Timberhills course does afford quite a large amount of shade as the course weaves its way through the bush and under the tree canopy so the runners could get some relief.
The Bill McKinnon memorial is awarded each year to the first place getter in a nominated distance and division at the Timberhills course. This year the winner of this prestigious trophy was Kathy Hopkins as the winner of the Long course Division 2 event. Congratulations Kathy. Son, Darcy also recorded a win in his event, scoring a double victory for the family.
The 1 kilometre event was won by Wil Osgood this week. Second was Callula Norwood and third was Tynan Caswell.
In the 2 kilometre Division 1 Lila Pratt crossed the line first. Matthew Higham was second with the fastest male time of 7.52 minutes, and third was Alisha Mustapic. Division 2 was won by the consistent Katie Martin. Second was Levi Wallis and third was Tennille Wallis.
3 kilometre Division 1 was claimed by Byron Osgood. Jessica O’Donnell ran well to place second and Erin Smart was third. Meanwhile Division 2 was taken out by Thomas Pratt. Emily Burinaga once again featured in the top three, crossing in second place this week and Ava Boundy crossed in third place.
Medium Course Division 1 was won by Darcy Hopkins who had to work hard to keep Hugh Dobson at bay. Hugh recorded the fastest time of 19.42 minutes, placing second and Peter Dooley was a strong finisher in third place. Crissy Suffolk crossed the line in 4th place, recording the fastest female time of 21.33 minutes.
Division 2 was contested by eight runners with the eventual winner being Lucas Johnson. Rod Rose was second and Gavin Urquhart was third. Division 3 had just five entries this week; Eva Moeller-Duhme used her handicap to her advantage to take out the race. Steve Thomson was second and Donna Johnson proved her consistency this season with third place.
Long course was hard-fought between Harry McGill and Troy Whittington. Harry McGill was eventually just too fast and too strong on the day, claiming the fastest time in 35.08 minutes, beating out Troy Whittington to the line. Trying to chase the teenagers down was Perry Strand and Leith Babian, finishing in third and fourth place respectively.
As already mentioned Division 2 was won by Kathy Hopkins who was honoured with the Bill McKinnon Memorial trophy for her efforts. Second was Laura Babian and third was Rob Woods.
Next week’s cross country will be at Willandra. Don’t forget the Annual Presentation and AGM is also on Saturday at 6.30pm at Illaroo Road Public School. Hope to see everyone there.