We had a really good turn-up for our last night of Track and Field on Wednesday 13th December. There was a lovely, relaxed vibe and plenty of Christmas colours and attire.
The night on the track commenced with some 70-metre handicapped sprints which were well received, especially by Anne Boatswain who sweet-talked the handicapper and stole too good a mark to bolt ahead of all three daughters in her race. It was the biggest victory display of the night!
In the field, Jacquie and Ron kept up the Christmas enthusiasm with some target throws. Thor Jackson and Talia Barker won some rewards for their efforts and in the younger group Hazel Saviane earned an early Christmas gift too.
The first of the handicapped Mile events involved all the younger athletes plus two ageless troopers in Geoff Crook and Glen Mustapic. Since many of this crew had not run longer distances, the handicapping was always going to be problematic…and so it proved. There were 13 starters and there wasn’t significant change in positions throughout the race.
The second episode of the night, taking advantage of the handicapper allowed Charli Binney to go off scratch and she stayed well ahead of the field for the four laps. She did keep up the effort though and was the most in-distress finisher of the night! Geoff Crook finished well as did Isla Saviane.
The most keenly contested and exciting event of the night by far was the premier Mile where, for once, the handicapping ensured a great race. There were 19 starters and nearly all were coached athletes in good form.
Toby Dyball was unavailable and could not defend the title he won last year. However, Will Dyball was determined to improve on his great effort in 2022 and again was back marker.
From the gun, the Smart youngsters, Evie and Tom set out at a good pace, but Maddie Oke quickly got to the front and stayed steady as Lily Sproule kept within striking distance.
The real action took place at the back from the fastest runners and Will Dyball was sensational as he got to the younger steeplechaser and our current club national titleholder Nic McGill after one lap. Nic would not be denied and tacked on over the later stages as did our other emerging talent in Ollie Baxter.
Darcy Davis ran in a Santa suit but was still in the mix over the last three hundred and there were great efforts by all the Smarts who really believe in sticking together. Jade Mustapic also ran well, getting back to form and overcoming a recent injury.
The podium positions were held all down the straight with a beautifully run race and first place to Maddie Oke who finished too strongly for second-placed Lily Sproule with Will a valiant third.
We thank all the volunteer officials who keep these Wednesday nights going and all our club members who enjoy their Track and Field.
Have yourselves a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we will see you back at the track on Wednesday 10th of January.
Article by Peter Dooley. Photos by Mel Mustapic
As has become a tradition, I’ve penned a little poem to celebrate our Christmas Mile. Sing it with me! LOL
I hope it puts a smile on your face!
Here comes Evie Smart, here comes Tommy Smart, right round Shoalhaven track
Mark and Nicholas, Booey and Ollie running through from the back
Bells are ringing, spectators singing, all is merry and bright
Keep on running, and pump your arms, ’cause the Christmas Mile is run tonight
Here comes Darcy Davis, dressed as Santa, right down Shoalhaven track lanes
He ditches the beard and removes the jacket but goes round and round again
Hear those lap bells jingle jangle, oh what a beautiful sight
So run, run, run and let’s have fun, ’cause the Christmas Mile is on tonight
Here comes Harry, here comes Jonah right round Shoalhaven track
They’ll keep going when the lap bell rings, they’re willing to give it a crack
Christmas glory will come to the one who crosses the line just right
So let’s give cheers to the pudding prizes, ’cause the Christmas Mile is run tonight
Here comes Maddie Oke, here comes Lily Sproule, right down the finish lane
Will Dyball is valiant in his push for the front, sprinting to make gain
Bells are ringing, spectators cheering, the race is merry and bright
So clap your hands, and give thanks to the handicapper, ’cause Christmas Mile is on tonight