Nowra Athletics Club kicked off the Winter cross country competition on Saturday 24th March at the picturesque Willandra. The numbers were strong for this preliminary round of the 2018 season with plenty of familiar faces along with some first-timers
On this first Saturday , there were 5 young contenders in the 1km course with Dean Osgood taking line honours. He was followed by Mitchell Toms. Next was Lailani Halliday then Miller Bell and last but certainly not least Winter Bell.
In the 2km event , there were 18 eager participants. Cameron Baxter was first across the line in 9.42 minutes followed very closely by Dylan Johnstone in 9.49 minutes and then Will Fletcher in 9.56 minutes.
The 3km race saw 25 competitors participate with Ethan Havadjia finishing first in 12.39 minutes. Harrison Baxter placed second, crossing in 12.47 minutes and Charlie Rudd took third place in 13.14 minutes. It was great to see Susie Boardman, newly appointed treasurer of the Club step up to run cross country for the first time and better still to hear her say after the race that she will be back to run again! Zahra Wells-Smith and Maxine Gernyi seemed to test their talking prowess whilst running and were happy to be ‘back of the pack’ for the day.
Enjoying the 4km course were another 20 runners. Cam Musgrove tested out his track season fitness running in first in 16 minutes. Irwan Burbage was next to cross in 16.53 minutes and Lucas Johnson was third in 18.02 minutes. Lachlan Kaszonyi, Sam Maher and Cooper Thomson, all fierce track competitors and training buddies stepped up to the 4km distance and demonstrated their strength taking the next three places, hot on each other’s heels.
This year it was suggested that the long course be extended out to 10km to bring it in line with the National Open distance. A discussion was held before the start of the race to gauge member’s reactions and with all in agreement 18 runners embarked on the new distance, comprising of a 2km lap followed by two 4km laps.
Matt Lewis showed good form this early in the season to cross in 41.50 minutes. Scott Martin, fresh from his alpine trail run crossed in 43.44 minutes and Sarah Johnson crossed third in 44.03 minutes.
A timing chip system is to be introduced for members this season and the allocation of chips will begin soon so arrive early next week to find out more.
Next week runners return to the hills of Willandra for the first points round. It is Easter Saturday so come and run off some chocolate calories – a good excuse to eat more eggs! First event starts at 2.30pm for the 1 and 2km. The 3km and long course start at 3pm followed by the medium course at 3.20pm. Everyone is welcome!
The Nowra Athletics Club has been providing athletic events including cross country running to people of all ages and abilities for over 50 years. We are a family friendly Club and encourage anyone interested in running to come and give it a go, no matter what their age or speed. Visitors are welcome for casual runs too. Enquire at the administration desk before racing starts on Saturday.