Cross Country Round 1 kicked off at Longreach on Saturday 13th April. In the 1km event there were 10 competitors. Evie Smart was first across the line in 5.35 minutes followed closely by Dean Osgood in 5.36 and then Rowan Brignell was third in 5.41. Next to cross was Tom Smart, then Hannah Vonk, Alba Vaughan, Malachy Martin, Aiden McLaren, Ruby Vaughan and then Maggie Vaughan.
In the 2km with handicaps in operation Division 1 was taken out by Trae Yenne in 10:46. Samuel Vonk was second across the line in 11.16 and Harry Thomson was third in 10.56. Division 2 winner was Dylan Cox followed by Scott McLaren then Heidi McLaren.
The 3km event was contested by 16 runners. In Division 1 victory was claimed by Jacob Pepper in 12.17 which was the fastest time for this distance. Next to cross was Will Osgood who clocked 13.54 followed by Matthew Higham in 12.49. Track runner Peter Dooley ran in fourth with a time of 12.58 then Tom Duncan and Anna Duncan crossed in 16.04 and 16.13 respectively. All-round track star Erin Smart finished in 14.03 and then the field was rounded out by Hamish McLaren in 14.31, Nathan Vonk in 17.37 and William Anderson in 18.03.
Division 2 winner was Lachlan Rabey in 15.16 with Emily McLaren second in 14.40 and Alison Havadjia third in 19.28. Next was Katie Martin then Harriet Urquhart and Christine Anderson.
In Medium course there were 21 competitors and Division 1 was taken out by Jasper Arnold in 24.40. Dennis Smart was second home in 24.33 and Ethan Havadjia was fastest in third place in a time of 23.30. Next to cross was Cooper Thomson followed by Sabina Hamity then Bridget Fairs
Division 2 winner was Phil Duncan. Second was Wilson French and third was Dean Bryce. Lucy Duncan, Paul Duncan and Frances Fairs completed Division 2.
Lisa Carroll claimed victory in Division 3 followed by Doug Jeffrey and Di Court. It was great to see long-standing committee member Terry Bailey back on the track again, finishing fourth. Traveller Eva Moeller-Duhme was fifth whilst Andrew Havadjia was sixth then the field was finished with Angela Urquhart, John Price and Caitlyn Fairs.
Long course victor was relative newcomer Andy Waller in 43.57 whilst enduring Club member Damian Smith crossed second in 38.53. Mathew Schofield was third and Scott Martin was fourth. Fastest over the distance was Robin Vonk who clocked 37.37 as he crossed the line in fifth place. Next was Jarvis Strand then Scott Johnson.
Division 2 long course had 9 contenders. Hannah Vaughan took the points for the win followed by Graham Anderson and Alison Ritchie. Next was Sue Strand then Sky Martin, Perry Strand, Ming Leung, Milton Cox and Trish Bird.
It was great to see the enthusiasm of runners for the new season of Nowra Athletics Club cross country running and the Committee thanks everyone for their participation.
Next week cross country is at Timberhills on Easter Saturday. Hop along and try to spot the Easter bunny!