Summit Shoalhaven (formerly known as King of the Mountain) was held on Saturday 28th November in extremely hot and challenging conditions.
Runners made their way through an undulating course with both gentle and steep slopes, amongst beautiful scenery of Kangaroo Valley and Mount Scanzi.
The event incorporated a 55km, 40km, 23km and 13km distance catering for the full spectrum of runners, although any runner who competed in Saturday’s heat was a true champion in my opinion.
Chris Berendt was outstanding, completing the 55kms in 6.08.12, running in 6th overall and placing 2nd in the 30-39 years category. Chris has been a welcome addition to Nowra Athletics Club with his amazing journey to fitness serving as a reminder that if you work hard and focus on your goals, nothing can stop you. Congratulations Chris!
In the 13kms event Nowra Athletics Club was represented by Dean Bryce, Rob Woods and Bill Turnbull.
Dean is a long-time member of Nowra Athletics Club who despite his larrikin personality, is a serious contender in long distance running. Dean finished 13th overall in a time of 1.27.00, taking 2nd place in the 50-59 years category – and no shortcuts were taken! Well done Dean!
Rob Woods, another long-standing member and very humble athlete, ran strongly and came 35th overall, finishing fourth in the 50-59 age group in a time of 1.42.38 sec.
Meanwhile, after careful planning and preparation leading up to the race, Bill Turnbull’s race-day plan went a little askew 45 minutes before the race started. Bill accidentally locked all his running gear in the car with the car keys. So, with no way of getting into the car, no backpack, no water, gels, or race bib Bill had to improvise. The race Director found him a spare bib and with 2 bottles of water purchased from one of the food stalls he made a late start, trailing the runners who were already off and racing part way up the hill. Bill soldiered on in the heat and welcomed the support of Nowra volunteers at the aid station. Bill came through in 70th place in 2.06.09 and earned a bronze medal for third place in the 40-49 years group. A huge congratulations to Bill for his champion effort!
In addition, a big thank you to the volunteers who offered their time, and sweat on the day, to assist and cheer on the runners. The generosity you provided is most appreciated and the dollars earned for the Club will allow the Club to purchase more equipment and items for use by our Club members.