Nowra had 8 teams compete at the 2024 NSW Relay Championships on Saturday 1st June.
The championships were held at a new venue this year – the Newington Armory in Sydney Olympic Park. Heavy rain fell during the day with the course turning into a mess of mud and puddles. Runners were splattered in mud from head to toe as shoes sunk into the muddy depths with every step. To quote David Tarbotton “it was a herculean effort by athletes, officials, team managers and supporters with everybody departing with muddy shoes and drenched to the bone – but what an achievement for all involved”.
In the Under 10 event, our youngest girls ran bravely to place 4th in a combined time of 30.07. Rachael Clarke ran the 1.5km loop in 6.41. Mila Bozikov clocked 7.20, Addison Galloway 7.07 and Skylah Reilly 8.57.
The Under 12 boys team also placed 4th with Kai Thirwall completing the 1.5km in 6.12 whilst Thor Jackson ran the course in 6.36. Amarlie Ward competed in the boys team and put in a great effort to finish in 6.53 and Finn Goddard brought the team home in a quick 5.55, giving the team a combined time of 25.37
In the Under 14’s 2km event the boys team were 6th in 32.27 and the girls team 11th in 38.47. The boys team was led out by Hugh Thirwall in 7.26 followed by Archie Higgins in 8.15, then Tom Smart in 8.26 and finished by Macca Davis in 8.20. The girls team started with Airlie Stevens in 8.35, followed by Madeline Oke in 8.31, then Emerson Boatswain in 9.16. Charli Keogh, going way outside her comfort zone, completed the final muddy 2km in 12.23.
The Under 16 team finished 9th in 38.27 with Evie Binney completing the 2km lap in 8.33 followed by Evie Smart in 9.18 then Olivia Oke in 10.18 and rounded out by Elizabeth Davis in 10.17.
The men’s 50+ team placed 5th with Scott Armstrong leading the way in a strong leg of 16.47. Ming Leung completed the 2nd leg in 20.20 followed by Gavin Dyball in 19.58 and the relay was concluded by the ever-optimistic Matt Watson, who managed to give the thumbs up through the torrential rain. Matt ran the 4kms in 25.21 to give the team a combined time of 1.22.29.
Erin Smart led the way for the women’s 4km 30+ team, finishing in 18.59. Rebecca Clarke was out next in 20.30, followed by Mel Mustapic, who stood in for Ashlee Spearpoint, after she had to withdraw due to an achilles injury. Sam Keogh wrapped up the final leg in 24.10. The combined efforts of 1.34.36 gave the team 5th place.
The Under 20 men’s team battled the mud with great determination and were rewarded with a bronze medal in a time of 1.03.21. Will Dyball clocked 15.07 for the 1st leg. He was followed by Harrision Baxter who completed the 2 laps in almost the same time, recording 15.09. Oliver Baxter put in another solid run for the team with 15.17 on the 3rd leg and Hamish McLaren brought the team home in 17.46. It was a valiant effort from all!
Congratulations to everyone who participated under very tough conditions.