Round 3 of cross country was held at Longreach on Saturday 1st May. In the 1km there were just two competitors with Randira DeSilva coming home first followed by Hesanya Desilva.
In the 2km event there were five participants with Winter Bell taking first place in front of sister Miller Bell. Finn Goddard ran in third followed by an easy-going Heidi McLaren, who stopped to pick flowers along the way, and Aidan McLaren, who vehemently declared 2kms was too far and “never again!”.
There were twenty-three eager contestants in the 3km race. Karly Goddard, who despite battling a headcold and headache pushed hard to come in first in 15:08. Lucy Duncan was second in 18:52 and newcomer Jessica Hassan had a great first run coming in third in 13:25. Jett Goddard ran in fourth in 12:35 which was the fastest time across the 2km distance. Emily McLaren was the eleventh athlete across the line in 12:54 which was the fastest female time. Cameron Baxter also ran a quick time of 12:42 to be second fastest athlete in this event. The Davis family was well represented in the 2km event and family rivalry was pushed to its limit with athletes pushing for line honours, regardless of handicap start times. Elizabeth Davis was sixth in 17:18, Harry Davis was seventh in 16:19 and Katrina Davis was eighth in 14:49. Macca Davis came in fourteenth but he clocked the fastest time for the family with 14:12.
Medium course Division 1 was taken out by Marcus Baxter in 25:35 followed by Tom Duncan in second in 24:17 and Gaveen DeSilva in third in 27:46. Bradley Sawyers, backing up after a morning Park Run clocked the fastest time of 22:36, crossing in eighth place.
Division 2 was taken out by Donna Johnson followed by Alex Arnold then Alison Havadjia. Darcy Arnold was the fastest in Division 2 clocking 32:01 and finishing fourth after a handicap start of 13.30 minutes.
In long course the top three were super close. Perry Strand took the win in 49:38 with Stephen O’Connor second in 49:48 and Scott Johnson third in 49:53. Jasper Arnold was fourth and Lucas Johnson fifth. In Division 2 of long course Dan O’Connor was first with Rob Woods second and, despite a fall during the later stages of the race, Milton Cox, battered and bloodied, but still smiling, was third.
Next week we return to Hollyhill where we will also hold our AGM and Presentation. Please join us for a BBQ hosted by the Club and help us celebrate the achievements of last season. Please bring a picnic blanket or chair and something sweet to share for dessert.