Round 7 of the Winter Cross Country Series took place at UOW on Saturday 30th May, with another strong turnout of runners across all events. Handicapped starts were introduced for the first time this season at the request of several members.
In the 1km race, Luca Sturgiss continued his excellent form, crossing the line first in 6:07. Olive Sturgiss followed closely in 6:42, with Ayla Parmenter next home in 7:35. Michael Parmenter (7:37) and Grace Parmenter (7:40) were close behind, while Sophie Giumelli finished in 9:40, just ahead of Patrick Giumelli (9:45). Hayes Sturgiss rounded out the field in 9:51.
Unfortunately, a timing malfunction in the 2km event meant that only finishing positions were recorded for the 20 competitors.
Luke Dennett was first across the line, followed by Will Sproule and Kathy Williams. Owen Jones finished fourth, with Henry Giumelli and Hollie Giumelli next home. Hallie Brown, Ivy Ward, Loretta McKenzie and Anne Boatswain completed the top ten.
The remaining finishers, in order, were Xander Day, Ellie Cooper, Jameson Day, Lani Parmenter, Zayne Taylor, Charli Keogh, Peter Dooley, Maggie Vaughan, Maddi Wills and Hamish Bennett.
The 3km event saw Sienna Dowling take the win in 19:54. Lauren Ward was next across the line in 20:26, followed by Amarlie Ward in 14:30. Emily McLaren finished fourth in 15:10, with Jacob Wilson (17:37) and Joel Browne (15:18) close behind. Piper Browne (16:40) and Alex Emmerton (19:12) followed. The next two runners highlighted the success of the handicapping, with Emerson Boatswain just holding off Declan Bennett, crossing the line in 14:41 and 14:32 respectively. Jack Kinsele (16:02) and Ivy Ward (25:03) had strong runs, while Ben Emmerton (20:09) and Mitch Emmerton (19:13) enjoyed another closely fought battle to the finish.
Malachy Martin was 15th in 22:19, followed by Lily Sproule (16:41) and sister Josie Sproule (17:12). Steve McCullagh finished 18th in 17:50.
It was great to welcome the Morrison family back to cross country following their very successful track season. Charlotte Morrison and Harry Morrison crossed the line together in 35:35, with dad Alex Morrison following shortly after in 35:41.
The medium course also attracted a strong field, with 18 competitors. Taking line honours was Lauren Sturgiss in 29:37, followed by Mark Parmenter in 30:14 and Lisa Carroll in 30:43. Hamish McLaren recorded the fastest time over the distance with 18:46, followed by Tom Smart in 20:29 and Paige Connolly-Davies in 25:31. Katie Martin was seventh in 32:52, followed by Leith Babian in 19:23 and Sam Keogh in 27:38. New runner Rebecca Kundrat was next across the line in 27:44. Dennis Smart made a return to cross country with a great time of 21:49 and Eva Moeller-Duhme finished in 12th position in 43:49. Scott Armstrong had another strong run in 20:56, with Sky Martin next home in 34:17. Gavin Dyball was in good form with 24:16, closely followed by Tristan Corbridge in 25:35. Dean Bryce (27:09) and Ron Cozijnsen (24:27) rounded out the field.
Scott Martin took victory in the long course in 43:42, followed by Rebecca Cooper in 56:23.
Despite the slight timing hiccup, it was another fantastic afternoon of cross-country running, with great participation and plenty of enthusiasm on display.