What a wonderful afternoon of cross country running and community gathering at Hollyhill on Saturday 2nd May. It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the autumn sunshine and the afternoon BBQ. Big thank you to the Havadjia family for their hospitality and allowing us to use their beautiful property for our cross country program.
In the 1km event, it was a true family affair for the Sturgiss trio and the Giumelli family. Luca Sturgiss took first place, followed by Ayla Parmenter and Olive Sturgiss. Sophie Giumelli finished fourth, with Patrick Giumelli next, followed by Hayes Sturgiss.
There were twelve competitors in the 2km event, with Piper Browne taking the win ahead of sister Hallie Browne and dad Joel Browne. Lhiam Crook followed next, then Henry Giumelli and Lani Parmenter. Maggie Vaughan, Maddi Wills, Hamish Bennett, Ellie Cooper, Sally Browne and Hollie Giumelli rounded out the field.
In the 3km event, Geoff Crook was the winner in 20.03. Jaxon Keogh placed second in 21.14, with Winter Bell, on her first run back this season, finishing third in 26.25. Jack Kinsele was fourth in 17.56, followed by Charli Keogh (24.37) and Andrew Heffill (24.37). Declan Bennett finished seventh, recording the fastest time of the day in 16.39, closely followed by Will Heffill in 16.59. The remainder of the field finished as follows: Ben Emmerton (21.47), Mitch Emmerton (20.34), Jacob Wilson (21.05), Steve McCullagh (17.59), Alex Emmerton (21.34) and Malachy Martin (27.48).
The medium course had a field of nineteen runners, with Sky Martin taking the win in 32.01. Sam Keogh finished second in 27.34, followed by Eva Moeller-Duhme in third in 42.55. On the 5km course, the fastest time was closely contested between Leith Babian and Scott Armstrong. Leith claimed the title in 19.36, just ahead of Scott in 19.47, while Cathleen Chang was the fastest female, finishing in 27.44.
Long course had just three contenders with Scott Martin claiming the win in 40.48 followed by Marty Bell (57.17) and Jeremy Jones (48.53).
Next week we return to our home course at UOW. We look forward to seeing everyone there.