Cross Country Round 9 took place at the picturesque Hollyhill on Saturday, 13th June. The local wildlife committee was out in force once again – after the kangaroos supervised Round 8, this week the cows took over spectator duties, watching the runners with considerable interest. It was a beautiful winter afternoon, and everyone received a warm welcome from Andrew and Alison Havadjia. Athletes and families also enjoyed a delicious post-race sausage sizzle, generously provided by the Havadjia family.
In the 1km event, Emily McLaren took line honours with a comfortable victory in 4:40. Luca Sturgiss finished second in 5:32, followed by sister Olive Sturgiss in 6:13. Grace Parmenter crossed the line fourth in 6.57 with her trademark style, showing plenty of determination and enthusiasm, with Ayla Parmenter fifth in 7:08 and Anne Boatswain sixth in 8:05.
Ari Cisneros claimed a confident win in the 2km event, with a sprint finish, stopping the clock at 9:47. Chelsea Corbridge was close behind in 9:49, while Owen Jones recorded the fastest time of the day over the distance with 7:57. Lani Parmenter was next home in 11:40, followed by Maddi Wills (11:33), Peter Dooley (10:24), Xander Day (12:26), Zayne Taylor (8:18), and Hamish Bennett (11:28).
Amarlie Ward secured the points win in the 3km event with a strong run of 16:28. Jack Kinsele placed second in 15:59, while Declan Bennett finished third in 15:10, the fastest time of the day over 3kms. Will Heffill was fourth in 16:24, Ben Emmerton fifth in 21:00, and Simon Donougher sixth in 17:33. They were followed by Jacob Wilson (19:23), Mitch Emmerton (20:55), Steph Donougher (19:43), and Andrew Heffill (19:07). Emerson Boatswain bravely completed the course despite not feeling well, taking 11th place. Alex Emmerton finished 12th, Malachy Martin 13th, and Angela Bond rounded out the field in 21:48.
Lisa Carroll won the 5km event in 27:07. Matt Reid recorded the fastest time of the day, 18:00, to take second place, closely followed by Scott Armstrong in 18:32. Walter Cisneros was fourth in 28:52, Dean Bryce fifth in 24:14, Sam Keogh sixth in 26:32, Tristan Corbridge seventh in 23:29, and Matt Kinsele eighth in 24:46. Katie and Sky Martin also enjoyed a leisurely walk around the course.
Rebecca Cooper was the winner of the demanding long course, finishing in 52:33. Scott Johnson placed second in 58:16, while Scott Martin recorded the fastest time on long course, finishing third in 41:10.
A sincere thank you to Andrew and Alison Havadjia for hosting another wonderful afternoon of cross country and providing such generous hospitality for all participants and spectators.
