By Jamie Strudley
Yarra Ranges Athletics club athletes were in fine form and voice at the opening round of the Athletics Victoria XCR season. A tough 3km cross country circuit at Jells Park, Wheelers Hill saw over 800 athletes competing for clubs from throughout Victoria.
Yarra Ranges Athletics had seven teams entered across multiple divisions and age groups. Performance of the event was our Under 20 Women team of Brigitte Rice, Rori Jones and Mia Strudley finishing first, 35 seconds ahead of second place. Brigitte also recorded the fastest 3km time of the day, running 10.48, with Zoe Clarke, running in our under 18 team, having the 6th fastest overall time.
Our open men and open women’s teams were both competing in Division 2, divisions full of national and international representatives. The men’s team finished seventh behind a very dominant Knox team, while our women finished third. Stand out runs came from Harry Norman, Max Savill-Bentley, Olivia Twining and Kellie Angel.
Results are:
Women
Open Division 2 (4 x 6km) 3rd
Olivia Twining: 22:57, Kellie Angel: 22:46, Katrina Winger: 25:35, Abi Hyndman: 25:31
Under 20 (3x3km) 1st
Brigitte Rice: 10:48, Rori Jones: 12:41, Mia Strudley: 12:20
Under 18 (3x3km) 7th
Zoe Clarke: 11:22, Kristina Nackovski: 13:19, Bree Coffey 14:01
Men
Open Division 2 (6x6km) 7th
Harry Norman: 18:29, Angus Norman: 21:25, Seamus Dwyer: 21:29, Ashley Bennett: 22:02, Max Savill-Bentley: 18:52, James Laven: 19:45
Open Division 6 4x6km 2nd
Jared Byrne: 22:25, Logan Dutton: 25:14, Chris Grundy: 22:35, Michael Clarke: 23:17
Open Division 7 (4 x 6km) 10th
Liam Russell: 24:59, Tim Anderson-Bonsor: 25:23
50+ 3x6km 16th
Graham Coutts: 26:09, Jamie Strudley: 28:54, Craig Hewitson: 33:47
Saturday morning was the opening round of our YRA XC season, held on a warm, dry Lillydale Lake circuit. With distances over 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 2000m and 3000m, there is something for everyone regardless of age or ability, everyone is welcome to join us.
A fantastic group of close to 100 athletes took part, with many returning athletes experiencing a longer distance than last year, as well as a few new athletes testing themselves. Clearly everyone had a lot of fun and enjoyed the course and competition, great to see a few mums and dads having a run too.
A much more challenging and fun course awaits us next week at Margaret Lewis Reserve in Coldstream from 8.45am. Anyone wanting and able to help with setup can join us from 7.30am.
Training continues for all club members on Tuesday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm at Victoria Road Primary School gym with the emphasis changing to prepare for cross country. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability.
If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the fun of cross country email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about events and registration.
For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org.au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!
