By Jamie Strudley
The Victorian Half Marathon Championships were held at the fast, flat course along the Yarra River in Burnley on Sunday morning. Yarra Ranges Athletics had a large team of athletes, all keen to test their PB’s and earn valuable team points.
Harry Norman was on fire once again, showcasing his improving strength with an excellent run. A very strong finish earned Harry the silver medal and a new PB. Max Savill-Bentley just missed a sub 70 minute run while Katrina Winger was the best performing athlete in the women’s comp with an excellent 21st place finish.
Results are:
Female Open 21.1km: Katrina Winger 1:26:58; Grace Muller 1:40:03; Bonnie Morris 1:43:22; Erica Purcell 2:31:56; Rori Jones;
Female 20 5km: Briar Keyser 18:42; Madeline Laven 19:24;
Female 16 5km: Zoe Clarke 19:25;
Female 14 5km: Lily Clarke 21:29;
Male Open 21.1km: Harry Norman 1:04:53; Max Savill-Bentley 1:10:51; James Laven 1:14:51; Tynan Mims 1:16:03; Luke Hunter 1:19:27; Jared Byrne 1:20:32; Michael Clarke 1:24:45; Trent Ashton 1:29:43; Angus Norman 1:34:24;
Male Open 5km: Matthew Morrison 19:34; Craig Hewitson 23:28;
Male 20 5km: Daniel Groves 17:10;
Male 16 5km: Mitchell Pointon 18:31;
The team now looks forward to the final round next weekend, the Tan Relays. Our Women’s Division 2 team are sitting one point behind first, a win next weekend will see them promoted to Division 1 for 2025. Our men’s team are in a battle for second place in Division 2 and currently a clear leader in Division 6.
Thank you to our wonderful athletes and their families for joining us on Saturday morning for the 2024 Cross Country Presentation Day. It was a beautiful sunny morning at Yarra Glen Playground. We hope you enjoyed the activities and will remember your great achievements this season. Congratulations to our main awards winners:
XC Champion Girl – Victoria James
XC Champion Boy – Riley Yoke
XC President’s award – Lexi Aders
XC President’s award – Eamon MacKay
‘That’s what Cross Country is all about’ Family Awards – Congreve Family
YRA hope you all enjoy the break before track season starts on the 5 October. Registrations will open soon!
Training for all club members is at Morrison Reserve on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability. New members and anyone interested in trialling are always welcome
Go to www.lavic.com.au or www.athsvic.org.au or email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about membership, 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!
