By Jamie Strudley
Zoe Clarke was the standout result from the six talented Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes competing at the Australian Cross Country Championships on the weekend.
Exceptionally warm, sunny conditions made racing tough on the groomed, fast, cross country circuit at Kembla Joggers course near Wollongong.
Athletes were representing their state in the national team and individual competitions.
Zoe was the first Yarra Ranges athlete in action in the 10 years girls 2000 metres.
A field of 41 athletes sprinted off.
Zoe got a good start and was well-positioned throughout the race.
A group of three athletes, including Zoe, were together heading into the final 400 metres but trailing the leader by 30 metres.
Zoe ran an exceptional tactical race to enter the finish straight in third position and move into second place with 50m to go before being pipped on the line by less than a metre to earn the bronze medal.
Zoe also led her Victorian team to a silver team medal to cap off a fantastic race.
The club had to wait a while for its next athlete to race, in the under-16 girls 4000m, which was the third-last race of the day.
By now the sun had baked everything, making the course fast but dusty.
The club was lucky to have three athletes in the big field of 88 athletes.
After a lightning-fast start, Maddie Laven, Mia Strudley and Kiara Flavel settled into very good positions and raced hard.
The two-lap course gave spectators ample opportunities to watch the race unfold.
Maddie ran a fantastic race to finish 13th and earn a silver team medal.
Mia maintained her solid start to eventually finish 46th, just ahead of Kiara in 64th place.
It was fantastic to have three club athletes representing Victoria in the same event, showcasing the depth of talent at the club.
The last two races of the day were the the men’s under-20 8km and the women’s under-20 6km.
James Laven was always in touch with the leaders throughout his race, eventually finishing in 20th place in a very fast, competitive field of 68 athletes.
Grace Muller, competing in her first Australian Cross Country Championships, got a great start and maintained her pace throughout the race to finish in 36th place.
The club is exceptionally proud of its athletes and thankful to the encouragement and support they receive from family, fellow members and coaches Brendan Dixon and Jamie Strudley.
Several club athletes competed at the Wonderland Run trail race at The Grampians, with Harrison Van Duuren finishing second in the open 8km race.
Also competing over the weekend were Zac Clarke, Jayden Clarke, Bryan Ackerly and Kate Van Duuren.
The club’s 50th anniversary celebration cocktail evening will take place at Eastern Golf Club on Saturday 16 November, with more details available soon.
The next club event is the Athletics Victoria XCR Half Marathon on Sunday 8 September.
Entry is open to any athletes, not just registered athletes, to run on this fast, flat course at Burnley.
More details are available at athsvic.org.au.
The club’s summer season is fast approaching. Details of come-and-try days and registration information will be available on social media, the website and at the clubrooms.
The club welcomes all athletes of any age or ability.
For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit yarrarangesathletics.org.au.
