By Jamie Strudley
Yarra Ranges athletes headed out to a wet, cold Albert Park for Round 2 of the Athletics Victoria XCR season, where over 1200 athletes from throughout Victoria raced in the Lakeside:10 Road Race.
Open and Under 20 athletes all raced over 10km while the Under 14, 16 and 18 age groups raced over 3km.
The out and back course meant athletes had to navigate a cold wind on the return journey. The standout results came from our female athletes with an excellent win to Brigitte Rice in the Women’s Under 18 3km. Zoe Clarke also returned to racing form with a fifth place finish in the Women’s Under 16 3km.
Olivia Twining carried her track season form on to the road with a club record for a Road 10km recording 36.35. Maddie Laven was also in fine form storming to a third place in the Women’s Under 20 10km and leading the team to a Women’s Under 20 team win.
We also welcomed 3 athletes on the XCR debut, all in the Under 14 age groups. Ryder Holland showed he has a bright future finishing 8th while Lily Clarke and Brienna Coffey crossed the line together in 10th and 11th place. Full Results are:
Women Open 10km
Olivia Twining 22nd 36:35; Abi Hyndman 81st 40:03; Katrina Winger 105th 42:21; Georgia Laven 124th 43:27; Grace Muller 134th 43:49; Elisabeth Coffey 194th 50:05;
Women Under 20 10km
Madeline Laven 3rd 39:12; Rori Jones 9th 46:50;
Women Under 18 3km
Brigitte Rice 1st 10:10
Women Under 16 3km
Zoe Clarke 10:43; Kristina Nackovski 13:42;
Women Under 14
Lily Clarke 12:48; Brienna Coffey 12:48;
Men Open 10km
Max Savill-Bentley 24th 30:45; James Laven 121st 33:26; Ashley Bennett 233rd 35:37; Chris Grundy 280th 36:47; Jared Byrne 296th 37:02; Michael Clarke 330th 37:53; Logan Dutton 441st 40:47; Graham Coutts 500th 43:14; Bryan Ackerly 572nd 50:09; Craig Hewitson 588th 53:25
Men Under 20 10km
Ky Harris 23rd 38:59;
Men Under 14 3km
Ryder Holland 8th 11:00
Saturday morning cross had an excellent turnout despite the very cold and wet conditions. This week we were at Elizabeth Bridge Reserve in Kilsyth where underfoot was wet and slippery providing fun conditions for all the athletes.
Next week we are at Morrison Reserve where we meet from 8.45am near the school gym. With distances over 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 2000m and 3000m, there is something for everyone regardless of age or ability. Everyone in the family is welcome to join us, so kids make sure mum and dad bring their running shoes. Anyone wanting and able to help with setup can join us from 7.30am or add your name to the helpers list via our socials.
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!
