Nowra Athletics Club kicked off the winter cross-country competition on Saturday, March 24, at picturesque Willandra. The numbers were strong for this preliminary round of the 2018 season with plenty of familiar faces along with some first timers.
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On this first Saturday there were five young contenders in the 1km course with Dean Osgood taking line honours. He was followed by Mitchell Toms. Next was Lailani Halliday then Miller Bell and last but certainly not least Winter Bell.
In the 2km event there were 18 eager participants. Cameron Baxter was first across the line in 9min 42sec followed very closely by Dylan Johnstone in 9.49 and then Will Fletcher in 9.56.
The 3km race saw 25 competitors participate with Ethan Havadjia finishing first in 12min 39sec. Harrison Baxter placed second, crossing in 12.47 and Charlie Rudd took third place in 13.14. It was great to see Susie Boardman, newly appointed treasurer of the club step up to run cross-country for the first time and better still to hear her say after the race that she will be back to run again! Zahra Wells-Smith and Maxine Gernyi seemed to test their talking prowess whilst running and were happy to be “back of the pack” for the day.
Enjoying the 4km course were another 20 runners. Cam Musgrove tested out his track season fitness running in first in 16 minutes. Irwan Burbage was next to cross in 16min 53sec and Lucas Johnson was third in 18.02. Lachlan Kaszonyi, Sam Maher and Cooper Thomson, all fierce track competitors and training buddies stepped up to the 4km distance and demonstrated their strength taking the next three places, hot on each other’s heels.
This year it was suggested that the long course be extended out to 10km to bring it in line with the National Open distance. A discussion was held before the start of the race to gauge member’s reactions and with all in agreement 18 runners embarked on the new distance, comprising a 2km lap followed by two 4km laps.
Matt Lewis showed good form this early in the season to cross in 41min 50sec. Scott Martin, fresh from his alpine trail run, crossed in 43.44 and Sarah Johnson crossed third in 44.03.
The Nowra Athletics Club has been providing athletic events including cross country running to people of all ages and abilities for over 50 years. We are a family friendly Club and encourage anyone interested in running to come and give it a go, no matter what their age or speed. Visitors are welcome for casual runs too. Enquire at the administration desk before racing starts.
