Victory Runners & Walkers appreciated much cooler conditions for week 3 of preliminary competition. Numbers were down a little due to three families attending Little A’s T & F State championships at Homebush. Congratulations to Baylee & Jai Holland, Joel Hallor & Evie Hill who were selected to represent their Regional LA’s Centre.
Saturday 23rd March the Point Score competition will commence. This will be conducted over the various distances using a handicap system to add interest. Points will be allocated as follows 1st 10 pts. 2nd 8 pts. 3rd 6 pts and 5 pts for all who finish.
Re our program for the coming months, the majority of competition will be conducted at Willandra, however we are also planning a couple of alternate courses for later in the season. Also on the agenda are some fun team events.
Once again, congratulations to members across the various distances who continued to improve their time.
In the 1k distance seven youngsters ranging in age 7yrs & under were very impressive. Their competitive spirits and obvious enjoyment of having ‘fun while they run’ is a joy to see. Ashley Spicer was first home in a time of 5:45 with a 10 second improvement. However, first timer Layla Burbage pushed her all the way to finish in 5:46. Great running girls. Not letting the boys down, James Wilson finished third in a good time of 6:12. Not too far behind to make up this special Seven Youngsters group were Cailin Burbage, Layla Prince and 4yr old brother Riley followed by 5yr old Charlie Henry who improved his previous time by a massive 3 minutes!!
Making up our 1k Walk & Talk group Victory was pleased to welcome Maxine Gernyi who joined Zahra Wells – Smith and baby Charlie.
2k distance was won by 9yr old Ayden Spicer equalling his best time of 10:20. When Ayden runs from a handicap time and is pushed, he will certainly run under 10:00. Second & third across the finish were sisters Tanyel & Selin Onsel who will also improve from a handicap start especially when chasing runners and runners are chasing you !!
Triathlete Brooklyn Henry flew around the 3k with Blake & sister Hayley D’Ombrain looking in good form were second & third.
The 4k distance was well contested. Veteran on the course, Cristine Suffolk led the field home and continues to reduce her time, however first timer for Victory, Jon Schol ran well despite a long bike ride earlier in the day. Maddison D’Ombrain also a triathlete ran well to place third. Others contesting this distance in their first run of the season were Stewart Sim and daughters Alyssa & Amelia, Laura Burbage and Doug Jeffrey.
President Kevyn Davis also had his first run at Willandra choosing the 6k distance with Eva Moeller – Duhme while Erich Moeller – Duhme was the only contestant in the 8k, however, despite being lone competitors in their distance Eva reduced her time by 2:00 minutes and Erich by 10 seconds. Observing these three dedicated runners go through the finish and head out for their second lap was very inspiring and also a joy to witness. Many thanks to all thirty seven competitors and our course volunteers.
New members are certainly very welcome – Age is no barrier, walk and talk or run for fun, we cater for everyone. As our photo shows even dogs at Victory can have fun as they run. A little encouragement from their owners helps, especially if there is someone ahead of you !
Third reminder for Quote of the Month: ‘Never begin to give up, and never give up beginning’.
Frauke Bolten – Boshammer Author: A Diamond in the Dust (2018)
1k Distance
| Name | Time |
| Ashley Spicer | 5.45 |
| Layla Burbage | 5.46 |
| James Wilson | 6.12 |
| Cailin Burbage | 6.44 |
| Layla Prince | 8.05 |
| Eliz Onsel | 8.33 |
| Lexie Burinaga | 8.38 |
| Riley Prince | 9.12 |
| Charlie Henry | 10.35 |
| Pam Henry | 10.55 |
1k Walk distance
| Name | Time |
| Maxine Gernyi | 12.48 |
| Zahra Wells – Smith & baby Charlie | 12.49 |
2k distance
| Name | Time |
| Ayden Spicer | 10.20 |
| Tanyel Onsel | 12.38 |
| Selin Onsel | 12.45 |
| Foster Henry | 13.27 |
| Sophie Braddick | 18.10 |
| Vanessa Braddick | 18.11 |
| Lulu Wilson | 19.40 |
| Zali Wilson | 20.56 |
3k distance
| Name | Time |
| Brooklyn Henry | 10.30 |
| Blake D’Ombrain | 12.53 |
| Hayley D’Ombrain | 13.02 |
| Cameron Harrison | 16.03 |
| Ruby French | 20.57 |
4k distance
| Name | Time |
| Cristine Suffolk | 19.18 |
| Jon Schol | 19.41 |
| Maddison D’Ombrain | 21.27 |
| Alyssa Sim | 23.10 |
| Laura Burbage | 23.32 |
| Stewart Sim | 23.44 |
| Paul Jennings | 24.20 |
| Amelia Sim | 27.16 |
| Doug Jeffrey | 29.01 |
6k distance
| Name | Time |
| Kevyn Davis | 43.41 |
| Eva Moeller – Duhme | 46.12 |
8k distance
| Name | Time |
| Erich Moeller – Duhme | 50.19 |