Despite the threatening showers and dark rain clouds the weather certainly did not prevent 18 very keen runners from competing on a very heavy, wet Willandra course on Saturday 15th. August.
We guess the unpredictable weather was responsible for only 5 Victory members braving the conditions. Fortunately, we had the pleasure of welcoming two coaches and some of their squad from the South Coast areas join us for Week Six activity.
These 13 highly tuned and talented athletes certainly thrilled us with some great running and were appreciated by our five local competitors.
Visitor, young Tayla Murray, only contender in the 1k set a record time for under 10 years at Willandra 2020. Tayla stopped the clock at 5:10. Well done. 12-year-old sister Cheyenne Murray claimed the 2k victory. 7:51 was also a Girls 2020 record for Willandra and her age. Cheyanne was obviously pushed all the way as just 9 seconds separated 2nd place getter and very fast finisher, 11-year-old Jess Kann crossing the finish in 8:00 minutes.
Another great race in the 2k was an excellent finish by Paige Murray 8:41 and our local lass and training partner, Evie Hill. 8:44. This was also a PB for Evie who normally runs 3k.
Young visitor, Annabelle Yorke finished in 9:17 also a very good time for the course. Locals Ayden Spicer 9.44 and youngest competitor of the day Tori Hill 11:27 both earned ‘top’ points for their efforts.
Local Natasha Spicer decided the 6k was a little too muddy to run twice so was happy with a single 3k lap in 17:00
Six visitors lined up for the 4k each starting on a handicap. The fact that these athletes have only had the chance to race once (State Short course XC in June) with no school XC events all winter is a credit to their obvious commitment to train. All gave 100% on a wet heavy track. Ella Collusso placed first on a 2-minute handicap in a ‘top’ time of 17:07. Baylee Holland also on 2 minutes 17:49. Back marker Jai Holland on 5:18 must have long jumped over the mud to finish in a ‘top’ time 15:05. Fourth place and back marker for the girls on 4:45, Lily Winward managed to clock 15:58, an excellent time in the conditions.
Bonnie Rouch on 4:00 and Olivia Greenhaugh 4:30 rounded off a fine display of 4k cross county running in wet conditions, Bonnie 17:03 and Olivia 16:50.
6k distance was the final event and despite only three contenders certainly held plenty of interest. Our local competitor Paul Jennings on a minus handicap started 5:00 before the official start., Jaylah Hancock was on 4:45 and Harm Schaap 6:00
Paul knew even with his eleven minutes start these two champions would catch him, the question being where. When coming through his first lap looked pleased to still have the lead! However, Harm had already overtaken Jaylah just before the 3k, so the prediction was on, where would they catch Paul. Watching these two athletes fly around the course in their last lap was an honour. Paul enjoyed the run and was proud to be the ‘bunny’ for these talented teenage athletes. Harm’s 6k time was a very impressive 20:45 and Jaylah’s 23:05 just as impressive in the wet conditions.
On behalf of Victory Runners, we offer a vote of thanks to the coaches, Andae and Baylee, their very keen athletes and parents who journeyed north to make the afternoon enjoyable and worthwhile.
Thank you also, Julie Harrison, Bill Seary, Hill Family, Natasha Spicer and son Ayden and Paul Jennings. Your attendance was appreciated.
August ~ Quote of the Month:
Don’t compare yourself to others. You are an individual. Be like the Sun, Moon and Stars and Shine when it’s Your Time.
– Unknown author
Look forward to Saturday 22nd. August at Willandra for Week 7 Arrival time 2.30 for 3pm start. Visitors and New members very welcome to join or ‘try out’ for a walk or run. The distance is your choice.
Results
1k Distance
| Name | Time |
| Tayla Murray | 5.10 |
2k Distance
| Name | Time |
| Cheyenne Murray | 7.51 |
| Jess Kann | 8.00 |
| Paige Murray | 8.41 |
| Evie Hill | 8.44 |
| Annabelle Yorke | 9.17 |
| Tori Hill | 11.27 |
| Ayden Spicer | 9.44 |
3k Distance
| Name | Time |
| Natasha Spicer | 17.00 |
4k Distance
| Name | Time |
| Ella Collusso | 17.07 |
| Baylee Holland | 17.49 |
| Jai Holland | 15.05 |
| Lily Winward | 15.58 |
| Bonnie Rouch | 17.03 |
| Olivia Greenhaugh | 16.50 |
6k Distance
| Name | Time |
| Harm Schaap | 20.45 |
| Jaylah Hancock | 23.05 |
| Paul Jennings | 36.30 |