With just four weeks of Cross Country activity behind us, Victory runners and walkers have certainly experienced a great variety of weather.
However the strong westerly winds for week 3 didn’t deter 44 participants from enjoying the opportunity of running or walking for fun and fitness plus the chance to practice for their school, district and area cross country carnivals that will be held at Willandra in the coming weeks
Well done to many newcomers who experienced the handicap system for the first time. This resulted in some very close battles crossing the finish line.
Congratulations to the following ‘Improvers of the Week’ Starting with the 1k the three were Owen Harlor, Ezekiel Blinksell and Cailin Burbage. 2k had four, two boys and two girls, brother and sister Archie and Lailani Halliday and Madeline Oke and Hendrix Blinksell. Two in the 3k, Johanna Pichler & Lizzie Hastedt. 4k distance had six improvers, considering the wind this is a great effort. Kirsten Pichler, Paul Jennings, Cameron Harrison, Jon Schol, Tomas Leszczynski and Kevyn Davis. Last but not least our two walkers, Carla Hill and Erica Nelson both covered their distances with a considerable improvement.
In addition to acknowledging improvement we also recognise the ‘Top Time’ for distances contested each week. Starting with the longest, a lone competitor, Reuben Pichler covered the 6k in 27.54 a well earned Top Time effort. 4k Distance 16.47 achieved by Irwin Burbage, 3k distance achieved by first timer, 13 year old Amelie Kelly clocking an excellent time of 12.58. 2k time of 9.27 in a very close finish was Madelinec Oke just I second ahead of her rival, Hendrix Blinksell. The 1k distance also was another battle for 1st place with young Owen Harlor crossing the finish in 5.00 only 1 second ahead of Ezekiel Blinksell.
Much appreciation to every competitor for a great afternoon of activity on the windy but scenic course at Willandra. Thanks to our visitors, Marano and Fail families from Camden area and Oscar Leszczynski from Tweed Heads visiting his family.
Finally, the Australian T & F Championships will commence on Monday 12th April at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre and close Monday 19th April. This week long celebration of top athletes from juniors under 14 years to Open athletes from all over Australia will be very exciting. Victory Runners are very proud to have four athletes named in the State Team having reached the qualifying standard.
Youngest competitor, Joel Harlor is competing in the U/14 1500m & 800m, Hailey D’Ombrain is in the U/16 2k Steeple Chase & 3000m, sprinter Laylah Connelly is in the U/16 400m and Open sprinter Lauren Johnson is in the 100m. We trust the experience will be very enjoyable and their results will be rewarding, knowing all four will give 100% effort, which certainly fits with our Quote of the Month.
“Do What You Can With All You Have Wherever You Are.” – Theodore Roosevelt
One of the most famous quotes about life by Teddy Roosevelt, who served as President of the United States from 1901 to 1909. A true optimist, he believed in the value of always giving it your all, no matter what you have or where you are.
Looking forward to Saturday 17th. at Willandra 2.30pm for Week 4 activity of running and walking.
Interested new families and individuals always very welcome.
Results
| 1k Distance | Time |
| Owen Harlor | 5.00 |
| Ezekiel Blinksell | 5.01 |
| Louise Harlor | 5.21 |
| Cailin Burbage | 5.59 |
| Evie Starkey | 7.08 |
| Jai Burbage | 7.14 |
| Zepplin Blinksell | 8.38 |
| Sherone Blinksell | 8.39 |
| Lyn Burbage | 10.16 |
| 2k Distance | |
| Archie Halliday | 11.18 |
| Ava Marano (Vis) | 10.19 |
| Lailani Halliday | 11.56 |
| Paul Marano (Vis) | 10.59 |
| Tayla Fail (Vis) | 11.11 |
| Madeline Oke | 9.27 |
| Hendrix Blinksell | 9.28 |
| Kylie Oke | 13.21 |
| Layla Burbage | 12.05 |
| Chloe Fail (Vis) | 13.14 |
| Bryson Marano (Vis) | 13.16 |
| 3k Distance | |
| Audrey Vaughan | 14.52 |
| Amelie Kelly | 12.58 |
| Tori Hill | 16.00 |
| Lexie Burinaga | 15.51 |
| Olivia Oke | 16.22 |
| Johanna Pichler | 21.50 |
| Lizzie Hastedt | 24.42 |
| Millie Hastedt | 34.30 |
| Owen Hastedt | 34.31 |
| 4k Distance | |
| Hugh Vaughan | 19.17 |
| Kirsten Pichler | 24.29 |
| Irwin Burbage | 16.47 |
| Paul Jennings | 24.39 |
| Cameron Harrison | 17.14 |
| Jon Schol | 18.08 |
| Cristine Suffolk | 19.33 |
| Darrin Smith | 23.01 |
| Griffin Leszczynski | 23.13 |
| Tomas Leszczynski | 25.18 |
| Kevyn Davis | 29.58 |
| Oscar Leszczynski ( Vis) | 31.05 |
| 6k Distance | |
| Rueben Pichler | 27.54 |
| Walkers | |
| Carla Hill (3k) | 28.04 |
| Erica Nelson (4k) | 41.05 |