Doncaster 40+ Newsletter
(edition 58)
XCR Round 2: St Anne’s Winery Bendigo – 28/5/2022
The second round of the Cross Country season (May 28th) saw Doncaster competing at St Anne’s Winery, approximately 20km from Bendigo. This was not to be confused with the ‘other’ St Anne’s Winery near Bacchus Marsh, which we will visit for XCR Round 4. Considering it being late May, and near Bendigo – we were greeted with picture-perfect XCR running conditions!
In total, 9 Masters Athletes signed up for the challenging course, with the usual contingent of hills. Thankfully, a dry course and no real obstacles aside a couple of small mud patches. We were tested over 8km – 2 laps of 4km, which was more palatable than the 4 laps of 2km at the ‘other’ St Anne’s back in season 2019. None of the Masters group opted for the short course (4km). We did see some of close rivals (Diamond Valley Masters Athletes) take this option, and they enjoyed their wine and pizza in the sunshine – watching us tough it out in the later 8km event. Hmmmmm – perhaps an idea for next time??!!
David Vaughan (M55) clocked an impressive 33.29 in the Men’s 8km event – and was placed 16th of the 99 fifty-plus athletes. He was the quickest of the DAC Masters males, whilst Kate Downward showed the other DAC Ladies how it can be done. Her time was 40.20 and she finished ahead of many Open age Ladies. Our teams faced tough opposition, especially from the nearby regional teams (Bendigo and Ballarat), who were in their element. There were 62 Men’s teams (clubs) and 30 Women’s teams in 40+ competition in XCR Round 2. DAC placed 28th and 12th respectively, a great result!
If you were after a good time, St Anne’s Winery was the place to be! Local businesses sold their wares, a singing duo belted out tunes all day, and food and wine were on offer for a post-run treat! AV and the local community looked after us, making the 2hr journey well worth the effort! Thank you to the parents and volunteers who helped the athletes get out there and competing! Many Masters Athletes may be a little sore and sorry following the St Anne’s event – we hope you all recover quickly and get back out there soon! Congratulations to all on a great day of cross country running, and those who bought some wine; enjoy and cheers!
Individual Masters Results
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Women; Open and Masters 8km |
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Place |
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Kate Downward 40:20 (W45) |
34/65 in 40+ |
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Sue Kilmartin 41:14 (W50) |
18/33 in 50+ |
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Laura McLennan 46:49 (W45) |
56/65 in 40+ |
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Kath Gawthorn 47.57 (INV, W45) |
59/65 in 40+ |
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Men; Open and Masters 8km |
Place |
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David Vaughan 33:29 (M55) |
16/99 in 50+ |
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Campbell McLennan 38:27 (M45) |
103/155 in 40+ |
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Jason Merrett 39:10 (M45) |
111/155 in 40+ |
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Darryl Kilmartin 44.14 (M55) |
84/99 in 50+ |
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James Finch 45:43 (M60) |
90/99 in 50+ |
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Team results
Women’s 40+- 12th
Women’s 50+ – 15th
Men’s 40+- 28th
Men’s 50+ – 20th
Tom Kelly Athletics Track – an update!
The track is all-but complete and looks lovely from the air! (As captured by drones). However, there have been minor delays in the irrigation and drainage works. At this stage, the track is scheduled to re-open on Sunday June 12; however, we will keep members further updated about this. We look forward to seeing all the DAC squads back together and training at the wonderfully upgraded facilities!
Congratulations Campbell McLennan!
Congratulations to Campbell on achieving the big 5-0 last week! In AV competition, he will remain in the 45-49 age-group for the 2022/2023 season. However, in VMA events he moves up an age group with (hopefully) more reasons to celebrate! Thank you to Campbell for his efforts with DAC, and best wishes for this new decade!
Friday 3rd June (7pm) – DAC AGM and Presentation Night
Our 2022 AGM and presentation night will be held in the brand new cricket pavilion (adjacent to oval and Tom Kelly athletics track). Pizza and soft drink will be on offer, and important announcements will be made about the club as we head into season 2022/2023. All welcome!
XCR Round 3 – Cruden Farm
XCR is set to return on Saturday June 18, where athletes test themselves over distances from 2-12km. Unless you’ve purchased a full XCR season entry, please be sure to complete single event online entries for Cruden Farm Round 3 by closing (11.59am on Wednesday 15th June) via the AV portal. Please direct any queries to the Winter Coordinator Matt Christy (Email: winter.coordinator@doncasterac.org.au)
Doncaster Masters Athletics – Inter-venue Track Challenge – June 19
VMA Doncaster Venue is hosting a track challenge for all VMA and AV Masters athletes on June 19. Track events include 60m, 150m, 300m, 600m, 1600m, 3000m and 800m walk 1600m walk), starting from midday. Entry is low cost – $5 for 1 event, or $10 for up to maximum 3 events. Invitees welcome! If the track resurfacing is not complete, the event will be held at Box Hill. Entry via the following link, https://www.trybooking.com/BYXEE (closes on June 12). For further details, please contact Graham Ford (gford@bigpond.net.au)