Doncaster Newsletter
Round 2 XCR – 28/05/2025
A small but dedicated group of DAC athletes travelled to St Anne’s Winery in Myrniong, just north of Bacchus Marsh. Most flying the flag were Masters athletes. The St Anne’s course proved very tough, either 7km or 12km of very hilly terrain, and on flatter ridge lines which might otherwise offered reprieve, we were buffeted by strong winds. The day’s catch cry “Don’t worry about your watch”. It was sunny and the course dry; good country air filled the lungs. Many of the fields were smaller than usual. Recent weeks have seen a couple of All Schools events – though no DAC Juniors were at St Annes, we hope to see them in Round 3.
It was welcome back to season 2025 for David Vaughan and John Curry – David 1st in the 50+ 7km, and John 4th. Supported by Tim Denny (M40, 1st) and Jason Merrett (M50, 3rd) they carried the DAC Short Course team to another emphatic Round 2 victory in Open, 40+ and 50+. The team are clear leaders on the XCR season ladder. Shawn Ko (M45) battled through the 12km event, a solid run just ticking over the hour mark. Our President, Nathan Down, was also out there for the first time this season and looked impressive – 49:25 for 12km an excellent result. Brock Goodings was heard saying “I haven’t really been training”, however, just over the hour for a tough 12km told a different story. Great run Brock!
Just 2 ladies ran for DAC in round 2, both opting for the long course 12km. Lydia Rinaudo was in great form – 2nd in the W40 division, and well under the hour – 55:14. Kath Gawthorn was 11th in W50, battling with every step from mid race onward.
With thanks to Dave Vaughan who carried and set up the DAC tent.
Congratulations to those who travelled to St Anne’s in Round 2 and ran with such determination. The Men’s and Women’s Open/Junior teams look forward to a few extra runners next round – cross country relays at Jells Park. See details below.
Below, more information is provided for newcomers and those who need a gentle push towards the winter XCR program.
All results are provided below, with more detail available at Resultshub (Results Hub)
| Grade | Distance | Name | Performance | Notes |
| FOpen | 12km | Lydia Rinaudo | 55:14:00 | F40, 2nd |
| FOpen | 12km | Kathryn Gawthorn | 1:07:21 | F50, 11th |
| MOpen | 12km | Nathan Down | 49:25:00 | |
| MOpen | 12km | Shawn Ko | 1:00:04 | M45 |
| MOpen | 12km | Brock Goodings | 1:00:40 | |
| MOpen | 7km | Tim Denny | 27:28:00 | M40, 1st |
| MOpen | 7km | David Vaughan | 29:24:00 | M50, 1st |
| MOpen | 7km | Jason Merrett | 33:43:00 | M50, 3rd |
| MOpen | 7km | John Curry | 35:27:00 | M50, 4th |
Round 3 – Saturday 7th June
Next round is one of our favourites – cross country relays at Jells Park, Waverley. Junior athletes run 3km, and Open/Masters 6km. It will be a great opportunity to reconnect with your teammates and race over very achievable distances. Team Mangers have made an email call out for those who are available and enter teams through AV, somewhat earlier than usual cut off for individual events. No individual entry through portal. Look forward to seeing you there! Here’s the link to the event page: 2025 On XCR: Round 3 – Jells Park Relays | Aths Vic
We would really appreciate at least 3 club helpers (parents, partners, friends, injured athletes) for relays at Jells Park. Please contact team managers if you can assist.
Athletes in action:
A few of our very talented Junior athletes participated in the All-Schools Cross Country Relay Championships on May 17th. They were all among the quickest in their age groups, and against a very long list of other runners. For example, Chloe Baldock, just 14 years old, was 4th quickest of some 315 female athletes at the event. Congratulations to these Junior athletes!
Results as follows:
Edward Smith – Camberwell Grammar 4 x 3km U16 (3rd), 17th quickest
Madeleine Kearney – Ruyton Grammar 4 x 3km U16 (1st), 9th quickest
Lucy Kearney – Ruyton Grammar 4 x 3km U18 (1st), 14th quickest
Chloe Baldock – Wesley Grammar 4 x 3km U16 (4th), 4th quickest