Doncaster Newsletter
Round 1 XCR – 15/05/2025
Round 1 was run on Saturday 10 May, with 16 intrepid DAC athletes travelling to legendary Hanging Rock near Woodend. Rumour has it, that everyone returned safe and sound. This round had Elizabeth Dunne (50+) as a debutant for DAC, and we warmly welcome her. She started her season with a top 10 placing in the short course event. The conditions were beautiful and the course challenging – 8km of cross-country for long-course Open and Masters athletes and 5km for Juniors and those opting for short course. The course didn’t ascend to the top of the Rock, as rock scrambling wasn’t on the agenda. Those at the finishing line agreed the single major ascent on the course was ‘quite far enough’. Thanks to the drought, the start of each race caused a dusty stampede. A few kangaroos wondered what the fuss was all about.
Among the standouts were the U18 Lads – Harry Maddocks, Alfie Onley and Joel Denny, finishing 7th, 8th and 10th, respectively, and were 2nd as a DAC Team. Sophie Field (U18) is also establishing herself as a quality athlete – top 10 in this first round of XCR. Sawyer Onley went one better than brother, Alfie. Sawyer was 7th among the U14 contingent, with promising young athlete, Edward Borham (just 12), close behind.
The Masters men stamped their authority on Round 1 – 1st David Vaughan, 2nd Campbell McLennan, 4th Jason Merrett and 7th Darryl Kilmartin in the short course event and winning the round in Open, 40+ and 50+. Newcomer Elizabeth Dunne (50+) was joined by Olympian Natalie Harvey; this was Natalie’s first point-scoring run for DAC as a Masters athlete, having run as an invite in the recent past. Brock Goodings and Jim Finch were out there in the long course event at their committed best. Shawn Ko (M45) gave everyone else a “head start” and missed the start by 10+ minutes, though did very well to make up some time with a gutsy run.
It was a pleasing start to the season, though more runners are needed! Summer season athletes can use these events as very solid winter training, and those struggling with fitness can build throughout the season. With thanks to Campbell McLennan and Dave Vaughan for setting up the tent/rug/flag and assisting all of us to the start line (bibs, uniform, pep talks and much more). Thanks to Jim Finch who brought along post-run snacks.
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 | 8km | Natalie Harvey | 37:21:00 | F50, 4th |
| FOpen | 5km | Elizabeth Dunne | 27:28:00 | F50, 7th |
| F18 | 5km | Sophie Field | 20:38 | 10th |
| MOpen | 8km | Brock Goodings | 47:07:00 | |
| MOpen | 8km | James Finch | 47:48:00 | M60 |
| MOpen | 8km | Shawn Ko | 53:51:00 | M45 |
| MOpen | 5km | Tim Denny | 19:36 | M40, 1st |
| MOpen | 5km | David Vaughan | 20:51 | M50, 1st |
| MOpen | 5km | Campbell McLennan | 21:33 | M50, 2nd |
| MOpen | 5km | Jason Merrett | 24:12:00 | M50, 4th |
| MOpen | 5km | Darryl Kilmartin | 29:32:00 | M50, 7th |
| M18 | 5km | Harry Maddocks | 17:02 | 7th |
| M18 | 5km | Alfie Onley | 17:10 | 8th |
| M18 | 5km | Joel Denny | 17:22 | 10th |
| M14 | 5km | Sawyer Onley | 18:58 | 7th |
| M14 | 5km | Edward Borham | 19:55 |
Round 2 – 24th May (Cross Country 4-12km)
Next round will involve another road trip to St Anne’s Winery in Myrniong (check location, and don’t go to the other St Anne’s near Bendigo!). Those needing assistance with transport, please contact team managers or your teammates. A supportive chat on the road can help a great deal! Remember to complete your entry online (via AV portal) (Home – Athletics Victoria) by Wednesday 21st May 12 noon. Those who have purchased an XCR package still need to confirm entry via this portal. Again, Team Mangers can assist if required. Here’s a link to the Event Page for Round 2. 2025 On XCR: Round 2 – St Anne’s Myrniong 12km | Aths Vic
XCR Timetable 2025
The table below outlines event dates, distances, and locations. Individual event pages (via AV website) provide even more detail about travel, parking, exact time of each race, weather or hazard alerts (no tap water at a couple of locations), recommendations for footwear and much more.
(Link to AV event pages) XCR Event Pages
Athletes in action:
Abbey Caldwell has continued her phenomenal season, setting new Australian and Oceania Records in the 1000m (Xiamen Diamond League in April). This has topped off a season filled with outstanding results against class fields. She has now booked her ticket to compete in the World Championships in the 800m! CONGRATULATIONS ABBEY!
Tom Reynolds, as part of the Australian Men’s 4x400m team dipped under the 3-minute mark with a blistering time of 2:59.73, gaining a season’s best and a ticket to the World Championships in Tokyo in September. Tom ran a final split of 45.25 clinching the qualifier for Australia What an amazing performance, and congratulations Tom!
A few of our Junior athletes participated in the All-Schools Road Relay Championships on May 3rd. Congratulations to Chloe Baldock, who was the 2nd quickest U16 Female of the Championships – among a long list of 167 runners. Chloe ran for her school, Wesley College, the team placing 5th. Lucy (U16) and Madeleine Kearney (U18) ran for Ruyton Grammar – Lucy’s team 1st, and Maddie’s 2nd, both young Ladies were also among the quickest in the age groups (top 20). Olivia Collett (U18) ran a gutsy first 3km leg for Strathcona. Congratulations to these Junior athletes!