XCR ROUND 9

This penultimate round of the XCR season was a big test of athletes’ winter training.  Seven completed the ½ marathon and nine toughed out the 4km road race.  The start was a bit chaotic with both events starting together at 8am but heading in opposite directions.

The wind was very gusty, and rain threatened.  This made the conditions very humid and not many athletes were acclimatised to this after our long cold winter.   Not ideal conditions for a ½ marathon!  Quite a number succumbed, and athletes from many clubs were unable to finish the race.  Thankfully, the rain held off until everyone was home and hosed.  Those who did finish earned themselves a few extra snakes – thanks to Matt Christy and the Finch’s for bringing these along.

This round it was great to see Bella Davey (U18) returning to XCR.  Injured, she made an excellent start coming 7th in the 4km event.  We also welcomed newcomer; Vikky Orfanos (Open), who also competed over 4km.  Others in the 4km event included William Sullivan, making an appearance after missing several rounds this winter – we’re glad to have you back Will!  The Men’s Masters team of Tim Denny, David Vaughan, Jason Merrett and Campbell McLennan were also out there over 4km, and all took top 10 placings.  In fact, 2 Gold Medals for Dave (M55) and Tim (M45), Silver for Jason (M50) and 6th for Cam (M50)!  This was the final round of the Short Course competition, and DAC have been confirmed victors in Open, 40+ and 50+.  An excellent season’s effort by the team!  Stalwarts Hamish (U18) and Lewis McLennan both had a solid hit out over 4km, Lewis in the top 10 among the U16 competition.  After their 4km, these athletes could scrub up for their Father’s Day lunches, arriving home in plenty of time.

In the Men’s ½ marathon, Nick Finch was outstanding, off the pace of the main group, but fastest DAC athlete for the round – 1:16.18.  Brock Goodings toughed out the event to finish and can hold his head up high.  Jim Finch (M60) and Erich Fangmeier (M55) were also in the mix over the long course, the event allowing them guilt-free eating for Father’s Day.

In the Women’s long–course event, Anita Finch flew the flag for Open Women and was fastest female for DAC.  Lydia Rinaudo wasn’t too far behind her, running a very steady race – she was placed 6th among women 40+.  Kath Gawthorn was just outside a podium placing in W50 – 4th.   Our Div 2 women’s team finished 8th this round and still hold onto their position in this division with the relay round 10 to go.  We hope to proudly fly the Donnie flag at the Tan in 2 weeks’ time.

A number of our DAC cross-country athletes travelled to Ballarat on the weekend of August 23&24 for the Australian Cross Country Championships. Individual events were held on Day 1, and mixed relays on Day 2.  What an amazing opportunity for DAC’s young athletes who were selected to represent Victoria and their schools.  As a group, they certainly did us extremely proud.

Best performed was Chloe Baldock (U15), who was placed 5th in a very competitive 4km event.  Siblings Joshua (U15), Sophie (U17) and Samuel (U12) Field all performed credibly in a very busy weekend for the family.  Harry Maddocks and Alfie Onley contested the U17 boy’s title; both have been in excellent form this season and carried this through the 2-day event.  Edward Smith is a very promising young athlete and was just outside the top 10 in his U14 event.  Also, in the U14 event, Sawyer Onley had a very solid hit-out. Madeleine Kearney (U16) was impressive in her 4km event and can be proud of her athletic progress; sister and training partner Lucy not competing this weekend.

The mixed relays were a spectator’s delight with each athlete completing a 2km loop which included 3 specially created mud pits and obstacle logs, creating a lot of chaos.  All teams ran in male, female, male, female sequence.  Our young athletes enjoyed another run; Edward Smith, Chloe Baldock, Joshua Field, Madeleine Kearney, Alfie Onley and Sophie Field filled various Victorian team combinations.  Alfie and Sophie’s team “Happy Feet 2.0” achieved a Bronze, and Chloe and Josh’ team “Blaze Runners” just off the pace in 4th.

The DAC 50+ team of Campbell McLennan, Kath Gawthorn, David Vaughan and Natalie Harvey also got among the relay action, achieving a podium placing (3rd).

These athletes were among the best in Australia and experienced a true cross-country test. Congratulations to All.

All results are provided below, with more detail available at Roster Athletics