By Jamie Strudley
In a busy weekend for the Yarra Ranges Athletics club, the junior athletes had one last chance to set a new personal best or compete in their favourite event in the last competition of the track and field season at Morrison Reserve.
Unfortunately the rain came and limited the range of events on offer, but it didn’t stop the athletes racing hard in damp but still conditions, perfect for running fast.
In a taste of the coming change in seasons, the open age athletes lead the members on a cross country warm- up, before the club colours were tested in a tug-o-war, seeing the Jaguars win the duel of strength.
More traditional races and field events were run with great endeavour, some parents being challenged to race putting family pride on the line.
The highlight of the morning was the 100m handicap races.
Many athletes lined up multiple times to try and escape or chase depending on their mark.
The smiles and determination, not to mention the close finishes were memorable.
The Little Athletics members will gather Saturday 30 March for their end of season presentation day.
Sunday 24 March was Fun Run day. 800 runners, walkers, volunteers and supporters gathered at the Lilydale Lake parklands to participate in the Yarra Ranges Athletics with Spectrum Journeys Inc Fun Run 2019.
Entries were significantly higher than last year, creating a fantastic atmosphere for all involved.
From national standard athletes, to the very youngest attempting their first ever race, the event catered for everyone.
Spectacular bunch starts kicked off unique courses that explored the wonderful surrounds of the Lilydale Lake, all distances tackled the ‘Hospital Hill’ to overlook the surrounding area and be impressed by their efforts to reach the top.
Over distances of 2km, 5km and 10km, the participants supporting the fundraising event to assist the work being done in our local community by Yarra Ranges Athletics and Spectrum Journeys Inc.
The 580 entrants, combined with the financial support by Max Brown Real Estate, Medical for Everybody and Kinley Estate, has delivered a fundraising result of over $10,000.
Kate Johnson of Spectrum Journeys Inc was ecstatic by this outcome saying, “Our state government funding is soon coming to an end, events like this allow our service to continue supporting families in the Yarra Ranges, and surrounding areas”
The feedback from all involved was enthusiastic and positive, meaning the event will continue again in 2020.
The race leaders for the Sunday 24 March races were:
2km Female, Zoe Clarke 8m11s
2km Male, Ky Harris 8m23s
5km Junior Female, Indigo Linde 22m13s
5km Junior Male, Mitchell Pointon 23m41s
5km Open, Male James Laven 17m39s
5km Open, Female Grace Muller 21m58s
10km Male, Harry Norman 35m30s
10km Female, Lauren Starr 43m09s
