By Jamie Strudley
Yarra Ranges Athletics sent a small but excited team to Lake Wendouree, Ballarat, on Saturday 27 July for Round 7 of this year’s XCR season.
All junior athletes completed one 6 kilometre lap of the iconic circuit made famous by Steve Monaghetti, while the seniors ran 15km (two and a bit laps).
It doesn’t happen often, but Ballarat turned on a near-perfect Ballarat day, making the two-hour drive worthwhile.
Standout performances came from Maddie Laven (second in the Under-16 Girls), James Laven (second in the Under-20 Men) in the 6km event.
Calvin Amos and Veida Somerville were the best performed athletes in the 15km event.
Final results are:
Junior 6km Women – Madeline Laven 22.04, Georgia Laven 23.48, Grace Muller 24.35, Mia Strudley 24.41, Jemima Wilson 26.12.
Junior 6km Men – James Laven 19.08, Angus Norman 20.50, Camden Hewitson 23.28.
15km Women – Veida Somerville 1.04.12, Erika Bedyn 1.18.09, Kathryn Clarke 1,19.46.
15km Men – Calvin Amos 55.06, James Anderson 58.07, Graham Coutts 1.01.45, Jamie Strudley 1.05.57, Bryan Ackerly 1.06.25, Craig Hewitson 1.15.59.
Saturday morning cross country was at a sun-soaked Margaret Lewis Reserve, providing athletes with a final opportunity to record a PB and secure another chocolate frog.
There certainly weren’t many treats left after recording final times.
Congratulations went to Max Savill-Bentley on a fine 10th place at the Run Melbourne half-marathon in a time of 1.15.10.
Next weekend the club ventures to Lake Dewar, Myrniong, for the Victorian Little Athletics Cross Country Championships.
The following weekend, 10 August, is the annual Cockatoo Hills Challenge.
Yarra Ranges seniors will be chasing mud at Cruden Farm at round 8 of XCR.
The club welcomes all athletes of any age or ability.
For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit yarrarangesathletics.org.au.
