News January 2010 to June 2010
Athletics Club
CONTENTS
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS OR CLUB NEWS? IF SO LET US KNOW AND WE MAY BE ABLE TO ANNOUNCE IT ON THE WEBSITE. IT COULD BE A NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY, ENGAGEMENT, DIVORCE OR GARAGE SALE.
27th December 2009 NEXT CLUB MEETING Next monthly meeting is 6th January. All invited and what's going on at Country Championships will be one thing on agenda.
2nd January 2010 MARYBOROUGH HIGHLAND GAMES SEES MULTIPLE WINS FOR HARRIER MEMBERS A huge crowd at Princess Park Maryborough attended the 149th Highland Games where athletics and traditional Scottish strongman sports interacted with those bloody bagpipes and dancing. Amongst the winners on the day were two brilliant efforts by Kirrily Burnett and Josh Nolan. Anybody that knows me is aware that I have not been a huge fan of professional athletics but I think after the performance of Kirrily Burnett I finally get it. We have handicapping in horse racing and yacht racing so why not aths. Not everyone will or physically can be elite in this sport but professional athletics has given Kirrily the opportunity to be recognised for all the hard work she has put in and the improvement over the past 12 months. In any sport there may be some there for the wrong reasons or inflated egos but today Kirrily was rewarded for hard work. In the Open Women's 400 metres off a mark of 46 metres Kirrily went to the front at the 150 metre mark of her heat and had to win it to make the final. Her opposition got within half a metre with 100 metres to go but Kirrily kicked clear to win comfortably. In the final Kirrily lead after 75 metres after passing the front marker. With 100 metres to go on the turn she had the whole field ready to swamp her but held a little in reserve to send the race favourite 4 wide on the turn and kick clear when it mattered. A narrow but exciting victory for Kirrily and a rather short acceptance speech was also a surprise. To Josh Nolan in the backmarkers 1600 metres and in a very mature run with Nolan gradually rounding up the frontmarkers for a very good win with nobody coming from behind looking like they would get close. After a good run at the PB meet 800 metres 13 days ago at his first competition of the season and some intense training in recent months Josh looks set for a bumper season. We won't talk about his form any further in case rivals send this to the handicappers but maybe there is some further improvement for the Joshua Tree. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day over at Maryborough and these end of days wins made it special for these two Harrier members and their supporters. Well done to the other Bendigo athlete that won on the day with Glenn Stephens winning one of the sprints.
11th January 2010 ATHS BENDIGO ORGANISE TOP LINE COACH on 18th January Vasily Grishchenkov - Level 5 - Coach Strength & Conditioning has been organised to come to Bendigo by Development Officers Judy and Jenny. Vasily has been involved in High performance athletes at an international level as both an athlete and coach for the past 30 years. As an athlete he was a USSR National record holder in Triple Jump (17.55). In 1983 he was ranked number ONE in the world, and was twice the Silver European medallist. Confirmation is required by the 14th January.
11th January 2010 MAD HARRIERS TEA PARTY (and more from track and field on the 9th January 2010) It was not the Mad Hatters Tea Party but the Harriers who were crazy enough to turn up in the heat must have been just a little mad. Sean Ryan summed it up beautifully in contemplating whether our bodies really like competing in this type of heat. Before anyone complains about the comment not being politically correct take it for what it was. No more complaints about our website because to date I have had more complaints about our website than the Victorian Transport Minister on Myki. Sean said, “I wish I was an African on a hot day like this.” It summed up the conditionally beautifully and the merits on whether we should be competing was more suited to the Kenyans and Ethiopians. The day commenced with the 1500 metre championships and Heat 1 saw the peacock green and canary yellow singlets of the Harriers worn on all 8 competitors competing. Josh Nolan continued on his winning form from the Maryborough New Years Mile and took out the event together with the Open Championship in an excellent time of 4:07.51. Shaun Geraghty 4:11.52 won his age group and was 2nd overall with Bryan Keely 4:17.84 in third. A blanket could have been thrown over the men’s 40+ 1500 metres championship well into the race which saw John Maher, Craig Green and Peter Cowell in that order run together for most of the first 1200 metres. Maher 4:34.18 in a season best time made a decisive move with 130 metres to go to outsprint Green 4:36.39 and Cowell 4:41.73 to take out the event. Meredith Cook was quickest of the women for the 1500 metres on the day with a time of 4:57.15 winning the Pre-Vet Championship. The Nolan clan continued the winning feeling with Jacob Nolan 4:49.87 in a season best time taking out Heat 2. Victor Cook 5:02.57 was third and other good runs came from Dylan Harvey 5:19.47. Michelle Stevenson 5:20.12 in the veterans 40+ championship won narrowly over Anne Buckley on the comeback trail in a season best 5:21.16. Stevenson continued her fine form with season bests in three events. A 16.16 into a headwind in the 100 metres, 14.10m javelin throw and 7.98m in the triple jump was a good lead in to the Country Championships in the next fortnight. In the men’s 100 metres James Cindric 12.33 was second in Heat 1 and Dave Chisholm 13.60 had another victory in Heat 3. First year athlete Geoff Jordon is improving all the time which was displayed by 3 PB’s from his 4 events. A time of 13.68 into a headwind in the 100 metres was .68 second reduction. An almost 2 second deduction in the 400 metres in a time of 1:04.85 and a quarter of a metre improvement in the triple jump 9.24m rounded out a great day for Geoff. In the 400 metres Peter Cowell outlasted his rivals in Heat 2 with a good win in 1:01.37. Steve Ryan turned back the years taking out Heat 4 in 1:20.28 after a great dual with Wolf Heiden. Stacy Fiske in his first run over 400 metres this season showed some good speed with a 56.14. The women’s discus was the most dramatic event on the day when a mini tornado over just a few seconds tried to lift the shade structure off the ground with a number of competitors under it causing the event to be shortened to 2 throws. It was a Harriers First 4 with Roxanne Kellow 29.57m just too good for Alice Schenker 27.14m, Lauren Shearman 23.43m and Barbara Kellow 22.60m. Philip Clayton once again won the men’s discus with a throw of 37.15m. All-rounder David Kinnersley 32.51m was third and veteran Malcolm Duncan was in fine form and 4th overall with 27.93m. Steve Ryan 16.34m had a season best throw and Richard Kellow, Peter Bourke and Garnet Rodda also had a good competition. The men’s javelin saw another narrow Harriers victory when Louis Schenker 46.61 had his best throw for the season. David Kinnersley also improved considerably throwing the spear 40.56m and Malcolm Duncan was again the leading veteran in a field event with 33.49m. With brother Louis taking the men’s event, sister Alice Schenker took out the women’s by just 2cm with a throw of 28.55m. Indiah Guy 3rd displayed again her potential with a season best 26.87 at LUBAC. Brett Gilligan returned to form with a season best 16.31 in the 110 metre hurdles after knocking over a few of them and breaking one in half to show their may be further improvement. Earlier in the day a 4.00m effort in the pole vault saw an easy victory in the event. David Kinnersley 12.69m took out the triple jump easily but youngster Matthew Cindric 8.05 displayed some talent also. The walk event shortened to 1500 metres saw 60+ John Watson 10:57.16 and 70+ Eddy Rowan 11.10.47 display the Harriers motto ‘Athletics for Everyone’. Congratulations to two Harriers that recently won on the pro circuit at the 149th Highland Games at Maryborough. Josh Nolan won the backmarkers mile event and Kirrily Burnett took out the women’s 400 metres in grand style (refer to latest news for more information on this story). Peter Cowell also recently had 2 victories at the distance series 800 and 1600 metres held at the Tom Flood Sports Centre on a Thursday night. The club from January 22 to 24 will have several athletes compete at Moe in the Victorian Country Championships. Some of the athletes to watch will include John Maher, Meredith Cook, Malcolm Duncan, Brett Gilligan, Alice Schenker, Charles Chambers and the 40 plus men’s and women’s relay teams.
15th January 2010 5000 METRE CHAMPIONSHIPS (by Greg Hilson) Ballarat YCW’s Richard Gleisner ran fastest time of 15.53 minutes in Tuesday night’s Athletics Bendigo 5000 metres Championship held at the Latrobe University Bendigo Athletics Complex in Flora Hill. University’s Andy Buchanan was second over the line running 16.29 minutes to be first Under 20 athlete. Matthew Hooke from the Bendigo YMCA club was third over the line & 1st Open age competitor in 17.14 minutes. Harrier John Maher was first over 40 in 17.26 minutes, with club mate Michelle Stevenson running 20.06 minutes to claim first female over 40. Luke Gregory from University was the fastest under 18, with South Bendigo’s Leigh Browell, the first Pre-Veteran. Charles Chambers won the 50 & over section, whilst his Bendigo YMCA team mate Hunter Gill claiming first over 60. Richard Gleisner Ball YCW Inv 15.53.01 Andy Buchanan University U20M 16.29.012 Matthew Hooke Bgo YMCA OpenM 17.14.013 John Maher Bgo YMCA V40M 17.26.014 Luke Gregory University U18M 17.35.015 Greg Hilson Sth Bendigo V40M 19.08.026 Leigh Browell Sth Bendigo V35M 19.40.017 Michelle Stevenson Bgo YMCA V40W 20.06.018 Charles Chambers Bgo YMCA V50M 20.27.019 Trevor KellyE/Hawk V50M 20.27.0210 Ned Slater University Inv 21.06.011 Hunter Gill Bgo YMCA V60M 24.32.0112 Tony Fahy Bgo YMCA Inv 24.39.013 Ken Bruechert Bgo YMCA Inv 27.51.014
17th January 2010 HILSON BUILDERS SPRINT SERIES ROUND UP By Ivan Kitt Competition was keen after the xmas break as athletes strived to secure good points with only two rounds remaining before the finals. In the 150 metres first heat Jake Hilson gained an opening at the top of the straight and dashed to the front and looked set for victory until Lonain Burnett who has been running consistently and improving each run stormed down the outside to gain victory from Jake Hilson and Felicity Trew. The second heat was another close finish with first time competitor in the series Geoff Jorden quickly rounded up the limit markers and dashed to the front, held on for a good win from a strong finish from Grant Astall in second place and Darryl Nettleton getting up for third place. The first of the 300 metre events resulted in a good win by Grant Astall appreciated the extra distance, as he raced past Greg Hilson who had got the better of son Jake Hilson taking second and third place respectively. In the second heat of the 300 metres, Geoff Jordan looked set for his second victory but could not hold out the fast finishing burst from Kaine Leech who ran from the scratch mark with Lonain Burnett in third place. Results of the Hilson Builders Sprint Series Round 3: Heat 1 150 metres: 1st. Lonain Burnett 17.25, 2nd. Jake Hilson 17.67, 3rd. Felicity Trew 17.87, Kaine Leech 18.12, Sam Nettleton 18.53. Heat 2: 1st.Geoff Jordan 16.39, 2nd. Grant Astall 16.66, 3rd. Daryl Nettleton 17.41, Celine Mountjoy 17.76, Keely Trew 18.15, Liam Clarke 19.19, Isabel Clarke 19.86. Heat 1 300 metres: 1st. Grant Astall 35.36, 2nd. Greg Hilson 36.12, 3rd. Jake Hilson 37.72, Celine Mountjoy 38.39, Felicity Trew 40.60, Isabel Clarke 43.98. Heat 2: 1st. Kaine Leech 37.05, 2nd. Geoff Jordan 37.10, 3rd. Lonain Burnett 37.43, Keely Trew 38.09, Daryl Nettleton 38.86, Liam Clarke 41.36. Winners of the Good Loaf Sourdough Bakery for the fastest heats were Geoff Jordan 150 metres, and 300 metres Grant Astall. Aggregate Points after round 3 Lonain Burnett 53, Darryl Nettleton 42, Kaine Leech 42, Keely Trew 37, Celine Mountjoy 33, Jake Hilson 32,Dujon Fuzzard 30, Isabel Clarke 30, Liam Clarke 30, Grant Astall 28, Felicity Trew 25, Sam Nettleton 25, Demi GoodHall/Hoffman 24, Geoff Jordan 18, Luke McKenzie 15, Greg Hilson 13, Steve Ryan 10,Jordy Waldron 10, Georgia Miller 10, Next round of the Hilson Builders Sprint Series will be held on Thursday 28 th. February along with the RetireInvest Distance series. Athletes need to be at the Sports Centre for the Sprint Series by 6.30 pm, ready for a 6.55 pm start
17th January 2010 REGIONAL SHIELD FINALS - We need all Harriers that are AV registered competing!!!!!!!!! Saturday 6th February will see some of our age groups go head to head in the AB Shield Final in attempting to make the State Shield Finals on the 13th February at Doncaster. It would be great to bring you some ladders to see if we have a chance in the respective age groups but suggest we have all our athletes competing in as many events as possible on the 6th to make the final. If you have never done an event try it on the 6th February.
17th January 2010 CHAMPIONSHIP RELAYS COMING UP On Tuesday 2nd February (4 x 800m) and Tuesday 16th February (4 x1500m) there is the local AB relay Championships. The Harriers have dominated this competition recently and as a club and in the team environment they are great fun. If you are interested in competing within a team in your age group then please email craigagreen@optusnet.com.au to register your interest. You may even want to be proactive and organise a tream in your age group. Teams will be selected based largely on performances this season.
17th January 2010 MORE RECORDS FOR THE HARRIERS THAN A BRASH'S STORE DURING THE MID 80'S (and more from track and field on the 16th January 2010) There were more records broken for the Harrier athletes than the old vinyl records you would have found at a Brash's store in the 70's and 80's. For the youngsters benefit records are those huge looking black CD's found in your parents cupboards and sometime were referred to vinyl. It was four Under 14 boys who have never achieved a Bendigo record that teamed together with some excellent baton changes to take out the 4 x 400 centre record in 4:47.10. The team of Josh Powell, Jayden Beqir, Nathan Green and Matthew Cindric got over the top of a talented South Bendigo team who were also trying to capture an U13 and U14 record. Well done to the South team who took out the U13 record. Our Under 14 team was also young with an 11yo, 2 x 12yo and 13yo and also without 2 very talented athletes that would normally be in this team. Roxanne Kellow has been throwing the hammer consistently all year and broke her own centre and residential record in the Under 16 age group extending the distance by over a metre to 39.03. If daughter can do then Mum can follow just as good. In the other throwing event of the day Barbara Kellow in the shot put smashed her centre and residential record by a long way to 8.43 metres in the 40+ age group. The record breaking continued. At the shot put again Zoe Schenker improved her existing centre and residential record to 7.83 metres in the 50+ age group category. There were some other excellent performances in the very warm conditions with Jacob Nolan leading off the day for the Harriers with an outstanding performance in a very good field in Heat 2 of the 800 metres. A season and personal best of 2:11.13 has seen Nolan probably the biggest improver on the track during 2009/2010 together with Shaun Geraghty who ran well again in Heat 1 as quickest Harrier in 2:01.69. Philip Clayton threw his season best at LUBAC and extended his unbeaten streak with a 44.19m throw in the hammer. Geoff Jordan after taking victory at the Hilson Builders Sprint Series 150 metres at Tom Flood on Thursday night winning again in Heat 4 of the 200m in a season best 27.85. Caitlyn Hocking in 29.01 lead throughout Heat 2 of the 200 metres to record a solid victory. Mum Kerrieanne was also in good form in Heat 3 running a season best 31.46. There were a few athletes that recorded two season best performances on the one day. Michelle Stevenson continues her improvement in the field events with season best performances of a 3.75m long jump and 7.52m in the shot put. Another athlete with a season best double was Melinda Gilligan 5.73m shot put and 11.26 in the 70m. In the men a dual season best was recorded by Dave Chilshom 18.78m hammer and 28.33 in the 200m. Other athletes to record season bests were Ken Bruechert 11.63 in the 70m, Paul Bennett 2:32.73 in the 800m, Richard Kellow 25.14m in the hammer throw and Heinrich Schenker 16.04 in the hammer throw. Stacy Fiske 24.66 in the 200m is improving at each run with his best performance of the season and quickest Harrier in the event. Lonain Burnett 26.10 won Heat 3 of the same event and other Harrier winners were Steve Ryan 32.26 in Heat 6 and Sean Ryan 35.7 in Heat 7. Brett Gilligan had a solid day with a season best 10.77m in the shot put, leading Harrier and second overall. A draw in the high jump with a leap of 1.80m in tricky conditions and ended the day with a 59.67 win in the challenging 400 metre hurdles. The Harrier girls recorded some very good performances in taking out their heats of the 800 metres and practice for next week. Meredith Cook was the quickest of the women on the day and just outside her PB taking out Heat 5 in 2:29.76. Just outside her PB was Michelle Stevenson 2:38.40 winning Heat 6 and not to be outdone was the winner of Heat 7 Anne Buckley returning to form in 2:43.02. Why Michelle and Anne were not in the same heat for this 40+ Championship event is beyond us (see comments below). Victor Cook came from a long way back and with a well timed run to win Heat 4 of the 800 metres in 2:22.28. The day ended with Ian Wellard 10:59.97 running the final lap in lane 4 taking an easy win in the 3000 metres. This website has been used to record the thoughts of the editor and what many others have also been saying to me and will continue to do so. If we can make athletics and the competition better there may be some suggestions put up that can be looked at or ignored by the powers that make these decisions. It may make us unpopular and I know I am still getting knives from my back but the aim is to increase participation and for continuous improvement. The last 2 weeks if you don't know have been Championship days for the local AB athletes of all 4 clubs. On page 13 of the AB Summer Handbook it is quite clear these are championship days for the individual events. Why we cannot run in our age groups for that one day is beyond many people that competed on the day? For example in the 40+ Men's 800 metres we had athletes run over a number of heats. Why not put them in the one Heat for their age category? We are aware the computer system does not like it but why not make athletes enter like they do for other championship events by doing it prior to the competition day. This would then give Bill the time to enter the names into the computer system. There was also no recognition on the day to the winners and doing this on Presentation Day when it has been forgotten is too late. Something for AB to think about and give the prestige that a local Championship should have with some emphasis in the local track and field calendar. To be a Bendigo champion is something many athletes would be proud of. I know myself and many others would be and finishing second twice and the winner not getting recognition put little value into your efforts not only today but all the training and effort for the past 3 months. For some these 2 days it was some athletes grand final. You would have not known this to be anymore than a September pre-season event.
17th January 2010 KIRRILY WINS AT PRO RUNNING EVENT AT RINGWOOD Harrier athlete Kirrily Burnett took out his second pro victory within a fortnight in taking out the 800 metres at Ringwood. One of the most improved athletes on the local scene her bank account must be starting to build. By the way this is story 100 since the website started so thanks to everyone making writing stories easy. To see all stories go to the latest news link.
25th January 2010 VICTORIAN COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS REPORT HARRIERS BEST PERFORMANCE FOR YEARS What a wonderful effort from those athletes that attended and supporters that cheered on the club members to the best result in a number of years. The club just missed out on 3rd by a few points and increased its score from the 500's to mid 900's even though we did not have all athletes attend and others unfortunately injured. The story is long but everyone deserves acknowledging. The club won 26 gold, 36 silver and 18 bronze medals with all 43 Harriers that competed earning points for the club. The men's team finished 2nd overall and the women's team were 4th overall. Congratulations to the Eaglehawk club who dominated the competition with some outstanding teamwork and commitment in taking the overall title, together with the men's and women's overall. The Bendigo region also with South Bendigo and Bendigo University performed well to have the Bendigo clubs far and away the most outstanding region at the titles. Before spreading the great story of the Harriers can those members that may have got Tall Poppy Syndrome get off the back of one club. Comments that are overheard by athletes parents about their kids are not on and certainly is not what our club is about. Athletics is mainly an individual sport but this weekend is about the TEAM or in the view of many it should be. 'Athletics for Everyone' is our motto so don't knock it. What I miss coming into aths from team sports is that team feeling in winning the big grand final or just doing your best as a club. We shouldn't be knocking the clubs that compete with team in mind over individual performance and the girl that collapsed on Saturday evening was a athlete that had not over competed and was accustomed to competing over the distance. Our club had some very sore athletes too by weekends end who competed in 8 events. Note that friendly rivalry is great and everyone should enjoy that but let's keep it to that. Back to the good news now! One by one as all athletes deserve a mention lets look at the performance of all the heroes representing the club. The Harriers had some of the best performers of the championships. Shaun Geraghty in the Under 18 Men had a 100% winning record from his 4 events in winning all the middle distance events with the 800m, 1500m and 3000m treble. Just to show that Geraghty is not only a track athlete he also took gold in the javelin with a season best performance. The best performer of the Harrier women with a 100% strike rate from the 3 events entered was Anne Buckley who became a triple gold medalist in the 40+ plus age category. Buckley returning from an interrupted winter with illness won the 1500m, 3000m and 10000m. The 1500 metres was won in a Championship record time of 5:13.10. The highest point scorer for the Harrier men and overall for the club was the field event all-rounder Under 18 Louis Schenker who took out 3 gold in the jumping events (triple, high and long), silver in the javelin and bronze in the hammer that fully displayed his versatility in a busy schedule. Michelle Stevenson in her first track season at the club displayed courage throughout the 3 days of competition with a viral infection and asthma causing concern. Stevenson was the highest point scorer for the women in taking a well deserved gold in a championship record time from the 800 metres (2:39.45) and finishing runner up to teammate Anne Buckley with 3 silver in the 1500m, 3000m and 10000m. The veteran 40 plus athlete Johnny Maher now known as SuperMaherio was another star performer with 2 gold in the 5000m and 10000m, together with 2 silver in the 800m and 1500m. Maher ran 17.3 high quality kilometres for the weekend together with Victor Cook running the furthest of the Harriers on the weekend. The Harrier girls who have dominated the local competition in the throwing events continued with their great form at the championships. Dual gold medalists were Under 16 Alice Schenker (Shot Put and Hammer plus 2 minor medals in the discus and javelin) and Under 18 Roxanne Kellow (Discus, Hammer plus 1 minor medal in the Shot Put). The third championship record was taken out by gold medalist Barbara Kellow in the hammer throw with a performance of 29.41m. Kellow also took out silver in the shot put and discus. Gold medals in the hurdles gave Brett Gilligan the double in the 110m and 400m hurdles to go with his silver in the pole vault and silver from the 4 x 100 relay. Youngster Brayden Scanlon a Gilligan coached athlete also won two gold in taking out the Under 14 javelin and discus and team silver in the 4 x 100m. Garnet Rodda won gold in the javelin plus bronze in hammer after overcoming recent setbacks with injury. Another that was injured was Zoe Schenker who looked in a bad way on the Saturday and was hobbling around. On the Sunday though she took gold at the discus on one leg to go with the silver in the shot put. Josh Powell with a run like the Melbourne Cup legend Kiwi flew home to take the gold in 400m with a personal best of just over 61 seconds. A medal in the 200 medal and 4 x100 relay was a great result at this first countries. David Kinnersley was busy with 2 silver (triple jump and pole vault) and 3 bronze (hurdles, high jump and long jump) together with silver in the team 4 x 100 relay running a grand final leg. Harrier and through to the next round of Australia's top model is Ashlea Monigatti who showed some talent in the field events with silver in the long jump (4.99m) and bronze in the triple jump (10.46m). Cody Williamson having his first competitive run for 6 months collected silver in the 800 (2:02.68) and bronze in the 1500 metres (4:11.69) in addition to his unexpected relay silver in the 4 x100. Distance athlete Craig Green ran a track PB of 17:51.13 for silver in the 5000m, another PB of 4:35.78 in the 1500m for bronze together with a bronze in the 800m. Emily Macdonald-Jones threw the hammer brilliantly with a 32.10m winning silver. A well deserved bronze was won by Harrier photographer Hunter Gill in the 3000 metres in a time of 13:10.85. Indiah Guy at her first Country Championships and coached by Peter Barrett (got that in for you Peter and a mention on this site makes you famous) took out silver in the hammer with a personal best of 30.58m in front of a vocal crowd cheering her on. Jack Monigatti was the bridesmaid all day but not disgraced in winning silver at three events from the 90m hurdles, 100m and 200m silver. In the team event 4 x100 relay the Monigatti performance was crucial in taking gold. A late arrival on the Sunday Jacob Nolan did not disappoint with a personal best and silver medal in the 800 metres in a time of 2:10.51. Malcolm Duncan was the unluckiest Harrier in taking 3 silver but missing by narrow margins. In the long jump a new championship record 5.31m was not enough with Greg Hilson jumping 5.32m. A 26.02 metre throw in the discus left him just 1.01m short of the gold and finally a season best 37.72m in the javelin capped a fine weekend for the new Harrier member. The 13 year old Matthew Cindric performed well in the Under 16's (ridiculous how the age groups work) in receiving a bronze from the triple jump. Meredith Cook battled hard against quality opposition in taking 3 silver medals at the Open 1500m, 5000m but also ran a PB in the 10000m with a slashing time of 36:31.01. Paul Bennett also took a bronze in the 1500m (5:04.55) but was more disappointed he could not beat his daughter Virginia's time (5:04.19) in the same event where she also won bronze. A terrific battle between Phil Brown and Terry Hicks saw Phil run a season best 58.90 in the 400 metres to go down narrowly but take silver. In the 200 metres it was another medal with bronze. The fine year of Richard Kellow continues when he won silver in the hammer with a throw of 27.94m. Sean Ryan provided some classic commentary during the Titles but backed it up on the track with 3 medals in taking 100m,400m silver and discus bronze. Maybe if the Black Duck was chasing him he would have run faster (see athlete profile in right column above for more information.........) One of the most deserved medals of the championships was a bronze from Victor Cook in the 10000 metres after running the 4 longest events of the weekend. Terrific team performances were rewarded in a gold medal from the Under 14, 4 x 400 boys with the team of Jayden Beqir, Jack Monigatti, Brayden Scanlon and Josh Powell. The 40 plus men's 4 x 400 team of Malcolm Duncan, Phil Brown, Victor Cook and Peter Cowell just went down to Eaglehawk after a titanic struggle in a club record time. The women's 40 plus collected a bronze in the 4 x 400 relay with the team of Michelle Stevenson, Debbie Kirne, Barbara Kellow and Anne Buckley. An upset with the men's 4 x 100 Open Men's team proving to be the number one Open sprint combination at the championships from Bendigo in a silver medal finish with the team of Aaron Petrie, Brett Gilligan, Cody Williamson and David Kinnersley second to Wodonga. Even though all athletes did not win individual medals everyone contributed to the points total of the Harriers by running, jumping or throwing their guts out and cheered on each other. I think a few Harriers were spurred on by the crowd yelling from the Harriers tent at the 300 metre mark and may have gone a little early. Here are some highlights from the rest of our fine team. Aaron Petrie was a solid contributor being a member of the silver winning 4 x 100 Open Men's relay and narrowly missing medals with 4ths in the high jump and javelin. Youngster Brenton Hassett will take much experience away from the championships with good 5ths in the 800 and 1500m against quality runners. Dylan Harvey will also be better for the experience against some outstanding athletes but again contributed to the points score in the 800 and 1500m with 7th place finishers. Just like Dylan, Jamie Cook had to step up to tough Under 20 competition for the first time and also learnt from the experience in the same events in taking 6th places. Heinrich Schenker showed the spirit the Harriers are about in competing in many field events to assist in a terrific team total for the 60+ men. Under 14 Jayden Beqir at his first titles may have used more energy up off the track with some off event games but we are sure he had great fun, collected a silver in the 4 x 100 relay and made the 100 metre final. Another Under 14 Nathan Green also at his first titles ran an excellent 4th in the 1500 metres and will be better for the experience. Melinda Gilligan may have competed in 3 events and note threw the shot a very good 6.51m (.42m further than the editor) but the time she spent parenting and feeding the group of boys who took many points in addition to other organisation was well appreciated by everyone. An injury interrupted pre-season has seen Peter Cowell work hard to get back to his best and a season best 4:39.86 in the 1500m was a terrific run. No one will forget his battle with Tracy Wilson who has a 6 second quicker PB but Cowelly and others in the 4 x 400 relay served it right up to the far quicker Borough team on paper until the shadows of the post. Having to cope with going up to Open age competition also for the first time it was always going to be hard for Yvette Tuohey but as usual she never gives in and her 7th place in the 800 metres was a very good result at the end of a long weekend. Thank-you to all the supporters and helpers that assisted the club have an excellent weekend. To the Kitts, Neil Macdonald with the massages and support, all the parents that supported their kids and other athletes, and to everyone else that assisted thanks for a great weekend. To Meredith Cook who organised the accommodation well done as it a very difficult task when we do not hear from everyone. If I have forgotten anyone I do apologise (let me know and I will update this story after a sleep).
28th January 2010 HILSON BUILDERS SPRINT SERIES 28TH FEB After the fourth round of the Hilson Builders Sprint Series, a number of athletes have cemented their spot in the final to be conducted on Thursday 18th. February. With this Thursday evening will see the last of the Heats conducted. The 300 metres were the first events to be decided, In the first heat Will Scholes came with a well timed run to score a comfortable win over Greg Hilson and Kaine Leech running into third place. In heat two of the 300 metre Jeff Jorden in only his second run in the series ran another top performance to win from Darryl Nettleton who is having a good series in second place and Jake Hilson also having a good series in third place. After a short break the 150 metres were run with Keely Trew holding off a strong finish from Geoff Jordan showing good form with Celine Mountjoy in third place. While in the second race sponsor after a successful Country C'Ships continued with a victory from Felicity Trew and Jake Hilson finishing third. Winners of the The Good Loaf Sourdough Bakery were Will Scholes in the 300 metres and Greg Hilson successful in the 150 metres. After Thursday nights final round the top Eight point scorers will contest the Final, and the next Eight will run the consolation on Thursday 18th. February. Aggregate Points after round Four: Lonain Burnett 64, Darryl Nettleton 56, Kaine Leech 55, Keely Trew 52, Jake Hilson 46, Celine Mountjoy 45, Isabel Clarke 40, Liam Clarke 40, Felicity Trew 39, Geoff Jordan 36, Sam Nettleton 35, Greg Hilson 31, Grant Astall 28, Demi Goodall Hoffman 24, Luke McKenzie 15, Will Scholes 15, Steve Ryan 10. Results: 300 metres Heat One: 1st. Will Scholes 35.63, 2nd. Greg Hilson 36.44, 3rd. Kaine Leech 37.05, Lonain Burnett 37.49, Keely trew 37.86, Celine Mountjoy 38.81, Sam Nettleton 39.17, Liam Clarke 43.12, Heat Two: 1st. Geoff Jordan 36.98, 2nd. Darryl Nettleton 37.22, 3rd. Jake Hilson 38.01, Felicty Trew 38.69, Isabel Clarke 41.62. 150 metres Heat One: 1st.Keely Trew 17.58, 2nd. Geoff Jordan 17.79, 3rd. Celine Mountjoy 17.98, Kaine Leech 18.21, Liam Clarke 18.52, Isabel Clarke 18.81. Heat Two: 1st. Greg Hilson 16.84, 2nd. Felicty Trew 17.20, 3rd. Jake Hilson 17.61, Darryl Nettleton 17.90, Lonain Burnett 18.21, Sam Nettleton 18.55.
February 2010 DISTANCE SERIES - COWELL AND BURNETT PICK UP THE PRIZES Congratulations to Peter Cowell who won the distance series in a close tussle from Rick Ermel at the Tom Flood Sports Centre. Lonain Burnett over the whole season where races were over 800 and 1600 metres won the aggregate points.
February 2010 ERN HAMMER MEMORIAL SEES HARRIERS GO CLOSE The club provided two of the placegetters with Anne Buckley 2nd and Craig Green 3rd in the 3000 metre handicap event. Good efforts also from Peter Cowell and Nathan Green who were also close up. Go to the Club Photos page and see the how race unfolded from the camera of Hunter Gill.
March 2010 JOSH TAKES OUT MILE AT THE MADISON IN PRO EVENT Josh Nolan continued the good form in the family to take out the 1600 metres professionals event in the worst conditions and the last event of the Madison Carnival. On a bog track, Nolan come with a well timed run and just got over the line in an exciting finish.
March 2010 JAMIE COOK PLACES IN SALLY CONROY 200 METRES AT MADISON The club had 3 of the 6 finalists on a very wet Madison weekend for this 200 metre handicap event. Jamie Cook made the final as fastest heat winner and finished 2nd in the final after running on the worst part of the rain affected going. Jacob Nolan ran 4th while Craig Green was 5th in a very tight finish.
March 2010 RICHARD KITT MEMORIAL HAS HARRIER JACOB NOLAN RUN TO VICTORY A brilliant staying effort by Jacob Nolan over the 1500 metres and a 14 second personal best saw the 15 year old youngster take out the prestigious event at the Madison Carnival before the track became too wet. A time of 4:34 was also fastest time. Craig Green off the second back mark continued his 3rd place efforts with a run of 4:37. Of the other Harriers next best was Peter Cowell 6th, Virginia Bennett 9th and Phil Brown 10th in a field of 27.
March 2010 EAGLEHAWK DISTANCE EVENTS SEE HARRIERS BURN UP THE BITUMEN Harriers run well at Eaglehawk distance event The Bendigo YMCA Harriers had a terrific day on Sunday 21 March in the well organised Eaglehawk half marathon 21.1 km and quarter marathon 10.55km. Meredith Cook in the half marathon with a time of 82.30 minutes was not far outside the women's record in taking the blue sash. In the open men's Paul Boxshall ran a tick over 74 minutes in finishing just 7 seconds behind the winner. Other age group winners in the half marathon were Wendy Stibbe 40+ women and Tony Fahy 60+ men. In the shorter 10.55km event Craig Green was first over the line in 40.19. Virginia Bennett made it a Harriers double in taking the women's race out while David Birch was first open runner over the line.
March 2010 IRONWOMEN STEVENSON EXCELS AGAIN WITH NEW RECORDS The biggest improver in the female ranks this season has come from the rapid rise of Michelle Stevenson. On the weekend starting 20 March the ironwoman set a new Bendigo record (2:34) in the 800 metres in taking gold at the Vic Masters. Michelle also won gold in the 400 plus another minor medal.
March 2010 HARRIER SHAUN GERAGHTY TAKES GOLD AT AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Shaun Geraghty on the 14 March has taken the gold medal at the Australian Junior Championships in the Under 18 age group. An unbelievable time of 3:55.93 for the 1500 metres in what considering his age must be the best performance by a Bendigo YM Harrier club athlete for a number of years.
March 2010 HARRIER TEENAGERS TAKE MEDALS AT ATHLETICS VICTORIA RELAY CHAMPS The Harriers had 8 teenage boys in the Under 14 and Under 16 age groups represent the club at the Victorian State Relay Championships on Sunday 28th March. It was a medal blitz as the Under 14 team of Josh Powell, Nathan Green, Brayden Scanlon and Jack Monigatti took double gold medals in winning the 4x100 and 4x440 relay. While our Under 16 team of Olly Lang, Jordan Wilson, Zac Palmer and Matthew Cindric also took some metal in taking silver in the 4x400 and bronze in the 4x100 relays. Matt Cindric in the relay ran just under 59 seconds for the first 400m first leg a great effort by a 14 year old. We all had a great day with the boys on what will be one of the final meetings at Olympic Park. Special thanks to Brett Gilligan for organising the teams and a great reward for his terrific efforts in increasing numbers in this age bracket for the club. Also to Darren Powell for putting up with the boys in his people mover and who were rather excited over the medal blitz and not helped by a sugar fix from Maccas on the way home.
April 2010 HARRIERS GO ON THE ROAD TO STAWELL If I can a get a report from someone other than the dribble on Facebook we can place it on the website. Many of you though would have seen the wig of Josh Nolan on the TV during the day and on the National News. In the Herb Mile a huge event at Stawell Josh ran 4th which was outstanding in a quality field. Other Bendigo runners to make the field were Tim McCullagh and Andy Buchanan. Kirrily Burnett may have made a final but this has not been confirmed as yet as she would have been far too busy socialising as was Brady Threlfall from all reports leading up to the event.
April 2010 DRAGON MILE SEE HARRIERS PUT ON THE MAIN ACT IN THE EASTER PARADE Not total domination but not far from it from the Harriers athletes (also apologies if there are errors below but doing from observation as have no times or official placings in front of me). Cody Williamson (4m38s) took out the Open event to place his name on the long honour roll of outstanding athletes to be the first Bendigonian to win for a number of years. It was not only Cody though that excelled as the Harriers had the first 5 placegetters over the line with David Birch second (4m55s), Craig Green 3rd and 1st Vet (4m57s), Peter Cowell 5th and 2nd Vet (4m58s) and sprinter but now middle distance runner Stacy Fiske 5th. The women also turned it on with Meredith Cook 2nd overall and 1st veteran and Michelle Stevenson 3rd overall and 2nd veteran. In the juniors we saw Aimee Powell take out the girls grade 5 & 6 event. Brother Josh Powell was third in the Year 7/8 Boys and in the same race Matty Cindric just got pipped for first but ran a PB. On the winners dais again was the in form Jacob Nolan in winning the Year 9/10 Boys event. Bendigo YM Little Athlete and Eaglehawk senior member Ellie Wilson took out the Mini Mile. Thanks must go to Neil MacDonald and many of the tireless work done by our club members to once again make a success of the event. You know who you are so well done on behalf of us runners. Also thank you to the Bendigo Bank as main sponsor of the event.
April 2010 TROT AROUND TUESDAYS - INFORMATION Greg Hilson and Aths Bendigo are running this excellent event again each Tuesday either for a friendly race or get together for some training all at Lake Weeroona. Click on the link above for further information.
Trot Around Tuesday 2010 Program
April 2010 HARRIERS PRESENTATION TRACK AND FIELD The Harriers Presentation for the Track and Field season is being held on the first day of the Cross Country Season which is Saturday 17th April at Beischer Park Strathdale around 2.45pm.
April 2010 GILLIGAN AND KINNERSLEY IN TOP 10 AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES SELECTION TRIALS A special performance by Brett Gilligan 5th and David Kinnersley 8th occurred on the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games selection trials in the decathlon on the 9th and 10th April. Both scored personal best scores with the G train accruing 6054 points and Kinnersley 5673 points. It was a great recovery by the G train who pulled a hammy about 8 weeks ago.
MEDIA FROM ATHLETICS BENDIGO - Teams X Country Jells Park 1st May 2010 by Charles Chambers Fifteen new athletes were included in the Bendigo Region Teams at the Athletics Victoria Cross Country Relays at the picturesque Jells Park in South East Melbourne last Saturday. The senior athletes ran two laps of the tough 3km course and the juniors one lap. The course is tough with as one athlete said “you are either going up the hills or down with no flat runs” The best performed teams were the Men’s 50+ who won the Silver medals, the Women’s Division 3 Team and the Women’s Under 14 Team who both won the Bronze medals. Following the success of last season the focus for the team has been put on maintaining both the Men’s and Women’s teams in Division One to do this Athletics Bendigo has obtained valuable support from local sponsors of Athletics; Purtill’s Nursery, Golden City Physiotherapy, Bendigo Property Management and Bendigo Buslines. Also looking to the future the underage teams in the relay events are being promoted and at Jell’s Park four under age teams plus under age athletes, Jamie Cook and Josh Powell in the seniors competed. Although they did not figure in the medals the Women’s Division One Team, who this year have been promoted from Division Two, showed that they are going to be competitive by finishing in fifth place against strong opposition. Leading the Men’s Division One Team was Brady Threlfall who has been off the scene over the summer with an injury he received while training. The layoff looks like it was a blessing as he has had a couple of tough seasons both on the track in Summer and on the road and cross country in Winter. Brady’s time for the two 3km laps (18:37) was close to a minute quicker for the same course last year. The next best time for the Open Men was Leon Keely in 19:15 closely followed by Paul Boxshall (19:16) who was running in the Bendigo colours for the first time. Paul who has spent the last 10 years running for the Box Hill club has returned to Bendigo. In the Women’s Division One team although Meredith Cook ran the fastest time she was well supported by the experienced Jo-Anne Keely and Anne Buckley plus Meg Bennett who has not had the benefit of running track in the Summer. Arguably the most competitive age group is the 40+ men where the team of Peter Cowell, Victor Cook and Ross Evans all ran quicker individual time than last year when they finished second and this year ended up in fourth place. The best placed Under Age Team was the Women’s Under 14 Team of Teleah Hayes, Madeline Theobold and Demi Goodall-Hoffman who were all competing at this level for the first time won the Bronze Medal close behind in fifth place was the team of Aimee Powell, Anna Purtill and Kaitlyn Brice. Kaitlyn had the hard luck story of the day. Jells Park is a public park and she ran into someone crossing the course with a picnic basket. She lost her shoe and sprained her ankle yet still completed the course. Zoe Dean in the Under 16 Women ran the fastest of the under age women 11.41 for the 3km. She was well supported by Celine Mountjoy who ran under 12 minutes and Kimberly Egan who is not as experienced as the other two athletes. One of the strongest age groups is the Under 16 Men and the Bendigo Team of 13 year old Matthew Cindric (11.02), Nicholas Moloney (11.29) and Brenton Hassett (11.27) also all competing at this level for the first time were just over a minute (20 seconds or under 100 metres for each athlete) off a podium finish. Last season after winning their division the Women’s Division Four Team were promoted to Division Three. On Saturday this team of Kerrie-Anne Hocking, Amada Worthington and Michelle Stevenson finished in third place in the Division where some clubs did not have teams in the higher divisions. This strong showing augers well for the Division One Team as the athletes will be pressing for places in the Division One Team. Also adding support to the Women were the Division Four Team of Yvette Touhey, Melinda Gilligan and new athlete Lauren Corvino. Finally the best placed team was the Masters 50+ Team of Charles Chambers, Trevor Kelly and new to Bendigo Derek Higham who won the Silver Medals in this age group. Next week the Cross Country is being held at the challenging Lardner park, Warragul, Course. Although the events for the respective age groups are for individual medals the teams events for the divisions and age groups, which are decided on athlete placings, are keenly contested. Division Placing and Individual Times in order of running Division 1 Men 8th BENDIGO REGION 1.57.51 1LEON KEELY 19.15 2CODY WILLIAMSON 19.27 3 BRADY THRELFALL 18.37 4DAVID BIRCH 20.39 5 BRYAN KEELY 20.34 6 PAUL BOXSHALL 19.16 new Division 4 Men 7thBENDIGO REGION 1.58.59 1 RUSSELL FENWICK 22.19 2 LEIGH BROWELL 23.08 3 JOSHUA POWELL 25.55 new 4 BRETT GILLIGAN 24.26 5 JAMIE COOK 23.10 40+ Men 4th BENDIGO 1.05.38 1 PETER COWELL 21.13 2 VICTOR COOK 23.00 3 ROSS EVANS 21.25 50+ Men 2nd BENDIGO 1.08.55 1CHARLES CHAMBERS 22.18 2TREVOR KELLY 22.33 3DEREK HIGHAM 24.04 new Under 16 Men 6th BENDIGO REGION 31.58 1 MATTHEW CINDRIC 11.02 new 2 NICHOLAS MOLONEY 10.29 new 3 BRENTON HASSETT 10.27 new Division 1 Women 5th BENDIGO REGION 1.33.16 1MEREDITH COOK 22.26 2 MEGAN BENNETT 24.11 3JO-ANNE KEELY 22.59 4 ANNE BUCKLEY 23.40 Division 3 Women 3rdBENDIGO REGION 1.18.07 1KERRIEANNE HOCKING 26.26 2AMANDA WORTHINGTON 27.35 3MICHELLE STEVENSON 24.06 Division 4 Women 6th BENDIGO REGION 1.27.55 1YVETTE TOUHEY 28.38 2MELINDA GILLIGAN 31.26 3LAUREN CORVINO 27.51 new Under 16 Women 8th BENDIGO 37.40 1KIMBERLEY EGAN 13.57 new 2ZOE DEAN 11.41 new 3CELINE MOUNTJOY 11.58 Under 14 Women 3rd BENDIGO #1 37.56 1 TELEAH HAYES 11.43 new 2MADELINE THEOBALD 13.13 new 3 DEMI GOODALL - HOFFMAN 13.00 new 5th BENDIGO #2 42.33 1AIMEE POWELL 12.53 new 2ANNA PURTILL 14.09 new 3KAITLYN BRYCE 15.31 new
HARRIERS X COUNTRY - 24TH APRIL EPSOM PS & OTHER NEWS by IVAN KITT The first race for the day was over 500 metres, with victory going to Ebony Dove from new athlete James Kay in second place, Chloe Cook running into third place. Fastest time went to Hannah Jordan in the girls and Alister Brasher for the boys. Nineteen juniors lined up for the 1,000 metres event with Taylor Stibbe showing good form, ran to the line strongly, to take first place from Spencer Evans and Emma Gilligan. Michael Flynn recorded fastest time for the boys and Anna Purtill for the girls. One of the largest fields in the club's history, lined up for the combined 5 and 3 kilometres events, with fine conditions and a flat course for the runners but they had to contend with some very strong winds, once out in the open part of the course. The 5kms. winner was new member Julia Churcher from Ben Sexton, returning after a season off, finished second with another new member Derek Higham in third place, closely followed by a large group of Tony Vlaeminck, Michelle Stevenson, Peter Cowell, and Hugh Schaeche. Fastest time honours went to Meredith Cook in the Women's and Brady Threlfall for the men. Both athletes finished well up in the field after giving away a sizeable start to the rest of the field. The 3kms. event was also taken out by another new member in Alanna Hamilton from Max Vlaeminck in second place ahead of Nikki Drummond in third place. Fastest time in the 3k.event went to Yvette Touhey for the women and Brenton Hassett in the men. Results and Times for Norm and Gloria Quin Bluebird Fruit and Vegetables Handicap. 500 Metres: 1st. Ebony Dove 2.46, 2nd. James Kay 2.33, 3rd. Chloe Cook 3.15, Charlie Green 2.56, Owen Brasher 3.17, Alister Brasher 2.15, Hannah Jordan 2.04, Jayda Drummond 2.38, Charlotte Sexton 2.39. 1,000 Metres: 1st. Taylor Stibbe 4.17, 2nd. Spencer Evans 4.02, 3rd. Emma Gilligan 4.23, Amelia Evans 4.27, Matilda Moore 4.23, Anthony Dempster 3.49, Thomas Kay 4.00, Michael Flynn 3.46, Ben Powell 3.51, Alex Neilson 4.23, Anna Purtill 4.04, Connor Sexton 4.22, Bridie Semmens 4.19, Lachlan Perdon 5.04, Chloe Green 5.04, Ian Carmichael 4.18, Phoebe Cook 6.53. 3 Kms: 1st. Alanna Hamilton 15.29, 2nd. Max Vlaeminck 12.09, 3rd. Nikki Drummond 15.41, Tim Arnold 15.31,Chernesse Bradley 15.49, John Knott 16.05, Harrison Bynon 13.49, Luke Drummond 12.40, Nathan Green 12.43, Dianne Bromeo 16.18, Alexander Evans 12.52, Brandon Bynon 12.56, Julie Matthews 17.09, Matthew Cindric 11.40, Yvette Touhey 13.04, Josh Powell 11.51, Brenton Hassett 10.41, Michael Flynn 13.12, Aimee Powell 13.13, Patrick Dove 14.32, Rueben Churcher 14.34, Ashley Taylor 12.09, Blake Renfrey 12.16, Anne Maree Dove 17.54, Eddy Rowan 16.20, Geoff Jordan 15.50, Spencer Moore 14.04, Rochelle Sexton 18.11, Allan Hammer 16.41. 4.6 Kms: 1st. Julia Churcher 24.53, 2nd. Ben Sexton 18.20, 3rd. Derek Higham 18.31, Tony Vlaeminck 18.41, Michelle Stevenson 18.44, Peter Cowell 16.16, Hugh Schaeche 20.05, Stacey Fiske 18.05, Jamie Cook 17.07, Phil Brown 19.11, Ben Goode 17.11, Richard Marchingo 20.14, Wayne Sabransky 18.15, Meredith Cook 16.47, Ross Evans 16.22, Helen Kavanagh 21.23, Victor Cook 17.25, Brady Threlfall 14.29, Mark Perdon 19.29, Andree Brasher 25.35, Melinda Gilligan 23.39, Lauren Corvino 20.42, Paul Martin 23.43, Anne Buckley 18.14, Wendy Stibbe 19.45, David Grimes 18.49, Michael Kauter 17.52, Hunter Gill 17.54, Mel Healey 17.58, Kirrily Burnett 19.58, Ken Bruechert 26.02, Tony Fahy 22.18, Kerrieanne Hocking 20.18, David Semmens 19.28, Ian Wellard 17.28, Charles Chambers 17.29, Leon Gilbert 19.34, Sean Penno 20.38, Leanne Healy 22.06, Jude Deery 29.34, Tim Churcher 20.41, Brian Brasher 22.52, Kiley Kay 25.21, Shane Renfrey 22.56, Andrew Schaeche 22.32, John Watson 33.31. Congratulations to all club members who performed very well at the recent Bendigo Combined Secondary Schools Track and Field Sports last week, Jacob Nolan, Brenton Hassett, Lonain Burnett, Jake Mellington, Louis Schenker, Dylan Harvey, Braden Scanlon, Kirrily Burnett, Caitlyn Hocking, Yvette Touhey, Alice Schenker will now compete at the Northern Zones in October. Next Saturdays races will be the Purtill's Nursery Pty. Ltd. handicap events at Leans Road Huntly, distances will be 500 mts, 1000 metres, 3 Kms.and 8 kms. first race starting at 2.00 pm. Club members going to Jells Park next Saturday May 1st. need to be at LUBAC by 9.15 am. bus departs 9.30 am sharp. There will be no club run on Saturday May 8, asbthe club will be helping with the Mothers Day Fun Run on Sunday 9th. May. Athletics Bendigo Lake Neanger Relays will be conducted on Saturday 15th. May, distances will be 800 metres, 1,500 metres and 3,000 metres, for all ages male and females. Athletes don't have to be A.V. registered to run, with the club wanting to field as many teams as possible for the day. Relays can be a lot of fun as well as being competitive. We would encourage all members to get involved, and if they could give their names at next weeks club run would be much appreciated to enable the club to make up teams before the day as it is a very hectic day. Anyone interested in cross country running are most welcome to come along, for more information you can contact Club President Craig Burnett 5443 6114
HARRIERS X COUNTRY - LEANS RD HUNTLY 1st May & OTHER NEWS by IVAN KITT Ideal conditions presented for the Bendigo YMCA Harriers Purtill's Nursery Pty.Ltd. cross country races at Leans Road Huntly, and despite a large number of members representing the club at Jells Park in the combined Bendigo Team local numbers were still excellent with over 70 competitors lining up for the four events. The first event for the day was the 500 metres with Ethan Matthews recording a strong win and also recording fastest time from Owen Brasher and Charli Green in third place, also a good performance recording fastest time for the girls. In the 1000 metres event Jacob Buckell scored a narrow victory over Connor Sexton with Chloe Green taking third place. Fastest times were recorded by Bridie Semmens for the girls and Ben Powell for the boys. Again the longer races of the 8kms and 3kms events were run together with the longer event runners leaving first. In a close and competitive race John Buckell proved too strong for Craig Green and Brendan Ryan, closely followed by Richard Marchingo, David Grimes and last year's winner David Semmens. Fastest time for the men went to Craig Green with Leanne Healey fastest time for the women. While in the 3kms event a great run from Dave Chisholm took line honours from Ben Pignataro second and Chernesse Bradley in third place just a head of Ashley Taylor,who showed big improvement from last Saturday, John Knott and Thomas Kay. Fastest times were recorded by Ashley Taylor for the men, and Chernesse Bradley for the women. There will be no club event next Saturday, as the club is assisting with the Mother's day Fun Run/ Walk 4kms event on Sunday morning, with proceeds going towards Breast Cancer Foundation for Women. Registration is at 8.30 am with the event starting at 9.00 am. Any club member who can assist should contact Neil Macdonald 5442 6184. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Club Members don't forget the Club's general meeting on Wednesday night at The Charlie Nolan room at LUBAC at 7.30 pm, all members most welcome. Saturday May 15 is the Athletics Bendigo Lake Relays at Neanger Park, at the side of the Peter Krenz Leisure Centre in Napier Street Eaglehawk. Members are asked to be there by 1.30 pm to enable the club to put teams together with the first event to start at 2.00 pm. Distances are 800 metres, 1500 metres and 3kms. The relays are open to all members - you don't have to be A.V registered. The club would like to enter as many teams as possible to give every member a chance to have a run and be in a team. Training takes place at the Tom Flood Sports Centre Monday to Thursday from 4.30 pm. till 6.00 pm, meeting on the Grand Stand side of the oval. Any one who is still thinking about and would like to try athletics, especially cross country, is most welcome to come along each Saturday, or for further information you can call Craig 5443 6114 or Melinda 5446 2401. Results Purtill's Nursery Pty. Ltd. Lean's Road Huntly Handicaps: 500 Metres: 1st. Ethan Matthews 2.13, 2nd. Owen Brasher 2.15, 3rd. Charlie Green 2.09, James Kay 2.32, Jemma Boromeo 2.32, Charlotte Sexton 2.45, Alister Brasher 2.32, Daniel Chisholm 3.31, Amy Harding 3.03, Chloe Harding 3.18, Abby Perdon 3.21, Alex Reichenfeld 2.58, Oliver Churcher 2.32, 1000 Metres: 1st. Jacob Buckell 4.20, 2nd. Connor Sexton 4.20, 3rd. Chloe Green 4.53, Lachie Johnson 4.15, Lachlan Perdon 5.00, Bridie Semmens 4.27, Ben Powell 4.08, Gary Egan 4.20, Darby Semmens 4.13, Taylor Stibbe 4.41, Holly Flynn 5.00, 3kms: 1st. Dave Chisholm 14.32, 2nd. Ben Pignataro 15.56, 3rd. Chernesse Bradley 15,59, Ashley Taylor 12.14, John Knott 15.51, Thomas Kay 13.02, Geoff Jordan 14.06, Ken Bruechert 16.19, Andrew Mason 12.41, Eddie Rowan 16.38, Anne Marie Dove 17.41, Julie Matthews 17.43, Oskar Reichenfeld 13.23, Nathan Green 13.05, Dianne Boromeo 17.06, Louis Schenker 13.19, Max Vlaeminck 13.18, Rueben Churcher 15.55, Shel Owens 16.06, Clair Fountain19.21, Alan Hammer 17.11, Sally Arundell 18.02. 8kms: 1st.John Buckell 30.45, 2nd. Craig Green 29.28, 3rd. Brendan Ryan 36.18, Richard Marchingo 36.09, David Grimes 33.21, David Semmens 34.17, Hunter Gill 37.43, Stacey Fiske 33.23, Ian Wellard 30 47, Ben Sexton 34.00, Wayne Sebransky 33.04, Paul Martin 42.35, Leon Gilbert 35.09, Mark Perdon 35.51, Kiley Kay 44.37, Leanne Healey 40.44, Tony Vlaeminck 34.57, Julia Churcher 43.01, Andrea Salathiel 44.24, Brian Brasher 42.43, Tim Churcher 39.33, Lisa Bortollotto 45.31, Eben Quill 42.05, Jude Deery 53.48, Tony Fahy 38.09.
APRIL 2010 JOHNNY MAHER EXCELS AT CANBERRA MARATHON by Craig Green The on and off Canberra Marathon was finally on again and John Maher using the event as a lead in for the mid year Gold Coast Marathon excelled after a few injuries leading into the event. Johnny ran the 42+ km marathon in 3 hours and 1 minute. A bonus was the Smiling Assassin also taking fastest line honours for the 40-44 age group.
15 MAY 2010 - ATHLETIC BENDIGO RELAYS AT LAKE NEANGER by Ivan Kitt The Bendigo YMCA Harriers fielded 15 teams in the recent Athletics' Bendigo Lake Relay's held around Lake Neanger. The club was again successful in winning the open men, 50+ men, Under 16 men, a clean sweep in the under 12 boys and successful in the under 12 girls, whilst also filling placing's in a number of the of other age groups. Brady Threlfall recorded the fastest time for the day over the 3 k distance while the following club members recorded the fastest time for their team. Bridie Semmens U /10 girls, Anthony Dempster, Spencer Evans, Hugh Schaeche U /12 boys, Aimee Powell U /12 girl's, Darby Semmens U /14 boys, Brenton Hassett U /16 men, Jamie Cook U /20 men John Buckell 40+ men, Charles Chambers, Eddie Rowan 50+ men, Tony Fahy 60+ men, Brady Threlfall, Stacy Fiske open men. Meredith Cook open women. This Saturdays runs will be at the (MCG) Mandurang Cricket Ground for the John Buckell Homes handicap events. Distances to be contested will be over 500 metres, 1,000 metres, 3 K and 5K. Members are asked to be there by 1.45 pm. to enable names to be checked off and write out tags for a 2.00 pm start. Any club member wishing to run the Sandown Classic on Saturday 29th needs to contact Keith Macdonald ASAP to enter for that event. Club fees and AV registrations are now due and payable to club registrar Melinda Gilligan, whilst it's not to late for anyone interested in cross country running to come along. For more information on the Bendigo YMCA Harriers and cross country running you can contact club President Craig Burnett 5443 6114, or Melinda Gilligan 5446 2401.
THE BIG KIDS AT THE HARRIERS! by Anonymous The over 60’s group of the Harriers are enjoying unprecedented camaraderie currently. The verbal and athletic rivalry between them is fascinating. It is possibly a sign of the times, as the baby boomers are starting to arrive. They are simply not willing to accept the gentler lifestyle of their peers. They love the action and the thrills that athletics provides. The mutual respect of each other's input is the basis of their bond, as speed is no longer the standard. The effort expended regardless of age “sets the bar height” for them. In the past, the thought of creating 60+ club relay teams and competing with reasonable times was unthinkable. This group is now considering A and B teams. The Harriers, Tony Fahy, Paul Martin, Hunter Gill, Garnett Rodda, Eddie Rowan, John Watson, and the inspiring icon Ken Bruechert are enjoying their sport immensely. Even Neil Macdonald has come out of retirement to support this group. This crew is possibly the strongest “Club” group for this age sector for a long time? Age does weary them, but their minds will not accept that fact well! They are simply having too much fun! The officials do need more patience for us to finish! Yes, they will all be AV registered runners this year - that is clearly a sign of a healthy trend.
15TH MAY 2010 - HARRIERS TACKLE GREAT OCEAN ROAD MARATHON Craig Green and Wendy Stibbe ran recently at the 45km event on what must be the most picturesque run in the world. It is very hilly though. Times are recorded for the normal marathon of 42.195 km's and 45km event. I recommend to anyone to race this once in your life or even do the shorter half marathon. The views were amazing and took your mind a little away from the pain. A huge surprise for the Green Hornet in finishing top 20 from over 700 runners in the 45km event in a time of 3:13.49 and breaking the 3 hour barrier in the marathon with a 2:59.04 and 3rd of approximate of 80 in age group (exactly the same time to the second as the Adelaide Marathon last year, which is spooky). It was also a privilege to run with Steve Monaghetti during the race. Wendy Stibbe not to be outdone once again finished another marathon in what I think was under 4 hours. It was a great effort by Wendy after getting crook in the week leading up to the race.
22ND MAY 2010 - JOHN BUCKELL HOMES HANDICAP CROSS COUNTRY - MANDURANG by Ivan Kitt Ideal weather conditions and a challenging course greeted athletes in the Bendigo YMCA Harriers John Buckell Homes cross country events at Mandurang on Saturday. The club has gained a number of new members this season, and was boosted again on Saturday through the efforts of Weeroona College teacher Kristen Purden, where she brought the following students Ashley Taylor, Luke Miller, Leone Sevudredre, Anthony Hawker and Holly Flynn on the school bus joined fellow students and club members Brenton Hassett and Matthew Cindric all participating in the 3 km event. Excellent numbers lined up in all events and some good performances were recorded by athletes. The first event for the day was conducted over 500 metres with victory going to Chloe Cook from Jemma Boromeo in second place and fastest time for the girls, with Daniel Chisholm in third place. Fastest time for the boys went to Fraser Bynon. In the 1,000 metres event Fraser Bynon, after having a warm up run in the 500 metres, scored a good win from Jacob Buckell running into second place and Zahli Drummond third, Anthony Dempster was a close fourth and fastest time for the boys while Imogen Sexton recorded fastest time for the girls. The 3k event saw an all the way win by Rochelle Sexton running well, holding on from the strong finish from the up and coming young guns, in a sprint to the line. Josh Powell took second place just ahead of Brenton Hassett running from scratch in third place and fastest time for the men with Matthew Cindric in fourth place. First female and fastest time for the women went to Aimee Powell. Thirty-three athletes lined up for the tough 5km course. Yvette Touhey running well looked set for a win, but was run down over the final stages by Ben Goode for a strong performance to win while race sponsor John Buckell with another consistent performance in third place just a head of Ben Sexton, David Birch fastest time for the men and Wendy Stibbe in twelfth place and fastest time for the women. Next Saturday athletes will face a new course for the John Watson and Family races in Vahland Road, Emu Creek Directions for members:- go to Strathfieldsaye, turn right into Emu Creek Road, follow signs, then turn right into Vahland Road. Some club members will compete in the Sandown Classic in the combined Bendigo Team. The University Invitation races will be held on Saturday, June 5. A reminder to athletes that the Senior race, over 7.5k, starts first followed by the junior or shorter races. Entries taken on the day. A.V Registrations and Club fees are now due and payable, these need to be paid to club registrar Melinda Gilligan. Any one who still would like to try athletics are most welcome and can contact club President Craig Burnett on 5443 6114 or Melinda Gilligan, Registrar 5446 2401. Training takes place at the Tom Flood Sports Centre, Monday to Thursday evenings from 4.30 pm till 6.00 pm. Results of the John Buckell Homes Handicaps: 5 Kms: 1st. Ben Goode 18.20; 2nd. Yvette Touhey 23.21; 3rd. John Buckell 18.42; Ben Sexton 20.11; David Birch 17.12; David Grimes 20.37; Richard Marchingo 22.21; Phil Brown 21.22; Ross Evans 18.03; Melinda Gilligan 25.15; Michael Kauter 19.40; Wendy Stibbe 22.02; Nikki Drummond 27.24; David Semmens 21.24; Jamie Cook 19.41; Derek Higham 20.23; Craig Green 18.59; Mark Perdon 22.16; Charles Chambers 19.28; Leon Gilbert 21.51; Wayne Subranksky 20.55; Hunter Gill 23.37; Ken Bruechert 29.15; Garnet Rodda 25.07; Di Boromeo 28.40; Ian Wellard 19.54; Felicity Harrop 23.28; Annemarie Dove 30.01; Marika Power 26.54; Tony Fahy 23.31; Julia Churcher 27.23; John Maher 23.18; Victor Cook 24.38. 3 kms: 1st. Rochelle Sexton 16.35; 2nd. Josh Powell 11.32; 3rd. Brenton Hassett 10.36; Matthew Cindric 11.36; Jordan Buckell 15.08; Aimee Powell 13.21; Ruben Churcher 14.44; John Watson 20.53; Julie Matthews 17.21; Ashley Taylor 12.12; Nathan Green 13.14; Patrick Dove 15.06; Ivan Kitt 15.17; Geoff Jordan 14.08; Hugh Schaeche 13.21; Harrison Bynon 14.58; Ben Pignataro 15.02; Dave Chisholm 14.47; Luke Miller 13.51; Alan Hammer 15.54; Chloe Green 17.03; Eddie Rowan 17.13; Bob Newton 19.13; Leone Sevudredre 14.57; Kristen Purden 18.34; Anthony Hawker 16.45. 1 km: 1st. Fraser Bynon 4.46; 2nd. Jacob Buckell 4.02; 3rd. Zhali Drummond 4.38; Anthony Dempster 3.50; Matthew Gilligan 4.08; Matthew Buckell 4.15; Darby Semmens 3.59; Ben Powell 4.00; Ned Buckell 4.26; Imogen Sexton 4.09; Lachlan Purdon 5.04; Bridie Semmens 4.35; Connor Sexton 4.43; Emma Gilligan 5.01; Phoebe Cook 7.13; Taylor Stibbe 5.03; Ella Boromeo 5.22. 500 metres: 1st. Chloe Cook 3.21; 2nd. Gemma Boromeo 2.27; 3rd. Daniel Chisholm 3.18; Stella Harrop 3.20; Jayda Drummond 2.51; Jessica Chisholm 3.09; Fraser Bynon 2.21; Charli Green 3.15; Charlotte Sexton 2.52; Ethen Matthews 3.19; Abby Purdon 3.41.
June 2010 - AV SANDOWN REPORT by Peter Barrett Attached are the individual results for Bendigo Region at the Athletics Victoria 10km Road Race at Sandown last Saturday. Highlights were the 3rd placing in the Open Men’s Victorian Country Championship by Brady Threlfall the winner was Mark Tucker from Geelong who won the overall event and in second place was Steve Moneghetti. Tucker recently won the Great Ocean Road Marathon in record time and Moneghetti’s record is well know. Another impressive result by the Bendigo Team was the 4th placing by the Division One Women’s Team of Meredith Cook, Joanne Keely, Anne Buckley and Michelle Stevenson with three of the Team also winning the Women’s 40 plus Teams event. The best placed Bendigo Athlete in the Women’s event was Meredith Cook who came home in 15th place in the quality field. Also Joanne Keely followed up on her win in the 45 to 49 age group at the Warragul Cross Country with a win at Sandown. Five juniors had their first race at Sandown and although not figuring in the placings had impressive performances. Teleah Hayes was 7th in 11:30 in the Under 14 Women’s 3000m and not far behind was Samantha Erwin in the Under 16 section her younger sister Nicole running 12:30. Nicolas Moloney ran a very good 10:13 in the under 16 men’s 3000m and Nathan Green 12:04 in the under 14 section. Another well placed junior was Jamie Cook who ran in the Under 20 10k and finished with time of 39.33. The Bendigo Region Team which is sponsored by Portals Nursery, Golden City Physiotherapy, Bendigo Property Management and Bendigo Bus Lines heads to Balart in three weeks for the Athletics Victoria 15km Road Race around Lake Wendouree. The next Relay event is the Coliban Evident on July 10th. Brady Threlfall 31.12 11th place 3rd Country 40 second PB Paul Boxshall 33.44 68th Bryan Keely 33.57 Evan Barr 34.04 80th Peter Cowell 36.20 8th 45 to 49 Men Ross Evans 36.51 14th 45 to 49 Men Trevor Kelly 37.17 9th 50 to 54 Men PB Phillip Noden 37.55 Charles Chambers 38.09 3rd 55 to 59 Men Victor Cook 38.31 Craig Green 38.35 Perry Benjamin 38.57 Leigh Browell 39.07 PB Jamie Cook 39.33 19th U20 Men Megan Bennett 41.00 Brett Gilligan 51.03 Meredith Cook 37.11 15th Open Women Open Women Division One 4th Place Joanne Keely 39.02 1st 45 to 49 Women 40+ Women Team 1st Place Open Women Division One 4th Place Anne Buckley 40.15 6th 40 to 44 Women 40+ Women Team 1st Place Open Women Division One 4th Place Michelle Stevenson 40.46 7th 40 to 44 Women 40+ Women Team 1st Place Open Women Division One 4th Place Amanda Worthington 49.18 Open Women Melinda Gilligan 51.07 PB Open Women 8 minute PB 3000m Road Race Nicholas Moloney 10.13 19th U16 Men Nathan Green 12.04 24th U14 Men Teleah Hayes 11.30 7th U14 Women Samantha Erwin 11.55 19th U16 Women Nicole Erwin 12.30 15th U14 Women
June 2010 - WATSON’S WET WEEKEND – X COUNTRY WRITE UP By Marcus Kent A wet Saturday afternoon saw a small turn up of athletes to the usually popular event of John Watson and Family, Bendigo YMCA Harriers Cross Country runs. The races took place at a puddle-filled Emu Creek, that got a mixed reaction from the athletes. The 5km event saw Ian Wellard running in work boots take first place with the time of 20.11. Stacy Fiske came in second place with 20.22 and Ben Sexton not far behind in third place. Only the determined ran out onto the track with a lot of regular athletes giving the week's run a miss due to the wet conditions. (Website Editors Note, The Harriers also had 17 athletes represent the Bendigo Region at the Aths Vic race at Sandown) With no regular first placegetter, Brenton Hasset to compete with, Matt Cindric of Weeroona College took out first place with a handy time of 11.33 in the 3km event. A consistent run by Josh Powell saw him finish in second place, while Ash Taylor, only 7 seconds behind, came in at third. Great spirit was shown by the run of a younger athlete in Anna Purtill who took the course as strong hearted as anyone else out there, competing in the windy and wet conditions and getting a time of 15.02. Gary Egan and Aimee Powell were the only two competitors in the 1km event with Gary taking the winning place. On a dry day the YMCA Harriers Cross Country events pull in a group of athletes, young and old, with numbers ranging from 80-100. With the wet weather being a factor, 26 runners in total made it out to Emu Creek and had a great day. Results of John Watson and Family Cross Country- 5km- 1st.Ian Wellard.20.11; 2nd. Stacey Fiske 20.22; 3rd. Ben Sexton 20.37; Derreck Higham 20.45; Terry Crome 21.36; Mark Perdon 22.45; Richard Marchingo 23.10; Tony Fahy 23.46; Hunter Gill 24.10; Leanne Healy 24.35; Garnet Rodda 26.17; Ken Bruechert 33.00. Sealed Handicap Winners 1st place 3 way tie - Ben Sexton, Derreck Higham, Tony Fahy 3km- 1st. Mathew Cindric 11.33; 2nd. Josh Powell 11.56; 3rd. Ashley Taylor 12.03; Nick Crome 13.15; Yvette Touhey 14.12; Geoff Jordon 14.29; Anna Purtill 15.02; Allan Hammer 17.47; Anthony Hawker 18.56; John Watson 22.44; Thomas Clark 28.42; Kristen Purden 28.45 Seal Handicap Winners 1st. Mathew Cindric; 2nd. Ashley Taylor; 3rd. Josh Powell 1km 1st. Gary Egan. 2nd Aimee Powell (no times available) Next week's race is University invitation, starting at 2pm. Reminder, senior athletes are first, followed by juniors. The club's general meeting will be held at LUBAC on Wednesday night, June 2nd at 7.30pm. All members welcome. Any body interested in athletics can contact club president, Craig Burnett on 5443 6114 or Melinda Gilligan on 5446 2401. Training takes place at Tom Flood Sports Centre, Monday - Thursday between 4.30 and 6pm.
JUNE 2010 - MORE FROM WATSON FAMILY CROSS COUNTRY by Hunter Gill (Website Editors Note - We always welcome other contributions to the website and here is an article by the man with the camera in Hunter Gill on how he saw Saturday at the John Watson and Family X Country Run) The day was wet, potentially miserable but it was wonderful to see the rain. Just as everyone arrived, the rain lifted completely and it stayed that way. Craig Burnett asked everyone whether they would like to run the races or have a club training run. As the Harriers have never cancelled the race in living memory (I'm told) it went ahead as planned. It was decided to have a scratch start with a sealed handicap. This was good for a change to offer some head-to-head challenges. John Watson has designed a new “out and back” course which was regarded well and better than the old course. There were lots of sizeable hill challenges along the way, so it's by no means a wimps run. It is a reasonably tough course, and worth repeating. The ground was mainly solid and stable to run on, with occasional muddy areas with water across the road. We were all able to successfully find a course around the water obstacles without losing significant speed. It was much better surface than expected, considering the rain. The outstanding effort on the day was Tony Fahy’s top run. He has lifted to standards that we have not seen for years. Whatever he is doing now is obviously right. He ran down his 2007 rival, Hunter Gill with the ease and left him behind. Tony's speed capabilities are reminiscent of his former years and across countries. Hunter said with a certain glee, how the handicapper will now "ping" him. This week, the kettle was hot and we were under a cover, provided with the compliments of John. The camaraderie was very high amongst the group. Everyone seemed very pleased for themselves; firstly for being there and secondly because of their performances. On leaving the event, it was commonly heard that “it was fun”! John Watson was generously thanked by most people for his efforts for a good day. Once again, he has done a good job!
NEW PUBLICITY OFFICER by Craig Green Congratulations to Marcus Kent a student at Weeroona College for taking on the role of press correspondent. Marcus is doing media studies in semester two, and has organised work experience at the Bendigo Advertiser in September. Ivan Kitt approached Marcus and asked if he was interested in helping the club by doing the press coverage for the club. As you can see the first two write up ups on limited information he has done a great job. Well done Macus. Hopefully from this Marcus may find himself employed in the media sector once he finishes school. Good luck to Marcus as he gets to know the athletes around the club.
HARRIERS UPDATE THEIR PASSPORT AND EAGLEHAWK – June 12, 2010. By Hunter Gill (website editors note - Knowing past misunderstandings between the 2 clubs, the heading by Hunter is not a provocation at the town of Eaglehawk but more the distances they had to travel to parts unknown on this mystery course) After the debacle of Ballarat’s Charles Suffren event being moved without notice, from the time-honoured Queen's Birthday weekend, we were able to go to the Eaglehawk YMCA Athletics Club’s Mystery Run with a clear conscience. We were now not creating any competition for the Ballarat’s premium Non-Event. The Harriers in the longer run of the day, were represented by the inspiring Michelle Stevenson, the in-form Tony Fahy, the rock solid David Grimes and the late starter Hunter Gill. As usual, the day had a slight carnival atmosphere, which this event always creates. The home-made fruitcake, lots of biscuits and other goodies were set out as a visual incentive to finish the race quickly, and the bubbling kettle was ready for action. The fully clouded sky gave the feeling of a mid-afternoon frost, but Lynn's two children gleefully provide a small bonfire to help. We were there to have a fun day, without even an entry fee demand or a tea money tin in sight! The mystery of not knowing the length of the event, plus having no knowledge about the annually varied course, makes this race planning difficult. All wrist watches, electronic devices and GPS gadgets are banned also, which makes it even worse. Planning to run a good 6 or 7K event for example, could look pretty ordinary, as you reach the 12 kilometre mark with no end in sight. The pre-race briefing gave you an amusing overload of details, that no one could confidently remember, but it was an insight to the challenge ahead. Getting lost is almost pre-requisite component of this event. We were advised that the race was longer than five kilometres and there is no comment about its overall length. Contestants are required to guess the Course Marker’s GPS proven distance or be closest, to be the winner. This year introduced an Age Related Grading System to make it an outright race, so everyone was on an equal footing to win the speed component. It was on “for real” with the older youth vs. the real youth, fighting for the day’s spoils, a few bars of chocolate! Lynn Perks is a strict mistress, making it an entertaining experience, by sending us through some of the wildest cross-country courses, we see in the district. We had native scrub to bash through, a declared spiders’ sanctuary to do a speed limbo under, ground conditions that varying from good gravel tracks, to stony animal foot-tracks, while adding hills to climb and suicidal down hill sections to get speed thrills on. It could be likened to a “bush rollercoaster ride on two legs”. Lynn had her usual legendary humorous touches along the course that were placed strategically to marginally deflate your spirit, as she carefully marks the way with plastic ribbon, witches caps, and a mixed array of biodegradable signage. The smiley faces and skull and crossbones sightings were noticed, and even some wrong way signs reported by some competitors! After the chief timekeeper, Geoffrey “Chooky” Major prematurely called Go, we all rushed off onto the narrowest foot bridge around, which immediately forced the fastest sort out of race positions you can imagine. We then promptly arrived on the first signage decision and probably the only one we could remember, saying to go straight ahead. From there, we travelled from Ribbon to Ribbon to Ribbon, hoping to remain on the trail. From the start, the old-timers were determined to give the young members a serious run for their money. The passing opportunities were sometimes restricted due to the closeness of scrub and the narrow sections that we were forced to travel. A lot of repetitive passing went on the open sections, where the older runners forced their way through the field. It was a whip-stick maze as we discovered an array turns and twists. The two stars of the show were Eaglehawk's Trevor Kelly, who may have taken a few shortcuts (un) knowingly and the Harrier’s Tony Fahy who showed his speed and long distance qualities had not faded (yet). Hunter was pressed through his paces by Tony’s endless challenge, but he missed beating Kane Leach on Age Grading System by a smallest fraction of one percent. David Grime’s fast pace paused suddenly, to admire the view at the top of the highest hill, while carrying out some other necessary duty and he further diminished his chances by picking up a dog lead, with a small silky dog on the end, to run out to the finish. Needless to say, the little legged dog needed a rest 500 metres from the finish. The pre-stated non-competitive attitude of Michelle Stevenson was quickly dispelled, but it could have been caused by other motivation. She definitely "had a go" on the scary Picnic at Hanging Rock course and was joyful at the end, primarily due to relief of finding her way back. She did broadly smile while hearing the stories of the others' exploits. Some entrants thought they were lost and were not; while others thought they were on track, but were not! The mystery of Eaglehawk prevailed again and Lynn Perks revelled in this doubtful Whipstick environment! We wish to thank the Eaglehawk Club for once again providing a lovely day's entertainment, after the Harriers were left eventless! We had fun and hope you all did too! Now Eaglehawk YMCA threatens to publish the results in the Advertiser for all to see…doesn’t Lynn do a great job! (PS - Please excuse any mistakes in my writings)
19th June 2010 - MARTIN FAMILY CROSS COUNTRY AND OTHER NEWS by Ivan Kitt The sun shone over Harcourt Valley on Saturday for the Bendigo YMCA Harriers Martin Family sponsored Harcourt challenge, in what is believed to be the largest field assembled for the event (Paul pictured in top left hand corner of web page) The club would like to thank members for their support and to Paul and Elaine for the hospitality given, with a BBQ and afternoon tea on what was an excellent day. The club was also represented at Ballarat for the 15k road race around Lake Wendouree. A field of 24 lined up for the 5k challenge with the inclusion of two steep hills, but athletes didn't have the time to take in the view from the second climb. In a well-handicapped event, Yvette Touhey, who has been running consistently, and after finishing second at the last club race, claimed victory ahead of Ian Wellard, minus the boots this week, with Mark Perdon holding on to third place from the surging pack of Victor Cook. David Grimes, John Buckell and Wendy Stibbe. Fastest time honours went to Ian Wellard by 10 seconds over John Buckell, while in the women's it was much closer with Wendy Stibbe claiming fastest time by 4 seconds from Cassie Higham. A number of junior athletes stepped up for the 3k event, Anthony Dempster, Darby Semmens, Zac Denehy, Brandon Bynon and Jordan Buckell. It proved to be a race for the juniors with Jordan Buckell running very well to cross the line ahead of Julie Matthews, spoiling it for the juniors in second place, splitting a group of juniors with Brandon Bynon in third place just ahead of Josh Powell fourth and fastest time by 3 seconds from Brenton Hassett. Other good performances came from Luke Miller, Aimee Powell, fastest time for the girls, and Ashleigh Taylor. Fifteen youngsters lined up for the 1,000 metres event around the paddocks of the Martin property. Alex Neilson, in a strong performance, crossed the line in first place ahead of Matthew Buckell who won the 500 metres earlier and Zac Denahy in third place and fastest time for the boys. Good performances came from Ben Powell, Jacob Buckell, first time runner Hollie Gleeson and Jess Chalmers, fastest time for the girls. The 500 metres dash went to Matthew Buckell first and fastest time for the boys, from Alistair Brasher and Ned Buckell third, with solid runs put in by Daniel Chisholm and Charlotte Sexton fastest time for the girls. A number of club members performed very well at the Victorian Secondary Schools Northern Zone Cross Country events at St. Arnaud on Thursday, Brenton Hassett winner of the 15 year boys 3k, Kirrily Burnett winner of the Girls 17-20 3k event and Yvette Touhey was third in the same event. Matthew Cindric third in the 14 year boys 3k, other club members to do well were Ashleigh Taylor, Lonain Burnett, Dylan Harvey and Alice Schenker. Notice to Athletes who would like to take part in the prestigious Coliban Relays on Saturday July 10 should contact Keith Macdonald to register, entries close on Monday July 5. Also the club needs 8 helpers to assist as marshals for the event -could members please contact Ivan if they can help. Next Saturday's events will be the Taskmaster Bendigo Handicap at Happy Jack Recreation Reserve, Lockwood South, on the Calder Highway. Distances will be 500 metres, 1.6k, 3k and an 8k, with the first event starting at 2.00 pm Brady Threlfall continues to impress at state level coming in 8th in the 15k road race around Lake Wendouree in a time of 47.54, Ross Evans, 55.16 and Peter Cowell 61st, 55.20. Craig Green 56.54,Charles Chambers 95th. 58.01, Perry Benjamin 57.50 were good performances in the men, while in the women Meredith Cook 57.01, Megan Bennett 63.32, Michelle Stevenson 64.54 and Melinda Gilligan 78.47. Jamie Cook in the U/20 men 5k 18.30. Due to a problem with the timing mechanism some times and placings are missing for Evan Barr, Phil Brown and Nathan Green also competed well but unfortunately times are not available for these athletes at the present time. Results of the Martin Family Harcourt Challenge: 500 Metres: 1st.Matthew Buckell 2.03, 2nd. Alistair Brasher 2.25, 3rd. Ned Buckell 2.08, Daniel Chisholm 3.27, Ethan Matthews 3.19, Fraser Bynon 2.36, Charlotte Sexton 3.07, Owen Brasher 3.58. 1,000 Metres: 1st. Alex Neilson 4.28, 2nd. Matthew Buckell 4.26, 3rd. Zac Denahy 4.11, Patrick Dove 4.39, Ned Buckell 4.36, Ben Powell 4.15, Fraser Bynon 5.01, Jacob Buckell 4.27, Bridie Semmens 4.44, Gary Egan 4.42, Hollie Gleeson 4.53, Jess Chalmers 4.39, Harrison Bynon 4.48, Connor Sexton 5.05, Taylor Stibbe 5.20. 3 Kms: 1st. Jorden Buckell 16.53, 2nd. Julie Matthews 20.04, Brandon Bynon 15.30, Josh Powell 13.21, Luke Miller 16.20, Aimee Powell 16.05, Ashleigh Taylor 14.12, Zac Denahy 16.22, Darby Semmens 16.32, Kelly Buckell 21.37, Matthew Cindric 14.09, Anthony Dempster 15.50, Ivan Kitt 18.50, Brenton Hassett 13.24, Louis Schenker, Ken Bruechert 21.13, Dianne Boromeo 20.43, Hugh Schaeche 16.56, Rob Newton 23.45, Brianna Marron 20.13, Gloria Bellman, Allan Hammer 23.51. 5 Kms: 1st. Yvette Touhey 25.13, 2nd. Ian Wellard 20.22, 3rd, Mark Perdon 23.37, Victor Cook 21.10, David Grimes 23.44, John Buckell 20.32, Wendy Stibbe 24.24, Cassie Higham 24.28, Lauren Corvino 24.38, Jim Russell 20.50, Hunter Gill 25.12, Ben Sexton 22.23, Derek Higham 22.28, Garnet Rodda 27.11, David Semmens 23.52, Leon Gilbert 24.06, David Birch 20.35, Andrew Schaeche 23.55, Marika Power 30.37, Geoff Jordan 29.18, Callum Oates 26.21, Carolyn Oates 36.10, John Watson 45.31, Charlie Oates 45.32. Walkers Jude Deery, Helen Bruechert and Zoe Schenker.
26th June 2010 - HARRIERS BRAVE CHILLY CONDITIONS AT TASKMASTER EVENT by Ivan Kitt After heavy rain fell on Friday, making the course unsuitable in a couple of areas, the distance for the Bendigo YMCA Harriers Taskmaster Bendigo sponsored cross country events at South Lockwood on Saturday, was changed from 8kms to 6.4kms, with other distances remaining the same. Participation from members was good despite the chilly conditions. Once again Darren Powell prepared a very good course, with some parts of the reserve well grassed and cut the Bendigo Bombers could have used for their games. A small field lined up in the 700 metres event with Chloe Cook victorious over Emma Gilligan, also gaining fastest time with Ethan Matthews third and Chloe Green in fourth place. The 1,600 metres event was very competitive, developing into a battle of the Buckell boys at the finish. In a sprint to the line Matthew Buckell was too strong from Ned Buckell and Jacob Buckell in third place. It's not very common for all placings to come from the one family. Hollie Gleeson in her second run showed improvement finishing fourth and recording fastest time for the girls just shading Anthony Dempster fifth place gaining fastest time for the boys. Brett Gilligan made full use of his handicap winning clearly from Nathan Green and Ashley Taylor, another consistent run, in third place, Craig Green recorded fastest time by 4 seconds from Brenton Hassett and Josh Powell in the men. While Aimee Powell recorded fastest time in the Women from Brianna Marron and Julie Matthews. The 6.4k event saw a strong run from first starter Laura Clayton who was encouraged to come along by Jamie Cook, taking line honours from John Buckell in a solid performance in second place and a sprint to the line between Garnet Rodda and Derek Higham with Garnet gaining the judges verdict for third place, Derek Higham fourth. In another superb performance Peter Cowell was in fifth place and recording fastest time by 3 seconds from John Buckell. Peter has had a great month with some very consistent running. Jamie Cook in a top performance finished off strongly and was third fastest for the men. Fastest times in the women went to Michelle Stevenson from Wendy Stibbe and Yvette Touhey. The following members are going to compete in the various events on the Gold Coast next Sunday July 4. Marathon participants: are Paul Boxshall, Anne Buckley, Victor Cook, Craig Green, Derek and Cassie Higham, Ben Goode, and John Buckell. Half Marathon: Meredith Cook, Melinda Gilligan. 10 Kms: John Maher, Terry, Lyn and Nick Crome. 4kms: Nathan Green. The club wishes all members the best of luck and hope you all enjoy your runs. On the local scene next Saturday club members will take part in the South Bendigo Invitation events, starting from the Woodvale Recreation Reserve, with the first events being the 6.5k and 3.2k starting at 2.00 pm. This will be followed by an U/10 and U/12 1,000 metres with a 500 metres event for U/8. Entries taken on the day $1-00 U/8, 8-18 $2-00 and 18 and over $ 5-00. Club members families and friends are reminded to start thinking about the club's annual Trivia Night on Saturday July 21st. at 7.00pm, at the Strathdale Community Centre in Crook Street, maximum tables of eight. Contact Brett or Mel on 5446 2401 to book or for more information. A reminder to athletes wishing to take part in the Coliban Relays should contact Keith Macdonald this week. Entries close on Monday July 5th. Also the club needs to provide eight marshalls to assist along the course can they please contact Ivan on 0407 680 590 if you can assist. Training takes place at Tom Flood Sports Centre Monday to Thursday from 4.30 pm till 6.00 pm. For more information on the Harriers contact President Craig Burnett on 5443 6114 or go to website bendigoymcaharriers.org Results of Taskmaster Bendigo Handicaps: 700 metres: 1st. Chloe Cook 4.31, 2nd. Emma Gilligan 2.58, 3rd. Ethan Matthews 4.36, Chloe Green 3.10. 1,600 metres: 1st. Matthew Buckell 7.08, 2nd. Ned Buckell 7.29, 3rd. Jacob Buckell 7.06, Hollie Gleeson 7.54, Anthony Dempester 6.52, Ben Powell 7.06, Zac Denahy 6.57, Chloe Green 8.38, Gary Egan 7.42, Jess Chalmers 8.03, Spencer Evans 7.42, Taylor Stibbe 8.46, Amelia Evans 10.03, Phoebe Cook 13.32, Alex Neilson (no time) 3.2k: 1st. Brett Gilligan 12.33, 2nd. Nathan Green 13.57, 3rd. Ashly Taylor 12.50, Julie Matthews 17.55, Andrew Denahy 16.19, Aimee Powell 14,45, Jordan Buckell 15.20, Hunter Gill 14.45, Kelly Buckell 19.05, Josh Powell 12.24, Craig Green 12.09, Matthew Cindric 12.50, Di Boromeo 18.46, John Watson 23.07, Lachie Johnson 15.38, Hugh Schaeche 14.31, Brenton Hassett 12.13, Zac Denahy 15.18, Ken Bruechert 19.17, Brianna Marron 17.28, Allan Hammer 18.54, Gloria Bellman 23.46. 6.4k: 1st.Laura Clayton 32.17, 2nd. John Buckell 24.38, 3rd. Garnet Rodda 32.08, Derek Higham 26.58, Peter Cowell 24.35, David Grimes 27.49, Wendy Stibbe 29.45, Phil Brown 28.34, Marika Power 35.40, Jamie Cook 25.42, Yvette Touhey 31.23, Charles Chambers 26.10, Richard Marchingo 31.04, Michelle Stevenson 28.52, Melinda Gilligan 35.05, Andrew Schaeche 29.32, Mark Perdon 30.36, Ian Wellard 26.47, Geoff Jordan 34.30, Andrew Mason 29.42, Stacey Fiske 28.16, Alexander Evans 34.02, Paul Martin 38.24, Callum Oates 30.47, Brady Threlfall (no time). Walkers Georgia Evans, Helen Bruechert, Dianne Andrea, Michelle Griffen.
27th June 2010 - GOLD COAST MARATHON BUILD UP Breaking news is that John Buckell will miss the Marathon after having his appendix out on Monday. We wish John a speedy recovery. Fifteen athletes in all from the Harriers and their families will travel to the Gold Coast and will compete with around 30,000 other runners in events on 3rd and 4th July. Paul Boxshall will compete in his first marathon and has been given an elite athlete start by race organisers after a brilliant Eaglehawk half marathon earlier in the season. The Harriers veterans will be well represented. Craig Green who was 20th in the Great Ocean Rd Marathon will back up for his second marathon in 7 weeks. Victor Cook returns to marathon running after several years and will be aiming to break 3 hours. John Buckell after some excellent Canberra Marathons this time will venture further North. Ben Goode will run his third marathon in 11 months with the 3 hour mark also on the agenda. Anne Buckley one of the leading veteran distance runners in Bendigo should finish top 3 in the 40+ category and is sure to enjoy the longer 42km. New Harriers Derek and Cassie Higham will also run with Derek having some very solid runs with the Harriers in this year’s Cross Country events. In the shorter half marathon Meredith Cook has had a solid preperation with some great lead in runs and could go top 5 in the event. The improving Melinda Gilligan will run in her first half marathon after a terrific 15km at Ballarat last week. John Maher after the Canberra marathon has had injury setbacks but will still compete in the 10km event. Nathan Green will compete in the 4km at his first try at an event of this size. Late news in is that the Cromes are making the trip also. Terry, Lynne and Nick will all run in the10km race as well. The Harriers competing: Marathon - Paul Boxshall, Craig Green, Victor Cook, Ben Goode, John Buckell, Anne Buckley, Derek Higham and Cassie Higham. Half Marathon - Meredith Cook, Melinda Gilligan. 10km - John Maher, Terry Crome, Lynne Crome, Nick Crome. 4km - Nathan Green
27th June 2010 - THANK-YOU FROM THE ATHLETES by Craig Green and others What a magnificent course we ran on at this weekend in the Taskmaster Lockwood event. Many commented that this course was easily the best Cross Country course in the region. It also rivaled anything you would run at during the Athletics Victoria events. It is a credit to Darren Powell for the effort he made to bring this course to the Harriers athletes and it was a privilege to compete there. It was a great change to run on a true cross country course in the middle of nature without many man made trails to be seen and also to run on grass. We are so lucky with courses like this and Paul Martin’s the previous week easily surpassing anything else we may be able to run at during the year in the local region. Thanks to all the others course organisers that set these challenges up week in week out during our cross country season. A lot of effort goes in as we can see and it much appreciated.
3rd July 2010 SOUTH BENDIGO ATHLETIC CLUB WOODVALE CLASSIC by Marcus Kent Great weather conditions on Saturday saw the Bendigo YMCA Harriers well represented at the South Bendigo invitation races at Woodvale. The Harriers were successful throughout the day with many competitors taking top places. Brady Threlfall added another win to his name by taking out first place in the open mens run. Lauren Corvino took out second place in the open woman in only her first season in athletics. Other place getters were Josh Powell in first for the u/14 boys, Brenton Hassett in first for the u/16 boys and Ashley Taylor in third, also for the u/16 boys. A strong performance by Yvette Touhey saw her come in first place for the u/20 woman, while it was Jamie Cook taking out first for the u/20 men. Michelle Stevenson and Wendy Stibbe came second and third in the veteran womans race, while Ross Evans and Peter Cowell took out first and second places for the Vet 40+ men. Charles Chambers won the 50+ mens race, as did Hunter Gill in the 60+ men, closely follwed by Garnett Rodder in second place. The u/8 500m run saw Mathew Buckell and Ned Buckell come in second and third. The u/10 girls 1km event had Bridie Semmens take out second while the boys u/10 had Ben Powell and Jacob Buckell come in first and second. Hannah Jordan came 1st in the u/12 girls while Darby Semmes and Gary Egan took out second and third places for the boys. The club wishes good luck to all members who are competing at the Victorian State Schools Cross Country Championships at Bundoora on Tuesday the 13th of July. Clubs next race will be at Purtill's Nursery Pty.Ltd stockyards in Huntly. Distances- 8km, 3km, 1km and 500m. Anybody interested in athletics can contact Craig Burnett on 54436114 or Mellinda Gilligan on 54462401. Training takes place at Tom Flood Sports Centre, Monday to Thursdays between 4.30pm and 6pm. 6500 metres; Brady Threlfall BYM 21.43, Kaine Leech EAG (U18M) 23.01, Ross Evans BYM (V40M) 23.20, Peter Cowell BYM (V40M) 23.39, Mike Bieleny UNI (V40M) 23.50, Leigh McCullagh UNI 24.09, Russell Fenwick SBE 24.29, Dave Tarrant UNI 24.49, Charles Chambers BYM (V50M) 24.50, Leigh Browell SBE 25.06, Jamie Cook BYM (U20M) 25.17, Greg Hilson SBE (V40M) 25.30, Ian Wellard BYM (V40M) 25.36, David Ottrey UNI (V40M) 26.17, Tracy Wilson UNI (V40M) 26.39, Gavin Fiedler UNI (V50M) 26.55, Wolf Heiden SBE (V50M) 26.56, Erica Wilkinson UNI (V40W) 27.32, Phil Brown BYM (V50M) 27.36, Murray Matthews EAG (V40M) 27.38, David Semmens BYM (V40M) 27.55, Michelle Stevenson BYM (V40W) 28.07, Wendy Stibbe BYM (V40W) 28.09, Ingrid Douglass UNI (OPW) 28.32, David Heislers UNI (V40M) 29.30, Hunter Gill BYM (V60M) 29.35, Lauren Corvino BYM (OPW) 29.50, Leanne Healey BYM (V40W) 29.58, Yvette Tuohey BYM (U20W) 30.06, Brian Cornell EAG (V50M) 30.11, Ebony Whiley EAG (U18W) 30.42, Amanda Worthington SBE (OPW) 30.57, Garnet Rodda BYM (V60M) 31.09, Chris Timewell SBE 32.57, Lynn Perks EAG (V40W) 33.28, Geoff Jordan BYM (V40M) 33.43, Barb Cornell EAG (V50W) 35.16, George Austen SBE (V60M) 36.52, Keely Trew SBE (U18W) 38.19 3200 metres; Brenton Hassett BYM (U16B) 11.44, Josh Powell BYM (U14B) 11.58, Tom Savage EAG (U16B) 12.14, Bailey Evans UNI (U14B) 12.17, Ashley Taylor BYM (U16B) 12.19, Matthew Heislers UNI (U14B) 12.23, Harrison Pearse UNI (U16B) 12.34, Teleah Hayes SBE (U14G) 12.34, Tom Houlden UNI (U14B) 13.20, Samantha Erwin SBE (U14G) 13.21, Dane Heiden SBE (U14B) 13.22, Celine Mountjoy SBE (U16G) 13.25, Amanda Heard EAG (U16G) 13.32, Max Pearse UNI (U14B) 13.34, Nicole Erwin SBE (U14G) 13.35, Aimee Powell BYM (U14G) 14.07, Josh Savage EAG (U16B) 14.29, Leone Sevydredre BYM (U16B), Jack Cripps UNI (U14B) 14.42, Greg Christie UNI (invM) 14.59, Jordan Buckell BYM (U14B) 15.15, Kimberley Egan BYM (U14G) 15.18, Steven Matthews EAG (U14B) 15.39, Brianna Marron BYM (U14G) 15.41, Peter Hayes SBE (invM) 15.56, Deanne Hocking SBE (invW) 16.01, Carol Coad SBE (invW) 16.06, Melissa Douglas UNI (invW) 16.17, Alan Hammer BYM (invM) 17.10, Dianne Boromeo BYM (invW) 17.30, Kyle Hilson SBE (U14B) 17.36, Julie Matthews BYM (invW) 17.42, Joseph Baldwin UNI (U14B) 17.51, Houston Pearse UNI (U14B) 18.18, Emily Perks EAG (invW) 18.26, Kelly Buckell BYM (invW) 18.38, Michelle Griffen BYM (invW) 20.08, Isabella Douglass UNI (U14G) 20.26, Kristen Purden BYM (invW) 20.27, Emily Jordan BYM (U14G) 22.59, John Watson BYM (invM) 23.02 1000 metres; Bailey Evans UNI (U12B) 3.30, Ben Powell BYM (U10B) 3.58, Jacob Buckell BYM (U10B) 4.00, Darby Semmens BYM (U12B) 4.04, Gary Egan BYM (U12B) 4.06, Alexander Neilsen BYM (U12B) 4.12, Matthew Buckell BYM (U10B) 4.17, Caydn Thompson SBE (U10B) 4.20, Zahra Hayes SBE (U10G) 4.22, Ned Buckell BYM (U10B) 4.23, Bridie Semmens BYM (U10G) 4.24, Kayle Thompson SBE (U10B) 4.29, Hannah Jordan BYM (U12G) 4.35, Blaze Houlden UNI (U10B) 4.44, Bailey Baxter (U10B) 4.46, Madison Bryce SBE (U12G) 4.52, Houston Pearse UNI (U12B) 4.57, Tiarni Baxter (U10G) 4.22 500 metres; Under 8 Caydn Thompson SBE 1.56, Matthew Buckell BYM 1.57, Ned Buckell BYM 2.05, Dylan Evans UNI 2.12, Erin Hilson SBE (G) 2.16, Yasmin Hayes SBE (G) 2.22, Abbey Thompson SBE (G) 2.44, Ethan Matthews BYM 2.46, Eliza Christie UNI (G) 3.15
4th July - GOLD COAST MARATHON AND OTHER EVENTS Many Harriers had a terrific time on the Gold Coast in both running and spending time on holiday in the warmer weather. There were some splendid performances though on the Gold Coast roads that made the trip well worthwhile for most in an athletics sense. In the 42.195km Marathon there was a large field of 4,525 participants in Australia’s biggest marathon with the Harriers all finishing high up in the gender/age group categories. Paul Boxshall lead the way with a 2:42.49 in his first marathon for the Harriers with a magnificent 40th placing and 7th of 493 in the 30-34 age group. In his second marathon in seven weeks Craig Green ran an almost 5 minute personal best with a time of 2:54.48. An overall finish of 112th and 11th of 522 in the 40-44 age group. Another personal best was recorded by Ben Goode who ran 3:06.18 for 275th place and 51st of 493 in the 30-34 age group. First year Harrier Derek Higham ran an excellent race in 3:17.17 to finish 23rd of 228 in the 50-54 age group and an overall top 500 finish for 488th. On the marathon comeback trail Victor Cook ran a great first half before a muscle tear curtailed his overall time to 3:25.33. The result was an overall 693rd finish and 57th of 328 in the 45-49 age group. Cassie Higham just missed the 4 hour time with 4:08.32 to be 94th of 264 in the 25-29 age group and 2,385th overall. Anne Buckley was the other Harrier to compete and made it to the 28km mark before pulling out of the race. In the Half Marathon the Harrier women represented the club in a huge field of 7,848 runners. Meredith Cook was once again sensational in competing the 21.1 km’s in a personal best time of 1:22.21. This result meant Meredith finished 2nd in her 35-39 age group, 16th in the female and 132nd overall. In her longest race to date Melinda Gilligan finished strongly in the time of 1:50.43, which gave her a finish of 177th of 669 in her age group and 2,922nd overall to beat 62% of all other runners. There was a 10km race with 4 Harriers taking part in another large field of 4,874 runners. Terry Crome just missed the placings with a very good time of 42:12 for 4th in the 50-54 age group and 228th overall. John Maher who was set to run the marathon but succumbed to injury still ran the 10km in a time of 42:54 to be 17th in the 40-44 age group. Lyn Crome ran 49 minutes flat and like husband Terry finished high up for her age group in 5th place of 175 others and 731st overall. Rounding up the family effort was Nick Crome on the comeback trail with the time of 49:55 and a finish of 30th of 62 in his age group. Our last entrant Nathan Green in the 4km junior dash did not make it to the starting line after being caught up in heavy traffic around the event itself. Congratulations to the athletes from other Bendigo clubs that also ran at the Gold Coast who all also performed extremely well. After the event many Harriers stayed for R & R and enjoyed each others company with the boys getting into some mischief on the Wednesday after the event. One locking himself out of their room in their jocks trying to find the toliet, another falling into the bushes and another questioned by a paddy wagon officer being the highlights.
