By Jamie Strudley
YARRA RANGES ATHLETICS
THE Yarra Ranges Athletics members were spread far and wide over the weekend.
Five athletes travelled to Canberra to compete in the Australian Cross Country Championships and there was a fantastic turnout of club athletes at the Club Cross Country Championships at Morrison Reserve.
It was a windy, bitterly cold day in Canberra for the Australian Cross Country Championships held on the purpose built Stromlo Park cross country course.
Teams from every state and territory in Australia plus a team from New Zealand produced big fields and some excellent races.
A deceptively tough course fully tested every athlete making the eventual winners very deserving.
Kiara Flavel was the best performed Yarra Ranges Athletics athlete with an excellent third place in the Under 11 Girls 3km race.
Maddie Laven was close behind in 8th place, leading their team to a third place and bronze medal. Sam Norton was in touch for most of his Under 14 Boys 3km eventually finishing in a strong 7th place, with his team finishing second.
Georgia Laven and Lily Peacock were part of a very big and competitive Under 16 Girls 4km race.
Georgia finished 22nd with Lily 12 seconds behind in 31st place.
A similarly cold, biting wind greeted Yarra Ranges athletes at the club’s annual cross country championship day.
The task, to be one of the first three runners over the line to win a medal, meant the heat was on right from the start.
With some runners away at nationals and other events, opportunities were there for the taking.
Thanks went to all who helped out on the day to made it a huge success.
Next week is the cross country presentation day at Hedgend Maze.
An opportunity for the club and their families to get together for a fun day, recognise all the achievements over the cross country season, enjoy a fun relay, barbecue and all the fun and games available at Hedgend Maze.
For information on how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit yarrarangesathletics.org.au or check out the Facebook page.
