The Victorian Race Walking Club

The Winter Season occurs between April and September and covers the Australian winter. Conditions are generally superb for road walking with mild winter temperatures, fast courses and lots of competition for all age groups.

AUSTRALIAN ROADWALKING CHAMPIONSHIPS, ALBERT PARK, SUNDAY 17 AUGUST 2003

It was a huge and successful day of racing at Albert Park last Sunday. An entry of 122 walkers made this the biggest Nationals for many years. Walkers from Tasmania, Queensland, ACT, NSW, Victoria, SA and WA contested the various events on offer and Victorians won a lot of medals.

Men 30k Walk Open
This was a race in parts. AIS walker Darren Bown lead early but was disqualified around the 12 km mark. That handed the lead to Frank Bertei with a pack not far behind. Just as Paul Van Kopplen had broken clear from the chasers and looked to be closing the gap, he too was disqualified. Then Troy Sundstrom made a move but a couple of forced breaks enabled Frank to maintain the gap and win in an impressive time in the cold windy conditions. Troy who won this event in 2001 took silver while Chris Erickson faded but had enough to hold out a fast finishing Andy Jamieson. None of the other starters were able to finish.

1. Bertei, Frank      VIC  2:27:21
2. Sundstrom, Troy    NSW  2:30:11
3. Erickson, Chris    VIC  2:35:22
4. Jamieson, Andrew   VIC  2:35:31

Women 10k Walk Open
The women’s Open race turned out to be an easy win for Simone Wolowiec who capped of a great season with the National title. Simone strode immediately to the front and was never challenged. The expected battle with Megan Peters did not eventuate as Megan broke a toe mid week and could only watch from the sidelines. Young ace Sarah Walkley from NSW took the silver while Kylie Bonney won her first senior medal in what was a big occasion walk. Our women also took the team gold with Sandra Geisler joining Simone and Kylie for the medal presentation.

1. Wolowiec, Simone   VIC  47:45
2. Walkley, Sarah     NSW  50:57
3. Bonney, Kylie      VIC  52:27
4. Bock, Claire       QLD  53:05
5. Geisler, Sandra    VIC  53:30
6. Sansonetti, Nicole VIC  55:41
7. Wilson, Lisa       ACT  56:19
8. Staunton, Ann      ACT  58:24
9. Cassell, Renee     NSW  60:28
10. Dodds, Katie      NSW  64:58
11. Sundstrom, Jodie  NSW  70:49

Team Scores  1  VIC    8
             2  NSW 13

Men Under 20 20k Walk
Jared Tallent successfully defended his title with a great time of just under 94 minutes. After a closely contested race in Canberra earlier in the season in the Junior 10 km, another tough battle was expected but Jared had the race to himself. Kim Mottram went out hard and chased Jared all the way for a good second placing in just under 97 mins. Travis Middlemiss took third with his usual consistent walk.

1. Tallent, Jared     VIC  1:33:54
2. Mottram, Kim       SA   1:36:47
3. Middlemiss, Travis VIC  1:41:30
4. Smith, Michael     NSW  1:51:54
5. Woods, Matthew     QLD  1:58:43

Women Under 20 10k Walk
Laura Johnson was the clear favourite on paper but it is always a case of who peaks on the day and on this occasion it was Lisa Grant who won out. Rebecca Wilkie was our sole Victorian rep and walked well for fourth place.

1. Grant, Lisa       NSW  51:39
2. Johnson, Laura    NSW  52:52
3. Becker, Yvette    SA   56:06
4. Wilkie, Rebecca   VIC  57:00
5. Dodds, Katie      NSW  64:58

Men Under 18 8k Walk
A small field but a good one. Ben Perske walked strongly and won comfortably while Matt Harris and Aaron Humphrey were never more than a few metres apart throughout the race and finished within a few seconds of each other. Tim Stevenson was our sole Victorian rep and he also walked well.

1. Perske, Ben       QLD  38:41
2. Harris, Matt      SA   40:09
3. Humphrey, Aaron   TAS  40:12
4. Stevenson, Tim    VIC  44:47

Women Under 18 8k Walk
You’ve got to hand it to the NSW walkers. They are never scared of backing up. In this case, Fiona Alldis backed up after a fine second place in the U16 race and took a second silver in the Under 18 event. It was great to see Jillian Hosking from ACT take the gold and Fiona was not far behind in second. Our Victorian girls took silver in the teams – Emma, Fauve and Tyne certainly looked happy to receive the medals.

1. Hosking, Jillian   ACT  41:22
2. Alldis, Fiona      NSW  41:47
3. Burns-Rees, Lauren NSW  43:28
4. Bannister, Lynette TAS  44:10
5. Gray, Emma         VIC  44:56
6. Jacobs, Fauve      VIC  47:13
7. Boddy, Tyne        VIC  48:47
8. Moulds, Joanna     QLD  55:47
9. Jackson, Chloe     NSW  56:50

Team Scores 1  NSW   9
            2  VIC  12

Boys Under 16 5k Walk
Three separate States for the 3 medals – NSW, SA and ACT – a great result for Australian walking. Glen Sellen walked well and won convincingly. He is one of the many fast NSW youngsters. Our Victorian reps Shaun, Daniel and Reece were rewarded with Teams silver medals for their walks.

1. Sellen, Glen       NSW  24:22
2. Wolszczak, Gregorz SA   25:46
3. Reading, Brendon   ACT  25:53
4. Neale, Daniel      NSW  26:09
5. Beach, David       WA   28:06
6. Plummer, Beau      NSW  28:14
7. Burgess, Shaun     VIC  29:35
8. Lineen, Daniel     VIC  30:04
9. Boddy, Reece       VIC  32:07

Team Scores 1  NSW   6
            2  VIC  15
 
What a time! Jessica Rothwell is improving with every race and her first serious 5 km walk was a beauty. She has only just turned 14 and should be back again next year to defend her Under 16 title. Her time of 24:09 is one of the fastest winning times ever in this event. Fiona Alldis was unlucky to meet Jessica as her time in taking silver would normally win. Tanya Holliday of SA took bronze and was one of a number of SA walkers to win a medal on the day. This was our largest field and it was great to see the Victorian girls win the teams gold. Jessica, Hollie and Sibon certainly walked well.

1. Rothwell, Jessica  VIC   24:09
2. Alldis, Fiona      NSW   24:46
3. Holliday, Tanya    SA    26:00
4. Grgurovic, Nina    WA    26:07
5. Christie, Elise    WA    26:45
6. Gray, Hollie       VIC   26:58
7. Fuzzard, Sibon     VIC   27:06
8. Staples, Cassandra NSW   27:07
9. Agius, Natasha     NSW   27:33
10. Alexander, Sarah  VIC   28:00
11. Donovan, Siobhan  VIC   28:06
12. Worrall, Caitlin  ACT   28:15
13. Hollitt, Brianna  SA    28:20
14. Huitema, Megan    SA    28:22
15. Buchanan, Jacquie WA    28:40
16. Biteznik, Katrina NSW   30:13
17. Malcomson, Lizzy  TAS   30:18
18. Simmons, Emma     WA    30:31
19. Goodwin, Rebecca  NSW   30:49
20. Ethell, Katie     NSW   30:50
21. Lingley, Ellen    NSWAC 32:13
22. Grant, Julie      NSWAC 32:13
23. McDonald, Danica  NSWAC 35:13

Team Scores 1  VIC  14
            2  NSW 19
            3  WA  21
            4  SA  24

Boys Under 14 3k Walk
John Platt walked very well for silver and the Victorian boys would certainly have won team gold if there had been another team to compete against. But unfortunately it takes 2 teams to make a teams competition and a second team was not forthcoming - bad luck for the boys.

1. Jelfs, Aaron       SA   16:07
2. Platt, John        VIC  16:27
3. Pisani, Jason      NSW  16:43
4. Payne, Daniel      VIC  16:51
5. Sellen, Shane      NSW  17:06
6. Girgin, Timucin    VIC  17:25
7. Mirarchi, Nicholas VIC  17:48
8. Worrall, Michael   ACT  19:17
9. Reading, Michael   ACT  20:06
10. Platt, Joshua     VIC  20:07

Girls Under 14 3k Walk
The final Australian championship on which to report was the Under 14 girls evnet and it was another big field. Jessie Palfreyman of Bendigo walked fantastically well for the bronze and the Victorian girls (Jessie, Natlaie and Katie) won the teams silver medals.

1. Biagioni, Lauren        WA    15:01
2. Densley Scott, Danielle WA    15:24
3. Palfreyman, Jessie      VIC   15:27
4. D'Agnone, Gabrielle     WA   15:29
5. Roddy, Amy              WA   15:31
6. Petith, Dianne          QLD   15:46
7. Laurie, Natalie         VIC   16:05
8. Lovus, Katie            VIC   16:15
9. Danyi, Courtney         NSW   16:19
10. Biteznik, Katrina      NSW   16:34
11. Girgin, Eda            VIC   16:45
12. Danyi, Caitlin         NSW   17:34
13. Contessotto, Andrea    VICAC 17:39
14. Tillman, Kimberley     NSW   17:46
15. Clauson, Emily         WA AC 17:48
16. Whitworth, Anne        VICAC 17:51
17. Raich, Tanya           WA AC 18:00
18. Neylan, Alicia         VICAC 18:00
19. Carrod, Tracy          WA AC 18:06

Team Scores 1  WA    7
            2  VIC  14
            3  NSW 24

Under 9 and Under 12 VRWC Events
The younger walkers contested 1500m races and it was great to see so many WA walkers join in. The occasion was best summed up by WARWC Team Manager Phil Holloway who emailed me a day or so later to say

We had a wonderful trip. The Under 9 and Under 12 walkers thought it was just great and were so excited when the senior athletes who won signed their shirts. They are showing anyone who will look at the shirts. They know their names and which race they won. Frank and Simone are great ambassadors for the sport.
Medals were presented to all place getters and certificates were presented to all finishers. The WA walkers formed a very strong contingent and I am sure our walkers enjoyed the competition.

U9 GIRLS 1500M WALK
1. Krystal Leinasers      WA    8.13
2. Ashlee Troode          WA    8.44
3. Shannon Iredell        WA    8.56
4. Nicole Iredell         WA    9.34
5. Nicole Hallett         VIC   9.50
6. Nikki Apostolidis      VIC   9.50
7. Chloe McNicol-Davidson VIC  10.37
8. Jasmine Irshad         VIC  12.21

U9 BOYS 1500M WALK
1. Jeremy Anthony         WA    8.03

U12 GIRLS 1500M WALK
1. Natalie Laurie         VIC   7.35
2. Kate Fitzsimmons       WA    8.07
3. Natalie Cusworth       WA    8.13
4. Amy Johnson            VIC   8.54
5. Emily Payne            VIC   9.11

U12 BOYS 1500M WALK
1. Jayson Stoddart        VIC   7.36
2. Julian Anthony         WA    7.48
3. Chris Ninyett          WA    7.56
4. Erg Girgin             VIC   8.41
5. Jack Palfreyman        VIC   8.45

VRWC Open 5 km walk
The final event of the day as a 5 km race for anyone who just wanted a bit of a fitness workout. It proved to be a great race between Michael Beaton Wells and Tom Barnes with Michael just edging Tom out. It was good to see Erin Adamcewicz having her first stroll for quite some time and she walked well for someone short on training.

1. Michael Beaton-Wells 22:41
2. Tom Barnes           22:42
3. Erin Adamcewicz      27:24
4. Alan Lucas           27:29
5. Janet Holmes         28:58
6. Gwen Steed           30:53
7. Marlaine Stanway     33:02
8. Robin Wood           33:46
 

VRWC RESULTS, SATURDAY 9 AUGUST 2003, ALBERT PARK

The forecast of bad weather did not deter the nearly 50 walkers who struck it lucky with sunny ideal racing conditions. With this last race before the National titles next week, a number of our younger walkers were after a final hitout and the pace was on from the start. Top Australian walking judge Bob cruise (Director of Athletics SA) made a special guest appearance as chief judge.

The 10 km event was well supported and Sandra Geisler produced the walk of the week with a PB of over 1 minute. Her time of just over 52 minutes puts her in line for a good finish in the Open Womens 10 km walk next Sunday. Yet, even with such a fine walk, she had to be content with second place in the handicap behind Marlaine Stanway who also walked very steadily for a season best.
The 10 km for men was shaping up for a fine battle between Mark Donahoo and Tom Barnes but Mark blew a gasket at the 6 km mark (only joking) and Tom was left to take fastest time with another sub 50 minute performance. John Bunker has a stanglehold on the handicaps at the moment and won yet again with his usual consistent walk. John and Alan Lucas are having an close battle for the Veteran points award in the VRWC races and the remaining events will be keenly contested.

Open 10km Women            Hcp place
1. Sandra Geisler    52:03 2
2. Alison Thompson   58:26 Unfinancial
3. Amanda Emmett     59:01 3
4. Liz Feldman       61:50 Unfinancial
5. Marlaine Stanway  68:01 1
   Janet Holmes      48.38 for 8km

Open 10km Men              Hcp place
1. Tom Barnes        49:17 2
2. John Bunker       51:53 1
3. Alan Lucas        56:32 3
4. Bob Gardiner      60:03 5
5. Robin Wood        66:36 4
   Mark Donahoo      29.17 for 6km

Megan Peters showed everyone a clean pair of heels (including our 5 km and 10 km men) and zoomed over the 5 km distance in just under 24 minutes. She looked very comfortable and should record a good time next week in the National womens 10 km title. But she was only 6th in the handicap, showing just how tough it is to win from the back mark - Jenny Fawkes was the handicap winner, just ahead of Ann Holcombe who is really having a very good first season with the club.
The mens event saw a good battle between training partners Geoff Barrow and John Morrison with youth transcending experience in this case. But the handicapper was kind to me so I graciously accepted the handicap win!

Open 5km Women             Hcp Place
1. Megan Peters      23:55 6
2. Rachael Loone     26:19 5
3. Heather Carr      27:13 8
4. Emma Gray         27:34 7
5. Jenny Fawkes      27:38 1
6. Ann Holcombe      28:08 2
7. Siobhan Donovan   28:36 3
8. Jodie Emmerson    29:01 4
9. Hollie Gray       29:40 11
10. Fauve Jacobs     30:21 10
11. Gwen Steed       31:23 9

Open 5km Men               Hcp Place
1. Tim Erickson      25:56 1
2. Shaun Burgess     29:12 4
3. Geoff Barrow      29:33 2
4. John Morrison     30:04 3
5. Gordon Onley      37:01

Sarah Alexander and Daniel Lineen who will both compete in the National U16 5 km road walk next weekend, took the fastest times as expected and the other walkers in this race, who will all compete in the National U14 3 km road walk, vied for the minor places. Sarah mixed it with the older walkers for the first 1 km before slowing a little but looked good all the way. Natalie Laurie was the pick of the younger walkers and walked a very fast time of 16:05 to take the girls’ handicap.

Under 15 3km Girls          Hcp place
1. Sarah Alexander    15:49 4
2. Natalie Laurie     16:05 1
3. Eda Girgin         16:39 3
4. Katie Lovus        17:33 5
5. Daina Nielsen      17:46 6
6. Andrea Contessotto 18:08 2

Under 15 3km Boys           Hcp place
1. Daniel Lineen      17:51 2
2. Nicholas Mirarchi  18:26 1

Alicia Neylan and Anne Whitworth will move up a few age groups next week and compete in the U14 3000m walk so they warmed up today with a good battle in the U12 2 km walk. All the U9 and U12 walkers are reminded that next week at the National titles, we will have U9 and U12 Boys and Girls 1500m races and there will be medals and certificates on offer for the first 3 places in each of the events

Under 12 2km Girls          Hcp place
1. Alicia Neylan      11:33 1
2. Anne Whitworth     11:48 2
3. Josephine Mirarchi 18:02 3

Under 12 2km Boys           Hcp place
1. Jayson Stoddart    11:16 1
2. Ergenekon Girgin   13:39 2

Under 9 1km Girls              Hcp place
1. Nikki Apostolidis      6:15 2
2. Chloe McNicol-Davidson 7:18 1
3. Taylah Gray            9:20 unfinancial

Under 9 1km Boys               Hcp place
1. David Butteriss        6:24 1
 

VRWC RACES, SATURDAY 26 JULY 2003, ALBERT PARK

A small number of enthusiasts turned out for what was an interesting day’s racing. The handicap starts meant that the walkers were spread over some 20 minutes and the race was on to see who would reach the finishing line first.
Emma Gray and Tom Barnes walked scorchers to win the 10km handicap events. Tom’s walk was a very fast 47:47, a huge PB and a time which confirms his huge potential. For Emma, this was her first 10 km event as was also the case for Hollie Gray and Shaun Burgess. It is good to see our younger walkers prepared to tackle the longer distances.

VRWC 10km Handicap for Men      F/T Place
1. Tom BARNES         47:47     1
2. John BUNKER        50:18     2
3. Murray DICKINSON   55:01     4
4. Alan LUCAS         55:12     5
5. Robin WOOD         65:48     7
6. Ross REID          51:39     3
7. Bob GARDINER       61:44     6
8. Shaun BURGESS      68:43     8

VRWC 10km Handicap for Women    F/T Place
1. Emma GRAY          57:18     2
2. Jenny FAWKES       55:50     1
3. Jodie EMMERSON     62:02     3
   Hollie GRAY        ab

The shorter Open distance event saw veteran John Morrison and new World Masters champion Heather Carr take the honours while the Under 15 events saw Nicholas Mirarchi and Andrea Contessotto get to the finishing line first.

VRWC 5km Handicap for Men       F/T Place
1. John MORRISON      30:14     3
2. Geoff BARROW       30:06     2
3. Tim ERICKSON       26:38     1

VRWC 5km Handicap for Women     F/T Place
1. Heather CARR       26:11     1
2. Ann HOLCOMBE       28:22     3
3. Marlaine STANWAY   32:52     6
4. Nicole SANSONETTI  26:17     2
5. Siobhan DONOVAN    28:51     4
6. Celia JOHNSON      31:07     5
7. N KING             36:36     7

VRWC 3km U15 Handicap for Boys  F/T Place
1. Nicholas MIRARCHI  18:01     1

VRWC 3km U15 Handicap for Girls F/T Place
1. Andrea CONTESSOTTO 17:48     3
2. Katie LOVUS        16:42     2
3. Daina NIELSEN      16:40     1

The Under 9 and Under 12 competitors walked with a massed start. The Under 12 event was a very fast affair with Natalie Laurie and Jayson Stoddart leading from the gun.

VRWC 2km U12 Handicap           F/T Place
1. Ann WHITWORTH      11:26     2
2. Natalie LAURIE     10:37     1
3. Alicia NEYLAN      12:00     3
4. Amy JOHNSON        13:31     4

1. Jayson STODDART    10:46     1

VRWC 1km U9 Handicap            F/T Place
1. Karla NIELSEN       7:54     2
2. Nikki APOSTOLIDIS   6:01     1
 

AV AND VRWC CHAMPIONSHIPS, SUNDAY 20 JULY 2003, ALBERT PARK

AV Open Men 30km Championship
Frank Bertei increased his pace markedly at the 10 km point and eventually started to pull away from Chris Erickson at the half way mark. Both walkers slowed in the final 10 km but Chris could not bridge the gap. Frank eventually walked to a well earned victory, adding the 30 km title to his recent win in the Victorian 20 km. His time was a 3 minute PB and Chris’s time was a 5 minute PB. Veteran Andy Jamieson, although down on fitness, held together to take the bronze.

1. BERTEI, Frank      ANW  48:27 1:36:06 2:25:44 (PB)
2. ERICKSON, Chris    ATE  48:27 1:36:35 2:27:04 (PB)
3. JAMIESON, Andrew   OSC  51:16 1:43:00 2:39:49
   KNOX, Duncan       ATE  56:45  Ab.
   COCHRANE,Andrew    OSC  DNS
   DONAHOO, Mark      ATE  DNS

AV Open Women 20km Championship
Simone Wolowiec walked from the front to win in an excellent time that will place her near the top of the Australian rankings. With Megan Peters struggling and eventually retiring at the 16 km mark, Rachael Loone walked into the silver medal position with a big PB. Former Junior champion Kellie Wapshott took the bronze with a very even walk and it is great to see this talented walker moving up to the longer distances. Sandra Geisler had swapped positions with Kellie throuhout the race and just faded slightly in the final laps to miss out on the medals.

1. WOLOWIEC, Simone   KNA  48:28 1:38:15
2. LOONE, Rachael     ACW  52:24 1:46:29 (PB)
3. WAPSHOTT, Kellie   KNA  54:45 1:49:09
4. GEISLER, Sandra    RWD  54:33 1:49:37 (PB)
5. BONNEY, Kylie      KNA  54:01 1:53:33
6. SANSONETTI, Nicole BOH  54:54 1:56:23
   PETERS, Megan      GHY  50:19 Ab.
   MAJOR, Annette     EAG  DNS
   ROSEMAN, Justijana AJM  DNS

Apart from the Open events, there were a full complement of underage events and the standard of walking was very high.

AV Under 20 Men 20km Championship
1. TALLENT, Jared     BYC  50:39 1:40:21
2. MIDDLEMISS, Travis KNA  49:58 1:40:23

AV Under 20 Women 10km Championship
1. WILKIE, Rebecca    KNA  56:49
   EMMERSON, Jodie    RWD  DNS

AV Under 18 Boys 8km Championship
No starters

AV Under 18 Girls 8km Championship
1. JACOBS, Fauve            DKN  45:08
2. GRAY, Emma               ACW  45:20
3. BODDY, Tyne              COR  50:33
4. VANDENHEILIGENBERG Kylie KNA  57:36

AV Under 16 Boys 5km Championship
1. BRYANT, Kyle      SBE  27:04
2. BURGESS, Shaun    ACW  29:06
3. LINEEN, Daniel    GLG  29:39
4. BODDY, Reece      COR  31:31

AV Under 16 Girls 5km Championship
1. ROTHWELL, Jess    SHE  25:52
2. ALEXANDER, Sarah  BOH  26:41
3. FUZZARD, Sibon    SBE  27:38
4. DONOVAN, Siobhan  KNA  27:57
5. GRAY, Hollie      GLG  29:12

AV Under 14 Boys 3km Championship
1. GIRGIN Timucin    RIC  16:24
2. PLATT John        EKA  16:36
3. PAYNE Daniel      COR  17:30
4. STODDART Jayson   VRW  17:54
5. MIRARCHI Nicholas COR  18:05
6. PLATT Joshua      EKA  18:58

AV Under 14 Girls 3km Championship
1. PALFREYMAN, Jessie  SBE  15:26
2. LOVUS, Katie        KNA  15:32
3. LAURIE, Natalie     ANW  16:29
4. GIRGIN, Eda         RIC  17:09
5. CONTESSOTTO, Andrea ANW  17:10

Apart from the AV Championships, there were a number of VRWC championships and races on offer. Results are as follows

VRWC Open 20 km
1. VAN KOPPLEN, Paul     50:17 1:40:21
2. BEATON-WELLS, Michael 50:17 1:42:30 (PB)
3. BUNKER, John          54:33 1:49:15 (PB)

VRWC Under 12 Boys 2km Championship
1. STODDART, Jayson      11:21
2. GIRGIN, Ergenekon     12:23

VRWC Under 12 Girls 2km Championship
1. LAURIE, Natalie       11:02
2. WHITWORTH, Anne       11:25
3. NEYLAN, Alicia        11:35
4. BANKS, Hanna          11:56
5. PAYNE, Emily          12:29
6. JOHNSON, Amy          12:51
7. MIRARCHI, Josephine   17:30

VRWC  Under 9 Girls 2km Championship
1. APOSTOLIDIS, Nikki      13:00
2. HALLETT, Nicole         13:06
3. McNICOL-DAVIDSON, Chloe 13:42

VRWC Open Men 5km
1. LUCAS, Alan          26:57
2. WOOD, Robin          33:36

VRWC Open Women 5km
1. LOVEDAY, Nardene      27:50
2. EMMETT, Mandy         28:07
3. HOLMES, Janet         29:07
4. STEED, Gwen           30:39
5. STANWAY, Marlaine     32:28
6. GRIFFITHS, Christine  45:12
 

VRWC RACES, SATURDAY 12 JULY 2003

Another good turnout even though the day was cold and very windy. Both fastest times and handicap placings are shown.

Under 12 Girls 1500m             handicap
1. Alicia NEYLAN           8:41  1
2. Hannah BANKS            9:11  3
3. Emily PAYNE             9:37  2
4. Josephine MIRARCHI     13:40  4

Under 12 Boys 1500m handicap
1. Jayson STODDART         8:33  1

Under 9 Girls 1500m handicap
1. Nikki APOSTOLIDIS       9:39  2
2. Chloe McNICOL-DAVIDSON 10:08  1

Under 9 Boys 1500m handicap
1. David BUTTERISS        10:07  1

Under 15 Girls 4 km handicap
1. Sarah ALEXANDER        21:23  3
2. Siobhan DONOVAN        22:10  2
3. Katie LOVUS            23:08  4
4. Eda GIRGIN             23:16  5
5. Andrea CONTESSOTTO     24:07  1
6. Anne WHITWORTH         26:55  6

Under 15 Boys 4 km handicap
1. Reece BODDY            24:50  2
2. Shaun BURGESS          22:33  3
3. Timucin GIRGIN         24:07  5
4. Daniel LINEEN          23:48  4
5. Nicholas MIRARCHI      24:54  1

6 km handicap for Women
1. Nicole SANSONETTI      31:13  4
2. Rebecca WILKIE         32:36  7
3. Jenny FAWKES           33:23  1
4. Fauve JACOBS           33:50  2
5. Mandy EMMETT           33:58  3
6. Emma GRAY              34:34 12
7. Ann HOLCOMBE           34:38  6
8. Nardene LOVEDAY        35:06 13
9. Celia JOHNSON          36:39 10
10. Jodie EMMERSON        37:05 11
11. Gwen STEED            37:57  9
12. Marlaine STANWAY      40:31  8
13. Kylie VANDENHEILIGENBERG 41:25 5
14. Tyne BODDY            Ab.

6 km handicap for Men
1. Mark DONAHOO           29:07  4
2. John BUNKER            30:54  3
3. Bob GARDINER           33:31  1
4. Robin WOOD             39:14  2

12 km handicap for Women
1. Sandra GEISLER         65:12  1
2. Rachael LOONE          Ab.
3. Megan PETERS           Ab.

12 km handicap for Men
1. Tom BARNES             59:08  1
2. Ross REID              62:11  3
3. Alan LUCAS             68:19  2
4. Murray DICKINSON       Ab.

Open 4 km
1. Hollie GRAY            22:50  1
2. Gordan ONLEY           Disq
3. Harold BODDY           25:37  2

4 km Fitness Walk
Jenny BUTTERISS           39:14

VRWC RACE RESULTS, ALBERT PARK, SATURDAY 5 JULY 2003

The ‘guess your time’ races are always interesting - it is much harder to predict your pace when you are not wearing a watch and laptimes are not called. A small group of enthusiasts decided to try themselves out in this novel format and it was interesting to see how close some were and how far off some were.
The results show both fastest times placings and placings in the ‘guess your time’ component. Small presentations were made to those who got closest to their estimated time in each race.

                       F/T  Actual   Guessed  Diff  Place
8km Open
Rachael Loone            1  42:50    42:15    0:35  2
Nicole Sansonetti        2  44:03    43:54    0:09  1
Rebecca Wilkie           3  49:03
Kylie Vandenheiligenberg 4  59:44    58:46    0:58  3

Tom Barnes               1  39:07    41:00    1:53  6
Colin Heywood            2  39:12    40:00    0:48  3
John Bunker              3  41:17    42:00    0:43  2
Alan Lucas               4  44:32    43:58    0:34  1
Murray Dickinson         5  45:06    44:00    1:06  4
David Armstrong          6  46:15    48:00    1:45  5

4km Under 15
Daina Nielsen            1  22:53    22:21    0:32  4
Siobhan Donovan          2  23:03    22:50    0:13  2
Katie Lovus              3  24:00    23:30    0:30  3
Andrea Contessotto       4  24:57    25:07    0:10  1

Nicholas Mirarchi        1  25:00    25:30    0:30  1
Daniel Payne   Ab.

4km Open
Ann Holcombe             1  22:55    22:40    0:15  1
Gwen Steed               2  25:04    24:30    0:34  2
Marlaine Stanway         3  27:19    26:40    0:39  3
Christine Griffiths      4  41:18    33:10    8:08  4

Bob Gardiner             1  22:23    22:30    0:07  1

2km Under 12
Regan Lamble             1  11:48    11:00    0:48  2
Anne Whitworth           2  12:01    11:30    0:31  1
Alicia Neylan            3  12:15    11:32    0:43  3

1km Under 9
Nikki Apostolidis        1  06:18    06:20    0:02  1
Nicole Hallett           2  06:24    06:00    0:24  2
Karla Nielsen            3  07:42    09:00    1:18  3

David Butteriss          1  06:24    06:53    0:31  1
Isaac Heywood            2  06:37    09:00    2:23  2

8km Fitness Walk
Robin Wood               54:02

VRWC AND AV RACE RESULTS, ALBERT PARK, SUNDAY 29 JUNE 2003

Over 60 walkers braved cold wet conditions for what was one of the big fixtures on the winter calendar with AV, Schools and VRWC championships on offer.

AV Mens 20km Championship
AIS Walker Darren Bown made the most of his trip to Victoria and won convincingly in a very good time of 86:52. He sped through the 10 km mark in just on 42:20 to establish a big lead which was never threatened. Frank Bertei was the best of the local walkers and took the Victorian title in a PB time of 93:25 after a great tussle with young Jared Tallent of Ballarat who took the bronze. Chris Erickson finished next to take the AV bronze as the third Victorian.

1. Darren Bown              INV    86.52
2. Frank Bertei             ANW    93.25
3. Jared Tallent            BYC    93.55
4. Chris Erickson           ATE   100.23
5. Colin Heywood            DIV   105.58
   Mark Donahoo             ATE   Ab.
   Andrew Cochrane          OSB   DNS
   Andrew Jamieson          OSB   DNS
   Duncan Knox              ATE   DNS
   Stuart Kollmorgen        COL   DNS

AV Womens 10km Championship
Simone Wolowiec won the Open Women's title as expected after a fine walk from the front. Megan Peters and Kylie Bonney both did PBs to take the silver and bronze medals in what were also excellent walks. An excellent field of 10 walkers made this a very strong event.

1. Simone Wolowiec          KNA   48.38
2. Megan Peters             GHY   48.57
3. Kylie Bonney             KNA   51.48
4. Kellie Wapshott          KNA   53.03
5. Sandra Geisler           RWD   53.12
6. Nicole Sansonetti        BOH   56.38
7. Jenny Fawkes             ANW   57.25
8. Annette Major            EYC   57.29
9. Rebecca Wilkie           KNA   59.01
10. Ezo Girgin              RIC   63.02
    Rachael Loone           ACW   DNS

AV Mens Under 20 10km Championship
Although Travis was the only entry, he still recorded an excellent time to take out this Victorian Junior championship. This follows on from his good 4th place in the Australian Junior 10 km race in Canberra recently.

1. Travis Middlemiss        KNA   47.38 1

AV Girls Under 16 3km Schools Championship
With no AV Schools Under 14 events (hopefully they will be added next year), there were big fields in the Under 16 events as many younger walkers moved up from the lower age groups. Sarah Alexander walked very well in spite of a sore back and held out Eda Girgin who is really benefiting from her move into the longer distances. Young Natalie Laurie (U12) made a great transition into the higher age groups and her time was superb given her age. The standard was very high with another 5 other girls also under 17 minutes.

1. Sarah Alexander          Karingal Park Secondary College 15.35 1
2. Eda Girgin               Melbourne Girls College         15.42 2
3. Natalie Laurie           Kingswood College               15.55 3
4. Jessie Palfreyman        Golden Square Secondary College 16.10 4
5. Sibon Fuzzard            Girton Grammar School           16.23 5
6. Siobhan Donovan          Boronia Heights Secondary Coll  16.26 6
7. Katie Lovus              Kingswood College               16.42 7
8. Daina Nielsen            Presbyterian Ladies College     16.51 8
9. Dominique O'Sullivan     Star of the Sea                 19.57 9
   Alicia Neyland           Watsonia North Primary School   DNS

AV Boys Under 16 3km Schools Championship
Like the Under 16 girls event, this was also a big event with a very good overall standard of walking. Kyle Bryant just held off a fast finishing David Ranger and young Tim Girgin, who like Natalie Laurie in the girls race, is also Under 12, walked well to take the bronze.

1. Kyle Bryant              Flora Hill Secondary College    15.47 1
2. David Ranger             St Patrick's College Ballarat   15.50 2
3. Timucin Girgin           Glenferrie Primary School       16.08 3
4. Daniel Lineen            North Geelong Secondary College 16.13 4
5. Shaun Burgess            Belmont High School             16.25 5
6. John Platt               Mount Clear College             16.49 6
7. Ergenekon Girgin         Glenferrie Primary School       17.47 7
8. Jayson Stoddart          Rowellyn Park Primary School    18.06 8
9. Reece Boddy              Norlane High School             18.18 9
10. Bradley Elms            Lalor North Secondary College   19.37 10

AV Girls Under 18 5km Schools Championship
Tyne Boddy is gradually getting back into some good form and, although suffering from shins early, was able to record a good winning time of under 29 minutes. Fauve Jacobs was one of our top girls last year when she was walking regular sub 29 minute for the 5 km. However we have not seen much of her so far this season and she was down on racing fitness and had to be content for the silver. Stefanie Tymms made her annual appearance for the Schools walk and was rewarded with the bronze just ahead of regular walker Kylie Vandenheiligenberg

1. Tyne Boddy                Corio Bay Senior College      28.58 1
2. Fauve Jacobs             Christian College Geelong     29.14 2
3. Stefanie Tymms            Avila College                 34.22 3
4. Kylie Vandenheiligenberg  Lyndale Secondary College     34.31 4
   Lucy Ranger               Loreto College                DNS

It was a shame that only 2 older walkers participated in the U18 and U20 Schools championships but this reflects the priorities which students must place upon their time in the final years of their secondary education. But Tim and Jodie both walked well and deserved their titles.

AV Boys Under 18 5km Schools Championship
1. Tim Stevenson             St Patrick's College Ballarat 28.24 1

AV Womens Under 20 10km Schools Championship
1. Jodie Emmerson            Berwick Secondary College     64.10 1

Apart from the Athletics Victoria titles, we had our own set of VRWC club championships with two very prestigious perpetual trophies on offer. I mistakenly announced that Darren Bown had won the Alf Robinson Trophy but this is restricted to club members so it should have been awarded to Frank Bertei. My apologies to Frank. In another omission, I should have awarded VRWC silver and bronzes for the two Open Championships as well – my apologies also to Chris and Colin and Megan and Kylie. We will award them at the next available opportunity.

VRWC Men's 20km Championship - Alf Robinson Trophy
1. Frank Bertei           93.25
2. Chris Erickson        100.23
3. Colin Heywood         105.58
4. Alan Lucas            118.42
   Mark Donahoo          Ab.
   John Bunker           Ab.

VRWC Women's 10km Championship - Mabel Robinson Trophy
2. Simone Wolowiec        48.38
3. Megan Peters           48.57
4. Kylie Bonney           51.48
5. Sandra Geisler         53.12
6. Nicole Sansonetti      56.38
7. Annette Major          57.29
8. Amanda Emmett          60.18
9. Jodie Emmerson         64.10

Our U9 and U12 championships also saw a number of good performances. In particular, Jayson Stoddart walked in the Under 16 schools Championship after winning his U12 Boys Club Championship. Well done to all our medallists in these events.

VRWC U9 1500m Championship
1. Nicole Hallett          9.55
2. Nikki Apostolidis      10.02
3. Jasmine Irshard        11.20

1. David Butteriss         9.51

VRWC U12 1500m Championship
1. Anne Whitworth         8.39
2. Hanna Banks            8.58
3. Amy Johnson            9.36
4. Lana  Boddy           10.08

1. Jayson Stoddart        9.06

VRWC Open 5km race
Finally we had an open 5 km race for those who just wanted some exercise and it was good to see Michael Beaton-Wells having his first race since breaking his wrist back in March (who said walking the dog was not dangerous!).

1. Micheal Beaton-Wells  24.01
2. Anthony Barrett       28.30
3. Janet Holmes          29.00
4. Celia Johnson         30.53
5. Gwen Steed            31.25
6. Nicholas Mirarchi     32.57
7. Marlaine Stanway      33.40
 

VRWC AND VVAC RACE RESULTS, ALBERT PARK, SATURDAY 21 JUNE 2003

The handicap races always turn out to be exciting events that bring out the best in all competitors.

VRWC 10 Km Handicap
Sandra Geisler and Jenny Fawkes both did PBs in taking the handicap honours in the women’s 10 km event. They are having great winter seasons. In the men’s event John Bunker did a huge PB to win the handicap event with a time close to 50 mins, just holding out Mark Donahoo who powered through from scratch to break his Australian and Victorian M45+ 10 km record. Alan Lucas took another minute off his season best time but could only manage third in the handicap behind these 2 great times.
                            Hcp
1. SANDRA GEISLER    53:02  2
2. REBECCA WILKIE    56:29  4
3. JENNY FAWKES      57:10  1
4. AMANDA EMMETT     59:35  3
5. JODIE EMMERSON    65:58  5
6. MARLAINE STANWAY  77:07  6
   MEGAN PETERS      Ab

1. MARK DONAHOO      46:41 2
2. JOHN BUNKER       50:16 1
3. COLIN HEYWOOD     51:13  5
4. TOM BARNES        51:16  6
5. TIM ERICKSON      52:58  4
6. ALAN LUCAS        55:48  3
   ROBIN WOOD        Ab.

VRWC 5 km Handicap
Nicole Sansonetti was last to start in the women’s 5 km handicap and she caught and passed everyone except for Ann Holcombe who was just too consistent and took the handicap honours with a 10 second win. John Morrison is enjoying his return to road walking and held out Shaun Burgess to win the men’s handicap.
                                    Hcp
1. NICOLE SANSONETTI         26:35  2
2. NARDENE LOVEDAY           27:45  6
3. JANET HOLMES              28:45  3
4. ANN HOLCOMBE              28:59  1
5. EZO GIRGIN                30:01  4
6. CELIA JOHNSON             30:38  5
7. GWEN STEED                32:05  9
8. KYLIE VANDENHEILIGENBERG  36:19  8
9. PRUE LYNCH                39:04  10
10. CHRISTINE GRIFFITHS      44:58  7

1. SHAUN BURGESS             29:42  2
2. JOHN MORRISON             29:59  1
3. ROBERT GARDINER           30:10  4
4. ANTHONY DORAN             31:13  3

VRWC 3 Km Handicap
Everyone walked excellently in this event and there were personal bests all around. Andrea Contessotto and Nicholas Mirarchi won the handicap events so were deemed by the handicapper to be the best overall but Sarah Alexander did a superb 15:25. It was also great to see so many of our young walkers moving up to the 3 km distance.

1. SARAH ALEXANDER       15:25  2
2. EDA GIRGIN            16:25 3
3. NATALIE LAURIE        16:38  4
4. DAINA NIELSEN         17:52  5
5. ANDREA CONTESSOTTO    17:59  1

1. TIMUCIN GIRGIN        17:14  3
2. NICHOLAS MIRARCHI     18:12  1
3. JAYSON STODDART       18:26  2

VRWC U12 2 Km Handicap
The U12 and U9 girls and boys also got into the spirit and keenly contested their handicap events. Congratulations to our handicap winners – Alicia Neylan, Ergenekon Girgin, Chloe McNicol-Davidson and David Butteris.

1. REGAN LAMBLE          10:51  3
2. ALICIA NEYLAN         11:32  1
3. HANNAH BANKS          12:03  2
4. ANNE WHITWORTH        12:55  4
5. AMY JOHNSON           14:05  5

1. ERGENEKON GIRGIN      12:05  1

 VRWC U9 1 Km Handicap
1. NIKKI APOSTOLIDIS      6:17  2
2. CHLOE McNICOL-DAVIDSON 6:42  1

1. DAVID BUTTERISS        7:02  1

VRWC 5 Km Fitness Walk
1. SHIRLEY COPPOCK 0:38:59
 

VRWC AND VVAC RACE RESULTS, ALBERT PARK, SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2003

The Arctic weather did not stop 62 keen walkers from converging on the Middle Park Bowling Club on Saturday where we hosted the first Victorian Veteran walk championships of the winter. And we were able to celebrate two new Veteran records

Mark Donahoo broke George Paton’s Victorian and Australian M45+ 10 km roadwalk record (48:27)
Andy Jamieson broke Murray Dickonson’s Victorian and Australian M55+ 10 km roadwalk record (48:54)

Congratulations to our newest record breakers. Full results are as follows

VVAC 5km Womens Championship
Narden Loveday         30   27:05       1
Carmel Drennan         40   33:03       1
Jenny Fawkes           45   28:06       1
Janet Holmes           45   28:36       2
Heather Lancaster      45   36:40       3
Heather Carr           50   26:32       1
Liz Feldman            50   29:12       2
Jayne Carter           50   33:10       3
Christine Griffiths    50   42:24       4
Celia Johnson          55   30:17       1
Brenda Riley           60   27:31       1
Sylvia Machin          60   30:21       2
Marlaine Stanway       60   33:06       3
Heide Engel            60   Disq
Shirley Coppock        65   37:49       1
Jean Knox              75   36:40       1

VVAC 5km Mens Championship
Gordan Gourley         70   35:00       1
Sid Elks               75   39:47       1

VVAC 10km Mens Championship
Mark Donahoo           45   47:25       1 ** Record
Colin Heywood          45   51:17       2
Paul Rance             45   51:29       3
Ian Cassell            45   61:18       4
Ross Reid              45   Disq
John Bunker            50   51:35       1
Tim Erickson           50   51:47       2
Geoff Barrow           50   62:50       3
Andrew Jamieson        55   47:30       1 ** Record
Alan Lucas             55   56:35       2
Ron Bilston            55   64:04       3
John Morrison          60   62:30       1
John Hallo             60   64:29       2
Geoff Major            65   60:48       1
Ian Beaumont           65   77:52       2

Apart from the Vets championships, we had our usual handicap and fastest times races and there were some closely contested events and some great performances.

VRWC 10km Open Handicap                 Hcap place
1. Kylie Bonney               53:01     2
2. Sandra Geisler             53:44     1
3. Jodie Emmerson             64:26     3
   Rebecca Wilkie             DNF

1. Mark Dohanoo               47:25     3
2. John Bunker                51:35     4
3. Tim Erickson               51:47     5
4. Alan Lucas                 56:35     2
5. John Morrison              62:30     1

VRWC 5km Open Handicap
1. Shaun Burgess              29:16     1

1. Nicole Sansonetti          26:25     2
2. Naradene Loveday           27:05     5
3. Jenny Fawkes               28:06     1
4. Anne Holcombe              28:33     3
5. Janet Holmes               28:36     4
6. Ezo Girgin                 31:40     8
7. Marlaine Stanway           33:05     6
8. Kylie Vandenheiligenberg   35:28     7

VRWC 3km Under 15 Handicap
1. Timucin Girgin             16:45     2
2. Daniel Lineen              17:07     3
3. Nicholas Mirarchi          17:57     1
4. Jayson Stoddart            18:49     4

1. Sarah Alexander            15:40     3
2. Eda Girgin                 16:27     4
3. Siobhan Donovan            16:37     2
4. Katie Lovus                16:47     1

VRWC 2km Under 12 Handicap
1. Ergenekon Girgin           13:13     1

1. Natalie Laurie             10:51     2
2. Regan Lamble               11:08     4
3. Anne Whitworth             11:33     1
4. Alicia Neylan              12:20     5
5. Josephine Mirarchi         17:14     3

VRWC 1km Under 9 Handicap
1. Nikki Apostolidis           6:28     2
2. Chloe McNicol-Davidson      7:13     1
 

AFRWC CARNIVAL, CANBERRA, SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2003

The Canberra Carnival is over once again and what a wonderful weekend it was. The Peter Waddell memorial walk on the Saturday afternoon was a great success with over 50 walkers remembering Peter’s memory in a non-race 5 km walk. The Federation Conference saw Harry Summers re-elected as AFRWC President. The Sunday races were held in the best Canberra weather we have seen for many years and over 200 walkers from all over Australia keenly raced against each other. NSWRWC continue to set the standard and won the Brennan Shield once again but our walkers did themselves proud with some fine walking. Many of our walkers did PBs and no Victorian walkers were disqualified – a great result. The Victorian results (unofficially from my own reckoning) were as follows

AFRWC OPEN 20M           3 BERTIE, Frank      162:12
                         4 ERICKSON, Chris    163:58
                         5 DONAHOO, Mark      183:33 (1st Veteran)
                         7 KNOX, Duncan       193:19
ACT 30 KM                1 BERTIE, Frank      162:12
                         2 ERICKSON, Chris    163:58
AFRWC OPEN/VET WOMEN 10M 1 WOLOWIEC, Simone    79:44
                         3 PETERS, Megan       85:11
                         6 SANSONETTI, Nicole  94:42
AFRWC OPEN/VET MEN 10M   3 ERICKSON, Tim       87:04 (1st Veteran)
                         4 BUNKER, John        87:11 (2nd Veteran)
AFRWC GIRLS U17 5000M    5 BODDY, Tyne         28:39
AFRWC BOYS U17 5000M     5 STEVENSON, Tim      28:16
AFRWC GIRLS U15 3000M    3 ALEXANDER, Sarah    15:46
                         9 NIELSEN, Daina      16:28
                        12 GIRGIN, Eda         16:37
                        21 POLMEAR, Jacinta    18:25
AFRWC BOYS U15 3000M     6 PLATT, John         16:44
                        11 BODDY, Reece        18:34
BOYS/GIRLS U9 1000M      3 TALLENT, Ebony       6:37
                         4 McNICOL_DAVIDSON, Chloe 6:51
                         7 NIELSEN, Karla       7:36
AFRWC GIRLS U12 2000M    4 LAURIE, Natalie     10:42
                         6 LAMBLE, Regan       10:47
                         9 TALLENT, Rachel     11:26
                        20 APOSTOLIDIS, Nikki  13:41
                        23 MIRARCHI, Josephine 16:45
AFRWC BOYS U12 2000M     1 GIRGIN, Timucin     10:31
                         3 STODDART, Jayson    11:21
                         4 GIRGIN, Ergenekon   11:37
                         8 MIRARCHI., Nicholas 11:46
                        10 PLATT, Joshua       12:05
                        12 BUTTERISS, David    15:40
AFRWC WOMEN OPEN 5000M   2 PETERS, Megan       24:58
                         7 CARR, Heather       27:02 (1st Veteran)
                        15 GIRGIN, Eda         29:28
                        16 GIRGIN, Ezo         29:39
                        24 PLATT, Belinda      32:15
                        28 JONES, Kelly        36:15
AFRWC MEN U20 10000M     2 TALLENT, Jared      44:55
                         5 MIDDLEMISS, Travis  47:36
AA MEN U20 10000M        1 TALLENT, Jared      44:55
                         4 MIDDLEMISS, Travis  47:36

Top walking performers
It is always a bit tricky to single out particular walkers but there are a few who bear special mention.

Jared Tallent won his third straight Athletics Australia U20 10 km roadwalk in the very fast time of 44:55. In fact, it was a blanket finish with the first 3 across the line all within a metre of each other. NSW walker Aaron Mellor was first to cross the line but was disqualified by the chief judge for infringing in the final 100m of the race, leaving Jared to claim the AA title. But this same rule could not be applied to the AFRWC 10 km roadwalk which was held concurrently. So we have the very interesting situation where Jared has won the AA title but Aaron has won the AFRWC title. Obviously this will have to fixed for next year so that this cannot sort of situation cannot re-occur. But Jared continues to set the standard for all other Junior walkers in Australia and can, in my book, continue to hold onto the mantle as our top junior.

Timicin Girgin won his his fourth title in 5 years in the Canberra Carnival. His last 5 years in Canberra are as follows
1999  Under 9 1000m     1st   5:38
2000  Under 9 1000m     1st   5:20
2001  Under 12 2000m    5th  11:07
2002  Under 12 2000m    1st  10:30
2003  Under 12 2000m    1st  10:31
Tim has dominated his age groups over a 5 year period  and has a record that few other walkers in Australia can match. We wish him all the best as he moves up the age groups.

Simone Wolowiec was a convincing winner in the 10 Mile walk for Open Women. She left all in her wake to become the inaugural winner of the Peter Waddell trophy. She is fast getting back to the form which saw her selected to represent Australia in two World Cup events. Her style is looking very safe and she has bounced back wonderfully from her injury ridden last 12 months.

Megan Peters came 3rd in the 10 Mile walk for Women in the morning (85:11) and then came 2nd in the 5000m walk for Women in the afternoon (24:58) in a great double. In her afternoon walk, she was only a short distance behind the winner, Claire Woods of the AIS.

Frank Bertie and Chris Erickson both contested the tough 20 miler and came 3rd and 4th behind the two AIS aces, Darren Bown and Liam Murphy. Both walkers did PBs and improved on their places and times from last year.

A number of our teams were successful in winning team medals also. The successful teams were

Open Men 20 Mile      2nd  Frank Bertie, Chris Erickson, Mark Donahoo
Open Women 10 mile    1st  Simone Wolowiec, Megan Peters, Nicole Sansonetti
Open Women 5000m      3rd  Megan Peters, Heather Carr, Eda Girgin
Under 15 Girls 3000m  2nd  Sarah Alexander, Daina Nielsen, Eda Girgin
Under 12 Girls 2000m  2nd  Natalie Laurie, Regan Lamble, Rachel Tallent
Under 12 Boys 2000m   1st  Timicin Girgin, Jayson Stoddart, Ergenekon Girgin
Under 12 Boys 2000m   3rd  Nicholas Mirarchi, Joshua Platt, David Butteriss

Well done to everyone on their performances.
 

VRWC RACES, ALBERT PARK, SATURDAY 31 MAY 2003

Our annual relay day went off very well with both events being keenly contested. Luckily the weather was not too bad but it was still a tough ask for those who walked multiple laps – how to stay warm and stop tightening up between laps. But everyone seemed equal to the task.

3x1km U9 and U12 Relay
The Under 9s and Under 12s had to be altered a bit on the day due to several withdrawals but we managed to get 4 teams up and running and the Girgin boys had what turned out to be a comfortable win. Timucim had the fastest two splits for the day and set it up nicely for younger brother Ergenekon.

1. Timucim Girgin    5.09  Timucim Girgin         5.36  Ergenekon Girgin  6.32  17.17
2. Ergenekon Girgin  6.09  Nikki Apostolidis      6.21  Amy Johnson       5.49  18.19
3. David Butteris    6.54  AnneWhitworth          5.32  Nicole Hallett    5.58  18.24
4. Jayson Stoddart   6.54  Chloe McNicol-Davidson 9.21  Jayson Stoddart   5.49  22.04

5x4km Open Relay
The Open relay saw the lead change on a number of occasions in what was an intriguing race. Frank Bertie was at top speed for his 3 laps and took so much time off the other teams that there was no way anyone was going to match his team. He gave Heather Carr a lead of over 2 minutes going into the last lap but still won comfortably.
Further back in the field, Harry Summers had to pull out after only 1 km in the first leg and that left Ron McGregor and Chris Erickson with the tough task of walking Harry’s extra 3 km as well as their own laps. Ron did 5 km and Chris did 14 km to make sure the team finished.
The team of Andy Jamieson, Heather Carr and Alan Lucas actually finished 2nd but were penalized 3 mins for a DQ in the first leg. That relegated them to 3rd place and let the team of Sarah Alexander, John Bunker and Jenny Fawkes move up to 2nd place.
Duncan Knox and Tim Erickson, like Frank and Chris, were gluttons for punishment and also did 3 laps each.

1. Frank Bertie    Tina Baarslag-Leb Frank Bertie      Anne Holcombe  Frank Bertie
   17.55           28.44             17.42             23.24          17.50            105.35
2. Sarah Alexander Jenny Fawkes      John Bunker       Jenny Fawkes   John Bunker
   21.23           22.22             19.58             22.40          20.44            107.07
3. Andrew Jamieson Alan Lucas        Heather Carr      Alan Lucas     Heather Carr
Penalty of 3 mins  22.19             21.27             22.15          21.48            109.40
4. Tim Erickson    Daina Nielsen     Tim Erickson      Gwen Steed     Tim Erickson
   20.24           22.52             20.27             25.16          21.20            110.19
5. Janet Holmes    Bob Gardiner      Andrew Jamieson   Janet Holmes   Bob Gardiner
   23.00           22.36             18.54             23.17          23.43            111.30
6. Duncan Knox     Jodie Emmerson    Duncan Knox       Jodie Emmerson Duncan Knox
   20.50           24.45             20.28             25.02          20.53            111.58
7. Harry Summers   Ron McGregor      Chris Erickson    Chris Erickson Chris Erickson
   28.51           51.40             72.50             19.42          20.02            112.34
8. Celia Johnson   Marlaine Stanway  Mark Donahoo      Celia Johnson  Mark Donahoo
   24.02           26.40             18.38             25.02          18.30            112.36
9. Ezo Girgin      Eda Girgin        Nicole Sansonetti Ezo Girgin     Nicole Sansonetti
   23.47           23.06             21.46             23.52          22.34            115.05

4km Open Race
A 4 km open race was held for those others who turned up on the day and Ross Reid walked a very brisk time in winning.
1. Ross Reid       18.51
2. Geoff Barrow    24.08
3. Daniel Lineen   24.25
4. John Morrison   24.35
5. Ron Bilston     24.50
6. Carmel. Drennan 26.47
7. Robin Wood      27.32
8. Shirley Coppock 30.48
 

VRWC RACES, ALBERT PARK, SATURDAY 24 MAY 2003

Another good day’s competition saw over 40 walkers testing themselves out over a variety of distances. Results show both Fastest Time places and Handicap places. Special mention for Megan Peters who is really looking good and moving fast out in front of the women. With lots of these walkers intending to walk in Canberra in 2 weeks time (see list below), it omens well.

12km Open Handicap Time   Place Hcp Place
Megan Peters       61:03  1     2
Marlaine Stanway   82:59  2     1

Chris Erickson     59:19  1     5
Mark Donahoo       60:27  2     3
John Bunker        62:54  3     1
Tim Erickson       63:10  4     2
Bob Gardiner       61:01  5     4

6km Open Handicap  Time   Place Hcp Place
Kylie Bonney       30:46  1     e3
Heather Carr       32:14  2     5
Nicole Sansonetti  33:03  3     2
Rebecca Wilkie     33:33  4     11
Jenny Fawkes       34:17  5     1
Janet Holmes       34:58  6     6
Ann Holcombe       35:20  7     e3
Ezo girgin         36:16  8     8
Celia Johnson      36:56  9     10
Gwen Steed         37:06  10    9
Jodie Emmerson     38:00  11    13
Kylie Vandenh'berg 43:46  12    12
Tina Baarsleg_Leb  44:16  13    7

Alan Lucas         33:51  1     1
Robin Wood         39:25  2     3
Ron McGregor       39:46  3     2

4km U15  Handicap  Time   Place Hcp Place
Sarah Alexander    21:15  1     3
Eda Girgin         21:58  2     1
Siobhan Donovan    22:33  3     2
Daina Nielsen      23:01  4     6
Katie Lovus        23:42  5     e4
Andrea Contessotto 26:03  6     e4

Daniel Lineen      24:52  1     2
Nicholas Mirarchi  27:37  2     1

1.5km U12 Handicap Time   Place Hcp Place
Natalie Laurie     7:35   1     2
Alicia Neylan      8:42   2     3
Amy Johnson        8:44   3     1
Hannah Banks       8:55   4     4
Anne Whitworth     9:35   5     5

Timucin Girgin     7:51   1     1
Ergenekon Girgin   9:30   2     2

1.5km U9  Handicap     Time   Place Hcp Place
Nikki Apostolidis      08:52  1     1
Chloe McNicol-Davidson 11:59  2     2
Karla Nielsen          12:55  3     3
Jasmine Irshad         15:00  4     4

David Butteriss        10:59  1     1
 

VRWC RACES, ALBERT PARK, SUNDAY 18 MAY 2003

It may have been a cold miserable day but over 60 walkers walked in what was a big day in every sense. And the races were followed by a very enjoyable luncheon and Presentation in the Bowling Club dining room. Congratulations on everyone on making the day such a big success.

ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 50KM OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Duane Cousins claimed his second Australian 50km walk title today at the Telstra Australian Men's 50km Road Walking Championship, held at Albert Park in Melbourne.
In cold and drizzly conditions, with temperature ranging from 10 to 15 degrees, Luke Adams led the field to the 35km mark, before calling it a day, saying he was "satisfied with his performance at this stage of his training program".  Following Luke’s withdrawal, it was Darren Bown heading the field. Darren’s lead looked unassailable but Duane, determined to improve on last year’s silver medal, put in a brilliant final second 25kms, overtaking the leader and winning the race in an excellent sub four hour performance (3:59:33). Duane also won the Victorian 50 km title, held concurrently.
Liam Murphy chased Duane all the way, determined to maintain his two year 50km National Championship winning streak, but couldn't bridge the gap, finishing second in 4:04:56. Darren, although suffering badly, struggled home to take the bronze, recording 4:18:43.
A notable omission from the starting line up was Australia's number one male race walker, Nathan Deakes. The 2002 Commonwealth Games champion has withdrawn his name from nomination and consideration for both 20km and 50km events at this year’s world championships, as he turns his focus to rehabilitation of his left hamstring and sciatic nerve, and training towards the 2004 Olympics.

                        10km  20km    30km    40km    50km
1. Duane Cousins   Vic  47:52 1:35:19 2:23:12 3:10:02 3:59:33
2. Liam Murphy     SA   47:26 1:36:13 2:24:33 3:12:38 4:04:56
3. Darren Bown     SA   47:12 1:34:22 2:21:51 3:20:47 4:18:43
   Luke Adams      NSW  47:11 1:34:22 2:21:49 Ab
   Mark Donahoo    Vic  53.49 1:46:23 2:44:21 Ab
   Andrew Jamieson Vic  53.49 1:45:57 2:39:11 Ab
   Duncan Knox Vic      59:25 Ab

ATHLETICS VICTORIA 50KM OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Duane Cousins   Bendigo YMCA   3:59:33

VRWC 35KM MENS CHAMPIONSHIP  (RAY SMITH TROPHY)
We held our own club VRWC Championship in conjunction with the 50 km event and we had a healthy 5 starters. Jared Tallent was just after a fast 20 km hitout and he actually led the top 50 km walkers throughout the early stages of the race to record a very slick 1:34:12. Frank, Chris, Mark and Andy had all started more conservatively and were using the occasion as a solid training session in preparation for the Canberra 20 miler in 3 weeks time. Mark was the first to drop off the pace at about the 17 km mark and then Andy faded back soon after. That left Frank and Chris to fight it out and the pace in the second half of the race was considerably faster. Eventually Frank made the winning break at the 31 km mark and he went on to win by nearly 2 minutes. He was awarded the Ray Smith Trophy, one of our most coveted perpetual trophies.

                   10km  20km    30km    35km
1. Frank Bertie    53.49 1:45:52 2:37:10 3:02:07
2. Chris Erickson  53.49 1:45:52 2:37:11 3:03:56
3. Mark Donahoo    53.49 1:46:23 2:44:21 3:14:27
   Andrew Jamieson 53.49 1:45:57 2:39:11
   Jared Tallent   46.56 1:34:12

VRWC 15KM WOMENS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP (ELSIE JACOBSON TROPHY)
While the men were fighting out the 35 km championship, the women were contesting the Elsie Jacobson Trophy, held over 15 km. It was good Megan Peters recover from her hamstring problems and record a good win. Rachael Loone also walked strongly for a good time and Sandra Geisler is moving well for someone doing her first season of longer walks. The other finisher was Nicole Sansonetti who also seems to be back on course after an injury ridden summer.

1. Megan Peters      1:16:58
2. Rachael Loone     1:20:32
3. Sandra Geisler    1:25:27
4. Nicole Sansonetti 1:31:21

Apart from these senior events, we also had the full range of underage club championships and most age groups were well supported. Travis was our lone Under 20 walker and he had a good hitout over 15 km. He is building up for the Australian 10 km roadwalk title which will be held in Canberra in 3 weeks time.

VRWC 15 KM U20 MEN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Travis Middlemiss 1:20:23

Our Under 16 walkers had to perform over a 5 km distance and Tyne Boddy and Shaun Burgess were the two outstanding walkers here. Tyne is getting back to her form of last year after a quiet summer.

VRWC 5KM U16 WOMEN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Tyne Boddy               29:22
2. Kylie Vandenheiligenberg 35:55
VRWC 5KM U16 MEN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Shaun Burgess            29:46
2. Nicholas Mirarchi        33:08
   Bradley Elms             Ab

The lower age groups continue to be the most keenly contested and Sarah and Eda and Daina all recorded very good times in taking the medals in the girls Under 14 race. Daniel Payne, one of our new newest members, won his first club championship with a very good walk in the boys event. Jayson Stoddart, although eligible for Under 10, jumped up to the Under 14 and walked very well for the silver.

VRWC 3KM U14 WOMEN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Sarah Alexander    15:54
2. Eda Girgin         16:12
3. Diana Nielsen      16:35
4. Siobhan Donovan    16:56
5. Katie Lovus        17:11
6. Andrea Contessotto 19:06
VRWC 3KM U14 MEN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Daniel Payne       17:22
2. Jayson Stoddart    19:59

The Under 12 and Under 10 walkers both contested a 1 km race and it was amazing to see the speed at which they all took off! But by the time they returned, the fields had spread out and we had clear winners in all events. Regan Lamble was the fastest of the speedsters and Ballarat walker Rachel Tallent was not far behind. Tim and Ergenekon Girgin did not let brotherly love get in the way of their racing while Nicole Hallet and Nikki Apostolidis had a great battle in the Under 9.

VRWC 1KM U12 GIRLS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Regan Lamble       5:02
2. Rachel Tallent     5:11
3. Anne Whitworth     5:30
4. Lana Boddy         5:35
5. Cate-Linne Fraser  5:38
6. Alicia Neylan      5:45
7. Emily Payne        5:54
8. Josephine Mirarchi 7:56
VRWC 1KM U12 BOYS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Timucin Girgin     5:21
2. Ergenekon Girgin  5:32

VRWC 1KM U9 GIRLS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Nicole Hallett         6:17
2. Nikki Apostolidis      6:20
3. Chloe McNicol-Davidson 7:54
VRWC 1KM U9 BOYS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
   David Butteriss        Disq

20km non championship events for both men and women were also held. Top Victorian walker Simone Wolowiec was a convincing winner in the women's 20km, crossing the line in 1:39:19 while in the men's 20km event, 18 year old South Australian walker Kim Mottrom walked a PB to win in 1:37:29.

20KM WOMENS NON CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT
1. Simone Wolowiec 1:39:19
   Rachael Loone   Ab. 80.32 for 15km
   Megan Peters    Ab. 76.58 for 15km
   Claire Woods    Ab. 20.57 for 4km
20KM MENS NON CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT
1. Kim Mottrom     1:37:29
   Alan Lucas      Disq

We also had two non-championship races for those who wanted a race but for whom the other distances were a bit long.

10KM OPEN NON CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT
1. Tom Barnes        50:48
2. John Bunker       52:59
3. Heather Carr      56:15
4. Amanda Emmett     59:32
5. Jenny  Fawkes     60:57
6. Marlene Stanway   69:08
   Celia Johnson     Disq
   Nadene Loveday    Ab. 11.38 for 2km
5KM OPEN NON CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT
1. Gwen Steed        31:13
2. Ann Holcombe      31:32
3. Tina Baarslag-Leb 37:01
 

VRWC RACES, ALBERT PARK, SATURDAY 10 MAY 2003

This week’s handicap start presented its usual unique challenge and it took some time before we had everything organised and we could let the first competitors go. Luckily the day was sunny and everyone took the delay well. The races proved to be very competitive with the outmarkers walking for all they were worth to hold off the chasers while those who were further back were trying to catch those given the start. The order in the results this week is the place going over the finish line and reflects the handicap points placings. The fastest times placings are shown on the right hand side.

In the 10 km for women, Heather Carr walked a very good race and is approaching top form while Alan Lucas held off his faster rivals and won by the proverbial mile. Alan’s time was a couple of minutes improvement on his times of last season and he deserved his win. It is good to see Tom Barnes walking the winter and moving up to the 10 km distance.

10 km handicap for women
1. Heather Carr    55:48 1
2. Nardene Loveday 57:44 2
10 km handicap for men
1. Alan Lucas      57:33 5
2. Mark Donahoo    48:20 1
3. Ron Bilston     64:21 6
4. Tom Barnes      50:39 2
5. John Bunker     52:02 3
6. Tim Erickson    52:22 4
7. Robin Wood      67:08 7

While most of the men chose the 10 km event, the women were more circumspect and most chose the 5 km distance. Christine Griffiths was another outmarker to walk above her normal standard and, like Alan in the 10 km race, also held off her opposition with a good walk. Nicole Sansonetti seems to be over her summer injuries and is getting faster once again. Young Shaun Burgess recorded both handicap and fastest time wins in the 5 km for men.

5 km handicap for women
1.  Christine Griffiths  42:17 8
2.  Nicole Sansonetti    26:48 1
3.  Ann Holcombe         28:53 3
4.  Anne Bilston         37:05
5.  Janet Holmes         29:02 4
6.  Tina Baarslag-Leb    36:36 9
7.  Liz Feldman          29:08
8.  Gwen Steed           30:35 6
9.  Marlaine Stanway     33:01 7
10. Celia Johnson        30:31 5
11. Emma Gray            27:42 2
5 km handicap for men
1. Shaun Burgess         29:41 1
2. Geoff Barrow          29:15
3. Ron McGregor          33:08 2

A special mention to Sarah Alexander who walked a great 15:20 in the Under 15 3 km. But not even that time was sufficient to catch Andrea Contessotto who made the most of her handicap lead and walked a good 18:13 to win the handicap by 4 secs. Eda Girgin was a further 3 seconds in arrears. This proved to be our closest finish. Nicholas Mirarchi had too big a lead over Tim Girgin in the boys’ event and was yet another successful outmarker.

Under 15 3km for girls
1. Andrea Contessotto   18:13 5
2. Sarah Alexander      15:20 1
3. Eda Girgiin          16:19 e2
4. Siobhan Donovan      16:40 3
5. Daina Neilsen        16:19 e2
6. Katie Lovus          16:58 4
Under 15 3km for boys
1. Nicholas Mirarchi    18:50 2
2. Timucin Girgin       17:56 1

Josephine Mirarchi, like her brother in the Under 15 event, also held off the chasers for the handicap win while Natalie Laurie made the most of what turned out to be a very generous starting position and walked a great 10:54 for fastest time and second place in the handicap. Regan Lamble gamely chased but could not bridge the gap. Jayson Stoddart was another Under 12 to record a very fast time in winning the boys’ handicap. They are certainly a fast lot.

U12  2000m for girls
1. Josephine Mirarchi   16:24 6
2. Natalie Laurie       10:54 1
3. Cate-Linne Fraser    11:33 3
4. Amy Johnson          13:52 5
5. Regan Lamble         11:08 2
6. Alicia Neylan        12:43 4
U12  2000m for boys
1. Jayson Stoddart      11:16
2. Ergenekon Girgin     13:09

Only a few Under 9 walkers in attendance this week but they walked well with Nikki Apostolidis and David Butteris taking the points.

U9 1000m for girls
1. Nikki Apostolidis    6:23 1
2. Karla Nielsen        8:23 2
U9 1000m for boys
1. David Butteriss      6:49

Open 3km
1. Ann Whitworth        18:59 1

5 km Unjudged fitness walk
Mark Butteriss          45:35
Jessica Butteris   Ab.  46.10 for 4km
 

VRWC RACES, ALBERT PARK, SATURDAY 3 MAY 2003

The centrepieces of the day’s racing were the Victorian 15km titles for men and women and they proved an opportunity to see some of the top Australian walkers in action. Again, we had over 50 walkers competing in a variety of events and the season continues to go from strength to strength.

AV 15 KM ROADWALK CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR WOMEN
With the retirement of Wendy Muldoon at the end of the summer season, this event was up for grabs and it was a fit looking Simone Wolowiec, just returned from a stint in Canberra, who walked away from the field to win with a very evenly paced 73:22. Megan Peters was well placed in second when a hamstring problem forced her out at the 6 km mark and that opened up the way for Rachel Loone to move through and take silver with a PB time of 79:25. Sandra Geisler took her first Victorian medal, a bronze, with her longest walk so far. The time was a very good 83:33.

1. Simone Wolowiec    Knox      73:22
2. Rachel Loone       Chilwell  79:25
3. Sandra Geisler     Ringwood  83:33
   Kylie Bonney       Knox        DNF
   Megan Peters       Glenhuntly  DNF

AV 15 KM ROADWALK CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR MEN
Even with a number of the top Victorian walkers absent from this race, the presence of AIS walkers Darren Bown and Liam Murphy ensured an exciting race. Darren headed to the lead from the gun and was never challenged, winning in a very fast 64:07. This omens well for the AA 50 km in 2 weeks time when he and Liam will be among the favourites. Victorian Junior champion Jared Tallent held off a fast finishing Frank Bertei to win the Victorian senior title in a PB time of 70:01. Liam Murphy was well up early but faded and was passed by Frank who took the Victorian silver. Veterans Mark Donahoo and Colin Heywood walked together for most of the race and it was not until the 12 km point that Mark finally took the lead and surged home for the Victorian bronze. Stuart Kollmorgen walked his first longer race on the road and had to dig deep to finish in a good first up time.

1. Darren Bown       Elizabeth (AIS)   64:07
2. Jared Tallent     Ballarat YCW      70:01 (1st AV)
3. Frank Bertei      Nunawading        70:06 (2nd AV)
4. Liam Murphy       Salisbury (AIS)   73:21
5. Mark Donahoo      Aths Essendon     74:28 (3rd AV)
6. Colin Heywood     Diamond Valley    74:52
7. Stuart Kollmorgen Collingwood       81:10

Apart from the AV events, we had a series of handicap races for our own competitors. The first was a 15km handicap which was run in conjunction with the AV 15km event and Colin Heywood took the points over Mark Donahoo.

VRWC Open Men 15km Handicap   Hcp
1. Mark Donahoo    74:28      2
2. Colin Heywood   74:52      1

A few keener walkers chose the 10km handicap events and Ross Reid and Rebecca Wilkie led the fields home. A good battle between John Bunker and Tim Erickson saw John take the honours and win the handicap while Ezo Girgin won the women’s handicap with what must have been a PB.

VRWC Open Men 10km Handicap   Hcp
1. Ross Reid      50:28       3
2. John Bunker    52:58       1
3. Tim Erickson   53:17       4
4. Alan Lucas     58:06       2
VRWC Open Women 10km Handicap Hcp
1. Rebecca Wilkie 55:53       e2
2. Ezo Girgin     57:50       1
3. Amanda Emmett  58:38       e2

The 5 km event was the choice for most walkers and Tom Barnes and Heather Carr both walked very competitive times. Nicole Sansonetti showed that she is over her injuries and getting back into good form with a handicap win in the women’s event while veteran walker John Morrison won the men’s handicap and had made a very good comeback in quick time.

VRWC Open Men 5km Handicap    Hcp
1. Tom Barnes     24:53       2
2. Geoff Barrow   30:49       3
3. John Morrison  29:59       1
   Harry Summers  DNF
VRWC Open Women 5km Handicap       Hcp
1. Heather Carr              26:30 3
2. Nicole Sansonetti         27:30 1
3. Ann Holcombe              29:46 2
4. Celia Johnson             30:22 4
5. Gwen Steed                30:32 5
6. Marlaine Stanway          33:24 6
7. Kylie Vandenheiligenberg  35:29 8
8. Tina Baarslag-Leb         37:49 7
9. Christine Griffiths       47:46 9

Our junior fields continue to be very well supported and a number of our younger walkers successfully moved up to the 5 km distance. Daniel Payne, having his first walk with the club, did a good first up 31:20 while Tim Girgin jumped up from U12 once again to win the boy’s event. The girls’ race was very competitive with good times by everyone. They will all improve further with the continuing competition.

VRWC U15 Boys 5km Handicap    Hcp
1. Timucin Girgin      29:27  1
2. Daniel Payne        31:20
VRWC U15 Girls 5km Handicap   Hcp
1. Sarah Alexander     27:09  3
2. Eda Girgin          28:33  4
3. Daina Nielsen       28:51  2
4. Siobhan Donovan     29:32  5
5. Andrea Contessotto  31:59  1

In the Under 12 race Natalie Laurie and Regan Lamble had another great battle with Natalie once again the narrow victor but the big improver was Cate-Linne Fraser who easily won the handicap for girls. Jayson Stoddart did well considering a cross country run in the morning. He took the double, taking both the fastest times and handicap points in the boys’ event.

VRWC U12 Boys 2km Handicap   Hcp
1. Jayson Stoddart    11:37  1
2. Ergenekon Girgin   12:33  2
3. David Butteriss    16:03  3
VRWC U12 Girls 2km Handicap  Hcp
1. Natalie Laurie     11:04  2
2. Regan Lamble       11:07  3
3. Cate-Linne Fraser  11:58  1
4. Anne Whitworth     12:02  4
5. Alicia Neylan      12:38  6
6. Hannah Banks       12:59  7
7. Emily Payne        13:39
8. Amy Johnson        14:21  5

The Under 9 girls was an exciting event with Nicole Hallett once again just edging out Nikki Apostolidis.

 VRWC U9 Girls 1km Handicap  Hcp
1. Nicole Hallett     6:35   3
2. Nikki Apostolidis  6:36   1
3. Karla Nielsen      8:40   2
 

VRWC RACES, ALBERT PARK, SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2003

We had a wonderful turnout of 59 walkers who contested a variety of distances ranging up to 12 km. Given that the AV Country championships were on in opposition this weekend and we were missing quite a number of regulars, that omens well for even bigger fields as the season progresses. The first races at 2:15 saw a huge lineup and part of it is shown in the photo below.

The 12 km races attracted the some of the more serious walkers who are preparing for the 15 km Victorian championships next week. Megan Peters made the early pace and it took most of the race before Colin Heywood and Chris Erickson caught her. Megan, who is recovering from a hip injury, called it quits after a very good 10 km split and that left Colin and Chris to lead the fields home. Colin unfortunately incurred the judges’ displeasure and that left Chris and Rachel Loone to take the accolades. The results also show the handicap places for financial members and Rachel and Alan Lucas shared the honours as handicap winners.

12km Open Handicap for women
1.  Rachael Loone       1:06:04  1
2.  Sandra Geisler      1:08:32  2
3.  Nicole Sansonetti   1:14:01  3
    Megan Peters        Ab (51.13 for 10km)

12km Open Handicap for men
1.  Chris Erickson      1:02:56  3
2.  John Bunker         1:10:26  2
3.  Alan Lucas          1:13:21  1
    Colin Heywood       DQ
    Robin Wood          DNF (54.45 for 8km)

 The 6 km events were the most popular with the majority of walkers keeping their race distances within known limits and erring on the conservative side in this early part of the season.  Kylie Bonney went out fast as usual and led the men for the first 2 km before Tom Barnes bridged the gap and took a winning lead. Kylie hung on well to record a good win in the womens section, holding off top ace Kellie Wapshott. Murray Dickinson made a welcome return to Albert Park after a quiet summer and was rewarded with a handicap win in the mens section while Jenny Fawkes won the womens handicap section with a fine walk. Of course, I was handicapped out of it by the brutal handicapper but I refuse to complain and take it on the chin as usual!

6km Open Handicap for women         Hcp
1.  Kylie Bonney              32:05 2
2.  Kellie Wapshott           32:57 10
3.  Rebecca Wilkie            33:09 4
4.  Heather Carr              33:48 6
5.  Jenny Fawkes              35:27 1
6.  Eda Girgin                36:05 3
7.  Celia Johnson             37:04 5
8.  Ezo Girgin                37:33 8
9.  Gwen Steed                38:43 11
10. Marlaine Stanway          41:21 9
11. Kylie Vandenheiligenberg  44:09 12
12. Tina Baarslag-Leb         45:39 7
    Sarah Catling             DNF  (23.14 for 4km)

6km Open Handicap for men  Hcp
1.  Tom Barnes                31:22 4
1.  Tim Erickson              31:41 5
2.  Murray Dickinson          33:11 1
3.  Tony Barrett              35:38 6
4.  John Morrison             37:39 3
5.  Ron McGregor              41:50 2

The fitness walk continues to attract an ongoing audience and, after some email discussions this week, we may have some more new entrants next week. It was great to see former top walker Mark Thomas and his wife Andrea having a nice stroll. I’ll bet most people did not know that they were passing a former Australian international walker when they zoomed past Mark.

4km unjudged fitness walk
Mark Thomas             33:57
Andrea Thomas           33:57
Jessica Butteriss       38:13
Mark Butteriss          38:14

These under 15 walkers are actually a very talented lot and their 4 km times indicate just how fast they are walking at the moment. They beat most of the older walkers in the Open 4 km walk. Timucin is actually Under 12 and is walking up an age group so his time is even more impressive. Of the girls, Sarah won well considering she had been ill – a gutsy performance. Siobhan was the handicap winner in a tight contest.

 4km U15 Handicap for girls        Hcp
1.  Sarah Alexander          22:22 2
2.  Siobhan Donovan          23:28 1
3.  Daina Nielsen            24:22 3

4km U15 Handicap for boys          Hcp
1.  Timucin Girgin           23:57 1

The Open 4 Km event saw a mixed field with new members like Katie Lovus and Ann Holcombe mixing it with seasoned campaigners like Club President Harry Summers. Is Harry finally starting his fitness campaign? A special mention for Janet Riddell who had a judged walk on this occasion after a few weeks in the unjudged walk. Well done Janet – you passed muster with the judges.

4km Open
1.  Janet Holmes             23:02
2.  Katie Lovus              23:41
3.  Ann Holcombe             24:09
4.  Harry Summers            26:38
5.  Andrea Contessotto       26:48
6.  Carmel Drennan           26:58
7.  Anne Bilston             29:30
8.  Andrea Loughnan          33:14
9.  Janet Riddell            33:35
10. Christine Griffiths      33:49

The Under 12 and Under 9 walkers contested a combined 1500m race and it is wonderful to see a nice group building up there. In the Under 12 event, Natalie Laurie won after a good battle with Regan Lamble who was having her first walk at Albert Park.  In the Under 9 events, Ergenekon Girgin was able to match it with the Under 12 walkers and walked a great time of 9:14 while Nicole Hallett and Nikki Apostolidis had a great battle in the girls event with Nicole just edging Nikki out.
Our apologies to a few of these walkers as we did not have our 1500m turn marked and some walkers (David Butteriss and
Jasmine Irshad for two) walked past the turn before being advised to “go back”. We will make sure that in future weeks we are a bit more careful.

1500m Under 12 Handicap for girls
1.  Natalie Laurie           8:25  2
2.  Regan Lamble             8:30
3.  Anne Whitworth           9:15  4
4.  Alicia Neylan            9:27  3
5.  Cate-Linne Fraser        9:30
6.  Amy Johnson             10:29  1

 1500m Under 9 Handicap for girls
1.  Nicole Hallett          10:30  5
2.  Nikki Apostolidis       10:32  4
3.  Karla Nielsen           12:35  2
4.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson  13:08  3
5.  Jasmine Irshad          13:14  1

1500m Under 9 Handicap for boys
1.  Ergenekon Girgin         9:14  1
2.  David Butteriss         11:05
 

VRWC RACES, ALBERT PARK, SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2003

AV 10 km Roadwalk Championship
The first Athletics Victoria walking championship for the winter was conducted over a 1 km lap at Albert Park on Saturday. Conditions were hot and sunny and times were correspondingly slower than expected. Former champion walker Paul van Kopplen continued his resurgence and recorded a fine win after fending off attacks by youngsters Chris Erickson and Jared Tallent who took out the minor medals. The strong Athletics Essendon team continued its domination of the teams event and were too strong for the Ballarat YCW team.

1.  Paul van Kopplen      Ringwood           46.39
2.  Chris Erickson        Athletics Essendon 47.11
3.  Jared Tallent         Ballarat YCW       48.01
4.  Frank Bertie          Nunawading         48.16
5.  Andrew Jamieson       Old Scotch         49.14
6.  Colin Heywood         Diamond Valley     49.35
7.  Mark Donahoo          Athletics Essendon 52.32
8.  Stuart Kollmorgen     Collingwood        52.52
9.  Simon Evans           Box Hill           53.48
10. Duncan Knox           Athletics Essendon 54.27
11. Tim Stevenson         Ballarat YCW       64.02
12. Andrew Blood          Ballarat YCW       66.02
    Daniel Thorne         Corio              Disq

1.  Athletics Essendon    Chris Erickson, Mark Donahoo, Duncan Knox
2.  Ballarat YCW          Jared Tallent, Tim Stevenson, Andrew Blood

Apart from the AV Title, there was a selection of VRWC events on offer and a large group of walkers were in attendance. Two of our new Under 9 walkers, Nicole Hallett and Nikki Apostolidis, scorched the field with great times under 6 minutes for the 1 km distance. They might have passed me – lucky I wasn’t walking!

VRWC 10km handicap
1.  Sandra Geisler      56.52
2.  Amanda Emmett       60.58
3.  Celia Johnson       63.02
    Rachael Loone       DNF  10.06 for 2km
    Marlaine Stanway    DNF 42.27 for 6km

1.  Mark Donahoo        52.32
2.  Tom Barnes          56.42
3.  Alan Lucas          59.27
    Bob Gardiner        DNF 29.01 for 5km
    Clarrie Jack        DNF 23.15 for 4km

VRWC  5km handicap
1.  Heather Carr        26.57
2.  Nicole  Sansonetti  27.42
3.  Jenny Fawkes        29.17
4.  Janet Holmes        29.25
5.  Gwen Steed          32.05
6.  Tina Baarslag-Leb   36.53
7.  Jessica Butteriss   DNF 15.05 for 2km

1.  Trevor Mayhew       28.13
2.  John Morrison       30.43
3.  Robin Wood          33.41
4.  Nicholas Mirarchi   34.45
5.  Geoff Barrow        DNF 25.24 for 4km

VRWC Unjudged fitness walk
Jessica Butteriss       33.04 for 4km
Margaret Carey          22.52 for 3km
Janet Riddell           22.52 for 3km

VRWC Open and U15 3km handicap
1.  Daina Nielsen       16.04
2.  Sarah Alexander     16.11
3.  Lili-Ann Kriegler   20.49
4.  Christine Griffiths 27.02
    Hannah Banks  DNF   15.05 for 2km

1.  Bradley Elms        19.17
2.  Jason Elms          29.03

VRWC Under 12 2km handicap
1.  Anne Whitworth      12.26
2.  Alicia Neylan       13.32
3.  Amy Johnson         15.17
4.  Candice Kriegler    16.05
5.  Josephine Mirarchi  17.39

1.  Jayson Stoddart     11.24

VRWC Under 9 1km handicap
1.  Nicole Hallett          5.51
2.  Nikki Apostolidis       5.56
3.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson  7.02
4.  Madeline Rowe           8.22
5.  Karla Nielsen           8.41

Handicap points are awarded to all financial members who have raced at Albert Park previously over a comparable distance and for whom we are able to project a finish time. The points build up over the winter for both handicap and fastest times and become major awards at the end of the season.

10km hcp.    1.Sandra Geisler          2.Amanda Emmett      3.Celia Johnson
10km hcp.    1.Alan Lucas              2.Mark Donahoo       3.Tom Barnes
5km hcp.     1.Jenny Fawkes            2.Nicole Sansonetti  3.Heather Carr
5km hcp.     1. Trevor Mayhew          2 Nicholas Mirarchi. 3.Robin Wood
3km hcp.     1.Daina Nielsen           2.Sarah Alexander    3.Christine Griffiths
3km hcp U15. 1.Bradley Elms            2.Jason Elms
2km hcp U12. 1.Jayson Stoddart
2km hcp U12. 1.Candice Kriegler        2.Anne Whitworth     3.Alicia Neylan
1km hcp U9.  1.Chloe McNicol-Davidson  2.Karla Nielsen
 

VRWC SCRATCH RACES, ALBERT PARK, SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2003

With the Vic Vets and AA National titles on the same weekend, we were missing quite a few of our regular competitors but we still have some 40 walkers for this first week of our winter competition. There were a variety of distances on offer and a massed start ensured a good competition (except for Nicole Sansonetti who was late!). It was also great to see 8 ladies join us for the unjudged walk – and they all seemed to enjoy it and walked very well. We hope that this will build up over the winter and that it will provide an enjoyable fitness afternoon for those who come to try it. We also seem to be building up good groups of Under 9 and Under 12 walkers.

8 km Open Scratch Races
1.  Sandra Geisler     43.52
2.  Nardene Loveday    44.09
3.  Janet Holmes       48.53
4.  Ezo Girgin         50.47

1.  Mark Donahoo       38.43
2.  Stuart Kollmorgan  41.33
3.  John Bunker        43.03

5km Open Scratch Races
1.  Nicole Sansonetti  27.52
2.  Heather Carr       28.59
3.  Eda Girgin         31.12
4.  Gwen Steed         32.40

1.  Tom Barnes         25.42
2.  Tim Erickson       25.44
3.  Trevor Mayhew      29.41
4.  Timucin Girgin     32.33
5.  Ergenekon Girgin   37.18

3km Open and Under 15 Scratch Races
1.  Sarah Alexander    16.03
2.  Daina Nielsen      16.58
3.  Siobhan Donovan    17.36

1.  Jayson Stoddart    17.48
2.  Nicholas Mirarchi  19.10
3.  Bradley Elms       20.00
4.  Jason Elms         28.01

2km Under 12 Scratch Races
1.  Anne Whitworth     12.24
2.  Hannah Banks       12.48
3.  Alicia Neylan      12.49
4.  Josephine Mirarchi 16.42
    David Butteriss    7.23 1km

1km Under 9 1 km Scratch Race
1.  Chloe McNichol-Davidson 7.38
2.  Karla Nielsen           8.22

5km Unjudged Fitness walk
Christina Carey        27.51 3km
Georgia Fillmore       27.51 3km
Janet Riddell          38.14
Margaret Carey         38.38
Julie Stoddart         40.45
Judy Bennett           41.58
Janet Bunker           47.38
Jessica Butteriss      56.25