The Victorian Race Walking Club

AV AND VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2011

Last Sunday saw our last races for the 2011 winter season and it was a chance for our walkers to test themselves out over some long distances. Unfortunately competitors and officials were met with cold and windy conditions with steady drizzly rain - not exactly conducive to good walking. Luckily it cleared mid morning but it remained cold and windy.

The main events on offer were the Victorian 50km for men and the VRWC/RacewalkingAustralia 50km championship for women. Of the four starters, we had 3 finishers and some performances that are definitely worthy of recording. Simon Evans was the sole competitor in the Victorian men's 50km championship and he was up to the task in his first ever attempt, finishing in 5:38:06. This followed his win in the Victorian 30km championship last month and his bronze medals in the Victorian 10km and 15km championships earlier in the season. Michelle Thompson, better known as our top ultra distance walker, was the winner of the inaugural Racewalking Australia 50km championship, recording a magnificent 5:13:14, a time some 10 minutes better than any other Australian women has done. More of that later. She and Simon walked together for the first half but then she powered away as he slowed in the second half. Liz Feldman and Heather Carr were the other two women attempting the 50km championship and both were chasing W60 records. Heather was ahead at the 30km mark and she was rewarded with a new Australian Masters W60 30km record of 3:19:01. But she was listing badly to one side, a condition which got worse as the race progressed. Alas, it was so worrying to the officials that at the 45km mark, we had to withdraw her from the race, a decision about which she was understandably very disappointed. This opened the door for Liz who was still moving very well and she rose to the challenge, completing her 50km with a new World Masters W60 50km record of 6:05:43.
 
AV 50KM C'SHIP – MEN    10km     20km     30km     40km     50km
1. Simon Evans          1:02:05  2:04:47  3:07:13  4:16:23  5:38:06
 
RWA/VRWC 50KM C'SHIP – WOMEN   
                        10km     20km     30km     40km     50km
1. Michelle Thompson    1:02:05  2:04:47  3:07:10  4:10:18  5:13:14
2. Liz Feldman          1:09:58  2:20:35  3:33:26  4:49:07  6:05:43
   Heather  Carr        1:03:13  2:09:59  3:19:01  4:33:46  DNF
 
The next events on which to report were our VRWC 5 Hour and 4 Hour walks. The 5 Hour walk saw 3 finishers in Terry O'Neill, Karyn O'Neill and Steve Jordan while the 4 Hour walk saw 2 finishers in Alex Poore and Gary Turner. Again all competitors walked excellently and all seemed pretty pleased with their overall distances.

VRWC 5 HOUR WALK        10km     20km     30km     40km     Final Distance
1. Terry O'Neill        1:03:11  2:06:44  3:14:23  4:21:10  47.968 km
2. Karyn O'Neill        1:11:56  2:25:32  3:45:30  -        39.133 km
3. Steve Jordan         1:14:54  2:34:34  3:55:08  -        37.766 km
 
VRWC 4 HOUR WALK        10km     20km     Final Distance
1. Alex Poore           1:18:54  2:37:58  29.734 km
2. Gary Turner          1:22:36  2:46:35  28.000 km
   Simone O'Neill       1:10:36  2:25:32  DQ
 
We also contested our annual 35km Club Championship for the Ray Smith Trophy and AIS based club member Chris Erickson dominated, winning by just over 40 minutes with a superb time of 2:37:36. Chris was keen to test his 50km pace with a timetrial over this slightly shorter distance and all went according to plan as he ticked off 4:30 kilometres with monotonous regularity before kicking down with a final 5km split of 21:46. Behind him, Andrew Jamieson powered through the first 30km to take some 12 minutes off the World Masters M65 30km record with a time of 2:39:25. He then strolled through a slow last 5km to satisfy the requirements and finish the event. Third place went to Michelle Thompson en route to her 50km win. Overall, it was great to see 8 finishers in such a long event.

VRWC 35KM CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP – RAY SMITH TROPHY
                        10km     20km     30km     35km
1. Chris Erickson       0:45:32  1:30:32  2:15:50  2:37:36
2. Andrew Jamieson      0:51:21  1:43:49  2:39:25  3:17:52
3. Michelle Thompson    1:02:05  2:04:47  3:07:10  3:38:48
4. Simon Evans          1:02:05  2:04:47  3:07:13  3:39:50
5. Terry O'Neill        1:03:11  2:06:44  3:14:23  3:47:50
6. Heather Carr         1:03:13  2:09:59  3:19:01  4:01;10
7. Liz Feldman          1:09:58  2:20:35  3:33:26  4:11:10
8. Karyn O'Neill        1:11:56  2:25:32  3:45:30  4:23:35

The only other event contested was over 10km and it also saw some spirited walking. The men's event saw Rhydian Cowley 44:32, Nathan Brill 47:30 and Stuart Kollmorgen 47:59 all in top form. The women's event was won by 13 year old Jemima Montag whose time of 53:18 broke our U14, U16 and U16 club records. What a superb effort! 15 year old Stephanie George walked the first half with Jemima and held on well for a huge PB time of 54:13.

VRWC 10km
1. Jemima Montag        0:53:18
2. Stephanie George     0:54:13
3. Caitlin Campbell     1:00:31
4. Donna Elms           1:05:37
5. Anna Wallace         1:11:41
6. Celia Johnson        1:12:46
   Amelia Finnegan      DNF (3km in 15:45 )
 
1. Rhydian Cowley       0:44:32
2. Nathan Brill         0:47:30
3. Stuart Kollmorgen    0:47:59
4. Ralph Bennett        0:59:05
5. Mark Donahoo         1:00:32
   Harry Summers        DNF (5km in 37:07)

Thanks to the many people who helped out with what was a very long day's work. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Harry Summers, Ian Laurie, Duncan Knox, Mark Donahoo
Feed Station: Russ Dickenson , Celia Johnson, Neil Thompson
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Terry Knape, Lloyd Nichols, Lincoln Mah, Brian Williams, Michael Bodey
Canteen: Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper

And finally, some more on Michelle Thompson's 50km time of 5:13:14. I maintain an unofficial 50km ranking list for Australian women and it shows a previous best time of 5:23:08, set by Lisa Wilson of ACT in 2004. Michelle significantly raised the bar for our women with her walk.

Lisa Wilson        W35   ACT   5:23:08   23/04/2004   World Masters Championships, Auckland, NZ
Lillian Harpur     22    SA    5:27:11   1970         SA 50 Km Championship, Adelaide, SA
Sandra Brown       50    ENG   5:29:58   18/09/1999   Australian Centurion 24H Walk, Coburg, VIC
Michelle Thompson  41    VIC   5:36:35   20/06/2010   Australian 24H Champs, Brisbane, QLD
Lillian Harpur     24    SA    5:41:03   1972         SA 50 Km Championship, Adelaide, SA
Liz Feldman        56    VIC   5:45:08   24/10/2004   VRWC 50 km Championship, Albert Park, Melbourne
Marlaine Stanway   42    VIC   5:52:03   05/09/1982   Victorian 50 km Championship, Albert Park, Melb.
Ann Staunton       36    ACT   5:53:23   22/07/2000   ACT 50 KM Championship, Canberra, ACT
Carol Baird        51    ACT   5:54:18   07/01/2001   Coastal Classic 12H Walk, Gosford, NSW
Carol Baird        53    ACT   5:55:55   13/04/2002   Australian Centurion 24H Walk, Coburg, VIC

VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2011

It was great to see 80 walkers converging on Middle Park last Saturday as we came towards the end of what has been a wonderful season. Unfortunately conditions could not have been much more challenging with gale force winds buffeting the walkers as they contested our annual 'Beat your Season Best' races. With prizes on offer, everyone was out to race hard and we actually saw plenty of people beat their Season Bests and some even doing PBs. The winners of each division (ie those who beat their SB by the most) are shown with an *.

Terry Swan was in action with the camera once again and has already uploaded nearly 100 photos (including from our end of season presentations) to our photo gallery - http://vrwc.org.au/coppermine. What a great effort. Frances Attard was at work with video camera as well so I will advise when it goes online on YouTube.

First to our 10km events where we saw two wonderful first up efforts by 13 yo Emily Hamilton (1:00:46) and 10 yo Mikhala Hodges (1:09:00). Both set new club records - Emily U14 and Mikhala U12 and U13. 12 yo Kyle Swan was also in action with a fine 57:15, not far outside his own club record of 55:18 which he set in the same race last year. It is fantastic to see our young walkers challenging themselves over such long distances.

10km Open         
1. Hamilton, Emily         60:46     First ever, new U14 club record
2. Hodges, Mikhala         69:00     First ever, new U12/U13 club record
         
1. Swan, Kyle              57:15
2. Seid-Christmass, James  59:13 *
3. Tam, Aaron              59:31
4. Gardiner, Bob           68:26
   McShanag, Connor        DNF
   Allamby, Billy          DNF

We had big fields in our 5km and 3km Open events and highlights included 10 yo Hayden Walmsley's new U11 5km club record of 34:31 and the PBs done by Michelle Laufer (26:53), Simone O'Neill (31:27) and Karyn O'Neill (33:32). Overall, Stuart Kollmorgen (22:40) and Nathan Brill (23:00) led from the front with fine exhibitions of speed walking.
         
5km Open         
1. Tindal, Pam             25:51
2. Laufer, Michelle        26:53     PB 0:22
3. Stadus, Lauren          27:36
4. Geisler, Sandra         27:50
5. Wallace, Anna           30:03
6. Elms, Donna             31:19
7. O'Neill, Simone         31:27 *   PB 3:14
8. O'Neill, Karyn          33:32     PB 1:23
9. Johnson, Celia          34:48
   Finnegan, Amelia        DNF
         
1. Kollmorgen, Stuart      22:40
2. Brill, Nathan           23:00
3. Kozica, Jason           25:13
4. O'Neill, Terry          30:44 *
5. Donahoo, Mark           31:14
6. Feain, Gerard           32:08
7. Johnson, Tony           32:30
8. Barrow, Geoff           33:11
9. Dickenson, Russ         33:17
10.Walmsley, Hayden        34:31     First ever, new U11 club record
   Wood, Robin             DNF
   Wicks, Barrie           DQ
         
3km Open         
1. Irshad, Kylie           16:15
2. Carr, Heather           16:24
3. Shaw, Kirstin           18:18
4. Steed, Gwen             19:55 *
5. Shaw, Robyn             20:02
6. Davidson, Kelly         24:54
7. Mews, Pam               32:05
         
1. Kennedy, Paul           15:19
2. Lucas, Alan             17:04
3. Thillaisundaram, Anand  18:21 *
4. Summers, Harry          20:10
5. Onley, Gordon           20:10
6. Morrison, John          21:57
7. Crawford, Jim           25:51

With our U15 boys challenging themselves over longer distances on Saturday, the 3km U15 event was left to the girls and Emily Swan continued her great season with 17:23, another big PB. Jemima Montag led from the front as usual with another fine exhibition of strength walking.
         
3km U15         
1. Montag, Jemima          14:31
2. Sanders, Jade           15:51
3. Swan, Emily             17:23 *   PB 0:28
4. Eastwood, Jessie        17:43
5. Hodges, Anaya           18:05
6. Barbour, Beth           18:57
7. Kay, Cassandra          20:00
8. Feain, Madeleine        20:27

I thought that the U12 and U9 walkers would struggle in the big winds but we saw plenty more PBs and some great walking. The biggest improvers were Tegan Miller (12:13), Lachlan Feain (12:08), Gemma Lillie (7:49) and Bede Collis (7:37) and all got their pick of the prizes tables for their efforts. Shelby Kay 10:47) and Brianna Lillie (5:36) were quickest overall.
     
2km U12         
1. Kay, Shelby             10:47
2. George, Hayley          11:32
3. Richardson, Brodie      11:33
4. Eastwood, Jemma         11:33     PB 0:04
5. Brown, Hayley           11:34     PB 0:12
6. Huse, Philippa          11:52
7. Crea, Gabriella         12:12
8. Miller, Tegan           12:13 *   PB 0:16
9. Lillie, Jessica         12:15
10.Taylor, Lee             12:56
         
1. Brennan, Jonty          11:31
2. Hockley-Samon, Harry    12:06
3. Feain, Lachlan          12:08 *   PB 0:20
4. Wright, Ethan           12:30
   O'Mahony, Brendon       DQ
   Brill, Justin           DQ
         
1km U9         
1. Lillie, Brianna         05:36
2. O'Mahony, Kathleen      05:39     PB 0:09
3. Brennan, Mercedes       06:07
4. McDonald, Chelsea       06:44     PB 0:11
5. Collis, Frances         06:45
6. Laufer, Beatrice        07:09     PB 0:04
7. Lillie, Gemma           07:49 *   PB 0:42
   Kay, Payton             DQ
         
1. Brill, Caine            05:59
2. Collis, Bede            07:37 *   PB 0:28
   Kennedy, Thomas         DQ
   Kennedy, William        DQ

Thanks as usual to our many officials and judges - sorry if I missed anyone.

Officials: Mark Donahoo, Tim Erickson, Ian Laurie, Susan Taylor, Damien Elms, Tina Miller, Steve Richardson
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Brenda Felton, Terry Knape, Gordon Loughnan, Lloyd Nichols, Graham George
Canteen: Kate Suich, Barb Gardiner, Marlaine Stanway
Video: Frances Attard
Photos: Terry Swan

VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 27 AUGUST 2011

I was not at Middle Park on Saturday so thanks to Mark Donahoo for forwarding the results to me for this week's newsletter. I was quite surprised to see 63 walkers in action the week after the National Championships - this must be some sort of a record for this late in the season. Conditions were excellent and the races look to have been keenly contested.

This week I will reverse the order and give our younger walkers the star billing. The U9 and U12 walkers were back into familiar territory with 1km and 2km races and the large number of PBs indicate the ongoing improvement of these walkers. Brianna Lillie, Caine Brill, Brodie Richardson and Jonty Brennan were fastest in their respective divisions while big PBs came from Liam Evans, Bede Collis, Brendon O'Mahony, Lachlan Feain and Payton Kay.

1km Under 9
1. Brianna Lillie         05:33
2. Payton Kay             05:43     PB 0:15
3. Kathleen O'Mahony      05:47     PB 0:01
4. Mercedes Brennan       06:22
5. Frances Collis         07:21
6. Lararose Picioane      07:35    
7. Gemma Lillie           08:22     PB 0:09

1. Caine Brill            06:02
2. Bede Collis            07:30     PB 0:35

2km Under 12
1. Brodie Richardson      11:30
2. Hayley Brown           11:43     PB 0:03
3. Chelsea Owen-Smith     11:52     PB 0:03
4. Philippa Huse          11:55
5. Gabbie Crea            12:21
6. Jessica Lillie         12:42
7. Tegan Miller           12:57
8. Lee Taylor             13:22

1. Jonty Brennan          10:51
2. Justin Brill           11:58
3. Brendan O'Mahony       12:03     PB 0:20
4. Lachlan Feain          12:09     PB 0:19
5. Ethan Wright           13:22    
6. Liam Evans             14:29     PB 1:57
7. Callum Evans           15:18

For many of our U15 walkers, it was their first ever 4km walk and the times were pretty good. Paige De Lisen and Kyle Swan were our winners, both doing PBs as did Brianna Cooke and Paul Tremigliozzi.

4km Under 15
1. Paige De Lisen         22:49     PB 0:55
2. Shelby Kay             22:53     First time
3. Emily Swan             24:12    
4. Mikhala Hodges         24:23     First time
5. Lauren Collis          24:38     First time
6. Beth Barbour           25:01
7. Anaya Hodges           25:56     First time
8. Brianna Cooke          27:19     PB 1:38
   Jade Sanders           DNF

1. Kyle Swan              20:24     PB 1:15
2. Cooper Owen            22:10
3. Connor McShanag        22:36
4. Paul Tremigliozzi      24:56     PB 0:57
   Reese Walmsley         DQ

Our Open walkers had a choice of 4km, 6km and 8km with best performances overall going to Pam Tindal, Simon Evans, Aaron Tam and Heather Carr.

4km Open
1. Sandra Geisler         21:39
2. Heather Carr           22:57
3. Caitlin Campbell       23:07
4. Donna Elms             24:39
5. Liz Feldman            24:41
6. Gwen Steed             28:00
7. Kelly Davidson         32:27    
8. Margaret Beaumont      32:38

1. Ralph Bennett          23:04
2. Anand Thillaisundaram  25:01
3. Barrie Wicks           29:31
4. Ian Beaumont           32:28

6km Open
1. Emily Hamilton         34:02

1. Aaron Tam              32:21
2. Billy Allamby          32:21
3. Mark Donahoo           33:53
4. Gerard Feain           35:30
5. Geoff Barrow           40:09
6. Alex Poore             45:55

8km  Open
1. Pam Tindal             42:06
   Kylie Irshad           DNF

1. Simon Evans            40:29
2. James Seid-Christmass  45:32
3. Alan Lucas             46:30
4. Jason Kozica           51:12

As usual, thanks to the big pool of helpers, officials and judges who ensure our races run so smoothly each week

Officials: Mark Donahoo, Mark O'Mahony, Susan Taylor, Ian Laurie, Natalie Laurie, Marlaine Stanway, Damien Elms, Paul Kozaris, Harry Summers
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Michael Bodey, Stuart Cooper, Lloyd Nichols, Terry Knape, Gordon Loughnan
Race entries: Mark Donahoo, Stuart Cooper
Canteen: Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper
Video: Frances Attard
Photos: Terry Swan

VRWC RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 20 AUGUST 2011

While our Racewalking Victoria team was busy in Canberra at the National Championships, the regular VRWC weekly races went on as usual and 43 walkers came out to play. Thanks to Stuart Cooper for forwarding the results to me. Anand Thillaisundaram got straight down to business after his return to Australia and walked in the 3km event. We also welcomed first time walker Lanarose  Picioane who competed in the U9 1.5km.

10km Open
1. Lucas, Alan              59.40
2. O'Neill, Terry           61.18
   Seid-Christmass, James   DNF    (7km 39.32)
   Evans, Simon             DNF    (4km 20.22)

1. Tindal, Pam              54.18
2. Thompson, Alison         64.53
3. O'Neill, Simone          65.41
4. Elms, Donna              65.43
5. O'Neill, Karyn           70.05

5km Open
1. Walker, Jared            25.28     
2. Kozica, Jason            26.34     
3. Tam, Aaron               27.12     
4. Feain, Gerard            31.22     
5. Johnson, Tony            31.56     
6. Tremigliozzi, Paul       32.15     
7. Doran, Anthony           32.52     
8. Wicks, Barrie            36.20     
9. Poore, Alex              38.30     

3km Open
1. Kennedy, Paul            14.39
2. Thillaisundaram, Anand   18.22
3. Onley, Gordon            20.21
4. Morrison, John           22.09

1. Steed, Gwen              20.03
2. Davidson, Kelly          25.22
3. Mews, Pam                30.12
   Laurie, Natalie          DNF    (1km 6.11)

3km U15
1. Feain, Lachlan           20.06

1. DeLisen, Paige           17.14
2. Irshad, Jasmine          17.22
3. Collis, Lauren           18.28
4. Barbour, Beth            18.38
5. Feain, Madeleine         21.15
   Cooke, Brianna           DNF    (2km 13.48)

2.5km U12
1. Walmsley, Hayden         15.29

1. Brown, Hayley            15.06
2. Richardson, Brodie       15.18
3. Lillie, Jessica          15.29
4. Taylor, Lee              16.09

1.5km U9
1. Kennedy, William         10.23
2. Kennedy, Thomas          10.34
3. Collis, Bede             12.04

1. Lillie, Brianna          08.26
   Picioane, Lanarose       DNF   

Thanks as usual to our many helpers who turn up every week and do such a professional job

Officials:  Harry Summers, Ian Laurie, Natalie Laurie, Damien Elms, Paul Kozaris, Stu Cooper
Canteen:  Wendy Cooper, Marlaine Stanway

AUSTRALIAN ROADWALK CHAMPIONSHIPS, CANBERRA, SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 2011

The Australian Roadwalking Championships were held in perfect conditions in Weston Park, Canberra, on Sunday 21 August with nearly 150 of our best walkers competing in events ranging from U10 1km to Open 20km. Unfortunately, most of our top Open walkers were in Daegu for the World Championships but their absence opened the way for others to medal.

I must start by acknowledging the many fine performances by the Racewalking Victoria team which won 14 individual and 7 team medal sets. Well done to all the team for their efforts.

Individual Medals
 Gold (7)    Chris Erickson      AA Open 20km      1:29:01
             Andrew Jamieson     RWA Masters 20km  1:41:27
             Kirstin Shaw        AA U23 20km       2:09:47
             Kelly Ruddick       RWA Masters 10km    49:13
             Mercedes Brennan    RWA U10 1km          7:01
             Jemima Montag       AA U14 3km          16:17
             Nathan Brill        AA U16 5km          22:06
 Silver (3)  Kelly Ruddick       AA Open 20km      1:39:56
             Kyle Swan           AA U14 3km          16:34
             Jade Sanders        AA U16 5km          26:13
 Bronze (4)  Rhydian Cowley      AA Open 20km      1:30:54
             Kirstin Shaw        AA Open 20km      2:09:47
             Harry Hockley Samon RWA U12 2km         11:25
             Connor McShanag     AA U16 5km          25:33

Team Medals
 Gold (5)    Open 20km       Chris Erickson, Rhydian Cowley, Andrew Jamieson
             U12 Girls 2km   Hayley George, Mercedes Brennan, Tegan Miller
             U14 Boys 3km    Kyle Swan, Reese Walmsley, Cody McNicol-Davidson
             U16 Boys 5km    Nathan Brill, Connor McShanag, Kyle Swan
             U16 Girls 5km   Jade Sanders, Stephanie George, Shelby Kay
 Silver (2)  U12 Boys 2km    Harry Hockley Samon, Jonty Brennan, Tom Hockley Samon
             U18 Girls 5km   Jmara Hockley Samon, Amelia Finnegan, Chloe McNicol-Davidson

RWV results are shown below

EVENT 1 OPEN MEN 20K
1. Chris Erickson           1:29:01  RWV
3. Rhydian Cowley           1:30:54  RWV
5. Andrew Jamieson          1:41:27  RWV

MASTERS 20K
1. Andrew Jamieson          1:41:27  RWV

EVENT 2 OPEN WOMEN 20K
2. Kelly Ruddick            1:39:56  RWV
3. Kirstin Shaw             2:09:47  RWV
   Jessica Rothwell         DQ       RWV

EVENT 4 UNDER 20 WOMEN 10K
1. Rachel Tallent           49:31    RWV
   Beth Alexander           DQ       RWV

EVENT 8 UNDER 10 GIRLS 1K
1. Mercedes Brennan         07:01    RWV

EVENT 9 UNDER 12 BOYS 2K
3. Harry Hockley Samon      11:25    RWV
5. Jonty Brennan            11:46    RWV
11.Tom Hockley Samon        19:06    RWV    

EVENT 10 UNDER 12 GIRLS 2K
4. Hayley George            12:16    RWV
10.Mercedes Brennan         13:43    RWV
11.Tegan Miller             14:05    RWV 

EVENT 11 UNDER 14 BOYS 3K
2. Kyle Swan                16:34    RWV
6. Reese Walmsley           17:09    RWV
12.Cody McNicol-Davidson    22:11    RWV

EVENT 12 UNDER 14 GIRLS 3K
1. Jemima Montag            16:17    RWV
4. Shelby Kay               18:19    RWV

EVENT 13 UNDER 16 BOYS 5K
1. Nathan Brill             22:06    RWV
3. Connor McShanag          25:33    RWV
6. Kyle Swan                27:15    RWV 

EVENT 14 UNDER 18 WOMEN 5K
5. Jmara Hockley Samon      26:31    RWV
6. Amelia Finnegan          26:34    RWV
10.Chloe McNicol-Davidson   33:29    RWV

EVENT 15 UNDER 16 GIRLS 5K
2. Jade Sanders             26:13    RWV
5. Stephanie George         26:35    RWV
10.Shelby Kay               28:10    RWV

And finally to the Brennen Shield which was won by RWV after a close battle with NSWRWC.

BRENNEN SHIELD
Place  Club    LBG Carnival Aust Roadwalks  Total   
1      RWV     1068         835             1603
2      NSWRWC   925         444             1369
3      SARWC    328         -                328
4      ACTRWC   281         -                281
5      TARWC    132         68               200
6      QRWC     143         -                143
7      REGAL     70         -                 90

VRWC RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 13 AUGUST 2011

Another day of perfect racing weather at Middle Park for our Handicap Start events with 70 walkers turning up to try their luck. Handicap Starts see everyone ranked on expected times, with the walkers with the largest expected times starting first and the fastest walkers starting last. Results for the 8km and 4km events are shown in handicap start finish order and the Fastest Times Placings are shown as an additional column.

You had to feel a bit sorry for Stuart Kollmorgen and Rhydian Cowley who gave huge starts to most of the 8km walkers but amazingly they caught and passed everyone except outmarker Alex Poore. But since Alex was wearing Club Rules numbers, he was ineligible for the handicap win. Hence Rhydian won the men's 8km handicap and Stuart was second. Michelle Laufer produced another fantastic walk to win the women's handicap. So our two backmarkers in Michelle and Rhydian got up to win! And a special note on Rhydian's time of 34:07 which was really something special. He is quickly returning to top shape.

8m Open Handicap Start    Act Time    F/T Place
1. Michelle Laufer        43:25       1
2. Celia Johnson          55:35       4
3. Alison Thompson        50:41       3
4. Amelia Finnegan        43:36       2
               
   Alex Poore             63:34       5
1. Rhydian Cowley         34:07       1
2. Stuart Kollmorgan      37:39       2
3. Geoff Barrow           54:12       4
4. Tony Johnson           51:23       3
   Simon Evans            DNF       

We saw lots of walkers in our 4km Open events. In the women's race, outmarker Pam Mews stayed out in front for the entire race to win the handicap ahead of Caitlin Campbell while Jmara Hockley-Samon was fastest with 21:22. Jason Kozica won the men's handicap event while fastest time went to Nathan Brill with a swift 18:13. We also welcomed first time walkers Kerry Gigante and her daughter Sarah (Kerry did the 4km Open and Sarah did the 2km U12).

4m Open Handicap Start    Act Time    F/T Place
1. Pam Mews               39:50       13
2. Caitlin Campbell       23:35       4
3. Kirstin Shaw           21:51       3
4. Donna Elms             24:31       6
5. Jmara Hockley-Samon    21:22       1
6. Anna Wallace           24:27       5
7. Heather Carr           21:50       2
8. Robyn Shaw             25:52       9
9. Kylie Irshad           24:50       7
10.Liz Feldman            24:50       7
11.Chloe McNicol-Davidson 28:11       11
12.Gwen Steed             27:23       10
   Kerry Gigante          28:33       12
           
1. Jason Kozica           20:08       3
2. Aaron Tam              20:39       4
3. Alan Lucas             22:19       6
4. James Seid-Christmass  19:44       2
5. Nathan Brill           18:13       1
6. Barrie Wicks           29:07       9
7. Paul Kennedy           21:31       5
8. Anthony Doran          26:34       7
   Gordon Onley           27:50       8

Our Under 15 walkers also had handicap starts and the girls all walked superbly, most shattering their PBs by lots. Emily Swan was the winner with a great 23:42 ahead of Madeleine Feain – both girls are having great winter seasons. Jade Sanders was fastest overall with an excellent 21:25. Cooper Owen won the boy's handicap while Connor McShanag had the overall fastest time of 20:43.

4km U15 Handicap Start    Act Time    F/T Place
1. Emily Swan             23:42       4    PB 2:40   
2. Madelaine Feain        27:19       8    PB 1:32
3. Rebecca Campbell       25:16       7    PB 1:45
4. Cassandra Kay          25:09       6    First time
5. Jade Sanders           21:25       1    PB 1:31
6. Megan Walker           22:36       2    PB 0:28
7. Emily Hamilton         22:53       3    PB 0:12
8. Stacey McLaren         27:47       9
9. Beth Barbour           24:43       5
               
1. Cooper Owen            21:25       2
2. Connor McShanag        20:43       1
3. Cody McNicol-Davidson  26:58       3    PB 0:35
4. Paul Tremigliozzi      27:16       4
   Reese Walmsley         DQ

Our U12 and U9 walkers had normal mass starts so their results are shown in Actual Time finishing order and the Handicap place is shown as an additional column. Kyle Swan 10:19, Jonty Brennan 10:33 and Shelby Kay 10:34 were the fastest walkers. Anaya Hodges won the girls' handicap event while Jonty won the Boys' handicap. The U9 walks saw Brianna Lillie and Caine Brill fastest while the handicap wins went to Mercedes Brennan and Tom Kennedy. We also welcomed Sarah Gigante and Gemma Lillie for the first walks with us. Apologies to Sarah who stopped after 1km – our fault there for not keeping a better eye on our new walkers. 

2km U12                   Act Time    Handicap Place           
1. Shelby Kay             10:34       4
2. Hayley George          10:44       2    PB 0:34
3. Paige De Lisen         10:44       8
4. Mikhala Hodges         11:13       3    PB 0:06
5. Anaya Hodges           11:24       1    PB 0:01
6. Jessica Lillie         11:32       5    PB 0:08
7. Philippa Huse          11:36            First ever
8. Tegan Miller           12:52       5
9. Lee Taylor             13:05       7
   Sarah Gigante          DNF   
           
1. Kyle Swan              10:19       5
2. Jonty Brennan          10:33       1    PB 0:28
3. Hayden Walmsley        11:52       2
4. Justin Brill           12:21       4
5. Lachlan Feain          12:28       3    PB 0:11
6. Ethan Wright           13:47       6

1km U9    Act Time    Handicap Place   
1. Brianna Lillie         05:31       2
2. Mercedes Brennan       05:42       1    PB 0:03
3. Chelsea McDonald       06:55   
4. Gemma Lillie           08:31            First ever

           
1. Caine Brill            06:08       2
2. Thomas Kennedy         07:26       1
3. Tom Hockley Samon      08:01       3

Sunday was also a Prizes day with the handicap placings of the last 3 Points Competition days being tallied to decide who would get to pick the table. Prize winners were

Masters      Pam Mews                                    Alan Lucas
Open         Michelle Laufer                             Aaron McDonough
Under 20     Jmara Hockley Samon and Caitlin Campbell    Aaron Tam
Under 15     Madeleine Feain                             Connor McShanag
Under 12     Anaya Hodges                                Jonty Brennan
Under 9      Mercedes Brennan                            Caine Brill   

Thanks as usual to our many helpers, judges and officials. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Stuart Cooper, Mark Donahoo, Damien Elms, Anand Thillaisundaran, Paul Kozaris, Ian Laurie, Natalie Laurie, Harry Summers,
Course Setup: Tony Doran, Craig Brill, Tim Erickson, Rhydian Cowley, Damien Elms
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Gordon Loughlan, Terry Knape, Stu Cooper, Lloyd Nichols
Canteen: Marlaine Stanway, Leanne Lamble, Kate Suich
Photos: Terry Swan
Video: Frances Attard

We also welcomed back Anand Thillaisundaran and Kelly Davidson from their sojourn in Scotland. Hopefully they are back in Australia for good now. Welcome home Anand and Kelly!

And I see that Matt Owen has uploaded his own video from our Vic Roadwalk Champs on Sunday 7th August to YouTube. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1nyi-q25Lc for some great footage.

AV AND VRWC CHAMPIONSHIPS, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 7 AUGUST 2011

Conditions were perfect for the 73 walkers who raced in the annual AV and VRWC Roadwalking Championships at Middle Park on Sunday morning.

The first events to kick off were the Victorian 30km championship and a VRWC 3 Hour walk at 8:30AM. Disappointingly, the 30km saw only one starter in Simon Evans of Box Hill but he was up to the task, finishing in 2:54:59 to claim his first ever Victorian championship. We were also pleased to see so many club walkers start and finish the 3 hour walk.

AV 30KM OPEN MEN
1. Simon Evans             BXH    2:54:59
   Stuart Kollmorgen       COL    DNS     
   Aaron McDonough         PTN    DNS     

VRWC 3 HOUR ROADWALK
1. Liz Feldman             26.113 km
2. Karyn O'Neill           25.534 km
3. Simone O'Neill          24.803 km
 
1. Simon Evans             30.728 km
2. Terry O'Neill           28.384 km
3. Alan Lucas              27.410 km
4. Andrew Jamieson         24.000 km
5. Steve Jordan            22.305 km
6. Ralph Bennett           22.000 km
7. Alex Poore              21:492 km
 
The next events to start were the 10km events at 9AM. Unfortunately, we became aware later in the morning that one of the turns had been incorrectly laid out and that, as a consequence, the 2km lap was 39m under distance. This meant that the 10km walks were 195m under distance. While this made no difference to the overall result, it does mean that the finish times were inaccurate. I have calculated an adjusted 10km time for each competitor for completeness. We are most disappointed that this happened and apologise to the walkers whose times were effected. There were a number of excellent walks from the likes of Kelly Ruddick and Beth Alexander and others. Victorian champions were Lucas Taylor, Beth Alexander and Jared Walker (in the tightest of finishes over Aaron Tam).

AV 10KM U20 CHAMPIONSHIP S         Finish Time  Amended Time
1. Lucas Taylor            SCA    54:27        55:31
 
1. Beth Alexander          KNA    49:09        50:07
2. Hilary Brazel           NSW    58:15        59:24
   Chloe McNicol-Davidson  SCA    DNF
 
AV 10KM U18 CHAMPIONSHIP – BOYS    Finish Time  Amended Time
1. Jared Walker            COR    54:00        55:03
2. Aaron Tam               KNA    54:00        55:03
3. Cody McNicol-Davidson   SCA    71:19        72:44

VRWC 10KM OPEN WOMEN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP – MABEL ROBINSON TROPHY
Course was 195m short             Finish Time  Amended Time
1. Kelly Ruddick                  45:59        46:53
2. Pam Tindal                     51:58        53:00
3. Michelle Laufer                53:31        54:35
4. Donna Elms                     62:58        64:12

VRWC OPEN 10KM                     Finish Time  Amended Time
1. Brad Simpson                   51:58        53:00
 
The other events to be effected were the AV U14 3km championships which were held over a course which was 78m under distance. Again, I have calculated an adjusted 3km time for each competitor for completeness. Kyle Swan and Jemima Montag both walked very strongly to take the wins.

AV 3KM U14 CHAMPIONSHIPS           Finish Time  Amended Time
1. Kyle Swan               KNA    14:59        15:22
2. Cooper Owen             DIV    15:40        16:05
3. Reese Walmsley          KNA    16:57        17:24
4. Harry Hockley-Samon     CHI    17:52        18:20
 
1. Jemima Montag           MAC    13:55        14:17
2. Emily Hamilton          KNA    15:59        16:24
3. Lauren Collis           DIV    16:29        16:57
4. Chelsea Owen-Smith      DIV    19:00        19:30
 
All subsequent events were held on the correct distance course so their times are accurate. The remaining Victorian Championships were won by Amelia Finnegan, Nathan Brill and Stephanie George (after a great battle with Zoe Boldiston).

AV 5KM U18 CHAMPIONSHIP – GIRLS
1. Amelia Finnegan         KNA    25:40     
2. Jmara Hockley-Samon     CHI    26:40     
3. Caitlin Campbell        ATE    31:50     
 
AV 5KM U16 CHAMPIONSHIPS
1. Nathan Brill            BXH    22:26     
2. Billy Allamby           KNX    25:49     
3. Connor McShanag         ATE    32:03     
 
1. Stephanie George        SCA    25:49     
2. Zoe Boldiston           SBE    26:40     
3. Jade Sanders            CCA    26:51    PB 1:46     
4. Lauren Stadus           KNA    27:00    PB 0:48     
5. Megan Walker            COR    28:40    PB 0:39
6. Jessie Eastwood         KNA    32:22
   Rebecca Campbell        ATE    DNS     
 
The VRWC U12 and U9 walkers contested their long-course championships, over 3km and 2km respectively. There were PBs galore over these longer distances and this says a lot for the fitness of our young walkers.

VRWC 3KM U12 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
1. Shelby Kay              16:33     PB 0:12
2. Hayley George           16:53     PB 0:29
3. Mikhala Hodges          17:09     PB 0:55
4. Anaya Hodges            17:31     PB 3:38
5. Brodie Richardson       18:18
6. Jessica Lillie          18:23
7. Lee Taylor              19:21     PB 1:05
8. Rebecca Henderson       19:43     First ever
9. Jemma Eastwood          21:49
10.Tegan Miller            22:50
 
1. Kyle Swan               16:24
2. Jonty Brennan           17:03     Eq. PB
3. Hayden Walmsley         18:20     PB 0:22
4. Justin Brill            19:01
5. Ethan Wright            20:12     PB 0:22
   Brendon O'Mahony        DQ
 
VRWC 2KM U12 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
1. Brianna Lillie          11:35     PB 0:22
2. Kathleen O'Mahony       11:39     PB 0:35
3. Mercedes Brennan        15:19
 
1. Caine Brill             12:04     First ever
   Tom Hockley-Samon       DQ
 
Finally, we had an Open 5km walk for anyone else who wanted a fitness workout on the day and an additional 10 walkers contested this event.

VRWC OPEN 5KM 
1. Kylie Irshad            30:05
2. Anna Wallace            31:18
3. Donna Elms              33:35
4. Celia Johnson           34:52
5. Pam Mews                51:06
 
1. James Seid-Christmass   25:32
2. Jason Kozica            25:36
3. Tony Doran              32:40
4. Paul Tremigliozzi       33:10
5. Barrie Wicks            35:45

Thanks to our pool of officials. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Harry Summers, Bob Gardiner, Tony Doran, Mark Donahoo, Stuart Cooper, Ian Laurie, Michael Bodey, Mark O'Mahony     
Judges: Gordon Loughnan (chief), Brian Williams, Lloyd Nichols, Brenda Felton, Judy Mason, Terry Swan, Peter Vysma, Shane Bertrand, Frances Attard/Micheal Bodey (DQ board)
Photos/Video: Jim Leppik, Frances Attard
Canteen: Wendy Cooper, Kate Suich

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 30 JULY 2011

The forecast of wet windy weather did not eventuate and the large group of 77 walkers enjoyed good conditions at Saturday's VRWC races at Middle Park. Our 10km walkers raced under the new 'Pit Lane' judging concept and it all went pretty well - I will report separately once we have had a chance to fully review proceedings. Simon Evans 51:56 and Pam Tindal 53:59, both back from the World Masters Champs, were in good form and took the overall honours. Chris Lockwood also walked well with 53:21 while 15 year old Jared Walker did an impressive 54:43 for his first ever 10km effort.
 
10km  Open                           H'cap
1. Pam Tindal               53:59    2
2. Simone O'Neill           66:56    3
3. Karen O'Neill            68:25    1
4. Chloe McNicol-Davidson   Ab     

1. Simon Evans              51:56    1
2. Chris Lockwood           53:21     
3. Jared Walker             54:43        First ever
4. Russ Dickenson           56:59    3
5. Bob Gardiner             64:05    2
6. Terry O'Neill            DNF     

Our Open athletes also had 5km and 3km walks on offer and Nathan Brill was the standout with a huge PB of 21:35. Others to walk well included Jmara Hockley-Samon 26:24, Michelle Laufer 27:17, Beth Alexander 14:25, Paul Kennedy 14:55 and Anna Wallace 17:24. And a special mention to Jim Crawford of South Melbourne Harriers who had his first ever walk with us. Jim is known to most of us for his long and illustrious running career which includes over 100 marathons, with about 70 of them under the 3 hour mark. Welcome Jim!

5km  Open                            H'cap
1. Jmara Hockley-Samon      26:24    2
2. Michelle Laufer          27:17    1
3. Sandra Geisler           27:52     
4. Kirstin Shaw             28:13    4
5. Donna Elms               31:13    3
6. Celia Johnson            35:23    5

1. Nathan Brill             21:35    1     PB 0:17
2. James Seid-Christmass    25:43    6
3. Aaron Tam                25:50    2
4. Aaron McDonough          26:26    4
5. Alan Lucas               28:18    3
6. Geoff Barrow             33:50    5
7. Gerard Feain             34:49    7
8. Alex Poore               37:21     

3km Open                             H'cap
1. Beth Alexander           14:25     
2. Hilary Brazel            16:23    6
3. Anna Wallace             17:24    2     PB 0:53
4. Caitlin Campbell         17:45    3
5. Gwen Steed               19:55    5
6. Brianna Cooke            20:30    4
7. Pam Mews                 29:20    1

1. Paul Kennedy             14:55    1
2. Gordon Onley             21:06   
3. John Morrison            21:55    2 
4. Jim Crawford             26:23     

Our U15 walkers had to walk 5km this week and for many of them, it was their first ever walk over such a long distance. All finished and good times were seen across the board. Jemima Montag 25:12 and Connor McShanag 25:22 led from the front while Billy Allamby, Reese Walmsley, Jade Sanders and Megan Walker all clocked big PBs.

5km Under 15                         H'cap
1. Jemima Montag            25:12    3     PB 1:07
2. Stephanie George         25:56    5
3. Emily Hamilton           28:37    4     PB 0:04
4. Jade Sanders             28:43    7     PB 0:37
5. Megan Walker             29:19    6     PB 0:39
6. Jessie Eastwood          29:47    1     First ever
7. Lauren Collis            31:40    8     First ever
8. Cassandra Kay            34:48    9     First ever
9. Madeleine Feain          34:50    2     First ever

1. Connor McShanag          25:22    2
2. Billy Allamby            25:46    3     PB 1:10
3. Kyle Swan                26:02    4
4. Reese Walmsley           28:04    1     PB 1:32
5. Paul Tremigliozzi        33:18    5
6. Lachlan Feain            35:39    6     First ever
7. Cooper Owen              DNF     

Many of our U12 walkers were also attempting 3 km for the first time and they were also up to the challenge, racing strongly - although I did hear someone asking whether they could walk a shorter distance next week! Shelby Kay 17:04 and Jonty Brennan 17:03 had a good battle and Paige De Lisen was not far behind with 17:21.  Handicap winners were Tegan Miller and Justin Brill. Our U9 walkers battled over 1.5km with Brianna Lillie 8:51 and Caine Brill 9:07 taking line honours. Payton Kay and Caine were our U9 handicap winners.

3km  Under 12                        H'cap
1. Shelby Kay               17:04    5
2. Paige De Lisen           17:21    7     PB 0:11
3. Brodie Richardson        17:53    4     First ever
4. Mikhala Hodges           18:04    3     First ever
5. Jessica Lillie           18:19     
6. Philippa Huse            18:53         First ever
7. Chelsea Owen-Smith       19:07    6     PB 0:06
8. Hayley Brown             19:09    9
9. Tegan Miller             20:25    1     First ever
10. Lee Taylor              20:26    2     First ever
11. Jemma Eastwood          21:29    10    First ever
12. Anaya Hodges            22:38    8    

1. Jonty Brennan            17:03    2     First ever
2. Harry Hockley-Samon      18:05    6
3. Justin Brill             18:39    1     First ever
4. Hayden Walmsley          18:42    3     First ever
5. Brendan O'Mahony         19:25    4
6. Ethan Wright             20:34    5     First ever

1.5km  Under 9                       H'cap
1. Brianna Lillie           08:51    3
2. Kathleen O'Mahony        09:02    2
3. Payton Kay               09:33    1
4. Mercedes Brennan         11:29    4

1. Caine Brill              09:07    1     PB 0:03
2. William Kennedy          10:39         First ever
3. Thomas Kennedy           12:41    2     First ever

Thanks as usual to our many officials. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Mark Donahoo, Matt Owen, Les Clarke, Susan Taylor, Harry Summers, Damien Elms, Craig Brill, Mark O'Mahony
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Kathleen Marsh, Judy Mason, Terry Knape, Lloyd Nichols,  Gordon Loughnan, Les Clarke (Recorder)
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Leanne Lamble, Marlaine Stanway
Course Setup: Bob Gardiner, Harry Summers, John Morrison, James Seid-Christmass, Craig Brill, Tim Erickson, Damien Elms
Photos: Terry Swan

VRWC - RWA POSTAL CHALLENGE, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 23 JULY 2011

Saturday saw 65 VRWC walkers participating in the annual Racewalking Australia Postal Challenge event - we will now combine our results with Ballarat and Bendigo Walkers Clubs to form an overall Racewalking Victoria result. Both those clubs were racing on Sunday. Conditions were perfect - cool and still - and there were plenty of PBs recorded. This was also our annual fundraiser for the International Brain Tumour Association (http://www.theibta.org/) and I am pleased to announce that, after donating our race entries, canteen takings and adding in a bit extra with donations, we are forwarding $500 to that organization.

First to our 10km event which was contested by Open, Masters and U20 walkers.  The Masters results are ranked in order of Age Graded performance as that is how the Postal Challenge results are calculated for the older walkers. Luckily we had finishers in all 6 divisions, a good start to the overall challenge. PB performances were seen by Michelle Laufer, Simone and Karyn O'Neill and Connor McShanag while Alison Thompson and Bob Gardiner were our top masters. Simon Evans and Kirstin Shaw also filled vital top spots for us in their divisions.

RWA Challenge 10km Open
1. Michelle Laufer          0:54:36     PB 0:17
2. Simone O'Neill           1:05:50     PB 1:35

1. Simon Evans              0:52:38
2. Aaron McDonough          0:53:09
3. James Seid-Christmass    0:57:45
 
RWA Challenge 10km Masters
1. Alison Thompson          1:03:50    58     79.18%
2. Karen O'Neill            1:07:53    56     72.76%   PB 0:55
3. Donna Elms               1:04:22    50     72.07%
4. Robyn Shaw               1:04:30    50     71.92%
5. Michelle Thompson        1:01:04    42     70.77%

1. Bob Gardiner             1:01:37    75     89.29%
2. Ralph Bennett            0:57:51    69     87.86%
3. Alan Lucas               0:59:21    63     80.01%
4. Terry O'Neill            1:00:39    55     72.52%
5. Geoff Barrow             1:08:45    62     68.35%
6. Alex Poore               1:20:22    72     65.70%
 
RWA Challenge 10km Un20
1. Connor McShanag          0:56:40     PB 1:09

1. Kirstin Shaw             1:04:14     

Our U18, U16 and U14 divisions contested 8km, 5km and 3km respectively. Unfortunately, our event clashed with the Victorian All Schools Cross Country Championships so we were missing a number of key walkers but we did manage to cover all the age groups except for the U18 Boys. Amelia Finnegan, Emily Swan and Jemima Montag led the way with PBs in their divisions while Kyle Swan and Nathan Brill performed at their usual high standard in their divisions. Special mentions also to Billy Allamby, Lauren Collis and Paige De Lisen who recorded PBs and to Paul Tremigliozzi who walked his first ever 5km.
              
RWA Challenge 8km U18
1. Amelia Finnegan          42:06     PB 0:49
   Caitlin Campbell         DNF
 
RWA Challenge 5km U16         
1. Emily Swan               32:17     PB 2:55

1. Nathan Brill             22:44
2. Billy Allamby            26:56     PB 0:20
3. Paul Tremigliozzi        33:13     First ever
 
RWA Challenge 3km U14
1. Jemima Montag            14:33     PB 0:02
2. Megan Walker             16:24      
3. Lauren Collis            16:48     PB 0:13
4. Shelby Kay               16:51
5. Paige De Lisen           17:32     PB 0:01
   Gabriella Crea           DQ

1. Kyle Swan                15:15
2. Reese Walmsley           16:25
3. Cody McNicol-Davidson    19:37
   Brendan O'Mahony         DQ
 
Our U12 and U10 walkers also had official Postal Challenge events and they were in fine form in the good conditions. Fastest times went to Hayley George, Jonty Brennan, Brianna Lillie and Caine Brill. Special mention to Brodie Richardson for her PB.

RWA Challenge 2km U12
1. Hayley George            11:10
2. Brodie Richardson        11:24     PB 0:01
3. Anaya Hodges             11:33
4. Jessica Lillie           11:47
5. Tara Xuereb              12:45
6. Tegan Miller             13:27

1. Jonty Brennan            11:07
2. Justin Brill             12:14
3. Hayden Walmsley          12:37
 
RWA Challenge 1.5km U10
1. Brianna Lillie           08:40
2. Kathleen O'Mahony        09:02
3. Payton Kay               09:26
4. Mercedes Brennan         09:31
5. Lee Taylor               09:41
6. Frances Collis           10:38

1. Caine Brill              09:10
2. Bede Collis              11:48
3. Tom Kennedy              12:55

Finally to our 3km Open walk for everyone else. We saw fast winning times for Jason Kozica (14:33 - a PB) and Stephanie George (15:10) and there were a number of other good walks in there as well.

3km Open
1. Stephanie George         15:10
2. Sandra Geisler           16:11
3. Rebecca Campbell         18:39
4. Celia Johnson            20:18
5. Pam Mews                 30:10

1. Jason Kozica             14:33     PB 0:08
2. Paul Kennedy             15:06
3. Gordon Onley             20:18
4. Gerard Feain             20:43
5. Lachlan Feain            20:44
6. Barrie Wicks             21:13
7. John Morrison            22:25

Thanks as usual to our many helpers on officials who ensured a well run and good event. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Course Setup: Bob Gardiner, Harry Summers, Peter Vysma, Craig Brill
Officials: Tim Erickson, Harry Summers, Ian Laurie, Natalie Laurie, Mark Donahoo, Susan Taylor, Paul Kozaris, Stuart Cooper, Damien Elms
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Terry Knape, Gordon Loughnan, Lloyd Nichols, Brenda Felton, Brian Williams
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper
Camera / Video: Terry Swan, Frances Attard

VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 17 JULY 2011

Conditions were perfect for the 67 walkers who toed the line at Middle Park on Saturday in another round of VRWC road walks. The longest distance on offer was 10km and we saw some great PBs from Amelia Finnegan 52:56, Michelle Laufer 54:53 and Michelle Thompson 57:37 as well as a first time ever 10km walk by Simone O'Neill 1:09:21. Of the men, Aaron McDonough was well ahead with his time of 52:50.
 
10km Open
1. Finnegan, Amelia        52:56     PB 2:23
2. Laufer, Michelle        54:53     PB 1:07
3. Hockley-Samon, Jmara    56:39
4. Thompson, Michelle      57:37     PP 1:54
5. Thompson, Alison        63:54
6. O'Neill, Simone         67:25     First Time
7. O'Neill, Karyn          69:21
8. McNicol-Davison, Chloe  70:21
   Attard, Bianca          DNF
 
1. McDonough, Aaron        52:50
2. Lucas, Alan             59:54
3. Johnson, Tony           63:28
4. Gardiner, Bob           64:11
5. McNicol-Davidson, Cody  76:36

Quite a few walkers chose to do the shorter distances of 5km or 3km and once again there were PBs by Jade Sanders 29:20, Emily Hamilton 15:56 and Emily Swan 17:51. The winners were Stephanie George 26:46, Jared Walker 25:55, Gwen Steed 19:45, Gordon Onley 21:00, Emily Hamilton 15:56 and Billy Allamby 15:10.
 
5km Open
1. George, Stephanie       26:46
2. Sanders, Jade           29:20     PB 1:02
3. Elms, Donna             30:56
4. Shaw, Robyn             31:28
5. McIntyre, Gayle         32:02
6. Johnson, Celia          35:06
 
1. Walker, Jared           25:55
2. Tam, Aaron              26:07
3. Kennedy, Paul           26:10
4. Reid, Ross              28:18
5. Feain, Gerard           32:25
6. Barrow, Geoff           34:09
7. Wicks, Barrie           36:16
8. Poore, Alex             39:41
9. Wood, Robin             41:20
 
3km Open
1. Steed, Gwen             19:45
2. Mews, Pam               30:52
   Campbell, Caitlin       DNF
 
1. Onley, Gordon           21:00
 
3km U15
1. Hamilton, Emily         15:56     PB 6 secs
2. Walker, Megan           17:17
3. Swan, Emily             17:51     PB 34 secs
4. De Lisen, Paige         17:55
5. Barbour, Beth           18:07
6. Campbell, Rebecca       19:33
7. Eastwood, Jessie        20:04
8. Feain, Madeleine        21:05
 
1. Allamby, Billy          15:10
2. McShanag, Connor        15:22
3. Swan, Kyle              15:33
4. Walmsley, Reese         16:16
5. Tremigliozzi, Paul      19:23
6. Feain, Lachlan          20:31     First Ever
 
Our younger walkers had their Intervals races this week with the U12s racing 3x1km and the U9s racing 2x1km on the 10 minute mark. Everyone seemed to handle it well and most walkers held their pace from one interval to the next. We welcomed two new walkers in William and Tom Kennedy and they had a great time in their first ever walks. Overall, winners include Hayley George, Harry Hockley-Samon, Brianna Lillie and William Kennedy.

3x1km U12 Intervals Race    1st km  2nd km  3rd km  Total Time
1. George, Hayley           5:26    5:29    5:29    16:24
2. Richardson, Brodie       5:15    5:31    5:44    16:30
3. Hodges, Mikhala          5:21    5:39    5:39    16:39
4. Lillie, Jessica          5:49    5:42    5:49    17:20
5. Crea, Gabriella          5:48    5:48    6:13    17:49
6. Hodges, Anaya            5:26    5:48    6:54    18:08
7. Taylor, Lee              6:17    6:20    6:15    18:52
8. Eastwood, Jemma          6:04    6:26    6:58    19:28
9. Miller, Tegan            7:00    7:31    9:04    23:35
 
1. Hockley-Samon, Harry     5:14    5:24    5:25    16:03
2. Brennan, Jonty           5:14    5:28    5:26    16:10
3. Walmsley, Hayden         5:48    5:54    5:45    17:27
4. O'Mahony, Brendon        5:49    5:46    6:01    17:36
5. Wright, Ethan            6:08    6:23    6:56    19:27
 
2x1km U9 Intervals Race     1st km  2nd km  Total Time
1. Lillie, Brianna          5:58    5:53    11:51
2. Brennan, Mercedes        5:57    5:57    11:54
3. O'Mahony, Kathleen       5:58    6:01    11:59
 
1. Kennedy, William         5:49    6:10    11:59
2. Kennedy, Tom             7:27    7:55    15:22
 
Thanks to the many people who helped out on Saturday. It takes a lot of people power to run a weekly carnival of this size.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Ian Laurie, Natalie Laurie, Peter Kozaris, Susan Taylor, Mark O'Mahony, Harry Summers, Damien Elms
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Stuart Cooper, Lloyd Nichols, Ralph Bennett, Michael Bodey, Frances Attard (recorder)
Course Setup: Bob Gardiner, Harry Summers, Peter Vysma, Ross Reid
Photos: Terry Swan
Video: Frances Attard

As usual, Terry Swan was there taking photos so check out http://www.vrwc.org.au/coppermine soon. Also Frances Attard was busy with the video camera. She also had her video of last week's races on show and there was some great footage. I have uploaded bits from all the AV championships to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1zUyMGU1Tg.

AV, AV SCHOOLS AND VRWC CHAMPIONSHIPS, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 10 JULY 2011

Sunday saw AV, AV Schools and VRWC Championships on offer at Middle Park and 75 walkers were in attendance. Unfortunately, so was the bad weather with bitterly cold conditions and strong blustery winds. This made it tough for competitors, officials and spectators and good times were hard to come by.

The Victorian 20km championships were the first events to start but, due to the World Masters Championships in Sacramento, we were missing many of our top walkers.  AIS walker Chris Erickson went straight to the front and gave a great exhibition of power walking as he pushed out to an impressive winning time of 1:25:06, well ahead of second placed Aaron McDonough 1:51:25. We had expected a interesting battle in the women's championship with local Kelly Ruddick pitted against South Australian star Tanya Holliday. Tanya started fast and looked on track for a big time but unfortunately recent illness took its toll and she stopped soon after the half way mark. Kelly worked hard in the second half to hold her pace, dropping only 1 minute in the windy conditions, to win with an excellent 1:40:54 ahead of Kirstin Shaw 2:03:42.
 
AV OPEN 20KM MEN     
1. Chris Erickson       ATE (AIS) 41:56    1:25:06
2. Aaron McDonough      PTN       54:17    1:51:25
   Paul Van Kopplen     CDN       48:30    DNF
   Stuart Kollmorgen    COL       DNS
   Simon Evans          BXH       DNS
 
AV OPEN 20KM WOMEN     
1. Kelly Ruddick        BHA       49:58    1:40:54
2. Kirstin Shaw         WES       59:47    2:03:42
   Tanya Holliday       SA (INV)  49:06    DNF
   Tamara Attard        KNA       DNF
 
The AV Schools championships were also held with U20, U18, U16 and U14 walkers in action. The best walks on the day were probably from Nathan Brill (12:56), Amelia Finnegan (25:39), Jared Walker (25:10), Zoe Boldiston (14:56) and Kyle Swan (15:09).

AV SCHOOLS U20 10KM CHAMPIONSHIP MEN
1. Brad Simpson              Yarra Valley Grammar                  0:54:03
2. Lucas Taylor              Lilydale High School                  0:55:54
 
AV SCHOOLS U20 10KM CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN
1. Bianca Attard             Aquinas College Ringwood              1:03:14
   Beth Alexander            Brentwood Secondary College           DNF
   Chloe McNicol-Davidson    Flinders Christian Community College  DNS
 
AV SCHOOLS U18 5KM CHAMPIONSHIP MEN
1. Jared Walker              Lara Secondary College                0:25:10
2. Aaron Tam                 Glen Waverley Sec. College            0:27:41
   Josh Dillon               St Josephs College Geelong            DNS
 
AV SCHOOLS U18 5KM CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN
1. Amelia Finnegan           Mater Christi College                 0:25:39
2. Jmara Hockley-Samon       Clonard College                       0:27:56
3. Ebony Whiley              Catholic College Bendigo              0:29:08
4. Caitlin Campbell          Copperfield College                   0:30:33
 
AV SCHOOLS U16 3KM CHAMPIONSHIP BOYS
1. Nathan Brill              Rosebud Secondary College             0:12:56
2. Billy Allamby             St Josephs Ferntree Gully             0:15:33
3. Connor Mcshanag           St Bernards Essendon                  0:16:28
4. Jake Quinton              Ballarat High School                  0:17:03
 
AV SCHOOLS U16 3KM CHAMPIONSHIP GIRLS
1. Zoe Boldiston             Notre Dame College                    0:14:56
2. Stephanie George          Yarra Valley Grammar                  0:15:12
3. Jade Sanders              Berwick Secondary School              0:16:23
4. Lauren Stadus             Ivanhoe                               0:16:29
5. Kobie Somerfield          Mt. Clear College Ballarat            0:16:42
6. Megan Walker              Clonard College Geelong               0:16:43
7. Jessie Eastwood           Mater Christi College                 0:17:53
8. Brianna Cooke             Epping Secondary College              0:19:58
9. Rebecca Campbell          Copperfield College                   0:20:45
 
AV SCHOOLS U14 3KM CHAMPIONSHIP BOYS
1. Kyle Swan                 The Knox School                       0:15:09
2. Cooper Owen               Viewbank College                      0:16:03
3. Reese Walmsley            Rowville Secondary College            0:16:10
4. Harry Hockley Samon       Holy Spirit School Manifold Heights   0:16:23
5. Ross Darlow               Ballarat High School                  0:17:23
6. Liam Burgess              St Marys Greensborough                0:17:52
7. Cody McNicol-Davidson     Flinders Christian Community College  0:19:37
 
AV SCHOOLS U14 3KM CHAMPIONSHIP GIRLS
1. Shelby Kay                Selby Primary School                  0:16:45
2. Emily Hamilton            Marter Christi, Belgrave              0:17:07
3. Lauren Collis             Our Lady Of Mercy College             0:17:48
4. Hayley Brown              Fairhills Primary School              0:18:36
5. Chelsea Owen-Smith        Watsonia Heights Primary School       0:19:13
   Jemma Eastwood            Menzies Creek Primary Sch             DQ
 
VRWC Club Championships were on offer for Open Men, U12 and U9.  Chris Erickson took the Open title compliments of his AV 20km win while the younger winners were Shelby Kay (13:51), Kyle Swan (13:17), Brianna Lillie (8:49) and Caine Brill (9:14). Kyle and Shelby had already won their respective U14 Victorian Schools titles so they were in fine form.

VRWC 20KM OPEN MEN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP – ALF ROBINSON TROPHY
1. Chris Erickson       41:56    1:25:06
2. Aaron McDonough      54:17    1:51:25
   Paul Van Kopplen     48:30    DNF
 
VRWC 2.5KM U12 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP S
1. Shelby Kay           13:51
2. Hayley George        14:18
3. Mikhala Hodges       14:23
4. Anaya Hodges         14:30
5. Jemma Peart          14:58
6. Brodie Richardson    15:40
7. Jessica Lillie       15:53
8. Rebecca Henderson    16:45
9. Tegan Miller         17:05
 
1. Kyle Swan            13:17
2. Jonty Brennan        14:59
3. Hayden Walmsley      15:13
4. Justin Brill         15:26
5. Ethan Wright         16:44
   Brendon O'Mahony     DQ
 
VRWC 1.5KM U9 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP S
1. Brianna Lillie       08:49
2. Kathleen O'Mahony    08:59
3. Payton Kay           09:28
4. Mercedes Brennan     09:42
5. Alanna  Peart        10:09
 
1. Caine Brill          09:14
2. Bede Collis          12:16
 
Finally, we had a number of club races for the other walkers in attendance. Donna Elms tested herself out over 20km and did it tough in the windy conditions to record 2:25:35. In the 5km event, Alan Lucas was the best with 28:34 while Sandra Geisler walked 16:02 in the 3km event.

VRWC 20KM OPEN WOMEN
1. Donna Elms           1:08:59    2:25:35
 
VRWC 5KM OPEN
1. Alan Lucas           28:34
2. Robyn Shaw           33:20
3. Pam Mews             57:33
4. Ralph Bennett        28:55
5. Barrie Wicks         36:07
6. David Armstrong      27:58
7. Sarah  Brennan       29:44
8. Tony Doran           32:31
9. Jason Kozica         36:59
 
VRWC 3KM OPEN
1. Sandra Geisler       16:02
 
As usual, thanks to the many officials and helpers who lend their support every week. Sorry if I have missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Bob  Gardiner, Harry Summers, Michael Bodey, Mark Donahoo, Damien Elms, Ralph Bennett, Les Clarke, 
Judges: Judy Mason (Chief), Peter Vysma, Terry Knape, Shane Bertrand, Daryl Biggin, Lincolm Mah, Terry Swan, Elke Raselli, Kathleen Marsh (DQ Board)
Course Setup: Tim Erickson, Bob Gardiner, Harry Summers, Peter Vysma
Canteen: Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper, Marlaine Stanway, Leanne Lamble
Video/Photos: Stuart Cooper, Frances Attard

VRWC RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 2 JULY 2011

Our annual Interval Races Day saw 36 of our 65 walkers testing themselves out over 2km intervals. While conditions were mild and sunny, a very strong wind made it tough for the competitors as they lined up each 17 minutes for their legs. Stuart Kollmorgen was straight back into action after his race in Dublin last weekend and he led the way in each interval, lapping at just over 9 minutes per leg. Stuart will not be home for long as later this week, he heads off to Sacramento for the World Masters Championships. Others to excel in the Intervals races were Kirstin Shaw, Aaron Tam, Simon Evans, Billy Allamby, Amelia Finnegan and Paul Kennedy.

Intervals Race           2km      4km      6km      8km      10km     Total    No. of legs
1. Kirstin Shaw          11:07    11:08    10:45    10:31    10:35    54:06    5
2. Donna Elms            11:54    12:17    12:32    12:47    12:50    62:20    5
3. Simone O'Neill        13:18    13:30    13:13    13:13    13:28    66:42    5
4. Karen O'Neill         13:34    13:34    13:27    13:27    13:31    67:33    5

1. Stuart Kollmorgan     08:56    09:05    09:12    09:18    09:11    45:42    5
2. Aaron Tam             09:48    09:59    09:56    10:03    10:10    49:56    5
3. Simon  Evans          10:03    10:05    10:06    10:12    10:19    50:45    5
4. Aaron McDonough       10:09    10:13    10:22    10:16    10:02    51:02    5
5. Billy Allamby         10:04    10:39    10:46    10:31    10:50    52:50    5
6. Bob Gardiner          12:00    12:09    12:26    12:32    13:00    62:07    5
7. Tony Johnson          13:15    12:39    12:43    12:48    12:22    63:47    5
8. Cody McNicol-Davidson 12:52    13:22    14:04    14:08    14:24    68:50    5

1. Alison Thompson       11:48    12:03    12:02    12:19             48:12    4

1. Geoff Barrow          13:18    13:23    13:15    15:00             54:56    4

1. Amelia Finnegan       09:49    10:00    09:59                      29:48    3
2. Emily Hamilton        11:38    11:59    11:58                      35:35    3
3. Caitlin Campbell      12:02    12:07    12:09                      36:18    3
4. Robyn Shaw            12:03    12:25    12:33                      37:01    3
5. Celia Johnson         14:28    14:22    14:24                      43:14    3

1. Paul Kennedy          09:40    09:40    09:43                      29:03    3
2. Kyle Swan             10:17    10:54    11:12                      32:23    3
3. Jason Kozica          13:00    10:15    09:42                      32:57    3
4. Cooper Owen           10:06    11:50    11:29                      33:25    3
5. Ralph Bennett         11:32    11:28    11:27                      34:27    3
6. Alex Poore            15:30    15:31    15:28                      46:29    3

1. Stephanie George      10:02    10:38                               20:40    2
2. Gayle McIntyre        12:28    12:18                               24:46    2
3. Beth Barbour          12:31    12:53                               25:24    2
4. Emily Swan            12:30    13:09                               25:39    2
5. Brianna Cooke         13:03    13:26                               26:29    2
6. Gwen Steed            13:09    13:31                               26:40    2

1. Connor McShanag       09:54    10:59                               20:53    2
2. Gordon Onley          13:42    13:13                               26:55    2

1. Stacey McLaren        14:57                                        14:57    1

1. Harry Summers         14:02                                        14:02    1

A number of walkers preferred to do a normal race so we had 4km events on offer as well. The best of the 4km walkers was Jemima Montag who powered through in 19:47 for a 1 minute PB, a very impressive performance in the tough wind.

4km Open
1. Pam Mews              50:27

1. Alan Lucas            23:03
2. Barrie Wicks          28:54

4km Under 15
1. Jemima Montag         19:47
2. Jade Sanders          22:56
3. Megan Walker          23:04
4. Paige De Lisen        23:44

1. Reese Walmsley        23:30
2. Paul Tremigliozzi     26:35

Our U12 and U9 walkers have their Intervals Race day in a couple of weeks so they had a normal Points Competition day. In the U12 race, Jonty Brennan walked magnificently to beat his PB of last week in the windy conditions and his time of 11:01 saw him 2 secs clear of Shelby Kay who was the fastest of the girls with 11:03. The U9 winners were Brianna Lillie and Caine Brill while Mercedes Brennan was only just a few seconds outside her PB. Anaya Hodges was a handicap winner along with Jonty, Mercedes and Caine.

2km Under 12                       H'cap Place
1. Shelby Kay            11:03     7
2. Mikhala Hodges        11:35     5
3. Anaya Hodges          11:39     1
4. Jessica Lillie        11:40     E3
5. Hayley Brown          11:52     6
6. Chelsea Owen-Smith    12:02     E3
7. Brodie Richardson     12:24     9
8. Hayley George         13:06     10
9. Tegan Miller          13:34     2
10. Lee Taylor           13:42     8

1. Jonty Brennan         11:01     1
2. Justin Brill          12:07     3
3. Hayden Walmsley       12:39     4
4. Brendan O'Mahony      12:47     5
5. Ethan Wright          12:56     6
6. Harley Davidson       15:23     2

1km Under 9                        H'cap Place
1. Brianna Lillie        05:42     2
2. Mercedes Brennan      05:57     1
3. Kathleen O'Mahony     06:10     3

1. Caine Brill           05:47     1

Thanks as usual to the many people who help us every week. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Mark Donahoo, Paul Kozaris, Susan Taylor, Don McLaren, Matt Owen, Damien Elms, Jason Elms, Justin McLaren
Setup: Harry Summers, Bob Gardiner, Craig Brill
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Stuart Cooper, Terry Knape, Michael Bodey, Gordon Loughnan
Canteen: Wendy Cooper, Kate Suich
Photos: Terry Swan

AV and VRWC RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 25 JUNE 2011

Saturday saw windy conditions but mild temperatures at Middle Park for our annual winter club championships day. The Victorian 15km Open roadwalk championships were also held, with a total of 78 walkers in attendance.

The first events to kick off were the AV and VRWC 15km championships and it was Kelly Ruddick and Andrew Jamieson who led the way in record breaking style. Kelly's winning time in the ladies event (1:13:05) was a new Masters W35 Victorian Record while Andrew's winning time in the men's event (1:16:51) was a new Masters M65 Victorian Record. But the highlight of the day had to be Andrew's 10km split of 49:27 which broke the Masters M65 World Record by over some 77 secs. Andrew has recently turned 65 and I think we can expect to see a swag of new marks being set in this division in the near future! Frank Bertei, who won the Victorian 10km title last month, had to be content with silver on this occasion with his time of 1:18:50 ahead of Simon Evans who took third with 1:26:38. Heather Carr 1:25:30 and Kirstin Shaw 1:27:15 took the minor medals in the women's event to complete the roll call.

AV 15km Men Roadwalk Championship
1. Andrew Jamieson           1:16:51     New  Masters M65 World Record (10km)
2. Frank Bertie              1:18:50
3. Simon Evans               1:26:38
4. Aaron McDonough           1:30:29
5. Bob Gardiner              1:39:33
   Stuart Kollmorgen         DNS

AV 15km Women Roadwalk Championship     
1. Kelly Ruddick             1:13:05     New Masters W35 Victorian Record
2. Heather Carr              1:25:30
3. Kirstin Shaw              1:27:15

Other VRWC 15km events were also on offer, including Open Women and U20 Club Championships. Pam Tindal 1:22:26 joined Kelly and Heather in the medal chase in the Open Women's Club Championship while Bianca Attard 1:33:22 joined Kirstin as a medallist in the U20 championship.  As an added bonus, Pam's time was a 19 sec PB and broke her own Masters W50 Victorian Record. We also had a VRWC Open Men non-championship 15km and Chris Lockwood 1:20:35 taking third position behind Andrew and Frank. Special mention for Michelle Laufer who walked her first ever 15km and recorded an excellent 1:26:53.

VRWC 15km Women Championship - Elsie Jacobson Trophy
1. Kelly Ruddick             1:13:05   
2. Pam Tindal                1:22:26     New Masters W50 Victorian Record
3. Heather Carr              1:25:30
4. Michelle Laufer           1:26:53
5. Karyn O'Neill             1:44:14

VRWC 15km U20 Women Championship
1. Kirstin Shaw              1:27:15
2. Bianca Attard             1:33:22

VRWC 15km Open Men
1. Andrew Jamieson           1:16:51
2. Frank Bertie              1:18:50
3. Chris Lockwood            1:20:35
4. James Seid-Christmass     1:25:28
5. Simon Evans               1:26:38
6. Aaron McDonough           1:30:29
7. Terry O'Neill             1:36:15
8. Bob Gardiner              1:39:33
9. Alex Poore                1:58:48
   Ross Reid                 DNF
   Russ Dickenson            DNF
 
The day also featured club championships for U16, U14, U12 and U9 divisions and the racing was fiercely contested. Winners were Stephanie George 25:49 (a big PB), Jared Walker 25:06, Emily Hamilton 16:21, Cooper Owen 15:55, Shelby Kay 10:39. Kyle Swan 10:20, Brianna Lillie 5:42 and Caine Brill 5:55. Quite a few of our younger club members walked PBs, as shown below.

VRWC U16 5km Championship
1. Stephanie George          25:49     PB 54 secs
2. Jmara Hockley Samon       27:45
3. Lauren Stadus             27:48     PB 44 secs

1. Jared Walker              25:06
2. Aaron Tam                 26:07
3. Connor McShanag           26:20

VRWC U14 3km Championship
1. Emily Hamilton            16:21    
2. Megan Walker              16:49
3. Lauren Collis             17:01     PB 5 secs
4. Cassandra Kay             19:16
5. Madeleine Feain           20:21     PB 46 secs

1. Cooper Owen               15:55
2. Paul Tremigliozzi         19:13
3. Cody McNicol-Davidson     21:00
   Reese Walmsley            DQ

VRWC 2km U12 Championship
1. Shelby Kay                10:39
2. Paige De Lisen            10:49
3. Hayley George             11:09
4. Mikhala Hodges            11:24
5. Jessica Lillie            11:43     PB 2 secs
6. Anaya Hodges              11:43
7. Hayley Brown              11:51
8. Brodie Richardson         12:24
9. Chelsea Owen-Smith        12:25
10.Josephine Laufer          12:43     PB 17 secs
   Gabriella Crea            DQ
         
1. Kyle Swan                 10:20
2. Jonty Brennan             11:08     PB 31 secs
3. Hugh Collis               11:41     PB 16 secs
4. Justin Brill              12:09
5. Ethan Wright              14:19
   Harley Davidson           DQ

VRWC 1km U9 Championship
1. Brianna Lillie            05:42
2. Mercedes Brennan          05:45     PB 25 secs
3. Kathleen O'Mahony         05:49
4. Payton Kay                05:58     PB 30 secs
5. Frances Collis            06:12     PB 13 secs

1. Caine Brill               05:55
2. Bede Collis               08:33

Finally, we had 5km and 3km club walks for the rest of our walkers with results as shown below.

VRWC 5km Open
1. Liz Feldman               30:23
2. Donna Elms                31:12
3. Anna Wallace              31:17
4. Robyn Shaw                32:57
5. Simone O'Neill            34:41
6. Margaret Beaumont         40:17

1. David Armstrong           28:34
2. Ralph Bennett             28:52
3. Alan Lucas                29:12
4. Gerard Feain              31:39
5. Anthony Doran             32:02
6. Geoff Barrow              33:40
7. Harry Summers             36:09
8. Barrie Wicks              37:15
9. Ian Beaumont              40:04

VRWC 3km Open
1. Caitlin Campbell          17:15
2. Gwen Steed                19:49
3. Pam Mews                  34:15
   Amy Burren                DNF
         
1. Gordon Onley              20:45
2. John Morrison             21:50

Thanks to our many officials who help out every week. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Course Setup: Harry Summers, Bob Gardiner, Craig Brill, Damien Elms
Officials: Tim Erickson, Paul Kozaris, Ian Laurie, Natalie Laurie, Damien Elms, Mark O'Mahony, Mark Donahoo, Alison Baker, Sabrina George
Judges: Shane Bertrand (chief), Judy Mason, Diane Lowden, Terry Knape, Daryl Biggin, Brenda Felton, Gordon Loughnan (?), Lloyd Nichols (?), Michael Bodey (DQ Board)
Canteen: Kate Suich, Leanne Lamble, Marlaine Stanway, Wendy Cooper

VRWC RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 18 JUNE 2011

Conditions were perfect in Melbourne on Saturday - overcast, mild and still - and the 62 walkers who attended were challenged by our annual 'Guess Your Time' races. The idea is a simple one - you nominate the time you expect to walk and then you walk without a watch or any intermediate times being called. The winner is the walker who is closest to his/her nominated time.  The guessing was pretty good, especially in the 10km event when Michelle Laufer and Clyde Riddoch were spot on. In other interesting finishes, Anaya and Mikhala Hodges were equal winners in the U12Girls 2km event, being only 1 sec off with their guesses. And in the U15 events, Billy Allamby and Emily Hamilton walked together the whole way and won their respective divisions, being only 1 sec and 2 secs off the mark with their finish time guesses.

Anyway, you can read all about it in the results which are shown below
 
VRWC 10km Open              Time       Guess      Difference
1. Laufer, Michelle         0:56:00    0:56:00    0:00
2. Tindal, Pam              0:54:21    0:55:00    -0:39
3. Thompson, Alison         1:03:08    1:02:00    +1:08
4. Attard, Bianca           1:03:15    1:02:00    +1:15
5. McNicol-Davidson, Chloe  1:09:22    1:06:55    +2:27
 
1. Riddoch, Clyde           1:00:00    1:00:00    0:00
2. Seid-Christmass, James   0:55:58    0:56:00    -0:02
3. Gardiner, Bob            1:04:56    1:05:00    -0:04
4. Dickenson, Russ          0:56:03    0:56:30    -0:27
5. Evans, Simon             0:54:16    0:53:00    +1:16
   Dillon, Josh    DNF
 
VRWC 5km Open                 Time     Guess    Difference 
1. Carr, Heather              27:20    27:10    +0:10
2. Feldman, Liz               30:21    30:01    +0:20
3. Beaumont, Margaret         40:38    41:01    -0:23
4. Shaw, Kirstin              28:01    27:30    +0:31
5. Geisler, Sandra            27:35    26:30    +1:05
6. Elms, Donna                31:58    30:05    +1:53
   Shaw, Robyn    DNF
 
1. Barrow, Geoff              33:43    33:58    -0:15
2. Wicks, Barrie              36:59    36:30    +0:29
3. Poore, Alex                37:28    38:00    -0:32
4. Johnson, Tony              31:27    32:00    -0:33
5. Beaumont, Ian              40:30    39:45    +0:45
6. McNicol-Davidson, Cody     33:39    32:50    +0:49
7. Cowley, Rhydian            22:11    21:20    +0:51
8. Brill, Nathan              22:53    21:50    +1:03
9. Tam, Aaron                 26:20    25:00    +1:20
10. Jenkins, Llew             36:59    34:00    +2:59
11. Mirarchi, Nicholas        33:01    27:00    +6:01
 
VRWC 3km Open                 Time     Guess    Difference 
1. Steed, Gwen                19:55    19:54    +0:01
2. Mews, Pam                  31:51    31:43    +0:08
3. Johnson, Celia             21:31    22:10    -0:39
 
1. Morrison, John             21:27    21:10    +0:17
 
VRWC 3km Under 15             Time     Guess    Difference 
1. Hamilton, Emily            16:02    16:00    +0:02
2. Walker, Megan              17:19    17:00    +0:19
3. McLaren, Stacey            19:42    19:20    +0:22
4. Sanders, Jade              16:35    16:10    +0:25
5. Swan, Emily                19:04    18:30    +0:34
6. De Lisen, Paige            17:37    17:00    +0:37
7. Cooke, Brianna             19:58    18:53    +1:05
   Campbell, Rebecca          DNF
 
1. Allamby, Billy             15:59    16:00    -0:01
2. Walmsley, Reese            18:22    18:10    +0:12
3. Swan, Kyle                 15:28    15:10    +0:18
4. McShanag, Connor           15:22    14:45    +0:27
5. Tremigliozzi, Paul         19:23    18:50    +0:33
6. Owen, Cooper               15:55    17:30    -1:35
 
VRWC 2km Under 12             Time     Guess    Difference 
E1 Hodges, Anaya              11:40    11:41    -0:01
E1 Hodges, Mikhala            11:29    11:30    -0:01
3. Xuereb, Tara               12:40    12:35    +0:05
4. Lillie, Jessica            11:44    11:50    -0:06
5. Eastwood, Jemma            11:37    11:45    -0:08
6. Taylor, Lee                13:37    12:56    +0:41
7. Richardson, Brodie         12:23    11:20    +1:03
 
1. Brennan, Jonty             11:46    11:40    +0:06
2. Brill, Justin              11:45    12:01    -0:16
3. Walmsley, Hayden           12:56    12:36    +0:20
4. Davidson, Harley           15:23    15:59    -0:36
5. Mirarchi, Thomas           15:07    18:00    -2:57
 
VRWC 1km Under 9              Time     Guess    Difference 
1. Lillie, Brianna            05:45    05:38    +0:07
2. Brennan, Mercedes          05:50    06:23    -0:33
 
1. Brill, Caine               05:56    05:43    +0:13

As usual, thanks to our many officials, judges and helpers. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Russ Dickenson, Michael Bodey, Bob Gardiner, Harry Summers, Craig Brill, Paul Kozaris, Justin McLaren, Don McLaren, Damien Elms, Matt Owen
Judges: Stuart Cooper (Chief), Brenda Felton, Ralph Bennett, Stuart Cooper, Michael Bodey
Photos: Terry Swan
Video: Frances Attard
Canteen: Wendy Cooper, Marlaine Stanway

LBG CARNIVAL, CANBERRA, SUNDAY 12 JUNE 2011

Over 300 racewalkers from around Australia descended on Canberra last weekend for the running of the 45th Lake Burley Griffin Walking Carnival. The Carnival which was held on Sunday 12th June at Weston Park in excellent conditions - cool with occasional sunny patches - included events ranging from the classic 20 miler right down to 1km events for the Under 10 walkers. Club photographer Terry Swan was in action throughout the day and he has uploaded a selection of his photos to http://vrwc.org.au/coppermine. I also have to add my photos into the mix and also some superb 20 Mile shots from Luke Adams.

The Victorian team effort was fantastic - they were the dominant club on the day, taking the most individual medals and taking the most team awards. The roll of honour reads as follows

Gold    Open Men 20 Mile        Jared Tallent          2:18:59   
        Masters Men 20 Mile     Stuart Kollmorgen      2:53:07
        Open Women 10 Mile      Regan Lamble           1:14:26
        Masters Women 10 Mile   Heather Carr           1:34:42
        Masters Men 10 Mile     Scott Nelson           1:21:28
        U12 Boys 2kim           Harry Hockley-Samon      10:05
        U14 Girls 2km           Jemima Montag             9:27
        U16 Boys 3km            Nathan Brill             13:03
        U16 Girls 3km           Jmara Hockley-Samon      15:02
        U20 Girls 5km           Regan Lamble             22:39

Silver  Open Men 20 Mile        Nathan Deakes          2:21:50     
        Open Women 20 Mile      Michelle Thompson      3:29:14     
        U10 Girls 1km           Mikhala Hodges            5:12
        U14 Boys 2km            Billy Allamby             9:45   
        U20 Girls 5km           Rachel Tallent           23:31
        Open Women 5km          Regan Lamble             22:39

Bronze  Open Women 10 Mile      Rachel Tallent         1:24:01
        Masters Women 10 Mile   Donna-Marie Elms       1:52:41
        Open Men 10 Mile        Scott Nelson           1:21:28
        Masters Men 10 Mile     Andrew Jamieson        1:21:54
        U10 Girls 1km           Jemma Peart               5:19
        U16 Girls 3km           Stephanie George         15:19
        U18 Boys 5km            Nathan Brill             22:22
        U18 Girls 5km           Amelia Finnegan          26:14
        Open Women 5km          Rachel Tallent           23:31

Team Gold    Open 20 Mile     VIC1    Jared Tallent, Nathan Deakes, Chris Erickson
             U12 Girls 1km    VIC1    Mikhala Hodges, Jemma Peart, Brianna Lillie
             U14 Boys 2km     VIC1    Billy Allamby, Kyle Swan, Harry Hockley-Samon
             U14 Girls 2km    VIC1    Jemima Montag, Emily Hamilton, Shelby Kay
             U16 Boys 3km     VIC1    Nathan Brill, Connor McShanag, Lucas Taylor
             U16 Girls 3km    VIC1    Jmara Hockley-Samon, Stephanie George, Bianca Attard
             Open Women 5km   VIC1    Regan Lamble, Rachel Tallent, Jmara Hockley-Samon

Team Silver  Open Men 10 Mile VIC1    Scott Nelson, Andrew Jamieson, Christopher Lockwood
             U10 Girls 1km    VIC2    Amy Canavan, Kathleen O'Mahoney, Lee Taylor
             U12 Boys 2km     VIC1    Harry Hockley-Samon, Jonty Brennan, Justin Brill
             U12 Girls 2km    VIC1    Anaya Hodges, Brodie Richardson, Mikhala Hodges
             U18 Boys 5km     VIC1    Nathan Brill, Josh Dillon, Aaron Tam
             U18 Girls 5km    VIC1    Amelia Finnegan, Cassie Raselli, Jemima Montag

Team Bronze  Open Men 10 Mile VIC2    Aaron McDonough, Daryl Biggin, Maurice Prendergast
             U12 Boys 2km     VIC2    Reese Walmsley, Ross Darlow, Ethan Wright
             U18 Girls 5km    VIC2    Emily Hamilton, Caitlin Campbell, Rebecca Campbell
             Open Women 5km   VIC2    Stephanie George, Cassie Raselli, Shelby Kay

I must mention the many Victorians who competed in more than one event - this is always a feature of the Canberra carnival. The following all competed in 2 events:

Billy Allamby, Jonty Brennan,  Mercedes Brennan, Nathan Brill, Donna Elms, Amelia Finnegan, Stephanie George, Emily Hamilton, Harry and Jmara Hockley-Samon, Anaya Hodges, Shelby Kay, Regan Lamble, Brianna Lillie, Chloe and Cody McNicol-Davidson, Stacey McLaren, Connor McShanag, Jemima Montag, Kathleen and Brendon O'Mahony, Cassie Raselli, Brodie Richardson, Kyle Swan, Rachel Tallent, Lee and Lucas Taylor, Anna Wallace, Hayden and Reese Walmsley, Ethan Wright, Amy Canavan, Ross Darlow and Jemma Peart

And a special mention to Mikhala Hodges who raced in an amazing 3 events, coming 2nd in the U10 1km, 10th in the U12 2km and 16th in the U14 2km.

The first events to kick off at 8AM were the 20 Mile and 10 Mile championships and this year they were watched with even more interest than usual, given the presence of our top seven men - Nathan Deakes (VIC), Jared Tallent (VIC), Luke Adams (Regal), Chris Erickson (VIC), Adam Rutter (NSWRWC), Brendon Reading (ACT) and Ian Rayson (Regal). All seven are Canberra based with the top five AIS based. It was no surprise to see them hit the front from the start and soon clear away form the field. By the half way mark, Jared and Chris had gained a handy lead over the others but we all know that it all happens in the second half of such a race, and so it was with Jared putting the foot down soon after and leaving Chris in his wake. He quickly built up a winning lead to record his 6th victory in the impressive time of 2:18:59. Luke Adams stormed home to finish only 47 secs behind Jared, his time of 2:19:46 less that a minute outside his best, and he was certainly making big inroads into Jared's lead in the final few miles. Nathan Deakes continued his comeback with yet another strong performance to take third ahead of Chris and Adam. This is an identical time to that done by Nathan in 1998 in his only other excursion over this tough course. How's that for an interesting stat! Chris 2:24:37 and Adam 2:25:55 rounded out the top five with further impressive times. This is the first time we have seen 5 walkers under 2:30 and it was nearly 7 as Brendon Reading and Ian Rayson came tantalisingly close with their times of 2:31:10 and 2:31:31. For Brendon, it was a 4 min PB as he continues his excellent form. Further back in the field, Robin Whyte recorded his 42nd finish and Bill Starr recorded his 33rd finish - what superb efforts!

We also saw 4 women competing in the toughest race on the program and all finished. The best of them was 2008 Olympian Cheryl Webb whose time of 2:52:53 is the third best ever in this carnival, behind Kerry Saxby-Junna and Megan Szirom. Michelle Thompson was next in with 3:29:14 in her first ever Canberra, another excellent walk.

There were also Fitness races over 20 Miles, 10 Miles and 5 Miles and a good number of people, including some of our Victorian parents and supporters, took the opportunity to see the hills at close quarters!

And now onto the event reports which show the first and all Victorians.

EVENT 1 OPEN 20 MILES MEN              
1. Jared Tallent       M    2:18:59    VIC
2. Luke Adams          M    2:19:46    REGAL
3. Nathan Deakes       M    2:21:50    VIC
4. Chris Erickson      M    2:24:37    VIC
 
8. Stuart Kollmorgen   M    2:53:07    VIC

EVENT 1 OPEN 20 MILES WOMEN              
1. Cheryl Webb         F    2:52:22    NSWRWC
2. Michelle Thompson   F    3:29:14    VIC
3. Mary Willis         F    3:57:02    NSWRWC
4. Karyn O'Neill       F    4:00:21    VIC

EVENT 1 OPEN 20 MILES MASTERS MEN              
1. Stuart Kollmorgen   M    2:53:07    VIC
2. Ian Jessurun        M    3:01:34    NSWRWC
3. Colin Heywood       M    3:04:34    ACTW

EVENT 1 OPEN 20 MILES MASTERS WOMEN             
1. Michelle Thompson   F    3:29:14    VIC
2. Mary Willis         F    3:57:02    NSWRWC
3. Karyn O'Neill       F    4:00:21    VIC
             
HANDICAP              
1. Peter Bennett       M    QRWC     
2. Brendan Reading     M    ACTW     
3. Ian Rayson          M    REGAL     
             
TEAMS              
1  VIC1    50    Jared Tallent Nathan Deakes Chris Erickson
2  NSWRWC1 34    Adam Rutter Cheryl Webb Ian Jessurun
3  REGAL1  32    Luke Adams Ian Rayson Robert Osborne
5  VIC2    17    Stuart Kollmorgen Michelle Thompson Karyn O'Neill
         
MASTERS TEAMS              
1  VIC1     7    Stuart Kollmorgen Michelle Thompson Karyn O'Neill
             
EVENT 2 FITNESS 20 MILES
MEN
1. Robert Willcox          3:31:58    NSWRWC
2. Geoff Barker            3:55:24    ACTW
3. Derek Robinson          3:57:23    ACTW
4. George Megas            4:37:47    QRWC

WOMEN
1. Monika Short            3:55:44    ACTW

EVENT 3 AACT WOMENS & MENS 30 KM CHAMPIONSHIP             
1. Jared Tallent           2:09:11    VIC
2. Luke Adams              2:10:35    NSW
3. Nathan Deakes           2:11:53    VIC
5. Chris Erickson          2:14:26    VIC
8. Stuart Kollmorgen       2:41:00    VIC

The Women's 10 mile championships, also contested around the hilly lake circuit, saw Regan Lamble win in 1:14:26, second only to Kerry Saxby-Junna's 2001 time of 1:14:09. She headed off with the top men and this set her up for a big walk. How impressive is that! Tanya Holliday was also in great form, taking second with 1:17:23, the sixth best ever time in this event. Both girls, along with Rachel Tallent who finished third with 1:24:01, fronted in the afternoon in the women's 5km event - now that's a tough ask.
             
EVENT 4 OPEN WOMENS 10 MILES              
1.  Regan Lamble           1:14:26    VIC     
2. Tanya Holliday          1:17:23    SARWC     
3. Rachel Tallent          1:24:01    VIC          
5. Tamara Attard           1:34:20    VIC     
6. Heather Carr            1:34:42    VIC     
7. Amelia Finnegan         1:35:11    VIC          
10.Anna Wallace            1:50:34    VIC     
11.Donna-Marie Elms        1:52:41    VIC          
             
MASTERS              
1. Heather Carr            1:34:42    VIC     
2. Kay Shaw                1:42:57    QRWC     
3. Donna-Marie Elms        1:52:41    VIC     
             
HANDICAP              
1. Tamara Attard      VIC         
2. Charlene Ebejer    REGAL         
3. Amelia Finnegan    VIC         
             
TEAMS
1  VIC1    16    Regan Lamble Rachel Tallent Tamara Attard
2  VIC2     6    Heather Carr Amelia Finnegan Anna Wallace

The Men's 10 mile championship saw AIS walker Sean Fitzsimons win in 1:13:47 ahead of young NSW walker Kyle Malone and 1996 NZ Olympian Scott Nelson. Scott also won the Masters event which was held concurrently. It was great to see young Brook Keys back in action and contesting the 10 Mile after a lot of time away battling injuries.
          
EVENT 5 OPEN MENS 10 MILES              
1. Sean Fitzsimons         1:13:47    WARWC
2. Kyle Malone             1:18:29    NSWRWC
3. Scott Nelson            1:21:28    VIC 
5. Andrew Jamieson         1:21:54    VIC 
8. Christopher Lockwood    1:26:30    VIC
10. Aaron McDonough        1:29:38    VIC
13. Daryl Biggin           1:37:53    VIC
15. Maurice Prendergast    1:45:52    VIC
17. Peter Luke             2:16:07    VIC
             
MASTERS              
1. Scott Nelson            1:21:28    VIC     
2. Ignacio Jimenez         1:21:53    QRWC     
3. Andrew Jamieson         1:21:54    VIC     
4. Christopher Lockwood    1:26:30    VIC          
6. Daryl Biggin            1:37:53    VIC     
8. Maurice Prendergast     1:45:52    VIC
10. Peter Luke             2:16:07    VIC     
             
HANDICAP              
1. Brook Keys        NSWRWC         
2. Justin Hill       SARWC         
3. Aaron McDonough   VIC         
             
TEAMS              
1  NSWRWC1    30    Kyle Malone Derek Mulhearn Brook Keys
2  VIC1       28    Scott Nelson Andrew Jamieson Christopher Lockwood
3  VIC2       11    Aaron McDonough Daryl Biggin Maurice Prendergast
             
EVENT 6 FITNESS 10 MILES             
MEN              
1. Terry O'Neill           1:45:21    VIC     
2. Thomas Sellings         1:46:00    ACT     
3. Doug Fitzgerald         1:54:37    ACTW
6. Robin Wood              2:18:08    VIC
             
WOMEN              
1. Adelaide Png            1:52:11    ACT     
2. Anne I'Ons              2:28:11    ACT     
             
EVENT 7 FITNESS 5 MILES             
MEN              
1. Jason Elms              0:56:38    VIC     
2. Damien Elms             0:56:39    VIC     
3. Rod Gilchrist           0:57:43    ACTW   
8. Rory Ogilvie            1:21:41    VIC     
             
WOMEN              
1. Jennifer Gilchrist      0:59:22    ACTW     
2. Jenny Jones-Billington  1:00:26         
3. Robyn Wales             1:07:29    QRWC   
6. Debra Brill             1:21:51    VIC     
7. Bronwyn Finnegan        1:21:51    VIC     

Once the lake events were completed, the rest of the program kicked off with events from U10 upwards. The racing was fiercely contested and the small number of disqualifications reflects the high standard of walking. The newsletter is not long enough to talk about every race so I will just pick out a few highlights before giving you the results.

• Dane Bird Smith (QRWC) gave another exhibition in quality walking, winning the U20 10km in 43:17.
• Madeleine Owen (NSWRWC) and Mikhala Hodges (VIC) raced alongside each other for the duration of the U10 1km and it took a final sprint before we could separate them, with Madeleine 1st and Mikhala 2nd, both recording 5:12.
• Jasmyn McDonald (NSWRWC) blitzed the U12s, winning in a very impressive 9:47 - and she looked fantastic.
• Tyler Jones (NSWRWC) did similarly in the U14s, winning by nearly 20 secs with 9:27.
• Jemima Montag (VIC) recorded identical time of 9:27 in winning the Girls' U14 event, 12 secs clear of second place.
• Nathan Brill (VIC) was dominant in the U16 event, winning by 40 secs with 13:03. He then backed up for third in the U18 5km shortly after with 22:22.
• Brad Aiton and Jesse Osborne (QRWC), our two World Youth reps, took gold and silver in the U18 5km with 22:02 and 22:17 while team mate and fellow World Youth rep Jessica Pickles won the U18 Girls' walk with 24:37.
• Tanya Holliday (SA) won the Open Women's 5km in 22:29 after coming second in the 10 Mile event in the morning.
• Regan Lamble (VIC) was second in the Open Women's 5km in 22:29 after winning the 10 Mile event in the morning.
• Rachel Tallent (VIC) took third in the Open Women's 5km in a PB time of 23:31 after taking third in the 10 Mile event in the morning.     
  

EVENT 8 MENS U20 10 km              
1. Dane Bird-Smith        43:17    QRWC     
2. Harry Bates            49:29    ACTW     
             
EVENT 9 AACT MENS U20 10 km CHAMPIONSHIP              
1. Dane Bird-Smith        43:17    QLD     
2. Harry Bates            49:29    ACT
             
EVENT 10 OPEN SENIOR 10 km         
1. Michael Reading        54:20    ACTW     
2. Tony Psarianos         65:55    NSWRWC     
             
EVENT 11 BOYS U10 1 km              
1. Spencer Burns           5:16    ACTW     
2. James Plummer           5:23    NSWRWC     
3. Blake Dwyer             5:24    REGAL     
4. Ethan Wright            5:32    VIC     
5. Caine Brill             5:44    VIC
             
HANDICAP              
1. Ethan Wright      VIC         
2. Caine Brill       VIC         
3. Logan Barendregt  NSWRWC             

EVENT 12 GIRLS U10 1 km              
1. Madelaine Owen          5:12    NSWRWC     
2. Mikhala Hodges          5:12    VIC     
3. Jemma Peart             5:19    VIC     
4. Brianna Lillie          5:26    VIC     
5. Amy Canavan             5:42    VIC     
6. Kathleen O'Mahoney      5:54    VIC
8. Lee Taylor              5:58    VIC     
9. Mercedes Brennan        6:10    VIC     
10. Alanna Peart           6:11    VIC
14. Olivia Davis           7:39    VIC
             
HANDICAP              
1. Arabella Phillips    TARWC         
2. Alanna Peart         VIC         
3. Lauren Tisdale       NSWRWC         
             
TEAMS              
1  VIC1     30    Mikhala Hodges Jemma Peart Brianna Lillie
2  VIC2     21    Amy Canavan Kathleen O'Mahoney Lee Taylor
3  NSWRWC1  18    Madelaine Owen Flynn Ross Lauren Tisdale
4  VIC3     10    Mercedes Brennan Alanna Peart Olivia Davis
             
EVENT 13 BOYS U12 2 km              
1. Harry Hockley Samon    10:05    VIC     
2. Yanis Benzenati        10:11    QRWC     
3. Callum Burns           10:17    ACTW
8. Jonty Brennan          11:39    VIC
10. Justin Brill          12:02    VIC
13. Hayden Walmsley       12:45    VIC     
14. Rodney Davis          13:25    VIC     
15. Harley Davidson       15:55    VIC
             
HANDICAP              
1. Justin Brill     VIC         
2. Rodney Davis     VIC         
3. Jonty Brennan    VIC         
             
TEAMS              
1  NSWRWC1    30    Kyle Bedford Dylan Rischardson Benjamin Tisdale
2  VIC1       27    Harry Hockley Samon Jonty Brennan Justin Brill
3  NSWRWC2    16    Ryan Thomson Travis Barendregt James Plummer
4  VIC2        6    Hayden Walmsley Rodney Davis Harley Davidson
             
EVENT 14 GIRLS U12 2 km              
1. Jasmyn McDondald        9:47    NSWRWC     
2. Leah McDonald          10:32    NSWRWC     
3. Eliza De Laine         10:40    NSWRWC
8. Anaya Hodges           11:25    VIC     
9. Brodie Richardson      11:31    VIC     
10. Mikhala Hodges        11:40    VIC
13. Jemma Peart           11:53    VIC     
14. Jessica Lillie        11:54    VIC     
15. Brianna Lillie        11:58    VIC     
17. Amy Canavan           12:23    VIC     
18. Katelyn Lotherington  12:23    VIC
20. Kathleen O'Mahoney    12:42    VIC     
21. Lee Taylor            12:51    VIC
28. Mercedes Brennan      14:02    VIC     
             
HANDICAP              
1. Kirrily Garwood    TARWC         
2. Jemma Smith        TARWC         
3. Anaya Hodges       VIC         
             
TEAMS              
1  NSWRWC1  52    Jasmyn McDondald Leah McDonald Eliza De Laine
2  VIC1     39    Anaya Hodges Brodie Richardson Mikhala Hodges
3  NSWRWC2  32    Danielle Kalemusic Ally Grujoski Jasmine Fletcher
4  VIC2     24    Jemma Peart Jessica Lillie Brianna Lillie
6  VIC3     12    Amy Canavan Katelyn Lotherington Kathleen O'Mahoney
             
EVENT 15 BOYS U14 2 km              
1. Tyler Jones              9:27    NSWRWC     
2. Billy Allamby            9:45    VIC     
3. Yanis Benzenati         10:00    QRWC
5. Kyle Swan               10:20    VIC     
6. Harry Hockley Samon     10:26    VIC     
8. Reese Walmsley          10:46    VIC
13. Ross Darlow            11:23    VIC
17. Ethan Wright           12:12    VIC     
18. Brendan O'Mahony       12:23    VIC
20. Cody McNicol-Davidson  12:30    VIC     
21. Jonty Brennan          12:46    VIC     
23. Hayden Walmsley        13:25    VIC     
             
HANDICAP              
1. Trent Miles    QRWC         
2. Ethan Wright   VIC         
3. Ross Darlow    VIC         
             
TEAMS              
1  VIC1     48    Billy Allamby Kyle Swan Harry Hockley Samon
2  NSWRWC1  44    Tyler Jones Adam Mylonas Kyle Bedford
3  VIC2     29    Reese Walmsley Ross Darlow Ethan Wright
6   VIC3    10    Brendan O'Mahony Cody McNicol-Davidson Jonty Brennan 

EVENT 16 GIRLS U14 2 km              
1. Jemima Montag            9:27    VIC     
2. Zoe Hunt                 9:39    ACTW     
3. Kenza Benzenati          9:45    QRWC
7. Emily Hamilton          10:28    VIC
9. Shelby Kay              10:52    VIC         
16. Mikhala Hodges         11:29    VIC     
20. Emily Swan             11:50    VIC     
23. Brodie Richardson      12:26    VIC
26. Anaya Hodges           13:05    VIC     
             
HANDICAP              
1. Sarah Guy              TARWC         
2. Taylor McCarthy-Smith  QRWC         
3. Ally Grujoski          NSWRWC         
             
TEAMS              
1  VIC1    59    Jemima Montag Emily Hamilton Shelby Kay
2  ACTW1   59    Zoe Hunt Caitlin Hosking Gabby Hunt
3  NSWRWC1 39    Stephanie Grujoski Caitlin Plummer Mascey Willis
8  VIC2    20    Mikhala Hodges Emily Swan Brodie Richardson

EVENT 17 BOYS U16 3 km              
1. Nathan Brill             13:03    VIC     
2. Zac Partington           13:43    WARWC     
3. Jay Felton               13:48    NSWRWC     
5. Connor McShanag          15:01    VIC     
6. Lucas Taylor             15:04    VIC
11. Reese Walmsley          18:09    VIC     
12. Ross Darlow             18:10    VIC     
    Brendan O'Mahony        DQ    VIC     
             
HANDICAP              
1. Mitchell Walker   TARWC         
2. Ross Darlow       VIC         
3. Luke Jobson       NSWRWC         
             
TEAMS              
1  VIC1     12    Nathan Brill Connor McShanag Lucas Taylor
2  NSWRWC1  10    Jay Felton Robert Murphy Tom Doyle
             
EVENT 18 GIRLS U16 3 km              
1. Jmara Hockley Samon      15:02    VIC     
2. Jasmine Dighton          15:07    NSWRWC     
3. Stephanie George         15:19    VIC     
10. Bianca Attard           16:53    VIC     
12. Kobie Somerfield        17:14    VIC
16. Chloe McNicol-Davidson  18:18    VIC
18. Stacey McLaren          19:13    VIC     
19. Shae Ohlsen             20:03    VIC     
             
HANDICAP              
1. Chloe McNicol-Davidson  VIC         
2. Kobie Somerfield        VIC         
3. Megan Guy               TARWC         
             
TEAMS              
1  VIC1    36    Jmara Hockley Samon Stephanie George Bianca Attard
2  TARWC1  31    Sophie Eberhardt Tahlia Hunt Megan Guy
3  NSWRWC1 27    Jasmine Dighton Amanda Barendregt Stephanie Grujoski
5  VIC2    10    Kobie Somerfield Chloe McNicol-Davidson Stacey McLaren
             
EVENT 19 BOYS U18 5 km              
1. Brad Aiton               22:02    QRWC     
2. Jesse Osborne            22:17    QRWC     
3. Nathan Brill             22:22    VIC     
4. Josh Dillon              23:28    VIC     
9. Aaron Tam                25:28    VIC     
10. Connor McShanag         25:59    VIC     
12. Lucas Taylor            26:56    VIC
16. Billy Allamby           28:38    VIC     
17. Cody McNicol-Davidson   34:33    VIC     
             
HANDICAP              
1. Matthew Killen      NSWRWC         
2. Mitchell Walker     TARWC         
3. Lachlan Tyler-Dowd  SARWC         
             
TEAMS              
1    QRWC1    26    Brad Aiton Jesse Osborne Matt Cunningham
2    VIC1     24    Nathan Brill Josh Dillon Aaron Tam
3    NSWRWC1  21    Jay Felton Tyler Jones Steven Washburn
4    VIC2      8    Connor McShanag Lucas Taylor Billy Allamby
             
EVENT 20 GIRLS U18 5 km              
1. Jessica Pickles          24:37    QRWC     
2. Amy Bettiol              24:45    NSWRWC     
3. Amelia Finnegan          26:14    VIC
5. Cassie Raselli           27:12    VIC     
6. Jemima Montag            27:50    VIC
9. Emily Hamilton           28:41    VIC     
10. Caitlin Campbell        30:20    VIC
13. Rebecca Campbell        32:46    VIC     
14. Chloe McNicol-Davidson  33:03    VIC
             
HANDICAP              
1. Josnne Elias        NSWRWC         
2. Dimitra Psarianos   NSWRWC         
3. Rebecca Campbell    VIC         
             
TEAMS              
1  NSWRWC1  21    Amy Bettiol Kirsty Klein Dimitra Psarianos
2  VIC1     19    Amelia Finnegan Cassie Raselli Jemima Montag
3  VIC2      6    Emily Hamilton Caitlin Campbell Rebecca Campbell
             
EVENT 21 WOMENS 5 km              
1. Tanya Holliday           22:29    SARWC
2. Regan Lamble         U20 22:39    VIC
3. Rachel Tallent       U20 23:31    VIC
6. Jmara Hockley Samon  U20 26:41    VIC
8. Stephanie George     U20 27:23    VIC
9. Cassie Raselli       U20 28:08    VIC
12. Shelby Kay          U20 29:00    VIC
14. Anna Wallace            30:25    VIC
19. Stacey McLaren      U20 33:36    VIC
20. Donna-Marie Elms    M   34:00    VIC
             
UNDER 20              
1. Regan Lamble             22:39    VIC     
2. Rachel Tallent           23:31    VIC     
3. Kristie Goznik           25:33    SARWC     
5. Jmara Hockley Samon      26:41    VIC     
7. Stephanie George         27:23    VIC     
8. Cassie Raselli           28:08    VIC     
10. Shelby Kay              29:00    VIC     
13. Stacey McLaren          33:36    VIC     

MASTERS              
1. Gloria Holliday            30:31    SARWC     
2. Kate Black                 31:35    ACTW     
3. Nicolle Mitchell-Challinor 31:58    NSWRWC     
4. Donna-Marie Elms           34:00    VIC
             
HANDICAP              
1. Jenny Lingley   NSWRWC         
2. Megan Guy       TARWC         
3. Shelby Kay      VIC         
TEAMS              
1  VIC1      46    Regan Lamble Rachel Tallent Jmara Hockley Samon
2  SARWC1    41    Tanya Holliday Kristie Goznik Gloria Holliday
3  VIC2      32    Stephanie George Cassie Raselli Shelby Kay
5  VIC3      15    Anna Wallace Stacey McLaren Donna-Marie Elms   
             
MASTERS TEAMS
1  NSWRWC1    7    Nicolle Mitchell-Challinor Judy Brown Jenny Lingley

I can't finish this report without letting everyone read an email I received tonight from one of our Victorian parents.


Yes, all our top walkers are indeed great ambassadors and fine people and they are always just so approachable to everyone. It is one of the things that makes our sport such a great one.

And yet another email and another great photo. No need for me to say any more - just read it for yourselves.

VRWC RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 4 JUNE 2011

It was another great day for racing at Middle Park on Saturday from both perspectives – excellent weather and very competitive walking by the 86 club members who toed the line. It was a prizes day today with the winner of each handicap event picking from the table, so the handicap placings are also shown in the results. It was good to see so many walkers beating their handicaps in the various events. Note there are a few people who do not have handicap time calculations – they were either racing in the yellow club numbers or were racing over a different distance to normal so our handicapper Mark Donahoo was not able to rank them.

The longest event on offer was the 10km and the handicap wins went to Karyn O'Neill and Aaron McDonough. Special mentions to Michelle Laufer who did a wonderful 56:19 in her first 10km in her first season of walking since her junior days and to former NZ Olympian Scott Nelson who showed that he has lost little over the years with a great 48:30.

10km  Open                   Time     Hcp Place Hcp      Hcp time
1.  Heather Carr             55:52    3         55:32    +0:20
2.  Michelle Laufer          56:19    4         
3.  Michelle Thompson        59:50    2         59:33    +0:17
4.  Karyn O'Neill            68:48    1         70:52    -2:04
 
1.  Scott Nelson             48:30       
2.  Aaron McDonough          53:25    1         53:40    -0:15
3.  Simon Evans              53:30    2         53:35    -0:05
4.  James Seid-Christmass    55:40    3         52:53    +2:47
5.  Bob Gardiner             66:15    4         62:10    +4:05
6.  Alex Poore               77:30         
    Terry O'Neill            DNF       
    Robin Wood               DNF
    Harry Summers            DNF
    Jason Kozica             DQ 
 
The 5km was a popular event with Simone O'Neill (in her first season) and Stuart Kollmorgen winning the handicaps. 2011 World Youth representative Amy Burren 25:25 and Nathan Brill 22:04 were our fastest walkers. It was also a case of welcoming back Ross Reid after quite some time off with back problems. Good to see you in racing mode, Ross.

5km  Open                    Time     Hcp Place Hcp      Hcp time
1.  Amy Burren               25:25    7         25:17    +0:08
2.  Pam Tindal               25:46    3         26:41    -0:55
3.  Jmara Hockley Samon      26:09    4         26:43    -0:34
4.  Liz Feldman              30:06    8         29:38    +0:28
5.  Gayle McIntyre           30:12    6         30:40    -0:28
6.  Jade Sanders             30:22    2         31:48    -1:26
7.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson   33:23    5         33:57    -0:34
8.  Simone O'Neill           35:12    1         37:16    -2:04
    Caitlin Campbell         DNF
 
1.  Nathan Brill             22:04    3         22:48    -0:46
2.  Stuart Kollmorgan        22:25    1         24:01    -1:36
3.  Paul Kennedy             24:25    2         25:23    -0:58
4.  Aaron Tam                26:03    4         26:45    -0:42
5.  Russ Dickenson           26:53    5         27:11    -0:18
6.  Ross Reid                27:51
7.  Alan Lucas               29:07    6         28:41    +0:26
8.  Gerard Feain             32:57    9         30:02    +2:55
9.  Geoff Barrow             34:25    8         33:00    +1:25
10. Barrie Wicks             36:58    7         36:11    +1:47
    Ralph Bennett            DNF
    Rory Ogilvie             DNF
 
The 3km events featured a small number of Open walkers and a big group of U15 walkers. We saw some fantastic walking by Jared Walker 14:34, Connor McShanag 14:38 and Jemima Montag 14:39 while our handicap winners were Donna Elms, John Morrison, Madeleine Feain and Paul Tremigliozzi.

3km  Open                    Time     Hcp Place Hcp      Hcp time
1.  Donna Elms               17:43    1         17:49    -0:06
2.  Gwen Steed               20:05    2         18:22    +1:43
3.  Catherine Graham         24:32

1.  Gordon Onley             20:15              Club Rules   
2.  John Morrison            21:44    1         21:37    +0:07 
 
3km  Under 15                Time     Hcp Place Hcp      Hcp time
1.  Jemima Montag            14:39    6         15:16    -0:37
2.  Stephanie George         15:18    7         15:32    -0:14
3.  Megan Walker             16:35    5         17:25    -0:50
4.  Bianca Attard            17:04    9         16:54    +0:10
5.  Emily Hamilton           17:09    8         17:13    -0:04
6.  Emily Swan               18:25    2         20:00    -1:35
7.  Lauren Collis            18:31    10        18:05    +0:26
8.  Stacey McLaren           19:13    3         20:30    -1:17
9.  Brianna Cooke            19:27    4         20:35    -1:08
10. Rebecca Campbell         20:35    11        19:58    +0:37
11. Madeleine Feain          21:05    1         22:50    -1:45
 
1.  Jared Walker             14:34    5         14:48    -0:14
2.  Connor McShanag          14:38    3         15:31    -0:53
3.  Kyle Swan                15:30    4         15:52    -0:22
4.  Lucas Taylor             15:46    7         15:47    -0:01
5.  Cooper Owen              16:21    6         16:25    -0:04
6.  Reese Walmsley           17:45    8         17:34    +0:11
7.  Paul Tremigliozzi        18:27    1         20:13    -1:46
8.  Cody McNicol-Davidson    19:41    2         20:38    -0:57
    Billy Allamby            DNF
 
Our U12 and U9 walkers were the last to kick off and they contested 2km and 1km distances respectively. The handicap winners were Shelby Kay, Justin and Caine Brill and Mercedes Brennan. There were certainly a lot of PBs amongst the finishers. Special mention to Shelby Kay 10:33 and Paige De Lisen 10:36 who had a great battle and who both walked excellently.

2000m  Under 12              Time     Hcp Place Hcp      Hcp time
1.  Shelby Kay               10:33    1         11:33    -1:00
2.  Paige De Lisen           10:36    5         11:13    -0:37
3.  Hayley George            11:08    2         11:58    -0:50
4.  Mikhala Hodges           11:23    4         12:02    -0:39
5.  Brodie Richardson        11:51    9         11:51    +0:00
6.  Chelsea Owen-Smith       11:55    3         12:41    -0:46
7.  Jessica Lillie           12:01    7         12:17    -0:16
8.  Tegan Miller             13:16    6         13:40    -0:24
9.  Lee Taylor               13:19    8         13:32    -0:13
10. Anaya Hodges             14:26    10        12:47    +1:39
    Hanna Svozil             15:26              No recorded time
    Gabriella Crea           DQ
 
1.  Harry Hockley Samon      10:57    6         11:20    -0:23
2.  Jonty Brennan            11:56    5         12:32    -0:36
3.  Justin Brill             12:15    1         13:29    -1:16
4.  Ethan Wright             12:26    3         13:12    -0:46
5.  Hayden Walmsley          12:27    4         13:11    -0:44
6.  Lachlan Feain            12:40    2         13:29    -0:49
7.  Harley Davidson          16:45    7         16:31    +0:14
    Brendan O'Mahony         DQ

1000m  Under 9               Time     Hcp Place Hcp      Hcp time
1.  Brianna Lillie           05:43    3         05:35    +0:08
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony        05:54    4         05:43    +0:11
3.  Mercedes Brennan         06:32    1         06:50    -0:18
4.  Frances Collis           07:13    2         07:06    +0:07
 
1.  Caine Brill              05:52    1         06:08    -0:16
2.  Bede Collis              08:13    2         08:10    +0:03
 
As usual, thanks to our officials. Still waiting on the full list of judges but here is what I have so far. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Course Setup: Craig Brill, Harry Summers, Bob Gardiner, Peter Vysma
Officials: Tim Erickson, Russ Dickenson, Mark O'Mahony, Susan Taylor, Ian Laurie, Paul Kozaris, Damiel Elms, Justin McLaren, Ken Walters, Nelinda Kay
Judges: Peter Vysma (chief), Gordon Loughnan, Lloyd Nicholls, Michael Bodey, Terry Knape, Graham George, Stuart Cooper, Brian Williams
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Marlaine Stanway, Wendy Cooper
Video: Frances Attard
Photos: Terry Swan

AMA, VMA, AV, RWV AND VRWC RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 29 MAY 2011  

It was one of our major championship days at Middle Park on Sunday with Australian Masters, Victorian Masters, Victorian County and Racewalking Victoria championships on offer alongside our usual VRWC club races. Conditions were perfect – cool, overcast and still – and 86 walkers were in action across the full gamut of events from U10 to Masters.

The 20km and 10km events were first to kick off at 9:30AM with the cream of our Masters walkers in action. During the course of these events, we saw 4 records broken as follows

• Lyn Ventris (W50) broke her own W50 World Record by an amazing 5 minutes, lowering it from 1:45:09 to 1:39:51. Although Lyn is at the top end of her age group, she is still rewriting her own records. When she turns 55 later this year, watch out while she attacks the W55 records. To give some idea of the relative merit of Lyn's performance on Sunday, the Age Graded calculation for this walk is 101.32% - it is many years since I have seen a walk stat over the 100% mark. Astonishing!
• Heather Carr (W60) broke her own W60 World Record by 25 secs, lowering it from 1:56:43 to 1:56:18.  Like Lyn, Heather is unbeatable in her division and has been setting World Masters Records since the W40 division!
• Stuart Kollmorgen (M40) broke his own Victorian M40 15km record on the way through to 20km – his time of 1:11:44 was well ahead of his old record which stood at 1:15:04
• Kelly Ruddick (W35) broke her own Victorian W35 10km record by 40 secs in the Victorian Country 10km championship with a PB time of 46:54.

First to the AMA/VMA 20km championships which attracted 25 entrants – this is good for what is a challenging long distance event for our older walkers. In the men's, Stuart Kollmorgen 1:37:55 and Colin Heywood 1:44:42 led the way. Special mention to Aaron McDonough whose 1:49:34 was a PB. In the women's, Lyn Ventris 1:39:51 and Heather Carr 1:56:28 led the way with their World Records but special mentions to Nyle Sunderland of NZ a PB 1:57:26, Barb Bryant a fantastic 2:00:23 in the W55 division and Liz Feldman 2:09:28 in the W60 division. Wow!

AMA/VMA 20km Roadwalk Championships    AMA   VMA   10km      20km
M35 McDonough, Aaron         VIC      1     1     0:54:14   1:49:34    72.25%
M40 Kollmorgen, Stuart       VIC      1     1     0:47:02   1:37:55   83.02%
    Seid-Christmass, James   VIC      2     2     0:56:08   1:55:30    70.91%
    Radotic, Sasha           CROATIA  -     3     1:00:05   2:03:46    64.73%
    Smyth, David             WA       3     -     0:58:49   2:05:21    69.03%
M45 Keirl, Bernie            VIC      DNS   DNS
M55 Heywood, Colin           ACT      1     -     0:51:26   1:44:42    86.86%
    Riddoch, Clyde           VIC      2     1     1:01:48   2:16:55    66.99%
M60 Lucas, Alan              VIC      1     1     1:02:44   2:05:55    77.14%
    Jamieson, Andrew         VIC      DQ    DQ
M65 Dickenson, Russ          VIC      1     1     0:59:12   1:55:33    85.88%
    Jack, Clarrie            VIC      DNF   DNF
M75 Summers, Harry           VIC      1     1     1:13:04   2:29:21    75.57%
    Gardiner, Bob            VIC      DNS   DNS
    Silcock-Delaney, Colin   VIC      DQ    DQ
 
W35 Tonti-Filippini, Justi   VIC      DNS   DNS
W40 Sunderland, Nyle         NZ       1     -     0:57:38   1:57:26    77.75%   
W45 Shaw, Robyn              VIC      1     1     1:08:30   2:29:21    64.15%
W50 Ventris, Lynette         WA       1     -     0:49:02   1:39:51  101.32% **
    Tindal, Pam              VIC      DNF   DNF   0:59:18   DNF
W55 Bryant, Barb             VIC      1     1     0:58:40   2:00:23    85.93%
    Thompson, Alison         VIC      2     2     1:03:54   2:14:33    78.93%
W60 Carr, Heather            VIC      1     1     0:57:45   1:56:18   95.02%
    Feldman, Liz             VIC      2     2     1:03:44   2:09:28    86.55%
W70 Beaumont, Margaret       VIC      1     1     1:28:15   3:01:27    72.59%
 
A number of our own VRWC walkers also attacked the 20km distance with some success. Michelle Thompson was the best overall with 1:58:41, a PB of some 10 minutes (she also did a 10km PB on the way through). Behind her, a special mention to Kirstin Shaw who walked her first ever 20km (2:06:46).

VRWC 20km
1.  Thompson, Michelle    0:58:23    1:58:41     75.57%
2.  Shaw, Kirstin         0:59:18    2:06:46     66.90%   
3.  Elms, Donna           1:07:23    2:18:10     70.07%
4.  Wallace, Anna         1:09:29    2:18:59     61.02%
5.  O'Neill, Karyn        1:08:35    2:20:14     73.87%
 
1.  Poore, Alex           1:20:17    2:45:33     65.32%
2.  Beaumont, Ian         1:28:14    3:01:28     62.19%
 
The Country walkers also gathered in Melbourne on Sunday, to contest the annual Victorian Country Roadwalking Championships. Unfortunately, numbers were down but those walkers who did compete walked well. The best effort was definitely that of Kelly Ruddick whose 10km PB of 46:54 is a national top-10 ranking time for 2011. The U16 winners, Lucas Taylor 15:54 and Stephanie George 15:52, were also in impressive form.

VICTORIAN COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – OPEN 10KM
1.  Kollmorgen, Stuart       COL    47:02
2.  Dickenson, Russ          SCA    59:12
 
1.  Ruddick, Kelly           BHA    46:54
2.  Carr, Heather            EAG    57:45
    Major, Annette           EAG    DNS
 
VICTORIAN COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – U20 5KM
1.  Hockley-Samon, Jmara     CHI    27:02
2.  Heard, Amanda            EAG    28:53
 
VICTORIAN COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – U18 5KM
1.  Raselli, Cassandra       SCA    26:05
    McNicol-Davidson, Chloe  SCA    DNS
 
VICTORIAN COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – U16 3KM
1.  Taylor, Lucas            SCA    15:54
 
1.  George, Stephanie        SCA    15:42
2.  Walker, Megan            COR    16:25
3.  Stadus, Lauren           KNA    16:37
4.  McLaren, Stacey          ATE    20:35
    Boldiston, Zoe           SBE    DNS
 
VICTORIAN COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – U14 3KM
1.  McNicol-Davidson, Cody   SCA    19:32
 
1.  George, Hayley           SCA    17:32
2.  Peart, Jemma             BYC    18:12
 
VRWC races were contested over 10km, 5km and 3km for the remaining walkers and as usual it was Nathan Brill, who turned 15 last week, who provided the excitement factor – a 60 sec PB of 45:42. Others to walk well were Jason Kozica 25:30, Michelle Laufer 27:15 (another PB!), Billy Allamby 15:12, Kyle Swan 15:50 and Bianca Attard 16:48.

VRWC 10km
1.  Brill, Nathan            45:42
2.  Lockwood, Chris          51:06
 
VRWC 5km
1.  Kozica, Jason            25:30
2.  McShanag, Connor         25:55
3.  Tam, Aaron               26:19
4.  Johnson, Tony            30:26
5.  O'Neill, Terry           30:51
6.  Doran, Tony              31:15
7.  Wicks, Barrie            36:15
 
1.  Finnegan, Amelia         27:04
2.  Laufer, Michelle         27:15
3.  McIntyre, Gayle          30:48
4.  O'Neill, Simone          36:22
5.  Mews, Pam                58:44
    Irshad, Kylie            DNF
 
VRWC 3km
1.  Allamby, Billy           15:12
2.  Swan, Kyle               15:50
3.  Walmsley, Reese          18:15
4.  O'Mahony, Brendon        18:58
5.  Tremigliozzi, Paul       19:17
 
1.  Attard, Bianca           16:48
2.  Burren, Sarah            17:15
3.  Eastwood, Jessie         18:22
4.  Swan, Emily              18:50
5.  Kay, Cassandra           26:17
 
Our youngest walkers contested Racewalking Victoria U12 2km and U10 1km championships with Jonty Brennan 12:21, Shelby Kay 10:43, Ethan Wright 5:29 and Anaya Hodges 5:22 taking overall honours. Medals were presented to all the RWV placegetters after all the events had finished.

Racewalking Victoria 2km U12 Championships
1.  Brennan, Jonty           12:21
2.  Walmsley, Hayden         12:23
3.  Brill, Justin            12:26
 
1.  Kay, Shelby              10:43
2.  Hodges, Anaya            11:36
3.  Eastwood, Jemma          11:38
4.  Lillie, Jessica          11:59
5.  Miller, Tegan            13:41
 
Racewalking Victoria 1km U10 Championships
1.  Wright, Ethan            05:29
2.  Brill, Caine             05:54
 
1.  Hodges, Mikhala          05:22
2.  Henderson, Rebecca       05:33
3.  Lillie, Brianna          05:41
4.  O'Mahony, Kathleen       05:56
5.  Brennan, Mercedes        06:31
6.  Peart, Alanna            06:34

As usual, thanks to the many officials whe freely give of their time to ensure that the walkers get the full support they deserve. Sorry if I missed anyone – it was a big list this week!

Officials: Tim Erickson, Ian Laurie, Natalie Laurie, Les Clarke, Paul Kozaris, Stuart Cooper, Mark Donahoo, Bob Gardiner, Mark O'Mahony, Susan Taylor, Don McLaren, Karen McNicol-Davidson, Justin McLaren, Jim Leppik
Judges: Judy Mason (Chief), Peter Vysma, Shane Bertrand, Terry Swan, Terry Knape, Lincoln Mah, Elke Raselli, Brian Williams, Frances Attard (DQ Board)
Course Setup: Bob Gardiner, Harry Summers, Peter Vysma, Craig Brill
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Wendy Cooper, Marlaine Stanway
Photos: Debra Brill
Conditions: Cool, still and overcast – perfect racing conditions

VRWC RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 21 MAY 2011

Saturday turned out to be warm and sunny with a blustery wind – much better conditions overall than the last couple of weeks – and 76 walkers took advantage of the opportunity for some competitive racing. This week I show the full handicap placings so that everyone can see how their performances compare to their handicaps. Club handicapper Mark Donahoo sorts out the handicaps (a huge job) and bases your handicap on the average of your last few VRWC performances over this or comparable distances. If it is your first time competing over this particular sort of distance with the club, you can't be awarded a handicap. Similarly, if you are not a club member or if you are competing in yellow club numbers, you will also be excluded from the points competitions. For that reason, you will see some finishers have blanks against the Hcp Time column.

Our longest distance of the day was the 8km Open event and James Seid-Christmass 41:44, Aaron McDonough 42:31 and Pam Tindal 42:36 were our fastest. Donna Emls and James were the handicap winners.
 
8km Open                   Time    Hcp Time  Diff     Hcp place
1.  Pam Tindal             42:36    42:57    -0.21    2
2.  Heather Carr           44:54    43:49    +1.05    4
3.  Kirstin Shaw           48:43    47:15    +1.28    5
4.  Liz Feldman            49:53    48:08    +1.45    6
5.  Donna Elms             51:51    52:38    -0.47    1
6.  Anna Wallace           51:51    51:00    +0.51    3
    Amelia Finnegan        DNF
    Celia Johnson          DNF

1.  James Seid-Christmass  41:44    41:59    -0.15    1
2.  Aaron McDonough        42:31    42:24    +0.07    3
3.  Clarrie Jack           47:47
4.  Alan Lucas             48:41    46:34    +2.07    4
5.  Tony Johnson           49:55    50:05    -0.10    2
6.  Robin Wood             63:10
    Ralph Bennett          DNF
    Russ Dickenson         DNF
    Alex Poore             DQ
 
The 4km Open and 4km U15 events saw lots of entrants and the U15 boys showed their strength - Nathan Brill 17:43, Jared Walker 20:12, Billy Allamby 21:02 and Connor McShanag 21:21 well ahead of the rest. Others to perform strongly included Aaron Tam 22:01 and Emily Hamilton 23:05. Our handicap winners were Robyn Shaw, Barrie Wicks, Madeleine Feain and Cody McNicol-Davidson.

4km Open                   Time     Hcp Time Diff     Hcp place
1.  Robyn Shaw             24:15    25:21    -1.06    1
2.  Caitlin Campbell       24:31    24:24    +0.07    4
3.  Gayle McIntyre         24:49    24:14    +0.35    5
4.  Gwen Steed             27:31    24:52    +2.39    7
5.  Karen O'Neill          27:35    27:44    -0.09    3
6.  Simone O'Neill         29:58
7.  Margaret Beaumont      33:11    32:31    +0.40    6
8.  Pam Mews               43:50    44:06    -0.16    2
    Kylie Irshad           DNF
    Michelle Thompson      DNF

1.  Aaron Tam              22:01    20:50    +1.11    2
2.  Nicholas Mirarchi      23:30    22:17    +1.13    3
3.  Barrie Wicks           29:18    28:32    +0.14    1
4.  Gordon Onley           29:57
5.  Ian Beaumont           31:55
6.  Rudolf Skrucany        45:59
    Bruce Conboy           DNF
 
4km U15                    Time     Hcp Time Diff     Hcp place
1.  Emily Hamilton         23:05    23:38    -0.33    4
2.  Megan Walker           24:29    23:45    +0.55    6
3.  Emily Swan             26:22    27:24    -1.02    3
4.  Stacey McLaren         26:30    28:00    -1.30    2
5.  Jessie Eastwood        26:34    25:48    +0.46    7
6.  Caitlyn Miezis         28:38    28:59    -0.21    5
7.  Madeleine Feain        29:01    31:06    -2.05    1
    Rebecca Campbell       DNF
    Stephanie George       DNF

1.  Nathan Brill           17:43    18:10    -0.27    3
2.  Jared Walker           20:12    20:07    +0.05    4
3.  Billy Allamby          21:02    21:39    -0.37    2
4.  Connor McShanag        21:21    21:14    +0.07    5
5.  Cody McNicol-Davidson  27:33    28:22    -0.49    1
6.  Paul Tremigliozzi      30:04    27:13    +2.51    6
    Reese Walmsley         DQ     

The U12 walkers contested a single lap of 2km and the pace was on from the start. Kyle Swan 10:40 and Shelby Kay 10:52 were the fastest while Ethan Wright and Anaya Hodges were our handicap winners.

2km U12                    Time     Hcp Time Diff     Hcp place
1.  Shelby Kay             10:52    11:34    -0.42    3
2.  Mikhala Hodges         11:40    12:02    -0.22    8
3.  Jessica Lillie         11:45    12:18    -0.33    6
4.  Hayley Brown           11:46    12:35    -0.49    2
5.  Anaya Hodges           12:00    12:56    -0.56    1
6.  Chelsea Owen-Smith     12:10    12:44    -0.34    5
7.  Tara Xuereb            12:25    13:04    -0.39    4
8.  Gabbie Crea            12:25    12:05    +0.20    9
9.  Jemma Eastwood         13:09    12:42    +0.27    10
10. Lee Taylor             13:11    13:33    -0.22    7

1.  Kyle Swan              10:40    10:16    +0.24    8
2.  James Burren           11:32    11:53    -0.21    4
3.  Ethan Wright           12:16    13:18    -1.02    1
4.  Hayden Walmsley        12:29    13:15    -0.46    2
5.  Brendan O'Mahony       12:36    12:52    -0.16    5
6.  Justin Brill           13:05    13:35    -0.30    3
7.  Lachlan Feain          13:22    13:29    -0.07    6
8.  Harley Davidson        16:27    16:30    -0.03    7
9.  Thomas Mirarchi        17:13    No recorded time
 
Only a small field of U9 walkers this week with Brianna Lillie 5:48 the fastest overall and Kathleen O'Mahony and Caine Brill both crossing the line together in 6:01. Caine and Mercedes Brennan were our handicap winners.

1 km U9                    Time     Hcp Time Diff     Hcp place
1.  Brianna Lillie         05:48    05:35    +0.13    3
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony      06:01    05:44    +0.17    4
3.  Payton Kay             06:28    06:47    -0.19    2
4.  Mercedes Brennan       06:29    06:52    -0.23    1

1.  Caine Brill            06:01    06:12    -0.11    1
 
Thanks as usual to all our officials – not sure if I have captured everyone so far.
Officials: Tim Erickson, Ron Miller, Natalie Laurie, Don McLaren, Susan Taylor, Paul Kozaris, Harry Summers, Bob Gardiner, Mark O'Mahony, Damien Elms, Justin McLaren
Course Setup: Craig Brill, Bob Gardiner, Harry Summers
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper
Judges: Peter Vysma (chief), Stuart Cooper, Terry Knape, Michael Bodey, Lloyd Nichols, Graham George
Photos: Terry Swan

AV AND VRWC RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 14 MAY 2011

If you had arrived early like me at Middle Park today, you would have thought our chances of actually holding any races would have been pretty small. Large sections of the roadway were under water and all parts of the course were impacted. It took a group with buckets and brooms between 30 and 45 minutes of hard work to clear away the main area between the clubrooms and the adventure playground to at least make the bottom section of the course usable. Club president Harry Summers then got busy with the measuring wheel to mark out a new 2km course – all this as the clock ticked in the leadup to our first events at 2:15PM.

Matters were then exascerbated by the continuing sprinkle of competitors arriving late and wanting to register after 2PM. As you probably know, we have a short window of time between 2PM and 2:15PM to complete the race sheets and print them off. That is why we say that our entry cutoff time is 2PM. Add to that the fact that a number of our key officials were competing in the Masters championships, as is their right. So we were short of officials as well.

As a result of all this, we were late once again with our start times and competitors in our 3km and 5km events had to stuggle with a course that had not been fully explained before hand. Our apologies to the walkers in those two events who were impacted – luckily most managed to figure it all out and get it right on the day. Mark advises me that he will not take today's times into account for handicapping purposes given the possibility that some of our 3km and 5km walkers may have had their times effected. Our 10km, 2km and 1km walkers were uneffected as they were walking full laps so for them, our issues were probably invisible.

Next week, we have to ensure that we start all events on time and that we run without issue. To aid this, a few changes

• We will not be running Handicap Start events next week. While all our events will still be points races, we will have  normal group starts at 2:15PM  (8km and 4km), 2:35 (1km) and 2:45PM (2km).
• We will close entries at 2PM – if you are not here by then for the 8km and 4km events, you will not be allowed to race. If you are going to be late, ring someone and get them to enter you.
• We also ask competitors to stay away from the recording tent – the steady stream of people coming to the tent in the final few minutes before the start time also makes it more difficult for us to get the events away on time.

Anyway, enough of that. Now onto the good news of today's racing. We had a big day once again with 93 walkers in attendance. After a week of almost continuous rain, it cleared mid morning and, apart from a brief shower mid race, we were spared from more serious impact. The first events to kick off were the Victorian and Victorian Masters 10km championships. Congratulations to our new Victorian Champions Frank Bertei and Kelly Ruddick. It is some 4 years since we last saw Frank in action and he has kept his fitness well. I had heard a rumour that he was back in training and it was great to see him in action again. Kelly's time of 47:34 was excellent and well ahead of anyone else on the day.

AV 10km Mens         
1.  Frank Bertie          ANW  0:51:02
2.  Aaron McDonough       PTN  0:52:01
3.  Simon Evans           BXH  0:55:51
4.  Bob Gardiner          COL  1:01:22
    Mark  Donahoo         ATE  DNF
         
AV 10km Women         
1.  Kelly Ruddick         BHA  0:47:34
2.  Cassandra Rasselli    SCA  0:55:09
3.  Heather Carr          EAG  0:55:20
4.  Tamara Attard         KNA  0:58:35
5.  Kirstin Shaw          WES  0:58:48
6.  Robyn Shaw            WES  1:04:00
7.  Annette Major         EAG  1:06:48

The Victorian Masters championships saw a good number of our older walkers in action Best performers from an age-graded perspective were Heather Carr (55:20 for W60), Bob Gardiner (61:22 for M75), Kelly Ruddick (47:34 for W35), Russ Dickenson (55:05 for M65) and Ralph Bennett (58:49 for M65). Aaron McDonough 52:01 and James Seid-Christmass 52:21 both walked PBs as did a number of others.

10km  VMA Championship                  
1  W35  Kelly Ruddick          0:47:34
1  W45  Robyn Shaw             1:04:00
2  W45  Annette Major          1:06:46
1  W50  Donna Elms             1:08:45
1  W55  Alison Thompson        1:01:38
1  W60  Heather Carr           0:55:20
2  W60  Liz Feldman            1:04:04
3  W60  Celia Johnson          1:09:32
1  W65  Gwen Steed             1:11:23
1  W70  Margaret Beaumont      1:23:14
                 
1  M35  Aaron McDonough        0:52:01
1  M40  James Seid-Christmass  0:52:21
2  M40  Sasha Radotic          1:00:40
   M50  Mark Donahoo           DNF
1  M55  Clyde Riddoch          1:04:11
1  M60  Alan Lucas             1:00:18
1  M65  Russ Dickenson         0:55:05
2  M65  Ralph Bennett          0:58:49
   M65  Llew Jenkins           DQ
1  M70  Tony Johnson           1:03:05
2  M70  Barrie Wicks           1:16:04
   M70  Ian Beaumont           DQ
1  M75  Bob Gardiner           1:01:22
2  M75  Harry Summers          1:13:17

All club members were automatically included in the VRWC Open 10km so that meant 32 walkers in total. While Kelly and Frank led from the front, we saw a number of excellent performances furthe back in the field from the likes of Cassie Raselli (a big PB of 55:09) and Michelle Thompson (a PB of 59:33). And well done to Alex Poore who walked his first 10km with us, recording 1:18:51. Robin Shaw and Russ Dickenson were our handicap winners.

10km  Open                             Hcp
1.  Kelly Ruddick           0:47:34    5
2.  Cassandra Rasselli      0:55:09    2
3.  Heather Carr            0:55:20    4
4.  Tamara Attard           0:58:35     
5.  Kirstin Shaw            0:58:48    3
6.  Michelle Thompson       0:59:33     
7.  Alison Thompson         1:01:38    6
8.  Gayle McIntyre          1:02:50    11
9.  Robyn Shaw              1:04:00    1
10. Liz Feldman             1:04:04    9
11. Annette Major           1:06:46     
12. Donna Elms              1:08:45    8
13. Celia Johnson           1:09:32    7
14. Gwen Steed              1:11:23    12
15. Margaret Beaumont       1:23:14    10

1.  Frank Bertie            0:51:02     
2.  Aaron McDonough         0:52:01    2
3.  James Seid-Christmass   0:52:21    4
4.  Russ Dickenson          0:55:05    1
5.  Simon Evans             0:55:51    9
6.  Ralph Bennett           0:58:49    8
7.  Alan Lucas              1:00:18    7
8.  Sasha Radotic           1:00:40     
9.  Bob Gardiner            1:01:22    3
10. Tony Johnson            1:03:05    
11. Clyde Riddoch           1:04:11    6
12. Harry Summers           1:13:17    10
13. Barrie Wicks            1:16:04    5
14. Alex Poore              1:18:51     
    Mark Donahoo            DNF     
    Ian Beaumont            DQ     
    Llew Jenkins            DQ     

As explained above, there may be a few slow times in the 5km and 3km events. I know of a few competitors who stopped with one lap to go and then got going again. In the 5km race, Michelle Laufer excelled with 27:57 as did Lauren Stadus whose 28:32 was a PB. Aaron Tam also recorded a good PB with 25:57 so those who got it right were in good form. 

5km  Open                            Hcp          
1.  Kylie Irshad            27:27    3
2.  Michelle Laufer         27:57    1
3.  Lauren Stadus           28:32    2
4.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson  33:57     

1.  Aaron Tam               25:57    2
2.  Nicholas Mirarchi       28:38    4
3.  Gerard Feain            29:34    1
4.  Geoff Barrow            33:10    3
 
3km  Open                            Hcp
1.  Simone McInnes          17:20    1    (approx time)             
2.  Pam Mews                31:43    2

1.  Jason Elms              18:00    1
2.  Gordon Onley            18:30     
 
3km  Under 15                        Hcp
1.  Megan Walker            17:02    9            
2.  Lauren Collis           17:06    3
3.  Stephanie George        17:20    12   (time effected)
4.  Emily Hamilton          17:45    11   (time effected)
5.  Jessie Eastwood         18:21    7
6.  Cassandra Kay           19:07    8
7.  Emily Swan              19:16    5
8.  Stacey McLaren          19:19    4
9.  Rebecca Campbell        19:19    6
10. Rachael Guy             19:46    1
11. Brianna Cooke           19:52    2
12. Rebecca Guy             20:02     
13. Madeleine Feain         22:39    10

1.  Billy Allamby           17:30    3     (time effected)
2.  Reese Walmsley          18:36    4
3.  Connor McShanag         19:19    5     (time effected)
4.  Paul Tremigliozzi       19:53    2
5.  Cody McNicol-Davidson   20:17    1
 
Large fields again in our U12. Sorry we had to keep you waiting so long! Kyle Swan was well in front with 10:21 while Harry Hockley-Samon 10:53 and Paige De Lisen 10:54 had a great battle behind him. Overall, the racing was of a high standard. Handicap winners were Hayley Brown and Ethan Wright.

2000m  Under 12                      Hcp            
1.  Paige De Lisen          10:54    7
2.  Shelby Kay              11:01    4
3.  Hayley George           11:26    3
4.  Brodie Richardson       11:26    5
5.  Hayley Brown            11:51    1
6.  Mikhala Hodges          11:56    11
7.  Tara Xuereb             12:16    2
8.  Jessica Lillie          12:21    12
9.  Anaya Hodges            12:32    5
10. Chelsea Owen-Smith      12:32    9
11. Jemma Eastwood          12:52    13
12. Josephine Laufer        13:01    8
13. Lee Taylor              13:22    10
14. Gabbie Crea             13:38    14

1.  Kyle Swan               10:21    7
2.  Harry Hockley Samon     10:53    3
3.  James Burren            11:48    5
4.  Hugh Collis             11:57    2
5.  Ethan Wright            12:20    1
6.  Hayden Walmsley         12:58    4
7.  Lachlan Feain           13:21    6
8.  Brendan O'Mahony        13:38    9
9.  Harley Davidson         16:49    8
 
The U9 walker raced over 1km with Brianna Lillie 5:47 and Kathleen O'Mahony 5:48 putting on a grett show for everyone. Caine Brill was not far behind with 6:04, a big PB. Caine and Frances Collis were our handicap winners.

1000m  Under 9                       Hcp           
1.  Brianna Lillie          05:47    5
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony       05:48    4
3.  Frances Collis          06:25    1
4.  Mercedes Brennan        06:25    2
5.  Payton Kay              07:21    6
6.  Beatrice Laufer         07:22    3

1.  Caine Brill             06:04    1
2.  Bede Collis             08:15    2
 
Finally thanks to those many people who helped during the course of what was a difficult day. I have almost certainly missed a few but here goes!

Course setup: Tim Erickson, Stuart Cooper, Sasha Radotic, Bob Gardiner, Harry Summers, Craig Brill
Enties:       Michael Bodey, Russ Dickenson, Tim Erickson
Canteen:      Barb Gardiner, Wendy Cooper, Kate Suich, Marlaine Stanway
Officials:    Ian Laurie, Susan Taylor, Tim Erickson, Damien Elms, Don McLaren, Matt Owen, Paul Kozaris, Mark O'Mahony, Michael Bodey, Stuart Cooper
Judges:       Judy Mason, Diane Lowden, Terry Knape, Peter Vysma, Gordon Loughnan, Lloyd Nicholls, Kathleen Marsh, Terry Swan

VRWC RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 7 MAY 2011

Another big day with 73 walkers in action in perfect conditions. It was the first of our points days with Fastest Times and Handicap points on offer. We keep alloting points in these competitions until the end of the season when we determine the top 3 placegetters in each division. We were back on our 2km course today and times were generally impressive.

14 walkers tested themselves in the 8km event with young Nathan Brill leading from the start, recording a big PB of 36:01 and looking like he had plenty left at the end. But, even though he walked fantastically, he had to lower his colours from a handicap perspective to Russ Dickenson 43:46 and Aaron McDonough 41:39 who both performed well above the handicapper's expectations. Pam Tindal won the women's walk with 42:28 and also took the handicap double.

8km  Open                     Time     H'Cap Place
1.  Pam Tindal               42:28    1
2.  Amelia Finnegan          44:25    6
3.  Heather Carr             45:00    5
4.  Kirstin Shaw             47:08    2
5.  Alison Thompson          48:50    3
6.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson   54:37    4

1.  Nathan Brill             36:01    3
2.  Andrew Jamieson          39:06    4
3.  James Seid-Christmass    41:26    5
4.  Aaron McDonough          41:39    2
5.  Simon Evans              43:00    7
6.  Russ Dickenson           43:46    1
7.  Robert Gardiner          50:20    6
8.  Alex Poore               60:03     

The 4km Open was the big event for the day with 26 walkers in total. Jmara Hockley-Samon 20:39 and Aaron Tam 20:16 were the fastest. Aaron was also the male handicap winner with a 1 minute PB. It was great to see Natalie Laurie racing again this week and she took the women's handicap with a good 20:48. Michelle Thompson 22:12 recorded a big PB while Michelle Laufer, having her first races since her Junior days, was not far behind with 22:35. We saw a generational change with Terry O'Neill on the sidelines after a knee operation and his daughter Simone having her first hitout in many years. It was also to see Tony Johnson continuing his walking comeback with a good 24:27.

4km  Open                     Time     H'Cap Place
1.  Jmara Hockley Samon      20:39    4
2.  Natalie Laurie           20:48    1
3.  Michelle Thompson        22:12    2
4.  Michelle Laufer          22:35    3
5.  Anna Wallace             23:43    5
6.  Caitlin Campbell         23:53    10
7.  Liz Feldman              24:12    11
8.  Donna Elms               24:36    8
9.  Gayle McIntyre           25:38    13
10. Gwen Steed               26:35    12
11. Celia Johnson            27:26    9 
12. Karyn O'Neill            30:22    14
13. Simone O'Neill           30:22     
14. Margaret Beaumont        32:32    7
15. Pam Mews                 46:16    6

1.  Aaron Tam                20:16    1
2.  Alan Lucas               22:59    4
3.  Tony Johnson             24:27    3
4.  Jason Elms               25:38    7
5.  Geoff Barrow             26:39    5
6.  Gerard Feain             28:14    8
7.  Barrie Wicks             28:33    2
8.  Rudolf Skrucany          28:50    6
9.  Gordon Onley             28:52     
10. Ian Beaumont             31:59
    Bruce Conboy             DQ     

Jemima Montag 20:47 and Stephanie George 20:53 were well out in front in the U15 4km and both recorded excellent times. Connor McShanag was the fastest male with 23:06 while Stacey McLaren 27:32 and Cody McNicol-Davidson 27:42 were handicap winners. Welcome also to new member Caitlyn Miezis who had her first race with us at Middle Park.

4km Under 15                   Time     H'Cap Place
1.  Jemima Montag             20:47    4
2.  Stephanie George          20:53    3
3.  Megan Walker              24:20    6
4.  Emily Swan                27:00    2
5.  Rebecca Campbell          27:13    5
6.  Stacey McLaren            27:32    1
7.  Caitlyn Miezis            28:59
8.  Brianna Cooke             29:01     
9.  Madeleine Feain           31:07     

1.  Connor McShanag           23:06    3
2.  Paul Tremigliozzi         27:12    2
3.  Cody McNicol-Davidson     27:42    1
    Reese Walmsley            DQ     

Kyle Swan 13:00, Shelby Kay 13:33 and Paige De Lisen 13:38 were our fastest U12 walkers over the 2.5km distance while Brianna Lillie 8:53 and Caine Brill 9:44 were our fastest U9 walkers in their 1.5km race.

2.5km  Under 12                Time     H'Cap Place
1.  Shelby Kay                13:33    1
2.  Paige De Lisen            13:38    3
3.  Brodie Richardson         14:35    6
4.  Hayley George             14:44    5
5.  Mikhala Hodges            14:51    7
6.  Jessica Lillie            15:05    4
7.  Anaya Hodges              16:10    8
8.  Lee Taylor                16:21    2
9.  Tegan Miller              17:57    9

1.  Kyle Swan                 13:00    5
2.  Ethan Wright              15:51    2
3.  Lachlan Feain             15:55    1
4.  Hayden Walmsley           15:57    3
5.  Justin Brill              16:36    4
6.  Brendan O'Mahony          19:52    6
    Jonty Brennan             DNF     
 
1.5km  Under 9                 Time     H'Cap Place
1.  Brianna Lillie            08:53    3
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony         08:59    2
3.  Payton Kay                10:35    1
4.  Mercedes Brennan          11:25    4

1.  Caine Brill               09:44    1
 
As usual, thanks to our many officials. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Harry Summers, Ian Laurie, Mark O'Mahony, Susan Taylor, Matt Owen, Don McLaren, Justin McLaren, Damien Elms
Race Setup: Bob Gardiner, Peter Vysma, Harry Summers, Craig Brill
Race Entries: Russ Dickenson, Stuart Cooper
Judges: Peter Vysma, Terry Swan, Gordon Loughnan, Ralph Bennett, Lloyd Nicholls, Stuart Cooper
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Kate Suich, Marlaine Stanway
Photos: Terry Swan, Tina Miller

VMA AND VRWC RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 30 APRIL 2011

The 2011 VRWC winter season kicked off at Middle Park on Saturday with the Victorian 5km Teams Championships for men and women alongside the usual mixture of VRWC races for all age groups. Warm and sunny conditions met the 96 walkers who attended and the 1km course was awash with walkers once all the races got underway. Next week we expect to be back onto our normal 2km course as the Grand Prix cleanup process should be completed.

The 5km events started first with Athletics Victoria walkers to the fore. Nathan Brill 22:20 and Stuart Kollmorgen 22:42 showed the way in the men's event while Tamara Attard 27:03 and Heather Carr 27:21 did likewise in the women's event.

VICTORIAN 5KM TEAMS CHAMPIONSHIP, WOMEN
1.  Attard, Tamara       KNA    27:03
2.  Carr, Heather        BGO    27:21
3.  Raselli, Cassie      SCA    28:38
4.  Stadus, Lauren       KNA    28:51
5.  Whiley, Ebony        BGO    29:07
6.  Major, Annette       BGO    29:35
7.  Attard, Bianca       KNA    30:11
8.  Hamilton, Emily      KNA    30:15
9.  Heard, Amanda        BGO    30:31
10. Eastwood, Jessie     KNA    33:51
    McNicol-D'son, Chloe SCA    DNF
    Finnegan, Amelia     KNA    DNF

Teams: 1  KNA  12  Tamara Attard, Lauren Stadus, Bianca Attard
       2  BGO  10  Heather Carr, Ebony Whiley, Annette Major

VICTORIAN 5KM TEAMS CHAMPIONSHIP, MEN
1.  Brill, Nathan        BOH    22:20
2.  Kollmorgen, Stuart   COL    22:42
3.  McDonough, Aaron     PTN    26:13
4.  Evans, Simon         BOH    26:31
5.  Tam, Aaron           KNA    26:41
6.  Kaiser, Joshua       SCA    27:01
7.  Dickenson, Russ      SCA    27:06
8.  Taylor, Lucas        SCA    27:28
9.  Garganis, Adam       COL    28:34
10. Dyer, Bill           BOH    29:01
11. Swan, Kyle           KNA    29:36
12. Gardiner, Bob        COL    29:54
    Felton, Matt         KNA    DNF
    Donahoo, Mark        ATE    DNS
    Walmsley, Reese      KNA    DQ

Teams  1  BOH  19  Nathan Brill, Simon Evans, Bill Dyer
       2  SCA  15  Joshua Kaiser, Russ Dickenson, Lucas Taylor
       3  COL  12  Stuart Kollmorgen, Adam Garganis, Bob Gardiner

The VRWC events were all keenly contested and we welcomed a number of walkers having their first walks with us – Alex Poore, Michelle, Josephine and Beatrice Laufer, Bede Collis, Jonty and Mercedes Brennan and Brooklyn Utber. We also welcomed back Gerard Feain having his first walk for many years. Good to see you back on the track Gerard!

VRWC 5KM OPEN
1.  Hockley-Samon, Jmara    27:16
2.  Irshad, Kylie           29:14
3.  Laurie, Natalie         30:08
4.  Shaw, Robyn             30:22
5.  O'Neill, Karyn          35:18
6.  Burren, Sarah           DNF

1.  Kozica, Jason           24:37
2.  Kennedy, Paul           25:03
3.  Seid-Christmass, James  25:23
4.  Simpson, Brad           26:10 
5.  Lucas, Alan             29:39
6.  Cooper, Stuart          33:25
7.  Barrow, Geoff           33:37
8.  Morrison, John          37:26
9.  Poore, Alex             38:37
10. Jenkins, Llew           DQ

VRWC 3KM OPEN
1.  Laufer, Michelle        17:41
2.  Campbell, Caitlin       17:48
3.  Feldman, Liz            18:12
4.  Elms, Donna             18:18
5.  McIntyre, Gayle         18:37
6.  Beaumont, Margaret      24:34

1.  Bennett, Ralph          17:15
2.  Feain, Gerard           17:42
3.  Skrucany, Rudolf        21:30
    Beaumont, Ian           DQ
    Onley, Gordon           DQ

VRWC 3KM U15
1.  George, Stephanie       16:04
2.  Walker, Megan           18:11
3.  Collis, Lauren          18:34
4.  McLaren, Stacey         20:30
5.  Campbell, Rebecca       20:32
6.  Swan, Emily             21:09
7.  Guy, Rachael            21:30

1.  McShanag, Connor        16:01
2.  Owen, Cooper            17:06
3.  McNicol-Davidson, Cody  22:48
4.  Tremigliozzi, Paul      24:00

Our U12 and U9 events were keenly contested as usual and it is always great to see our youngest walkers in action. Paige De Lisen 11:10 fought out the U12 Girls' event with Shelby Kay 11:14 while James Burren 11:58 took the honours in the Boys' event. Brooklyn Utber  and Brianna Lillie had a great race in the U9 Girls' event, virtually crossing the line together in 5:50 whle Caine Brill won the U9 Boys' event with 6:20.

VRWC 2KM U12
1.  De Lisen, Paige         11:10
2.  Kay, Shelby             11:14
3.  Richardson, Brodie      11:40
4.  Hodges, Mikhala         11:56
5.  Lillie, Jessica         12:09
6.  Owen-Smith, Chelsea     12:27
7.  Xuereb, Tara            12:46
8.  Taylor, Lee             12:52
9.  Henderson, Rebecca      13:05
10. Laufer, Josephine       13:19
11. Eastwood, Jemma         13:39
12. Hodges, Anaya           15:02

1.  Burren, James           11:58
2.  Wright, Ethan           12:25
3.  Walmsley, Hayden        12:28
4.  Collis, Hugh            12:28
5.  Hockley-Samon, Harry    12:44
6.  Brennan, Jonty          12:45
7.  Feain, Lachlan          13:07
8.  Brill, Justin           13:09
    O'Mahony, Brendon       DQ

VRWC 1KM U9
1.  Utber, Brooklyn          5:50
2.  Lillie, Brianna          5:50
3.  O'Mahony, Kathleen       6:07
4.  Miller, Tegan            6:16
5.  Brennan, Mercedes        6:50
6.  Collis, Frances          6:51
7.  Kay, Payton              7:20
8.  Laufer, Beatrice         7:53

1.  Brill, Caine             6:20
2.  Collis, Bede             8:05

It was a big opening day with a lot of races in quick succession on a small 1km course but we had lots of our usual officials and judges on duty and they ensured that all went well. Thanks to everyone for their help as usual.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Ron Miller, Ian Laurie, Susan Taylor, Terry O'Neill, Don McLaren, Matt Owen, Damien Elms, Justin McLaren, Harry Summers, Mark O'Mahony
Judges: Gordon Loughnan (Chief), Judy Mason, Brenda Felton, Shane Bertrand, Kathleen Marsh, Terry Knape, Lloyd Nichols, Di Lowden, Peter Vysma (DQ Board)
Photos: Terry Swan
Setup: Craig Brill, Harry Summers, Bob Gardiner, Tim Erickson, Peter Vysma
Canteen: Kate Suich, Barb Gardiner, Marlaine Stanway