The Victorian Race Walking Club

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

VRWC 24 HOUR WALK CARNIVAL, MIDDLE PARK, 14-15 SEPTEMBER 2013

The 29th Australian Centurions 24 Hour walk was hosted by the Victorian Race Walking Club at their headquarters at Middle Park last weekend. The event was held over a 1.25km road loop and started at 2PM on Saturday. It had been rainy and cold the previous two days but it cleared on the Saturday morning and the event was held in just about ideal conditions with a calm and pleasant night midrace. The rain came back with a vengeance on Sunday night but we were all home and catching up on sleep at that stage after what turned out to be a very successful event.

It took a big caste of players to ensure that the 24 Hour Carnival was a success - the officials, the support staff (first aid and masseurs) and of course the walkers themselves who once again showed us the finest in human spirit and who dug deep to achieve their varied goals.

24 HOUR WALK MEN                 
1.  BENNETT, Peter    QLD    581    185.199 km    C24
2.  SCHOLZ, Justin    VIC    587    168.934 km    C61
3.  BILLETT, David    SA     582    165.022 km    C50
4.  CRUMP, Peter      SA     583    161.250 km    C66
5.  RICHARDSON, Saul  NSW    586    135.772 km
6.  JORDAN, Steve     VIC    584    131.742 km    C64
7.  TIMMS, John       VIC    588    128.605 km
8.  WHYTE, Robin      NSW    591    102.500 km    C29
9.  TUTTY, Peter      NSW    589     75.000 km
10. McGOWAN, Tony     VIC    585     72.500 km
                 
24 HOUR WALK WOMEN                 
1.  SCHOLZ, Sharon    VIC    595    168.934 km    C63
2.  O'NEILL, Karyn    VIC    594    163.732 km    C45
3.  BAIRD, Carol      ACT    593     85.000 km    C39
                 
12 HOUR WALK                 
1.  HOWORTH, Sandra   VIC    597     68.117 km

We were excited to see 6 Centurion qualifiers - equal to our 1998 event which also saw the same number of centurion performances (see http://www.centurions.org.au/1998report.shtml). For Peter Bennett, it was his 18th,centurion qualifier, an amazing statistic. Sharon and Justin Scholz walked together for the whole event and hence both have the same 100 mile time of 22:40:57 - a fitting husband and wife result. Next weekend they will be back in action running in a 100km trail race in Canberra. David Billett and Karyn O'Neill were nearly always on the same lap and only 5 minutes separated them at the 100 mile mark. And of course, Peter Crump was our sixth centurion performer and hence qualified for Australian Centurion membership.

CENTURION PERFORMANCES             
C24    BENNETT, Peter    QLD    20:33:00
C63    SCHOLZ, Sharon    VIC    22:40:37
C61    SCHOLZ, Justin    VIC    22:40:37
C50    BILLETT, David    SA     23:20:41
C45    O'NEILL, Karyn    VIC    23:26:23
C66 ** CRUMP, Peter      SA     23:39:40

We also hosted RWA 100km championships, with provisional times as follows for the medallists.

RWA 100KM CHAMPIONSHIPS                 
1.  SCHOLZ, Sharon       VIC    595    13:25:36
2.  O'NEILL,Karyn        VIC    594    14:31:27
    
1.  BENNETT, Peter       QLD    581    12:07:30
2.  CRUMP, Peter         SA     583    12:55:06
3.  WHYTE, Robin         NSW    591    13:21:40

The major trophy for the day, the Gordon Smith Award, went to Peter Crump for what was an inspirational first centurion finish.

GORDON SMITH AWARD : MOST MERITORIOUS PERFORMANCE - Peter Crump

In closing, I must acknowledge the many people and groups who made the event such a success

The committee and members of the Victorian Race Walking Club who hosted this event for us. Their equipment, manpower and enthusiasm ensured that that the event ran smoothly and efficiently.
The Middle Park Bowling Club who allowed us to use their facilities for the full 24 Hours of the event.
The Parks Victoria Albert Park rangers who opened up the parklands for us to use as an overnight event area and allowed us to conduct our race on the service roads and to use one of the trackside toilet blocks.
Michael Gillan, masseur extraordinaire, who brought along a whole team of masseurs to support us.
First aiders John (from National Sports Trainers) and Liz Ravalli who treated everything from blisters to exhaustion.
Coburg Harriers who lent us equipment and their computer entry system.
British Centurion Sean Pender who donated 6 beautiful cups for us to use as major trophies in our presentations.
Australian Centurion Fred Brooks who made a significant financial donation towards the running of the event.
The many people who brought along food to sustain us all over the 24 Hours of the event.

As Stuart mentioned above, it was a new and much more complex endeavour for us to run our annual event on a road circuit rather than on an athletics track. Once again, congratulations to all our competitors and my utmost thanks to all our volunteers and partners. See you all next year!

AV AND VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2013

As the 24 Hour walkers entered the final hours of their event, they were joined on the track by more walkers with a mixture of VRWC races on offer along with the Victorian 50km championship. Alas, only one starter in the 50km in NSW walker Ian Rayson who was having his first hitout since representing Australia in the World Champs in Moscow last month. He was on target for a great 50km time at the half way mark, passed in 1:55:29, but slowed in the second half and eventually called it quits at 43.75km, reached in a time of 3:25:56. Luckily he did reach the 35km mark successfully so we were able to award him the Ray Smith Trophy for our annual VRWC 35km Club Championship. Other events included 20km and 10km walks, along with 4 Hour and 6 Hour endurance walks. Results are shown below and a selection of photos has been loaded to http://www.vrwc.org.au/coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=150.

VICTORIAN 50KM CHAMPIONSHIP     
    RAYSON, Ian         NSW  DNF    43.75km in 3:25:56

VRWC 35KM CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - RAY SMITH TROPHY
1.  RAYSON, Ian         NSW  2:42:55

VRWC 20KM WALK
1.  CHRISTMASS, James   M    1:54:34     
    BENNETT, Ralph      M    DNF    10km in 59:13
    JAMIESON, Andrew    M    DNF    7.5km in 38:32

VRWC 10KM WALK
1.  SWAN, Kyle          M    0:49:43
2.  TINDAL, Pam         F    0:55:29
3.  WALMSLEY, Reese     M    0:56:07
4.  DICKENSON, Russ     M    1:04:19
5.  STEED, Gwen         F    1:06:43
6.  SWAN, Emily         F    1:08:28
7.  ELMS, Donna         F    1:08:37
8.  DORAN, Tony         M    1:09:46
9.  BEAUMONT, Margaret  F    1:26:42
10. BEAUMONT, Ian       M    1:26:44
    JOHNSON, Celia      F    DQ
                 
6 HOUR WALK                 
1.  KILMARTIN, John     M    47.973km
2.  POORE,Alex          M    39.464km
3.  CARTER, Ken         M    28.603km
                 
4 HOUR WALK                 
1.  CARR,Heather        F    20.000km

VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER

Yet another great day of racing at Middle Park as we draw to the close of our VRWC winter season. In nearly perfect weather, 53 walkers turned out to see the winter season out in style. And the 10km race provided the highlight with youngsters Kyle Swan (PB 48:07), Reese Walmsley (48:58) and Paige De Lisen (55:58) walking fantastically, thanks in part to Jesse Osborne, Andrew Jamieson and Jason Kozica who helped keep the pace going throughout the exciting race. Steve Jordan was also in great form, recording a big PB of 1:08:41 ahead of next week's 24 Hour walk.

10km Open
1.  Paige De Lisen         55:58     First one
2.  Karyn O'Neill        1:07:46
    Emily Hamilton           DNF

1.  Kyle Swan              48:07     PB 7:11
2.  Reese Walmsley         48:58     First one
3.  Jesse Osborne          48:58
4.  Andrew Jamieson        49:39
5.  James Christmass       52:14
6.  Simon Evans            55:49
7.  Bernie Keirl           55:58
8.  David Armstrong        59:24
9.  Gerard Feain         1:00:38
10. Steve Jordan         1:08:41     PB 1:02
    Bob Gardiner             DNF
    Hayden Walmsley          DNF

The shorter distances were also keenly contested with Pam Tindal 26:02, Jason Kozica 24:20, Donna Urquhart (a big PB of 16:36) and John Morrison 20:47 showing the way. We also welcomed first timer Irina Semenova who joined her sons Nikolaj and Nikita for a hitout over 3km.

5km Open
1.  Pam Tindal             26:02
2.  Heather Carr           27:55
3.  Liz Feldman            29:42
4.  Jessica Lillie         30:26
5.  Donna Elms             30:44
6.  Gwen Steed             30:45
7.  Mikhala Hodges         33:10
8.  Celia Johnson          33:24
9.  Margaret Beaumont      42:13

1.  Jason Kozica           24:20
2.  Mark Donahoo           25:21
3.  Corey Dickson          27:06
4.  Tony Johnson           32:26
5.  Anthony Doran          32:45
6.  Barrie Wicks           38:25
7.  Ian Beaumont           41:05
    Russ Dickenson           DNF

3km Open
1.  Donna Urquhart         16:36     PB 0:18
2.  Kylie Irshad           16:46
3.  Emily Swan             17:25
4.  Irina Semenova         22:11     First timer

1.  John Morrison          20:47
2.  Gordon Onley           23:34

Philippa Huse 16:38, Lachlan Feain 17:13 and Nikolaj Dvordjevic 11:26 all recorded PBs. We also welcomed Nikita Djovdjevic for his first walk with us, over 1km.

3km  Under 15
1.  Philippa Huse          16:28     PB 0:01
2.  Brodie Richardson      17:01

1.  Lachlan Feain          17:13     PB 0:12

2km Under 12
1.  Kathleen O'Mahony      11:53
2.  Brianna Lillie         12:29
3.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown  13:38
4.  Alexandra Hay          16:06

1.  Nikola Mandic          10:31
2.  Nikolaj Djovdjevic     11:26     PB 0:20
3.  Harry Hockley- Samon   11:39

1km Under 9
1.  Brianna Briet          05:45
2.  Gemma Lillie           06:20
3.  Charlotte Hay          07:14

1.  Angus Hay              07:45
2.  Nikita Djovdjevic      08:19     First timer

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

Officials: Tim Erickson, Ian Laurie, Don McLaren, Stacey McLaren, Mark O'Mahony, Justin McLaren (bike), Mark Donahoo, Damien Elms
Setup: Peter Vysma, Bob Gardiner, Russ Dickenson, James Christmass, Lachlan and Gerard Feain
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), David Cash, Gordon Loughnan, Brenda Felton, Stuart Cooper
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Wendy Cooper, Marlaine Stanway, Donna Elms

VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SATURDAY 31 AUGUST

While many of the VRWC walkers were in Tasmania last weekend for the National Roadwalk Championships, we still saw 36 walkers attend our regular Saturday races at Middle Park. Peter Vysma tells me that the weather was very warm, especially in comparison to past weeks, but it was also windy.         

The 10km walk saw James Christmass 41:49 clear out to win easily from Bernie Keirl 44:42 and Sandra Geisler 45:40. Heather Carr 34:28 and David Smyth 36:36 took line honours in the 6km while Gwen Steed 25:46 and Paul Kennedy 20:45 were fastest in the 4km.

8km Open        
1.  Sandra Geisler        45:40
2.  Paige De Lisen        45:51
3.  Pam Tindal            46:58
    Liz Feldman           Ab

1.  James Christmass      41:49
2.  Bernie Keirl          44:42
3.  Gerard Feain          49:33
4.  Russ Dickenson        49:49
5.  Geoff Barrow          56:16
    John Morrison         Ab
    Simon Evans           Ab
        
6km Open        
1.  Heather Carr          34:28
2.  Marlene Gourlay       36:10
    Celia Johnson         Ab

1.  David Smyth           36:36
2.  David Armstrong       37:01
        
4km Open        
1.  Gwen Steed            25:46
2.  Margaret Beaumont     33:29
3.  Pam Mews              38:29

1.  Paul Kennedy          20:45
2.  Barrie Wicks          30:22
3.  Ian Beaumont          34:10

We also had a good number of our younger walkers on deck with best walks coming from Philippa Huse, Lachlan Feain, Mackayla Davison, Nikola Mandic, Gemma Lillie and Marcus Byron.
        
4km Under 15        
1.  Philippa Huse         23:06
2.  Jessica Lillie        25:20
3.  Gabrielle Crea        26:32

1.  Lachlan Feain         24:13
        
2km Under 12        
1.  Mackayla Davison      11:37
2.  Mackenzie Mielczarek  12:22
3.  Brianna Lillie        13:18
4.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown 15:26

1.  Nikola Mandic         10:16
2.  Nikolaj Djordjevic    11:56
3.  Hayden Walmsley       12:13
 
1km Under 9         
1.  Gemma Lillie          06:24

1.  Marcus Byron          05:52
2.  Thomas Kennedy        08:32

As usual, thanks to the many people who help every week. Not sure if I have captured them all as I was not there myself.

Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Ralph Bennett, Lloyd Nichols, Michael Bodey
Canteen: Wendy Cooper
Setup: Russ Dickenson, James Christmass, Gerard Feain, Lachlan Feain, Justin McLaren
Officials: Mark Donahoo, Marlaine Stanway, Ralph Bennett, Don McLaren, Stacey McLaren

VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SATURDAY 24 AUGUST

Perfect conditions greeted the 62 walkers who contested our annual 'Beat Your Season Best Time' races at Middle Park on Saturday. It was a prizes day with the winner of each division getting the choice of the prizes tables. Thanks to those who brought additional items for the table. We used our new chip timing system for the Open and U15 events - we continue to bed it all down and it is going well. Thanks to Terry Swan for his usual swathe of photos - see http://www.vrwc.org.au/coppermine.

The 10km event saw Margaret Beaumont 1:24:01 and Adam Garganis 48:26 both beat their season bests to win. To cap of her fine walk, Margaret broke her own W75 club record to boot. James Christmass walked excellently for a big PB of 50:47 as did Andrew Jamieson whose 50:41 would have been even better if had not been forced to stop midrace.
 
10km Open                              F/T Place
1.  Margaret Beaumont       1:24:01    2     W75 Club Record 0:51
2.  Karyn O'Neill           1:08:21    1

1.  Adam Garganis             48:26    1
2.  Gerard Feain              59:16    7
3.  Geoff Barrow            1:08:10    9
4.  James Christmass          50:47    3     PB 0:48
5.  Ian Beaumont            1:25:14    10
6.  David Armstrong         1:00:20    8
7.  Andrew Jamieson           50:41    2
8.  Bernie Keirl              57:55    6
9.  Simon Evans               53:50    4
10. Aaron McDonough           54:22    5
    Harry Summers               DNF    
    Mark Donahoo                DNF    
    Russ Dickenson              DNF
 
Carly Bertrand 32:46, Anthony Doran 32:37, Gwen Steed 18:14 and John Morrison 20:28 won the Open 5km and 3km races, Gwen breaking her W70 club record by 10 secs. And special mentions to Donna Urquhart for her 42 sec PB time of 28:07 and Jesse Osborne for his very fast time of 12:18.

5km Open                               F/T Place
1.  Carly Bertrand            32:46    8
2.  Donna Urquhart            28:07    3     PB 0:42
3.  Heather Carr              27:29    2
4.  Celia Johnson             33:20    9
5.  Liz Feldman               29:52    5
6.  Donna Elms                31:18    7
7.  Marlene Gourlay           29:46    4
8.  Michelle Laufer           25:10    1
9.  Karla Bulte               30:39    6
10. Beverley Hugo             41:26    10

1.  Anthony Doran             32:37    3
2.  Jason Kozica              23:38    1
3.  Barrie Wicks              38:17    4
4.  Kyle Swan                 23:52    2
5.  Alex Poore                40:17    5
 
3km Open                               F/T Place
1.  Gwen Steed                18:14    1     W70 Club Record 0:10
2.  Pam Mews                  28:28    4
3.  Emily Swan                20:21    3
4.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson    18:50    2

1.  John Morrison             20:28    3
2.  Paul Kennedy              17:22    2
3.  Jesse Osborne             12:18    1
    Jim Crawford                 DQ    
 
It was a family affair in the U15 3km race as Madeleine Feain 19:30 and Lachlan Feain 17:28 won the day. Others to do well included Gabbie Crea with a PB of 18:05 and Reese Walmsley with a fast 13:49.

3km Under 15                           F/T Place
1.  Madeleine Feain           19:30    6     PB 0:17
2.  Taylor Vasiljevic         16:24    2
3.  Gabbie Crea               18:05    5     PB 0:02
4.  Jessica Lillie            17:57    4
5.  Paige De Lisen            16:23    1
6.  Brodie Richardson         17:06    3
    Hayley Woolfe                DQ    

1.  Lachlan Feain             17:28    2
2.  Reese Walmsley            13:49    1
3.  Hayden Walmsley           18:20    3
 
The U12 and U9 races were won by Alexandra Hay 14:46, Corey Dickson 10:12, Gemma Lillie 5:54 and Marcus Byron 5:28. We also welcomed Mikayla Cipriani and Nikolaj Djordjevic who had their first walks with us.

2km Under 12                           F/T Place
1.  Alexandra Hay             14:46    5     PB 0:48
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony         10:55    1
3.  Lee Taylor                13:22    4
4.  Brianna Lillie            12:01    2
5.  Mikayla Cipriani           13:07    3     First time with us

1.  Corey Dickson             10:12    1
2.  Harry Hockley Samon       11:19    2
3.  Nikolaj Djordjevic        11:46    3     First time with us
 
1km Under 9                            F/T Place
1.  Gemma Lillie              05:54    1     Eq PB
2.  Charlotte Hay             06:33    2

1.  Marcus Byron              05:28    1     PB 0:04
2.  Angus Hay                 07:54    2
3.  Thomas Kennedy            08:30    3
    William Kennedy              DQ

Thanks as usual to our may officials and judges. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Ralph Bennett, Simon Baker, Don McLaren, Stacey McLaren, Susan Taylor, Ian Laurie, Justin McLaren (bike)
Race Entry / Results: Mark Donahoo, Damien Elms
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Gordon Loughnan, Lloyd Nicholls, Damien Elms, Michael Bodey
Canteen: Marlaine Stanway, Kate Suich
Photos: Terry Swan

VMA AND VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SATURDAY 17 AUGUST

We were joined by the Victorian Masters walkers on Saturday as our winter season VRWC road walks continued at Middle Park. The expected rain held off but it was very windy for the 63 walkers in attendance.

The Masters walkers were in top form but none better than Kelly Ruddick whose time of 45:26 broke her pending W40 Masters World Record by an amazing 49 secs!  Gwen Steed also bettered her W70 VRWC record with her time of 1:05:53 and Margaret Beaumont bettered her W75 VRWC record with her time of 1:25:49. Others to do well included Sarah Brennan (PB of 52:54), Donna Urquhart (58:54 in her first ever 10km) and Bob Gardiner whose time of 59:59 was only 4 secs outside his Australian M75 record.

Victorian Masters 10km Championship Women
1.  Sarah Brennan       W35    52:54    PB 0:11
2.  Donna Urquhart      W35    58:54    First one
1.  Kelly Ruddick       W40    45:26    W40 World Record, PB 0:49
2.  Michelle Laufer     W40    52:47
1.  Donna Elms          W50  1:05:30
1.  Heather Carr        W60    58:06
2.  Alison Thompson     W60  1:04:06
    Liz Feldman         W60       DQ
1.  Celia Johnson       W65  1:10:18
1.  Gwen Steed          W70  1:05:53    VRWC W70 Record by 1:34
2.  Sylvia Machin       W70  1:13:39
3.  Beverly Hugo        W70  1:24:08
1.  Margaret Beaumont   W75  1:25:49    VRWC W75 Record by 1:45
 
Victorian Masters 10km Championship Men
1.  David Smyth         M40    59:46
1.  James Christmass    M45    54:23
1.  Simon Evans         M50    53:49
1.  Clyde Riddoch       M60  1:05:56
2.  Anthony Doran       M60  1:07:39
3.  Geoff Barrow        M60  1:10:38
1.  Russ Dickenson      M65  1:00:03
1.  Ralph Bennett       M70    57:19
1.  Bob Gardiner        M75    59:59    
    Ian Beaumont        M75       DQ
 
Nathan Brill was in dominant form in the VRWC 10km, his time of 43:14 excellent in the strong winds. Others to do well included Adam Garganis (5km PB of 23:21) and Kyle Swan (13:36) and Reese Walmsley (13:40) who had a great battle in the U15 3km.

10km Open
1.  Nathan Brill             43:14
2.  Gerard Feain             60:51
3.  Alex Poore               77:13  
    Jesse Osborne            DNF
 
5km Open
1.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson   34:09
2.  Clare Garganis           36:52
 
1.  Adam Garganis            23:21    PB 0:20
2.  Barrie Wicks             38:44
 
3km Open
1.  Emily Swan               17:57
    Kylie Irshad             DNF
 
1.  Paul Kennedy             15:20
2.  Paul Tremigliozzi        19:57
3.  Gordon Onley             22:48
4.  Jim Crawford             25:28
 
3km Under 15
1.  Emily Hamilton           15:43
2.  Paige De Lisen           15:55
3.  Philippa Huse            16:33
4.  Taylor Vasiljevic        16:42
5.  Brodie Richardson        16:51
6.  Gabbie Crea              18:08
7.  Jessica Lillie           18:11
 
1.  Kyle Swan                13:36    PB 0:14
2.  Reese Walmsley           13:40    PB 0:21
3.  Lachlan Feain            17:25    PB 0:25
 
Our U12 and U9 walkers contested their usual races with line honours going to Mackayla Davison (14:41), Corey Dickson (13:00), Gemma Lillie (9:31) and Marcus Byron (8:47).

2.5km  Under 12
1.  Mackayla Davison         14:41     
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony        14:43
3.  Brianna Lillie           15:28
4.  Mackenzie Mielczarek     16:10
5.  Lee Taylor               16:44
6.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown    17:57
    Alexandra Hay            DQ
 
1.  Corey Dickson            13:00
2.  Hayden Walmsley          14:32
3.  Harry Hockley Samon      15:06
 
1.5km  Under 9
1.  Gemma Lillie             09:31
2.  Charlotte Hay            10:27
 
1.  Marcus Byron             08:47
2.  Angus Hay                12:29
3.  William Kennedy          12:49
4.  Thomas Kennedy           13:36
 
As usual, thanks to our many judges and officials who help keep the show on the road. We welcomed back expatriate club member Mark Wall from the UK who did a guest appearance as a judge. Good to see you Mark!

Officials:  Tim Erickson, Alan Lucas, Simon Baker, Les Clarke, Susan Taylor, Don McLaren, Stacey McLaren, Damien Elms, Ralph Bennett
Judges:    Judy Mason (Chief), David Cash, Mark Wall, Terry Swan, Matt Owen, Peter Vysma, Lloyd Nichols, Diane Lowden (DQ board) , Justin McLaren (bike)
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Wendy Cooper, Marlaine Stanway
Registration: Damien Elms, Simon Evans, Alan Lucas

VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SATURDAY 10 AUGUST

Last Saturday saw our last Points races for the winter season and 57 walkers were in attendance. After the coldest Melbourne day for the winter on Friday, conditions were fantastic and I was actually in short sleeves for the afternoon. Ah, you have to love Melbourne's climate! Our Open and U15 competitors had Handicap Start races so all results are shown in Handicap finish order. It was also a prizes day with all Handicap winners having the pick of the table. Terry Swan has uploaded his photos from the day to our photo gallery - you can check them out at http://www.vrwc.org.au/coppermine/.

The Open 8im event saw Chloe McNicol-Davidson 53:48 and Bernie Keirl 44:15 win the handicaps with PBs (that's what it normally takes!) whiel Pam Tindal 43:56 and James Christmass 41:10 recorded fastest times. And a special mention to Donna Urquhart who walked an excellent 46:50 for her first longer walk.

8km Open Handicap Start   Act Time  Hcp Place  F/T Place
Chloe McNicol-Davidson    53:48     1          6     PB 0:12
Heather Carr              45:19     2          2
Donna Urquhart            46:50     3          3     First one
Liz Feldman               49:50     4          4
Margaret Beaumont         68:55     5          9
Alison Thompson           52:44     6          5
Pam Tindal                43:56     7          1
Celia Johnson             57:38     8          8
Donna Elms                53:51     9          7
Carly Bertrand            DNF        

Bernie Keirl              44:15     1          4     PB 1:26
Gerard Feain              48:00     2          5
James Christmass          41:10     3          1
Aaron McDonough           43:12     4          2
Russ Dickenson            49:50     5          6
Simon Evans               43:38     6          3

The 4km events saw handicap wins to Gwen Steed 24:56, John Morrisoni 27:55, Paige De Lisen 21:38 and Reese Walmsley 18:54. In fact, Paige and Reese were also our two fastest walkers as both recorded good PBs.

4km Open Handicap Start   Act Time  hcp Place  F/T Place
Gwen Steed                24:56     1          1
Pam Mews                  39:02     2          4
Emily Swan                25:33     3          2
Robyn Shaw                27:56     4          3

John Morrison             27:55     1          4
Mark Donahoo              19:43     2          1
Barrie Wicks              30:20     3          6
Paul Kennedy              21:39     4          3
Jason Kozica              20:06     5          2
Alex Poore                29:58     -          5
Gordon Onley              DNF        
 
4km U15 Handicap Start    Act Time  Hcp Place  F/T Place
Paige De Lisen            21:38     1          1     PB 0:27
Gabbie Crea               25:01     2          6
Karla Bulte               23:15     3          4
Jessica Lillie            25:13     4          7
Philippa Huse             23:10     5          3
Emily Hamilton            22:34     6          2
Brodie Richardson         23:45     7          5

Reese Walmsley            18:54     1          1     PB 1:01
Lachlan Feain             24:20     2          3
Kyle Swan                 20:04     3          2

Our U12 and U9 handicaps wins went to Caillyn Rudston-Brown 13:22, Corey Dickson 9:59, Brianna Briet 5:45 and Angus Hay 7:51. Well doen also to Mackenzie Mielczarek who also walked a PB with her time of 12:58.

2km U12 Handicap          Act Time  Hcp Place  F/T Place
Caitlyn Rudston-Brown     13:22     1          7     PB 0:39
Mackenzie Mielczarek      12:58     2          5     PB 0:05
Tegan Miller              12:02     3          3
Alexandra Hay             15:51     4          8
Lee Taylor                13:06     5          6
Kathleen O'Mahony         11:35     6          2
Mikhala Hodges            11:02     7          1
Brianna Lillie            12:27     8          4

Corey Dickson             09:59     1          1
Nikola Mandic             10:25     2          2
Hayden Walmsley           12:13     3          3
 
1km U9 Handicap           Act Time  Hcp Place  F/T Place
Brianna Briet             05:45     1          2
Gemma Lillie              05:59     2          3
Hayley Woolfe             05:37     3          1
Charlotte Hay             06:53     4          4

Angus Hay                 07:51     1          2    PB 0:12
Marcus Byron              05:38     2          1
Thomas Kennedy            08:11     3          3
William Kennedy           DQ

Finally, thanks to our many officials and judges. Apologies if I have missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Ian Laurie, Mark O'Mahony, Paul Kozaris, Susan Taylor, Harry Summers, Ralph Bennett
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Dave Cash, Gordon Loughnan, Lloyd Nichols, Damien Elms 
Canteen: Kate Suich, Marlaine Stanway
Race Results: Mark Donahoo, Damien Elms 

AV AND VRWC CHAMPS, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SUNDAY 4 AUGUST

The annual Victorian Roadwalk Championships were held on Sunday morning at Middle Park in perfect conditions - cool, overcast and still. This was a huge change to Saturday where Victoria experienced the worst of our winter weather - it is always a case of timing and on this occasion, the timing was perfect. With VRWC club championships also on offer, it was pleasing to see 70 walkers in action.

The Victorian 30km championship saw Chris Erickson win his fourth winter season title, following on from his wins over 10km, 15km and 20km. In what was his final race before flying out to Moscow for the World Championships tomorrow, he strolled through the first 20km before putting the pedal down and powering through to his final time of 2:22:16. The only other finisher was Terry O'Neill who worked hard for his 3:10:54.

AV 30km Open Men
1.  Chris Erickson          ATE    0:50:18    1:37:59    2:22:16
2.  Terry O'Neill           GPA    1:00:57    2:00:20    3:10:54
    Bradley Simpson         ANW    0:50:31    DNF
 
The Victorian Underage roadwalk championships saw lots of good performances but none better than 17 year old Nathan Brill whose 10km PB time of 42:33 was some 14 seconds better than Troy Sundstrom's Australian U18 record. Alas, a lack of notification meant that the required 3 watches were not in place but I am sure that Nathan will put that to rights before the end of the year, given his rapidly improving form. Others to excel included Kyle Swan (huge PB of 22:54 for U16 5km), Jesse Osborne (45:07 for 10km), Mikhala Hodges (PB of 1:05:36 for 10km at 11 years of age!) and Rebecca Henderson (15:20 for U14 3km),

AV U20 10km Men  
1.  Jesse Osborne           BOH      45:07
 
AV U20 10km Women
1.  Cassandra Raselli       CCA    1:01:56
2.  Ebony Whiley            EAG    1:02:07
3.  Mikhala Hodges          KNA    1:05:36     PB 0:47, VRWC U12 Club Record
4.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson  SCA    1:09:45
 
AV U18 10km Men
1.  Nathan Brill            BOH      42:33     PB 0:15
2.  Adam Garganis           COL      51:33
 
AV U18 5km Women
1.  Jade Sanders            CCA      30:31
 
AV U16 5km Boys
1.  Kyle Swan               ANW      22:54     PB 0:55
2.  Reese Walmsley          KNA      24:52
3.  Ross Darlow             EKA      25:19     PB 1:21
 
AV U16 5km Girls
1.  Emily Hamilton          KNA      27:21    
2.  Paige De Lisen          KNA      28:07
3.  Jessica Lillie          KNA      31:42     First one
 
AV U14 3km Boys
1.  Nikola Mandic           CCA      16:03     First one
2.  Harry Hockley Samon     CHI      18:06
3.  Hayden Walmsley         KNA      19:28
 
AV U14 3km Girls
1.  Rebecca Henderson       CCA      15:20     PB 0:44
2.  Jemma Peart             BYC      15:33     PB 0:56
3.  Zahra Hayes             SBE      15:47     PB 0:18
4.  Karla Bulte             CCA      16:48    
5.  Brodie Richardson       KNA      17:13
6.  Madison Hill            SBE      18:05
7.  Emily Noonan            COL      19:48
8.  Lee Taylor              YRA      19:57     PB 0:04
 
In our VRWC club championship for Open Women, the highlight was provided by Kelly Ruddick who bettered her own pending World Masters W40 10km record with a PB time of 46:15. Natalie Laurie, finally back after a few horror years of injury, was second to Kelly with her own PB of 51:43. Our U12 and U9 club championships went to Rebecca Henderson, Nikola Mandic, Hayley Woolfe and Marcus Byron. Quite a few our the U12 walkers had earlier walked in the Victorian U14 3km championships so for them, it was a big day's work.

VRWC 10km Open Women Club Championship - Mabel Robinson Trophy
1.  Kelly Ruddick          VRWC      46:15     PB 0:20, new WMA W40 record
2.  Natalie Laurie         VRWC      51:43     PB
3.  Sandra Geisler         VRWC      54:04
4.  Carly Bertrand         VRWC    1:10:16     PB 2:04
    Michelle Laufer        VRWC    DNF
 
VRWC 2km U12 Club Championship
1.  Rebecca Henderson      VRWC      10:28
2.  Mackayla Davison       VRWC      10:56
3.  Alanna Peart           Ballarat  11:26
4.  Arnika Nelson          VRWC      11:38
5.  Brianna Lillie         VRWC      11:46
6.  Kathleen O'Mahony      VRWC      11:55
7.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown  VRWC      14:01     PB 0:06
 
1.  Nikola Mandic          VRWC      10:27
2.  Tom Hockley-Samon      VRWC      11:42     First one
 
VRWC 2km U9 Club Championship
1.  Hayley Woolfe          VRWC      11:55     PB 2:18
2.  Brianna Briet          VRWC      12:03     First one
3.  Gemma Lillie           VRWC      12:53     PB 0:11
4.  Claire Noonan          VRWC      13:32     First one
5.  Ruby Saunder           Ballarat  13:41     PB 0:49
6.  Mia Darlow             Ballarat  14:09     PB 1:28
7.  Freya Evans            VRWC      15:23     First one
8.  Zara Irshad            VRWC      19:01
 
1.  Marcus Byron           VRWC      12:36     First one
2.  Fraser Saunder         Ballarat  13:41     PB 0:13
3.  Scott Peart            Ballarat  19:31     First one
 
We also had a series of VRWC non-championship walks with results shown below. The best effort came from James Christmass who won the 20km with a PB time of 1:48:38.

VRWC 3 Hour Walk
1.  Karyn O'Neill          VRWC    25.120 km
2.  Margaret Beaumont      VRWC    20.312 km
3.  Ian Beaumont           VRWC    20.190 km
4.  Alex Poore             VRWC    19.348 km
 
VRWC 20km Open Walk
1.  James Christmass       VRWC    1:48:38     PB 0:07
2.  Mark Donahoo           VRWC    1:55:54
3.  Pam Tindal             VRWC    1:57:22
4.  Ralph Bennett          VRWC    1:59:23
5.  Heather Carr           VRWC    2:02:36
6.  Russ Dickenson         VRWC    2:08:51
7.  Liz Feldman            VRWC    2:14:21
    David Smyth            VRWC    DNF
 
VRWC 5km Open Walk
1.  Simon Evans            VRWC    26:57
2.  Donna Urquhart         VRWC    29:14    
3.  Celia Johnson          VRWC    33:23
4.  Pam Mews               VRWC    47:38
    Gabriella Crea         VRWC    DQ
 
Finally, thanks to the many officials and judges in attendance. Thanks also to those who helped with course setup and pull down. Apologies if I have missed anyone from the list.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Harry Summers, Bob Gardiner, Ian Laurie, Mark O'Mahony, Cody McNicol-Davidson
Judges: Brenda Felton (Chief), Judy Mason, Matt Owen, Terry Swan, David Cash, Lloyd Nichols, Gordon Loughnan, Lincoln Mah, Stuart Cooper (DQ Board), Diane Lowden (Mentoring)
Canteen: Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper
Race Registration: Damien Elms, Mark Donahoo I

VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SATURDAY 27 JULY

It was pretty windy at Middle Park last Saturday but definitely an improvement on the previous week and it was pleasing to see a large field of 69 walkers contesting our points races. With prizes on offer for the handicap winners in each race division, the races were keenly contested with many good performances.

The women's 10km race saw Margaret Beaumont take over 2 minutes off her W75 club record with 1:24:52, ensuring that she convincingly won the handicap event, while fellow M75 walker Bob Gardiner was the handicap winner in the men's 10km with an excellent 1:04:16. The fastest times went to Michelle Laufer 51:58 and James Christmass 51:54, good times after a great battle.
             
10km Open                             H'Cap Place
1.  Michelle Laufer          51:58    2
2.  Pam Tindal               55:23    4
3.  Karen O'Neill          1:08:01    3
4.  Carly Bertrand         1:12:20    5     First one
5.  Margaret Beaumont      1:24:52    1     New W75 club record

1.  James Christmass         51:54    2
2.  Simon Evans              57:58    7
3.  Ralph Bennett            58:03    3
4.  Russ Dickenson         1:01:24    5
5.  Bob Gardiner           1:01:46    1
6.  Gerard Feain           1:05:57    6
7.  Anthony Doran          1:13:00    4
8.  Ian Beaumont           1:14:54     
    Bernie Keirl               DNF     
    Terry O'Neill              DNF

Natalie Laurie 25:10 and Adam Garganis 24:54 were the fastest walkers in the Open 5km and Natalie was also the handicap winner in the women's division. And special mentions to Nicholas Mirarchi 25:54 who won the men's handicap, Donna Urquhart (a big PB of 28:49) and Gwen Steed ( a W70 club record of 31:52).
             
5km Open                              H'Cap Place
1.  Natalie Laurie           25:10    1
2.  Heather Carr             28:01    4
3.  Donna Urquhart           28:49    2     PB 4:07
4.  Jade Sanders             29:30    6
5.  Liz Feldman              29:54    5
6.  Sandra Geisler           30:24    9
7.  Gwen Steed               31:52    3     W70 Club Record
8.  Alison Thompson          33:14    7
9.  Robyn Shaw               34:59    8
10. Chloe McNicol-Davidson   36:19    10

1.  Adam Garganis            24:54    5
2.  Mark Donahoo             25:00    2
3.  Nicholas Mirarchi        25:54    1
4.  Aaron McDonough          26:47    6
5.  Cody McNicol-Davidson    31:24    3
6.  Geoff Barrow             33:35    4
    Barrie Wicks                DQ     

Like Natalie in the women's Open 5km, Karla Bulte took fastest time and handicap honours in the Open 3km event with her PB time of 16:31. In the men's 3km event, Nathan Brill, just back from his World Youth trip. scorched the track with a wonderful 12:08 but it was John Morrison who took handicap honours with this time of 20:24.
             
3km  Open                             H'Cap Place
1.  Karla Bulte              16:31    1     PB 0:17
2.  Philippa Huse            16:51    2
3.  Cassie Raselli           17:27    4
4.  Donna Elms               18:06    5
5.  Celia Johnson            19:42    2
6.  Jan Morrey               21:15    6
7.  Beverly Hugo             24:10     
8.  am Mews                  30:21    7

1.  Nathan Brill             12:08    3
2.  Paul Kennedy             17:47    4
3.  John Morrison            20:24    1
4.  Alex Poore               22:27    2

The U15 and U12 walkers upped their distances this week with 5km and 3km respectively. As you can see below, for many of the walkers, it was their first time over the longer distance and everyone handled it well. Handicap wins went to Madeleine Feain 33:37, Reese Walmsley 24:22, Caitlyn Rudston-Brown 21:43 and Hayden Walmsley 17:53. Special mentions also to Kyle Swan 23:50, Paige De Lisen 27:39 and Corey Dickson 15:21.
 
5km  Under 15                         H'Cap Place
1.  Paige De Lisen           27:39    3     PB 0:38
2.  Emily Hamilton           29:07    4
3.  Mikhala Hodges           29:40    2     First one
4.  Madeleine Feain          33:37    1     First one
    Gabbie Crea                 DQ     

1.  Kyle Swan                23:50    2    
2.  Reese Walmsley           24:22    1     PB 0:24
3.  Lachlan Feain            32:42    3     First one
     
3km  Under 12                         H'Cap Place
1.  Brianna Lillie           18:03    6
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony        18:37    5
3.  Mackenzie Mielczarek     20:05    2     First one
4.  Chelsea McDonald         20:07    4     First one   
5.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown    21:43    1     First one
6.  Alexandra Hay            24:10    3     First one

1.  Corey Dickson            15:21    2     PB 0:34
2.  Nikola Mandic            16:27    3     First one
3.  Harry Hockley Samon      17:52    4
4.  Hayden Walmsley          17:53    1
 
And to the last of our races where our U9 walkers contested 1.5km races with Brianna Briet 9:13 and Angus Hay 13:06 winning the handicaps while Hayley Woolfe 9:08 and Marcus Byron 9:02 took fastest times honours.

1.5km  Under 9                        H'Cap Place
1.  Hayley Woolfe            09:08    2
2.  Brianna Briet            09:13    1
3.  Gemma Lillie             09:39    3
4.  Charlotte Hay            10:59    4

1.  Marcus Byron             09:02    2
2.  Tom Hockley Samon        10:10        PB 0:21
3.  Angus Hay                13:06    1     
 
Finally, thanks to our many helpers - sorry if I missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Bob Gardiner, Damien Elms, Ian Laurie, Don McLaren, Simon Baker, Justin McLaren (bike)
Admin: Damien Elms, Mark Donahoo, Michael Bodey
Canteen:  Barb Gardiner, Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Lloyd Nichols, Gordon Loughnan, Michael Bodey, Stuart Cooper

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 20 JULY

It was cold and very wet at Middle Park on Saturday as Melbourne and Victoria suffered through an Antarctic low. In fact, there was so much water on the course that we had to restrict ourselves to our top 1km section of track. As it is not often that we encounter such inclement weather, I thought it worthwhile resurrecting an article I published in the club newsletter in 2004 after a particularly bad Albert Park day. On that occasion, I commented

Saturday 14 August 2004 was easily our worst day for quite some time from a weather perspective. Bitter cold strong winds and rain made it survival of the fittest for the 31 competitors and the small band of officials who braved the elements.

The two questions that always spring to mind on such days as Saturday are pretty obvious

1. Have we ever had to actually cancel events due to the weather?

The answer is yes. In the 1980’s when our clubrooms were on the other side of the lake, our regular course was on Lakeside Drive which we shared with traffic. On two occasions, the rain was so severe and visibility so reduced that the events scheduled for that particular day were cancelled.

2. What are the worst weather conditions in which anyone remembers racing?

The answer seemed pretty unanimous when discussed in 2004. Bob Gardiner and Alan Lucas, who both have long memories, were in agreement that a 10 mile road event, held in Traralgon, in May 1969, was the worst ever. The event was held in what they both described as ‘horizontal sleet’ Competitor Justin Coxhead was in such bad shape at the end of the race that it took an hour or more of hot drinks, brandy and blankets at a friend’s house to stop him shivering. For the record, I reproduce the race report which was written up in the Heel and Toe magazine of the time

The Unforgettable Traralgon Ten Mile - 31 May 1969


Alan Lucas reminisced that there was also a running event on in the area that day and Geoff Watt (the late father of Olympic Gold Medal cyclist Kathy Watt) who was renowned as the toughest runner going said that they were the worst conditions he had ever experienced. Geoff had won fame by running to the top of Mt Kilamanjaro in Kenya (20,000 ft) without climbing gear, surprising a Japanese climbing party. Sadly, a few years later, he got lost in the hills north of Traralgon on a training run and ended up dying of hypothermia.

Our most dreadful day in recent years was on Sunday 10 August 2008. The newsletter reported it as follows


Anyway, enough history. Suffice it to say it was cold and miserable on Saturday but not as bad as 31 May 1969!  Terry Swan was there with his camera and has captured the conditions and action in http://www.vrwc.org.au/coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=142. Given the day, we were pleased that 43 walkers raced and more came along to watch and help out. That was better than expected!

The 8km event saw Natalie Laurie back in excellent shape, recording a fine 41:47 to win the handicap and finish just behind Michelle Laufer who recorded 41:34. The fastest of the men was Reese Walmsley whose time of 40:34 was excellent and won him the fastest time and handicap double. And a special mention to Paige De Lisen who walked 45:41 in her first ever longer walk.

8km Open                           H'Cap Place
1.  Michelle Laufer       41:34    4
2.  Natalie Laurie        41:47    1     PB?
3.  Sandra Geisler        42:25    2
4.  Pam Tindal            43:23    3
5.  Paige De Lisen        45:41        First one
    Kirstin  Shaw         DNF     

1.  Reese Walmsley        40:34    1     First one
2.  James Christmass      42:19    6
3.  Bernie Keirl          45:41    5
4.  Russ Dickenson        48:34    4
5.  Bob Gardiner          50:44    3
6.  Geoff Barrow          54:33    2
    Mark Donahoo          Ab     
 
The 4km walks saw Kyle Swan 19:40 and Aaron McDonough 21:04 fastest of the men and Jade Sanders 22:23, Heather Carr 22:30  and Brodie Richardson 22:44 the fastest of the women. Handicap wins to Donna Elms 24:26, Aaron, Jessica Lillie 24:42 and Kyle.

4km Open                           H'Cap Place
1.  Jade Sanders          22:23    6
2.  Heather Carr          22:30    7
3.  Emily Swan            23:50    5
4.  Cassie Raselli        23:57    10
5.  Donna Elms            24:26    1
6.  Alison Thompson       25:08    2
7.  Gwen Steed            25:18    3
8.  Celia Johnson         26:45    3
9.  Jan Morrey            28:53    11
10. Margaret Beaumont     34:33    9
11. Pam Mews              38:36    8

1.  Aaron McDonough       21:04    1
2.  Ralph Bennett         22:28    2
3.  John Morrison         28:34    3
4.  Alex Poore            29:45     
5.  Barrie Wicks          30:25    4
 
4km  Under 15                      H'Cap Place
1.  Brodie Richardson     22:44    3     PB 0:22
2.  Karla Bulte           22:54    2     PB 1:12
3.  Taylor Vasiljevic     24:30    4
4.  Jessica Lillie        24:42    1     PB 0:38
5.  Jemma Eastwood        27:57    5

1.  Kyle Swan             19:40    1
 
Our Under 12 and Under 9 walkers had been scheduled to contest their Intervals Races on Saturday but, given it was so cold and wet, we postponed these events until later in the season and put on non-points scratch races instead. Well done to Chelsea McDonald 13:02 and Caitlyn Rudston-Brown 14:07 for PBs.

2km Under 12         
1.  Chelsea McDonald      13:02     PB 0:30
2.  Lee Taylor            13:09
3.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown 14:07     PB 0:23
         
1.  Corey Dickson         10:41
2.  Harry Hockley Samon   11:38
3.  Hayden Walmsley       11:46
 
1km Under 9         
1.  Gemma Lillie          06:10
         
1.  Marcus Byron          05:43
 
Thanks as usual to the many people who help us every week. Sorry if I have missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Harry Summers, Michael Bodey, Susan Taylor, Ian Laurie, Don McLaren, Stacey McLaren, Justin McLaren  (bike)
Checkin: Mark Donahoo, Michael Bodey, Damien Elms
Judges: Peter Vysma (chief), Brenda Felton, Damien Elms, Stuart Cooper, David Cash, Lloyd Nichols
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Wendy Cooper, Kate Suich, Marlaine Stanway

WA POSTAL CHALLENGE WALKS - VRWC, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 14 JULY

VRWC contested its leg of the annual Racewalking Australia Postal Challenge on Saturday as did some of the interstate RWA clubs. Each club contests the same program and the results are then collated and an overall winner declared. We saw another great turnout at Middle Park with 70 walkers in attendance and perfect racing weather - cool and still with just a hint of drizzle.

The highlight of the day was the 10km time of Kelly Ruddick. In May, she recorded a 10km time of 46:27 in Ballarat to better the current World Masters W40 record but it was not accepted as the course was not certified. She was out for a second attempt on Saturday on our newly AIMS certified VRWC 2km course and she made no mistakes, her official time of 46:35 bettering the record by some 27 secs. It was great to see 25 walkers contesting the 10km distance - others to excel included Michelle Laufer (PB of 51:42), Sarah Brennan (PB of 53:05), James Christmass (PB of 51.31), Emily Hamilton (PB of 57:57) and Jesse Osborne (fastest time of the day with 44:01).
         
RWA State Challenge - 10km Open         
1.  Kelly Ruddick           46:35     Betters W40 World Record
2.  Sandra Geisler          55:01
3.  Natalie Laurie          56:34
4.  Karyn O'Neill           67:48
    Beth Alexander          DNF
         
1.  Mark Donahoo            52:03
2.  Nicholas Mirarchi       54:46
3.  Gerard Feain            64:25
4.  Cody McNicol-Davidson   67:55
         
RWA State Challenge - 10km Masters         
1.  Michelle Laufer         51:42     PB 0:32
2.  Sarah Brennan           53:05     PB 0:54
3.  Pam Tindal              57:06
4.  Heather Carr            59:27
5.  Liz Feldman             61:38
6.  Donna Elms              65:29
7.  Gwen Steed              66:07
8.  Celia Johnson           66:59
         
1.  Andrew Jamieson         51:25
2.  James Christmass        51:31     PB 0:22
3.  Bernie Keirl            58:06
4.  Ralph Bennett           58:37
5.  Russ Dickenson          61:04
6.  Bob Gardiner            63:38
    Murray Dickinson        DNF
    David Smyth             DNF
         
RWA State Challenge - 10km Under 20         
1.  Emily Hamilton          57:57     PB 2:49
    Nicole Hallett          DNF
    Cassie Raselli          DNF
         
1.  Jesse Osborne           44:01

Our underage walkers contested a variety of events and luckily we managed to have at least one male and one female finisher in every division (U20, U18, U16, U14, U12 and U10) - one of the real challenges in the State Challenge! Special mentions to Adam Garganis (39:33 for 8km), Kyle Swan and Reese Walmsley (24:33 and 24:46 for 5km), Brodie Richardson (16:36 for 3km), Corey Dickson (10:28 for 2km) and Marcus Byron and Hayley Woolfe (8:39 and 8:53 for 1.5km).
     
RWA State Challenge - 8km Under 18         
1.  Stephanie George        43:17
2.  Emily Swan              51:22
3.  Carly Bertrand          55:54
         
1.  Adam Garganis           39:33
         
RWA State Challenge - 5km Under 16         
1.  Paige De Lisen          28:30
2.  Madeleine Feain         34:28     PB 0:22
    Gabbie Crea             DQ
    Jade Sanders            DNF
         
1.  Kyle Swan               24:23
2.  Reese Walmsley          24:46     PB 0:05
         
RWA State Challenge - 3km Under 14         
1.  Brodie Richardson      16:36
2.  Rebecca Henderson      17:23
3.  Mikhala Hodges         17:41
4.  Jessica Lillie         18:59
         
1.  Lachlan Feain          18:00
         
RWA State Challenge - 2km Under 12         
1.  Brianna Lillie         12:13
2.  Lee Taylor             13:11
3.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown  14:21     PB 0:29
4.  Alexandra Hay          15:34     PB 0:16
         
1.  Corey Dickson          10:28
2.  Nikola Mandic          10:48
3.  Harry Hockley Samon    11:38
4.  Joseph Rickard         12:07
5.  Hayden Walmsley        13:08

RWA State Challenge - 1.5km Under 10         
1.  Hayley Woolfe          08:53
2.  Brianna Briet          09:15
3.  Charlotte Hay          10:59
         
1.  Marcus Byron           08:39
2.  Tom Hockley Samon      10:57
3.  Louis Rickard          12:59
    Angus Hay              DQ

Finally, we had a 3km Open walk for everyone else, with Aaron McDonough 15:48 and Donna Urquhart (PB 16:54) taking fastest times.
         
VRWC 3km Open         
1.  Donna Urquhart         16:54     PB 0:28
2.  Clare Garganis         21:30
3.  Jan Morrey             21:36
4.  Tracy Harvey           24:30
5.  Pam Mews               30:25
         
1.  Aaron McDonough        15:48
2.  John Morrison          20:40
3.  Alex Poore             22:24
4.  Gordon Onley           23:31
    Barrie Wicks           DQ

Thanks as usual to our many judges and officials - sorry if I missed anyone. It is a big team effort each week.

Judges: Kathleen Marsh (Chief), Stuart Cooper, Brenda Felton, Elke Raselli, Frances Attard, Gordon Loughnan,  Matt Owen, Lloyd Nichols, Michael Bodey (DQ Board), Justin McLaren (Bike), Peter Vysma and Diane Lowden (mentors)
Checkin: Damien Elms, Mark Donahoo, Michael Bodey
Officials: Tim Erickson, Ian Laurie, Susan Taylor, Don McLaren, Stacey McLaren, Shane Bertrand, Damien Elms, Harry Summers
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Kate Suich

VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 7 JULY 2013

Saturday's forecast was for windy and possibly wet weather but conditions at Middle Park were kind once again and the walkers in attendance made the most of the opportunity with 34 walkers contesting the Open and U15 Intervals Races and another 32 contesting the other assorted events on offer. As usual, you can check out Terry Swan's photos at http://www.vrwc.org.au/coppermine/.

The intervals started every 17 minutes and nearly everyone was content with the 2km distance on offer. However, Chris Erickson and Jesse Osborne opted to make it even harder, racing a 3km rep every 17 minutes. Talk about gluttons for punishment. This is the highest number of walkers we have had for this annual event and I was very pleased to see 16 of the 34 walkers complete all 5 reps. Apart from Chris and Jesse, the other very impressive performance was from Rhydian Cowley who led from the front overall with his 4x2km reps, all well under 8 minutes! What a performance! Others who really excelled included Simon Evans, Reese Walmsley, Sandra Geisler and Kyle Swan.

Intervals Race - 5x3km     3km    6km    9km    12km    15km    Total
1.  Chris Erickson         12:22  12:22  12:24  12:31   12:16   1:01:55

Intervals Race - 4x3km
1.  Jesse Osborne          13:09  12:55  13:17  12:59             52:20
 
Intervals Race - 5x2k      2km    4km    6km    8km     10km    Total
1.  Stuart Kollmorgen      09:03  09:17  09:25  09:18   09:21     46:24
2.  Simon Evans            09:45  09:47  09:51  09:54   10:03     49:20
3.  Reese Walmsley (U15)   10:38  10:29  10:15  09:58   09:28     50:48
4.  Sandra Geisler         10:19  10:17  10:19  10:21   10:24     51:40
5.  Bernie Keirl           10:31  10:51  10:49  10:55   11:07     54:13
6.  Pam Tindal             10:51  10:53  10:49  10:59   10:43     54:15
7.  Michelle Thompson      10:43  10:49  11:05  11:12   11:09     54:58
8.  David Armstrong        11:05  11:01  11:05  11:01   11:01     55:13
9.  Donna Urquhart         11:27  11:35  11:36  11:46   11:40     58:04
10. Emily Swan             11:42  11:48  11:55  12:11   12:20     59:56
11. Terry O'Neill          12:50  12:05  12:04  12:18   12:33   1:01:50
12. Alison Thompson        12:10  12:23  12:43  12:53   13:10   1:03:19
13. Celia Johnson          13:20  13:22  13:26  13:38   13:28   1:07:14
14. Karen O'Neill          13:25  13:28  13:39  13:28   13:23   1:07:23
15. Alex Poore             15:30  14:58  15:21  15:15   15:11   1:16:15
 
Intervals Race - 4x2km     2km    4km    6km    8km     Total 
1.  Rhydian Cowley         07:39  07:50  07:50  07:42   31:01
2.  Kyle Swan (U15)        09:57  09:53  09:53  09:30   39:13
3.  Marlene Gourlay        11:20  11:23  11:28  11:34   45:45
4.  Jade Sanders           11:27  11:50  12:28  12:17   48:02
5.  Cody McNicol-Davidson  11:58  12:04  13:51  12:40   50:33
6.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson 11:59  13:28  13:51  13:46   53:04
7.  Tony Johnson           13:19  13:21  13:26  13:19   53:25
 
Intervals Race - 3x2km     2km    4km    6km    Total      
1.  Stephanie George       09:53  10:39  10:53  31:25
2.  Heather Carr           10:46  11:01  11:12  32:59
3.  Bob Gardiner           11:44  11:50  12:21  35:55
4.  Kirstin Shaw           11:58  12:03  12:03  36:04
5.  Gwen Steed             12:11  12:23  12:50  37:24
6.  Tony Barrett           11:50  13:08  14:41  39:39
7.  John Morrison          13:57  14:28  14:51  43:16
 
Intervals Race - 2x2km     2km    4km    Total      
1.  Donna Elms             11:40  12:01  23:41
2.  Robyn Shaw             13:06  15:11  28:17
    Russ Dickenson         11:54         DNF
 
There were 4km walks on offer for those Open and U15 walkers who preferred a simple race.

4km Open
1.  Liz Feldman             23:39
2.  Ruth-Mary Faulconbridge 32:44
3.  Margaret Beaumont       32:47
4.  Pam Mews                38:29
 
1.  Nicholas Mirarchi       21:45
2.  Gerard Feain            24:43
3.  Barrie Wicks            30:18
4.  Aaron McDonough         31:19
5.  Ian Beaumont            34:07
    Jim Crawford            DQ
 
4km Under 15             
E1. Paige De Lisen          23:25
E1. Brodie Richardson       23:25
    Gabbie Crea             DQ
 
1.  Lachlan Feain           24:43
2.  Billy Black             31:19  First Time
 
It was a points day for our U12 and U9 walkers who will have their intervals races in 2 weeks time. Kathleen O'Mahony, Corey Dickson, Hayley Woolfe and Marcus Byron took fastest times points while Caitlyn Rudston-Brown, Mackayla Davison, Brianna Briet and Marcus took the handicap honours.

2.5km Under 12                       H'cap Place
1.  Kathleen O'Mahony       14:01    2
2.  Natalie Morrow          16:44    4
3.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown   18:10    1
4.  Bianca Marrow           18:41    5
5.  Alexandra Hay           19:49    3
 
1.  Corey Dickson           12:47    3
2.  Nikola Mandic           13:04    2
3.  Mackayla Davison        14:30    1
4.  Harry Hockley-Samon     14:37    4
5.  Hayden Walmsley         16:15    5
 
1.5km Under 9                        H'cap Place    
1.  Hayley Woolfe           09:08    3
2.  Brianna Briet           09:12    1
3.  Charlotte Hay           10:24    2
4.  Grace Louey             08:27    
             
1.  Marcus Byron            08:36    1
    Angus Hay               DQ
 
Thanks to the many people who help us run our events every week. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Harry Summers, Ian Laurie, Mark O'Mahony, Sabrina George, Emily Hamilton, Karen Wynen, Steve Woolfe
Entries/Results: Damien Elms, Stuart Cooper
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Stuart Cooper, Ralph Bennett, Lloyd Nichols, Frances Attard, Damien Elms
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Wendy Cooper, Marlaine Stanway
Competitors: 66
Photos: Terry Swan

AV/AMA/VMA/VRWC CHAMPIONSHIPS, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 30 JUNE 2013

It was a big Sunday morning at Middle Park with AV, AV Schools, AMA, VMA and VRWC Championships on offer and the 85 walkers in attendance raced in perfect conditions - cool and still. We used our certified championships 2km loop course over near the lake and our walkers were in fine form.

The 20km events were first to kick off at 9AM with 2013 World Champs representatives Chris Erickson 1:23:28 (his best ever time walked in Australia) and Tanya Holliday 1:36:03 clear winners in the blue riband Victorian Open Championships. Young junior walker Jesse Osborne was second to Chris with an excellent 1:32:43, ahead of third placed Stuart Kollmorgen 1:45:56. Kelly Ruddick was second to Tanya and not all that far behind with a PB time of 1:36:46 1:36:46 (this time will set new VMA and AMA W40 records) while Michelle Laufer 1:47:51 was the third finisher in a PB time. Sarah Brennan 1:49:22 and James Christmass 1:48:46 also recorded good PBs.

AV 20km Open Men
1.  Chris Erickson          ATE    1:23:28
2.  Jesse Osborne           BOH    1:32:43
3.  Stuart Kollmorgen       COL    1:45:56
4.  James Christmass        COR    1:48:45    PB 3:57
5.  Simon Evans             BOH    1:49:47
6.  Russ Dickenson          SCA    2:05:46
    Andrew Jamieson         OSC    DNF
    David Armstrong         DIV    DNF
    Bradley Simpson         ANW    DNS
    Bernie Keirl            DIV    DNS

AV 20km Open Women
1.  Tanya Holliday          SA     1:36:03
2.  Kelly Ruddick           BHA    1:36:46    1st Vic    PB 0:12, new W40 record
3.  Michelle Laufer         COL    1:47:51    2nd Vic    PB 0:38
4.  Sarah Brennan           BYC    1:49:22    3rd Vic    PB 3:45
5.  Kirstin Shaw            WES    2:04:00    4th Vic
6.  Heather Carr            EAG    2:04:36    5th Vic
 
The Australian Masters and Victorian Masters championships were also contested and this added additional 20km walkers into the mix. I was particularly impressed with the walks of Margaret Beaumont (new W75 AMA and VMA record of 3:06:59), Ralph Bennett (M70 2:02:29) and Bob Gardiner (M75 2:07:14).

AMA & VMA Championship 20km Men        AMA    VMA
Stuart Kollmorgen     VIC    1:45:56    M40-44    1    1
James Christmass      VIC    1:48:45    M45-49    1
Simon Evans           VIC    1:49:47    M50-54    1    1
Russ Dickenson        VIC    2:05:46    M65-69    1    1
Andrew Jamieson       VIC    DNF        M65-69    DNF  DNF
Ralph Bennett         VIC    2:02:29    M70-74    1    1
Murray Dickinson      VIC    DNF        M70-74         2
Bob Gardiner          VIC    2:07:14    M75-79    1    1

AMA & VMA Championship 20km Women        AMA    VMA
Sarah Brennan         VIC    1:49:22    W35-39    1    1
Kelly Ruddick         VIC    1:36:46    W40-44    1    1
Michelle Laufer       VIC    1:47:51    W40-44    2    2
Pam Tindal            VIC    2:03:22    W50-54         1
Donna Elms            VIC    2:21:21    W50-54    1    2
Heather Carr          VIC    2:04:36    W60-64    1    1
Liz Feldman           VIC    2:11:19    W60-64    2    2
Margaret Beaumont     VIC    3:06:59    W75-79    1    1    New W75 record

Still on the 20km front, all VRWC men were automatically in our own club championship for the Alf Robinson Trophy with places going to Chris Erickson, Jesse Osborne and Stuart Kollmorgen.

VRWC Championship - 20km Men - Alf Robinson Trophy
1.  Chris Erickson          1:23:28
2.  Jesse Osborne           1:32:43
3.  Stuart Kollmorgen       1:45:56
4.  James Christmass        1:48:45
5.  Simon Evans             1:49:47
6.  Ralph Bennett           2:02:29
7.  Russ Dickenson          2:05:46
8.  Bob Gardiner            2:07:14
9.  Steve Jordan            2:31:53    PB 0:06
10. Alex Poore              2:45:24    PB 0:09
11. Ian Beaumont            2:58:00
    Murray Dickinson        DNF
    Andrew Jamieson         DNF
    Ross Reid               DNF
    David Armstrong         DNF
    Dariusz Wojcik          DQ

And finally, we had an Open 20km walk for anyone else who wanted a hitout. Michelle Thompson excelled with a 2 minute PB of 1:56:41 while Karyn O'Neill was just outside her PB with 2:20:24. All in all, a great series of 20km results.

VRWC 20km - Open Women Non-Championship
1.  Michelle Thompson       1:56:41    PB 2:00
2.  Karyn O'Neill           2:20:24

The Victorian Schools Roadwalk Championships were also contested with age groups ranging from U20 down to U14. Well done to our Victorian champions Mikhala Hodges, Adam Garganis, Stephanie George, Kyle Swan, Emily Hamilton, Corey Dickson and Zahra Hayes.

AV School Under 20 Women 10km
1.  Mikhala Hodges          Park Ridge Primary School        1:08:52

AV School Under 18 Mens 5km
1.  Adam Garganis           Thornbury HS                       25:02
2.  Lucas Taylor            Lilydale HS                        26:48

AV School Under 18 Women 5km
1.  Stephanie George        Yarra Valley GS                    27:09
2.  Jade Sanders            Berwick SC                         28:46
3.  Emily Swan              John Monash Science School         29:25
4.  Jessie Eastwood         Mater Christi College              31:27
5.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson  Flinders Christian Community Coll. 32:59
6.  Carly Bertrand          Maribymong SC                      35:10

AV School Under 16 Men 3km
1.  Kyle Swan               The Knox School                    13:53
2.  Reese Walmsley          Rowville SC                        14:10
3.  Cody McNicol-Davidson   Finders Christian Community Coll.  17:03    PB 0:25
    Ross Darlow             Ballarat HS                        DNS

AV School Under 16 Women 3km
1.  Emily Hamilton          Mater Christi C                    15:59
2.  Paige De Lisen          Nazareth College                   17:24
3.  Jessica Lillie          Rowville SC                        17:38    PB 0:03
4.  Taylor Vasiljevic       Casey Grammar School               17:51
5.  Lauren Collis           Our Lady of Mercy College          18:45

AV School Under 14 Men 3km
1.  Corey Dickson                                              16:12
2.  Harry Hockley-Samon                                        17:52    First one
3.  Hayden Walmsley         Karoo Primary S                    19:36

AV School Under 14 Women 3km
1.  Zahra Hayes             Our Lady of the Sacred Heart PS    16:05    PB 1:05
2.  Brodie Richardson       Mater Christi College              16:34    PB 0:01
3.  Jemma Peart             Black Hill Primary School          16:37
4.  Mackayla Davison        St Ignatius College                16:53
5.  Karla Bulte                                                16:59
6.  Kathleen O'Mahony       Scoresby Primary School            17:14
7.  Tegan Miller            Patterson River SC                 18:13
8.  Madison Hill            Cursoe College Kangaroo Flat       18:49
9.  Emily Noonan                                               19:22    PB 3:22
10. Jemma Eastwood          Mater Christi College              20:01
11. Lee Taylor              Mt Evelyn Primary School           20:08
    George Bertrand         Maribyrnong SC                     DNF

Our VRWC U9 and U12 club championships also saw good fields with some of the younger U14 walkers dropping down for a second race (a particular note for Corey Dickson who won both the U14 3km and the U12 1.5km championships). Well done to winners Tegan Miller, Corey Dickson, Hayley Woolfe and Marcus Byron.

VRWC Under 12 1.5km Club Championship
1.  Tegan Miller            07:58
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony       08:06
3.  Alanna Peart            08:09
4.  Brianna Lillie          08:13
5.  Arnika Nelson           08:41
6.  Mackenzie Mielczarek    09:42
7.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown   10:26

1.  Corey Dickson           07:18
2.  Nikola Mandic           07:26

VRWC Under 9 1.5km Club Championship
1.  Hayley Woolfe           08:50
2.  Brianna Briett          09:00
3.  Gemma Lillie            09:17
4.  Claire Noonan           10:15

1.  Marcus Byron            08:20
2.  Jared Hodges            11:27
3.  Scott Peart             12:06
 
Finally, we had a club 5km race for anyone left over and we were very excited to have yet another one of our 2013 World Championships walkers racing in Rhydian Cowley (a fast 21:47).

VRWC Open 5km Race     
1.  Gabbie Crea             32:02    First one
2.  Jan Morrey              36:44
3.  Pam Mews                46:23

1.  Rhydian Cowley          21:47
2.  David Smyth             28:51
3.  Anthony Doran           35:52

It was a very big day so thanks to everyone who helped out in any way. Sorry if I have missed any names.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Harry Summers, Mark O'Mahony, Ian Laurie, Les Clarke, Damien and Jason Elms, Lavinia Petrie, Anthony Doran, Don and Justin McLaren, Alan Lucas, Simon Evans
Course Setup: Bob Gardiner, Tim Erickson, Peter Vysma, Terry Swan, Michael Bodey, Anthony Doran
Judges: Terry Swan (Chief), Lincoln Mah, Judy Mason, Gordon Loughnan, Kathleen Marsh, Matt Owen, Stuart Cooper, Lloyd Nichols, Michael Bodey (DQ Board), Peter Vysma (mentoring)
Canteen: Wendy Cooper, Marlaine Stanway, Donna Elms 

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SATURDAY 22 JUNE 2013

Conditions were perfect once again at Middle Park on Saturday - sunny but cool and very still conditions - and the 69 walkers in attendance made the most of it.

Again, a large field in our longest event, the 8km. Michelle Laufer was the best of the women with a fast 41:02 while the handicap win went to chlose McNicol-Davidson with 55:38. In the men's race, Jesse Osborne walked the first 4km with Kyle Swan and then put the pedal down, powering through the second half at top speed to record 36:43. James Christmass also walked excellently for a PB 40:24 to take the handicap win.

8km Open                             Handicap Place             
1.  Michelle Laufer         41:02    e2
2.  Sandra Geisler          42:53    4
3.  Marlene Gourlay         46:55    5     PB 0:13
4.  Karyn O'Neill           54:03    6     PB 0:24
5.  Alison Thompson         54:43    7
6.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson  55:38    1
7.  Margaret Beaumont       68:04    e2

1.  Jesse Osborne           36:43    7
2.  James Christmass        40:34    1     PB 1:07
3.  Jason Kozica            41:48    8
4.  Simon Evans             42:50    9
5.  Ralph Bennett           46:03    5
6.  Russ Dickenson          47:54    3
7.  Gerard Feain            48:11    4
8.  Murray Dickinson        50:24    2
9.  Geoff Barrow            55:30    6
10. Tony Doran              57:37     
11. Alex Poore              62:51     
12. Ian Beaumont            67:50     
    Mark Donahoo            DNF     
 
The 4km Open and U15 events also had big fields. Fastest times overall went to U15 walkers Kyle Swan 19:07 and Reese Walmsley 19:55. There were lots of PBs as shown below with handicap wins going to Donna Elms, Paul Tremigliozzi, Gabbie Crea and Lachlan Feain.

4km Open                             Handicap Place     
1.  Pam Tindal              20:52     
2.  Jade Sanders            22:17    6     PB 1:11
3.  Heather Carr            22:20    8
E4. Cassie Raselli          23:08    2
E4. Kirstin Shaw            23:08    10
6.  Donna Urquhart          23:31    3     PB 1:25
7.  Emily Swan              23:43    7
8.  Donna Elms              23:45    1     PB 0:55
9.  Gwen Steed              24:57    4
10. Celia Johnson           26:46    5
11. Jan Morrey              28:52    9
12. Pam Mews                40:35    11

1.  Paul Kennedy            20:36    4
2.  Cody McNicol-Davidson   24:50    5     PB 1:21
3.  Paul Tremigliozzi       26:17    1
4.  John Morrison           28:03    3
5.  Gordon Onley            30:07    2
6.  Barrie Wicks            30:20    6
 
4km  Under 15                        Handicap Place     
1.  Brodie Richardson       23:06    3     PB 2:46
2.  Taylor Vasiljevic       23:11    2     PB 1:00   
3.  Karla Bulte             24:06    5     First one
4.  Gabbie Crea             24:46    1     PB 1:08
5.  Jemma Eastwood          26:36    6     First one
6.  Madeleine Feain         27:42    4
7.  Jessica Lillie          28:25    7

1.  Kyle Swan               19:07    2     PB 0:48
2.  Reese Walmsley          19:55    3     PB 0:05
3.  Lachlan Feain           24:06    1     PB 3:26

The U9 and U12 walkers were also in PB form with Mackayla Davison 10:30 and Marcus Byron 5:36 taking the tough double of fastest time and handicap win. Hayley Woolfe and Brianna Briet had great races in the U9 girls' 1km and were rewarded with big PB times of 5:23 and 5:24. Corey Dickson walked his usual superb race to win the boys' U12 2km with 10:03 while Joseph Rickard took the handicap with a big PB time of 11:06.
     
2km  Under 12                        Handicap Place     
1.  Mackayla Davison        10:30    1     PB 0:25
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony       11:09    2
3.  Mikhala Hodges          11:28    7
4.  Brianna Lillie          12:05    6
5.  Mackenzie Mielczarek    13:03    4     PB 0:21
6.  Chelsea McDonald        13:32    5     PB 0:25
7.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown   14:50    3     PB 2:27
   Alexandra Hay            DQ    

1.  Corey Dickson           10:03    2
2.  Nikola Mandic           10:31    3
3.  Joseph Rickard          11:06    1     PB 1:05
4.  Hayden Walmsley         12:39    4
 
1km  Under 9                         Handicap Place     
1.  Hayley Woolfe           05:23    2     PB 0:18
2.  Brianna Briet           05:24    1     PB 0:23
3.  Grace Louey             05:32        First race     
4.  Gemma Lillie            06:18    3
5.  Charlotte Hay           07:19    4

1.  Marcus Byron            05:36    1
2.  William Kennedy         08:06    2
3.  Angus Hay               08:44    3
    Thomas Kennedy          DQ

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SATURDAY 15 JUNE

Our VRWC winter roadwalking season continued last Saturday at Middle Park. I was not there but I hear that conditions were good once again and that just under 80 walkers contested the annual 'Guess Your Time' races. It's a simple concept - nominate the time you hope to walk and then race without any watches or intermediate times - whoever gets closest to their nominated time gets to choose a prize from the prizes table.

We had big fields in the 10km and some great PBs to Stephanie George 53:12, Emily Hamilton 1:00:02, Brad Simpson 46:51 (wow!) and Reese Walmsley 51:00. Jesse Osborne walked with Reese and helped him through to his big PB of nearly 2 minutes. That's great. Old stagers Heather Carr and Russ Dickenson showed how it is done and were closest to their predicted times.

10km Open                  Time       F/T Place   Guessed time   Time Difference
1.  Heather Carr             58:40    4             58:35        0:05
2.  Karyn O'Neill          1:07:17    9           1:08:00        0:43
3.  Stephanie George         53:12    1             54:00        0:48     PB 0:39
4.  Pam Tindal               58:40    4             59:30        0:50
5.  Margaret Beaumont      1:26:06    11          1:24:55        1:11
6.  Jasmine Irshad           57:04    3             55:45        1:19
7.  Sandra Geisler           55:52    2             54:30        1:22
8.  Emily Hamilton         1:02:44    7           1:00:02        2:42     PB 0:02
9.  Donna Elms             1:04:38    8           1:01:50        2:48
10. Chloe McNicol-Davidson 1:10:00    10          1:07:00        3:00
11. Liz Feldman            1:02:02    6

1.  Russ Dickenson         1:00:38    6           1:00:25        0:13
2.  Ian Beaumont           1:25:48    11          1:25:30        0:18
3.  Murray Dickinson       1:04:52    10          1:04:30        0:22
4.  Terry O'Neill          1:01:33    7           1:01:10        0:23
5.  James Christmass         53:16    4             52:30        0:46
6.  Bradley Simpson          46:51    1             48:00        1:09     PB 1:03
7.  Reese Walmsley           51:00    2             52:20        1:20     PB 1:55
8.  Bob Gardiner           1:02:56    9           1:01:00        1:56
9.  Jesse Osborne            51:00    2             48:30        2:30
10. Jason Kozica             54:31    5             51:59        2:32
11. Gerard Feain           1:02:20    8           1:05:00        2:40
    Cody McNicol-Davidson      DNF

The shorter distance events also saw good fields with Celia Johnson, David Armstrong, Gwen Steed, Paul Kennedy, Gabbie Crea and Lachlan Feain taking out the 'Guess Your Time' prizes. And I see at least a couple of PBs - Emily Swan 16:12 and Brodie Richardson 16:37.

5km Open                     Time     F/T Place     Guessed time  Time Difference
1.  Celia Johnson            33:41    5             33:58         0:17
2.  Robyn Shaw               32:42    4             33:00         0:18
3.  Natalie Laurie           27:28    1             27:00         0:28
4.  Jade Sanders             28:15    2             27:31         0:44
5.  Marlene Gourlay          28:32    3             29:30         0:58
    Donna Urquhart              DQ
    Carly Bertrand             DNF

1.  David Armstrong          28:45    2             28:45         0:00
2.  Barrie Wicks             37:27    4             37:20         0:07
3.  Bruce Conboy             37:41    5             37:30         0:11
4.  Anthony Doran            33:36    3             33:55         0:19
5.  Adam Garganis            24:42    1             22:30         2:12
                    
3km Open                     Time     F/T Place     Guessed time  Time Difference
1.  Gwen Steed               18:24    3             18:36         0:12
2.  Emily Swan               16:12    1             16:35         0:23     PB 0:17
3.  Jan Morrey               21:38    4             21:00         0:38
4.  Jessie Eastwood          18:05    2             17:13         0:52
5.  Pam Mews                 30:09    5

1.  Paul Kennedy             15:26    1             15:20         0:06
2.  John Morrison            20:20    3             19:58         0:12
3.  Paul Tremigliozzi        19:20    2             19:40         0:20
 
3km Under 15                 Time     F/T Place     Guessed time  Time Difference
1.  Gabbie Crea              18:10    8             18:16         0:06
2.  Brodie Richardson        16:37    2             16:31         0:06     PB 0:38
3.  Taylor Vasiljevic        16:38    3             16:30         0:08
4.  Paige De Lisen           16:27    1             16:15         0:12
5.  Madeleine Feain          19:47    10            20:00         0:13
6.  Jessica Lillie           17:30    7             17:45         0:15
7.  Georgia Bertrand         17:19    5             17:00         0:19
8.  Philippa Huse            17:22    6             17:00         0:22
9.  Jemma Eastwood           18:54    9             19:23         0:29
10. Karla Bulte              17:05    4             16:30         0:35
11. Emily Noonan             22:02    11            20:30         1:32
    Mackayla Davison           DNF

1.  Lachlan Feain            18:39    1             18:00         0:39

Our last events to get underway were our U9 and U12 races and Lee Taylor and Natalie Morrow were both spot on, coming equal first in the U12 2km, only 1 second away from their predicted times. The other prize winners were Nikola Mandic, Hayley Woolfe and Marcus Byron.

2km Under 12                 Time     F/T Place     Guessed time  Time Difference
1.  Lee Taylor               12:54    3             12:55         0:01
2.  Natalie Morrow           12:59    4             13:00         0:01
3.  Kathleen O'Mahony        10:50    1             10:55         0:05
4.  Alexandra Hay            15:55    7             16:00         0:05
5.  Mackenzie Mielczarek     13:06    5             13:14         0:08
6.  Bianca Morrow            14:22    6             14:36         0:14
7.  Tegan Miller             11:58    2             11:40         0:18

1.  Nikola Mandic            10:18    2             10:15         0:03
2.  Hayden Walmsley          12:13    4             12:07         0:06
3.  Corey Dickson            10:08    1             10:01         0:07
4.  Harry Hockley Samon      11:08    3             14:00         2:52

1km Under 9                  Time     F/T Place     Guessed time  Time Difference
1.  Hayley Woolfe            05:47    2             05:50         0:03
2.  Claire Noonan            06:23    3             06:28         0:05
3.  Brianna Briet            05:30    1             05:40         0:10
4.  Angela Lane              07:12    5             07:26         0:14
5.  Charlotte Hay            06:30    4             06:48         0:18

1.  Marcus Byron             05:32    1             05:40         0:08
2.  William Kennedy          07:15    2             08:00         0:45
3.  Angus Hay                08:47    3             08:00         0:47

47th LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN CARNIVAL, CANBERRA, SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013

The 47th Lake Burley Griffin Racewalking Carnival last Sunday was a huge success in every way - big fields (over 200 walkers all together), exciting races, great performances and good weather - it was foggy and cool in the morning but cleared to a fine sunny day. First to my pick of the performances - not in any particular order, just highlighting the best of the best

• Jared Tallent, Chris Erickson and Ian Rayson put on a great performance in the blue ribband 20 Mile event around the lake. Ian led out and held a 30 sec advantage at halfway before being reeled in first by Chris and then by Jared. The final times show just how close they were at the finish - Jared 2:20:42, Chris 2:21:12 (PB) and Ian 2:22:20 (PB). It was Jared's seventh win in a row and his 8th overall, equalling Willi Sawall's win record. The times of Chris and Ian propel them right up the all-time lists for this prestigious event:
• Tanya Holliday took the tough double, winning the women's 10 Mile (1:14:03) and the women's 5km (23:07) later in the day. She did this last year also. Quality act!     
• Rachel Tallent took second in the Open Women's 10 Mile walk with a big PB time of 1:16:45. Aged only 20, she is improving quickly and will walk in this year's World University Games.   
• 18 year old Jesse Osborne won the Open Men's 10 Mile walk with a superb 1:10:57. Walking with Chris Erickson for the first 8 miles, he broke clear in the final couple of miles before the turn and finished strongly. What a future he has!
• 15 year old Tyler Jones took a very tough double, winning the U16 3km (13:36) and the U18 5km (23:33) shortly after. Wow!
• 17 year old Jay Felton was 4th in the Open 10 Mile in the morning ( 1:22:39) and then 2nd in the U18 5km in the afternoon (23:58). Now that is also a very tough double for a young walker.

And of course I must mention the Victorian medal winning performances since this is after all our club newsletter.

Gold          Jared Tallent      20M Open Men      2:20:42     
              Karyn O'Neill      20M Open Women    3:51:00
              Jesse Osborne      10M Open Men      1:10:57
              Alanna Peart       U10 Girls 1km        5:06
              Rebecca Henderson  U12 Girls 2km       10:03     
              Stephanie George   U18 Girls 5km       25:44
Silver        Chris Erickson     20M Open Men      2:21:12     
              Terry O'Neill      20M Masters       3:29:26     
              Rachel Tallent     10M Women         1:16:45
              Jemma Peart        U12 Girls 2km       10:10
              Adam Garganis      U16 Boys 3km        13:46     
              Michelle Laufer    Masters Women 5km   26:20     
Bronze        Scott Nelson       10M Masters Men   1:29:51
              Jared Hodges       U10 1km Boys         5:36     
              Corey Dickson      U12 2km Boys         9:57
              Kyle Swan          U16 Boys 3km        14:09
              Adam Garganis      U18 Boys 5km        24:16

Teams Gold    Open Men 20 Mile   Jared Tallent 7 Chris Erickson 5 Bradley Simpson 3
              U10 Girsl 1km      Alanna Peart 16 hayley Woolfe 13 Brianna Briet 12
              U12 Girls 2km      Rebecca Henderson 22 Jemma Peart 20 Zahra Hayes 18
              U16 Boys 3km       Adam Garganis 14 Kyle Swan 13 Reese Walmsley 12
Teams Silver  Open Women 10 Mile Rachel Tallent 10 Michelle Laufer 5 Sarah Brennan 4
              U10 Boys 1km       Jared Hodges 4 Fraser Saunder 2 Scott Peart 1
              U12 Boys 2km       Corey Dickson 8 Nikola Mandic 7 Ethan Wright 3
              U14 Girls 2km      Jemma Peart 17 Brodie Richardson 16 Kathleen O'Mahony 13
              U16 Girls 3km      Jade Sanders 12 Emily Swan 11 Philippa Huse 10
              U18 Boys 5km       Adam Garganis 10 Kyle Swan 9 Reese Walmsley 8
Teams Bronze  Open Men 10 Mile   Jesse Osborne 10 Scott Nelson 3 Bernie Keirl 2
              U10 Girls 1km      Gemma Lillie 10 Mia Darlow 8 Ruby Saunder 6
              U12 Girls 2km      Kathleen O'Mahony 16 Mikhala Hodges 15 Brianna Lillie 14
              U14 Boys 2km       Corey Dickson 9 Rodney Davis 4 Ethan Wright 2
              U16 Boys 3km       Ross Darlow 10 Corey Dickson 8 Cody McNicol-Davidson 2
              U18 Boys 5km       Lucas Taylor 7 Ross Darlow 5 Cody McNicol-Davidson 1      
              Open Women 5km     Michelle Laufer 15 Simone McInnes 10 Cassie Raselli 7

EVENT 1 OPEN 20M              
MALES                  
1.  Jared Tallent           RWV    2:20:42         
2.  Chris Erickson          RWV    2:21:12                  
5.  Bradley Simpson         RWV    2:49:17              
7.  Terry O'Neill (M)       RWV    3:29:26              
    Andrew Jamieson    (M)  RWV    DNF              
                 
FEMALES                  
1.  Karen O'Neill (M)       RWV    3:51:00         
    Regan Lamble            RWV    DNF         
                 
EVENT 3 MEN & WOMEN AACT 30K CHP                 
1.  Jared Tallent           RWV    2:10:52         
2.  Chris Erickson          RWV    2:11:26         
                 
EVENT 4 WOMEN 10M                  
2.  Rachel Tallent          RWV    1:16:45          
6.  Michelle Laufer (M)     RWV    1:27:57     
7.  Sarah Brennan (M)       RWV    1:30:03     
10.  Heather Carr (M)       RWV    1:37:39     
                 
EVENT 5 MENS 10M                  
1.  Jesse Osborne           RWV    1:10:57              
7.  Scott Nelson    (M)     RWV    1:29:51              
9.  Bernie Keirl    (M)     RWV    1:32:02                  
14. Robert Gardiner (M)     RWV    1:43:57         
15. David Armstrong (M)     RWV    1:46:27                  
 
EVENT 8 MENS U20 10K                       
3.  Josh Dillon             RWV    51:30     

EVENT 10 OPEN (OVER 19 YEARS) 10K                  
    Bernie Keirl            RWV    DNF     
                 
EVENT 11 BOYS U10 1K                           
3.  Jared Hodges            RWV     5:36                  
6.  Fraser Saunder          RWV     6:25                  
8.  Scott Peart             RWV     9:37         
                 
EVENT 12 GIRLS U10 1K                  
1.  Alanna Peart            RWV     5:06                  
4.  Hayley Woolfe           RWV     5:41         
5.  Brianna Briet           RWV     5:47                  
7.  Gemma Lillie            RWV     5:54                  
9.  Mia Darlow              RWV     6:30                  
13. Ruby Saunder            RWV     6:40                      
                 
EVENT 13 BOYS U12 2K                           
3.  Corey Dickson           RWV     9:57                  
5.  Nikola Mandic           RWV    10:43                  
10. Ethan Wright            RWV    12:14         
11. Jared Hodges            RWV    12:22                  
14. Fraser Saunder          RWV    13:54         

EVENT 14 GIRLS U12 2K                  
1.  Rebecca Henderson       RWV    10:03         
2.  Jemma Peart             RWV    10:10                  
4.  Zahra Hayes             RWV    10:33                  
6.  Kathleen O'Mahony       RWV    10:56         
7.  Mikhala Hodges          RWV    10:57         
8.  Brianna Lillie          RWV    10:59         
9.  Alanna Peart            RWV    11:16                  
16. Arnika Nelson           RWV    12:03         
17. Carissa Brook           RWV    12:11                  
19. Lee Taylor              RWV    12:45                  
21. Ruby Saunder            RWV    14:30         
22. Olivia Davis            RWV    16:15         
                 
EVENT 15 BOYS U14 2K                           
5.  Corey Dickson           RWV    10:20                  
11. Rodney Davis            RWV    11:16                  
14. Ethan Wright            RWV    12:22                  
16. Hayden Walmsley         RWV    13:37         

EVENT 16 GIRLS U14 2K                           
6.  Jemma Peart             RWV    10:25         
7.  Brodie Richardson       RWV    10:47                  
10. Kathleen O'Mahony       RWV    11:08                  
15. Tegan Miller            RWV    11:35                  
17. Mikhala Hodges          RWV    11:38              
19. Jessica Lillie          RWV    11:54         
20. Brianna Lillie          RWV    12:03                  
23. Hayley Woolfe           RWV    13:13         

EVENT 17 BOYS U16 3K                           
2.  Adam Garganis           RWV    13:46         
3.  Kyle Swan               RWV    14:09         
4.  Reese Walmsley          RWV    14:36                  
6.  Ross Darlow             RWV    15:00                  
8.  Corey Dickson           RWV    15:55     
14. Cody McNicol-Davidson   RWV    17:28
    Rodney Davis            RWV    DQ         
                 
EVENT 18 GIRLS U16 3K                           
6.  Jade Sanders            RWV    16:08         
7.  Emily Swan              RWV    16:17     
9.  Philippa Huse           RWV    16:42         
12. Kathleen O'Mahony       RWV    17:08         
13. Rebecca Henderson       RWV    17:42         
15. Brodie Richardson       RWV    17:56         
18. Mikhala Hodges          RWV    18:49         
19. Jessica Lillie          RWV    19:34         
20. Lee Taylor              RWV    20:01
                 
EVENT 19 BOYS U18 5K      
3.  Adam Garganis           RWV    24:16         
4.  Kyle Swan               RWV    25:17         
5.  Reese Walmsley          RWV    26:00         
6.  Lucas Taylor            RWV    26:31         
8.  Ross Darlow             RWV    27:19     
12. Cody McNicol-Davidson   RWV    32:01
                 
EVENT 20 GIRLS U18 5K                  
1.  Stephanie George        RWV    25:44         
6.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson  RWV    31:22
                 
EVENT 21 WOMENS 5K
4.  Michelle Laufer (M)     RWV    26:20
9.  Simone McInnes          RWV    28:28
12. Cassie Raselli (U20)    RWV    29:43     
13. Emily Swan (U20)        RWV    29:56
22. Clare Garganis (M)      RWV    36:50
 

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SATURDAY 1 JUNE

Melbourne had its wettest June day on record but it was all overnight and by the time our VRWC club races got underway at 2:15PM, conditions were still, cool and overcast - absolutely perfect for racing. With the big Canberra carnival only a week away, we had a large turnout of 75 walkers to contest the first of our prizes days - the pick of the table for each of our 12 handicap competition winners.

The 10km walk saw a good sized field of nearly 20 walkers and it was Adam Garganis who led the field through to finish first. Alas, he was subsequently disqualified, meaning the Andrew Jamieson took fastest time with 49:02 (at 66 years of age!) ahead of Simon Evans 51:55 and James Christmass 50:09. And it was James who took the handicap honours with his best time for a couple of years. In the women's event, Simone McInnes was fastest with 59:17 while Donna Elms was just outside her PB with 1:02:56 and this was enough to give her the handicap win.

10km Open                             Handicap Place
1.  Simone McInnes           59:17    6
2.  Marlene Gourlay        1:00:35    5
3.  Donna Elms             1:02:56    1
4.  Alison Thompson        1:04:34    2
5.  Karyn O'Neill          1:07:57    3
6.  Margaret Beaumont      1:26:54    4

1.  Andrew Jamieson          49:02    4
2.  Simon Evans              51:55    8
3.  James Christmass         52:09    1
4.  Mark Donahoo             52:52    6
5.  Ralph Bennett            58:57    9
6.  David Armstrong          59:46    2
7.  Gerard Feain           1:01:20    5
8.  Murray Dickinson       1:05:34    7
9.  Geoff Barrow           1:09:34    3
10. Ian Beaumont *         1:26:20
    Russ Dickenson             DNF
    Adam Garganis               DQ

Nathan Brill led the 5km walkers through in an excellent 21:02 but the action was all happening behind him with bit PBs to Kyle Swan 23:47, Steve Jordan 33:53 and Alex Poore 37:03 and it was Alex who narrowly took the handicap win ahead of Kyle. Sandra Geisler was the fastest of the women with 25:54 but it was Natalie Laurie who took the handicap win with an improving 26:15.

5km Open                              Handicap Place
1.  Sandra Geisler           25:54    2
2.  Natalie Laurie           26:15    1
3.  Heather Carr             28:37    4
4.  Robyn Shaw               32:06    3
5.  Gwen Steed               32:42    5
6.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson   33:44    6
7.  Tracey Harvey *          44:54

1.  Nathan Brill             21:02    5
2.  Kyle Swan                23:47    2    PB 1:12
3.  Nicholas Mirarchi        26:09    4
4.  Steve Jordan *           33:53         PB 0:29
5.  Tony Doran               34:24    7
6.  Alex Poore               37:03    1    PB 1:04
7.  Barrie Wicks             37:31    3
8.  Bruce Conboy             37:57    6

Again, there were lots of PBs from our 3km Open and U15 walkers with our four handicap winners all recording best ever times - Emily Swan 16:20, Cody McNicol-Davidson 17:45, Mikhala Hodges 17:07 and Reese Walmsley 14:01. And special mentions to Brodie Richardson 16:35, Stephanie George 14:55, Karla Bulte 16:48 and Donna Urquhart 17:22.

3km  Open                             Handicap Place
1.  Stephanie George         14:55    6
2.  Emily Swan               16:20    1    PB 0:19
3.  Kylie Irshad             16:23    2
4.  Jade Sanders             16:27    8
5.  Donna Urquhart           17:22    5    PB 0:18
6.  Celia Johnson            19:45    7
7.  Cathy Huse               20:54    3
8.  Clare Garganis           21:03    5    PB 0:02
9.  Pam Mews                 28:25    9

1.  Cody McNicol-Davidson    17:45    1    PB 0:05
2.  John Morrison            20:26    2
        
3km  Under 15                         Handicap Place        
1.  Paige De Lisen           16:31    7
2.  Brodie Richardson        16:35    2    PB 0:40
3.  Philippa Huse            16:47    5
4.  Karla Bulte              16:48    2    PB 0:44
5.  Mikhala Hodges           17:07    1    PB 0:08
6.  Taylor Vasiljevic        17:14    6
7.  Jessica Lillie           17:52    4
8.  Emily Noonan             22:14         First time
             
1.  Reese Walmsley           14:01    1    PB 0:27
2.  Lachlan Feain            17:50    2    PB 0:13

The U9 and U12 walkers had a short coaching talk from Club Coach Don McLaren and then came out ready for action. Not surprisingly, there were lots more PBs - these walkers just improve every week! Handicap wins went to Chelsea McDonald 13:17, Nikola Mandic 10:13, Brianna Briet 5:59 and Jared Hodges 5:30.

2km  Under 12                         Handicap Place
1.  Kathleen O'Mahony        10:48    2    PB 0:18
2.  Brianna Lillie           11:32    6
3.  Natalie Morrow           12:39    3    PB 1:02
4.  Tegan Miller             12:43    8
5.  Chelsea McDonald         13:17    1    PB 0:40
6.  Lee Taylor               13:29    7
7.  Bianca Morrow            14:18    5    PB 0:24
8.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown    14:35    3    PB 0:07
9.  Alexandra Hay            16:38    9

1.  Corey Dickson            10:08    2
2.  Nikola Mandic            10:13    1    PB 0:06
3.  Harry Hockley Samon      11:02     
4.  Hayden Walmsley          11:53    3

1km  Under 9                          Handicap Place
1.  Hayley Woolfe            05:42    2    PB 0:06
2.  Brianna Briet            05:59    1    PB 0:06
3.  Gemma Lillie             06:05    5
4.  Claire Noonan            06:38    4    PB 0:12
5.  Charlotte Hay            06:46    3

1.  Jared Hodges             05:30    1
2.  Marcus Byron             05:39    2
3.  Angus Hay                08:03    3    PB 0:53

As usual, thanks to the many officials and judges who helped out on Saturday - sorry if I have missed anyone.

Signin and Results: Mark Donahoo, Damien Elms, Michael Bodey
Setup and Timekeeping: Tim Erickson, Bob Gardiner, Peter Vysma, Ian Laurie, Susan Taylor, Don McLaren, Justin McLaren, Marlaine Stanway, Harry Summers, Mark O'Mahony
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), David Cash, Lloyd Nichols, Michael Bodey
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Kate Suich, Marlaine Stanway
Video: Terry Swan and Frances Attard
 

AV COUNTRY ROADWALKS, NORTH GARDENS, BALLARAT, SUNDAY 26 MAY 2013

The Victorian Country Roadwalking Championships were held on the North Gardens course alongside Lake Wendouree in Ballarat and it proved once again to be a fast 1km loop with great times recorded across the board in perfect conditions.

The highlight of the day was provided by Ballarat Harriers walker Kelly Ruddick who defended her country title in the most emphatic way - a 25 sec PB of 46:27 and a time that betters the current W40 Masters World Record by 35 secs (S. Griesbach, France, 1990, 47:02). She was helped early on by the presence of Jesse Osborne of Box Hill, competing by invitation in the men's 10km championship. The talented 18 year old was the fastest overall with a wonderful time of 42:56, a time that confirms that he is on target for a 2014 World Juniors berth next year. Behind Jesse, it was James Christmass of Corio who took the men's title with a good 52:49.
 
10KM OPEN MEN - AV COUNTRY 
INV  Jesse Osborne       BOH    42:56     PB 0:32
1.   James Christmass    COR    52:49
2.   Russ Dickenson      SCA    59:05
 
10KM OPEN WOMEN - AV COUNTRY 
1.   Kelly Ruddick       BHA    46:27     PB 0:25
2.   Sarah Brennan       BYC    53:59     PB 0:22
3.   Heather Carr        EAG    58:49
 
The underage country championships were also keenly contested with perhaps the best performances coming from Ross Darlow and Jemma Peart.

5KM U20 WOMEN - AV COUNTRY 
1.   Ebony Whiley        EAG    29:44
INV  Nicole Hallett      CCA    31:33
 
5KM U18 WOMEN - AV COUNTRY 
1.   Stephanie George    SCA    26:42
 
3KM U16 WOMEN - AV COUNTRY
1.   Ellen Dowie         EKA    18:35     PB 1:01
 
3KM U16 MEN - AV COUNTRY
1.   Ross Darlow         EKA    16:16
2.   Rodney Davis        WEN    18:30     PB 0:08
 
3KM U14 GIRLS - AV COUNTRY
1.   Jemma Peart         BYC    16:27     PB 0:15
2.   Amy Canavan         EKA    16:44     PB 0:40
3.   Mackayla Davison    COR    17:36     PB 0:25
4.   Madison Hill        SBE    17:37     PB 2:17
 
The annual Racewalking Victorian U12 and U10 championships were very competitive events with medals on offer for the placegetters in each race. Rebecca Henderson excelled with her 2km time of 10:02 in a high quality U12 event. Alanna Peart won the U10 girl's championship with an excellent 5:29 while Fraser Saunder won the U10 boy's championship with 6:36.

RWV 2KM U12
1.   Rebecca Henderson   VRWC   10:02     PB 2:16
2.   Zahra Hayes         BGO    10:51
3.   Amy Canavan         BALL   10:59     PB 0:09
4.   Alanna Peart        BALL   11:41
5.   Carissa Brook       BGO    11:49     PB 0:02
6.   Jessika Bridges     BALL   12:43
7.   Eliza Lepair        BALL   12:51     PB 2:29
8.   Leah Canavan        BALL   13:17
9.   Olivia Davis        BALL   16:35
     Kasey Bishop        BALL   DQ
 
RWV 1KM U10
1.   Alanna Peart        BALL   05:29
2.   Leah Canavan        BALL   06:02     PB 0:53
3.   Mia Darlow          BALL   06:39     PB 0:18
4.   Ruby Saunder        BALL   06:40
5.   Kayla Bridges       BALL   06:43     PB 1:09
6.   Alice Lepair        BALL   07:34     PB 0:58
 
1.   Fraser Saunder      BALL   06:36
2.   Scott Peart         BALL   09:15

INVITATION 5KM 
1.   Celia Johnson       VRWC   34:36
 
A big thank you to Ballarat Race Walking Club  who acted as Local Organising Committee and did a great job on the day.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Bob Hallett, BRWC members
Judges: Gordon Loughhan (Chief), Judy Mason, Paul Nunn, Daryl Biggin, Ralph Bennett, Peter Vysma, Graham George (DQ Board), Wayne Peart (bike)
 

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SATURDAY 25 MAY

VRWC walkers were back again at Middle Park for another round of winter season races on Saturday in cool and still conditions. I was very pleased to see 77 walkers in action and the standard was excellent with lots of PBs recorded.

The Open and U15 races were held as Handicap Start events with the slower walkers starting first and the faster walkers starting later and then chasing - with whoever reached the finish line first being declared the winner. Thus all our events today are shown in handicap finish order rather than in our normal fastest time (F/T) ranking order which is shown separately.

The 8km Open events saw Donna Elms 50:45 and Gerard Feain 48:15 outlast their rivals and reach the finish line first - thus winning their respective events. The fastest times of the day went to Jessse Osborne (34:46) and Sandra Geisler (43:39). And special mentions to Cody McNicol-Davidson 50:42, Brad Simpson 37:02 and Bernie Keirl 44:39 who just keep improving every week.
            
8km Open Handicap Start    Act Time F/T Place
1.  Donna Elms             50:45    3
2.  Sandra Geisler         43:39    1
3.  Marlene Gourlay        48:06    2
4.  Carly Bertrand         54:40    5     First one
5.  Margaret Beaumont      69:36    6
6.  Alison Thompson        52:59    4
 
1.  Gerard Feain           48:15    8
2.  Cody McNicol-Davidson  50:42    10    PB 5:54
3.  Brad Simpson           37:02    2     PB 1:43
4.  Geoff Barrow           54:57    12
5.  Simon Evans            39:50    4
6.  Bernie Keirl           44:39    6     PB 1:08
7.  Murray Dickinson       51:22    11
8.  Mark Donahoo           41:37    5
9.  Jesse Osborne          34:46    1     PB 1:39
10. Jason Kozica           39:19    3
11. Bob Gardiner           50:40    9
12. Ralph Bennett          46:40    7
13. Ian Beaumont           68:35    13

Emily Swan 22:37 and Alex Poore 30:17 were first to finish in the Open 4km events, thus winning on the day. Further back, fastest times went to Heather Carr 22:00 and Adam Garganis 19:06 - and those are two pretty good times!
 
4km Open  Handicap Start   Act Time F/T Place
1.  Emily Swan             22:37    2
2.  Heather Carr           22:00    1
3.  Cathy Huse             29:06    10     First one
4.  Gwen Steed             25:15    7
5.  Liz Feldman            23:40    5
6.  Cassie Raselli         24:11    6
7.  Celia Johnson          27:11    8
8.  Jade Sanders           23:01    3
9.  Pam Mews               38:53    13
10. Jan Morrey             29:35    11
11. Kylie Irshad           23:38    4
12. Rebecca Guy            27:42    9
13. Tracy  Harvey          35:24    12
 
1.  Alex Poore             30:17    8     PB 0:20
2.  Adam Garganis          19:06    1     PB 0:59
3.  John Morrison          28:00    5
4.  Barrie Wicks           30:04    7
5.  Tony Barrett           25:12    4
6.  Lucas Taylor           20:29    2
7.  Paul Kennedy           21:34    3
8.  Paul Tremigliozzi      28:34    6
    James Crawford         DQ
    Gordon Onley           DQ

We had a good turnout in the U15 4km walks which Brodie Richardson 23:23 and Lachlan Feain 24:41 won while the fastest times went to Emily Hamilton 21:06 and Kyle Swan 18:45 (both very impressive). And look at how many PBs we had overall!
     
4km U15  Handicap Start    Act Time F/T Place
1.  Brodie Richardson      23:23    4     PB 2:29
2.  Karla Bulte            23:14    3     First one
3.  Emily Hamilton         21:06    1     PB 0:20
4.  Mikhala Hodges         23:40    6     PB 0:43
5.  Jessica Lillie         24:44    9     PB 0:36
6.  Gabbie Crea            25:28    10    PB 0:24
7.  Paige De Lisen         22:11    2
8.  Rachael Guy            23:47    8     PB 0:11
9.  Georgia Bertrand       23:41    7     PB 0:29
10. Madeleine Feain        28:06    11
11. Philippa Huse          23:29    5
 
1.  Lachlan Feain          24:41    3
2.  Kyle Swan              18:45    1     PB 1:10
3.  Reese Walmsley         20:10    2

Our U12 and U9 walkers did not do Handicap Starts but had a mass start and we worked out the handicap placings after everyone had finished.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown 14:42 and Hayden Walmsley 11:14 were the handicap winners in the U12 while Charlotte Hay 6:21 and Lewis Rickard 7:27 won the U9 handicaps. Overall, fastest time winners were Kathleen O'Mahony 11:30, Corey Dickson 10:01, Hayley Woolfe 5:49 and Jared Hodges 5:25. Again, we had quite a few PBs spread across the lists.
     
2km U12 Handicap           Act Time F/T Place
1.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown  14:42    5     PB 2:35
2.  Chelsea McDonald       14:11    4
3.  Lee Taylor             13:11    3
4.  Kathleen O'Mahony      11:30    1
5.  Brianna Lillie         11:33    2
6.  Alexandra Hay          16:29    6
 
1.  Hayden Walmsley        11:14    4
2.  Joseph Rickard         11:12    3     PB 0:59
3.  Corey Dickson          10:01    1     PB 0:01
4.  Nikola Mandic          10:22    2
 
1km U9  Handicap           Act Time F/T Place
1.  Charlotte Hay          06:21    3     PB 0:47
2.  Gemma Lillie           05:54    2     PB 0:07
3.  Hayley Woolfe          05:49    1
4.  Brianna Briet          06:47    4
5.  Angela Lane            07:36    5
6.  Amelia Rickard         08:38    6     First race with us
    Skye McDonald          DNS    
 
1.  Lewis Rickard          07:27    3     First one
2.  Jared Hodges           05:25    1     PB 0:03
3.  Marcus Byron           05:28    2     PB 0:04
    Angus Hay              DQ

AV AND VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SATURDAY 18 MAY

Last Saturday saw the Victorian Open 15km roadwalk championships contested at Middle Park in just about perfect conditions - overcast, cool and still.

The men's event saw the same placegetters as for the 10km two weeks ago with Olympian Chris Erickson winning in 1:06:18 ahead of Jesse Osborne 1:08:36 and Brad Simpson 1:11:25 (a big PB). Stuart Kollmorgen walked his usual solid race to take fourth place with 1:14:27 while Masters maestro Andrew Jamieson broke his Victorian M65 15km record with a superb 1:14:44 for fifth place. And special mentions to Simon Evans who did a 10km PB of 49:51 on the way through - it was his first time under 50 minutes - and 15 year old Adam Garganis walked his first 15km. In the women's championship, Ballarat's Kelly Ruddick was in a class of her own, winning comfortably with 1:13:23. Behind her, Michelle Laufer 1:20:40 and Sarah Brennan 1:22:44 both walked PBs to take the minor medals.

Victorian Championship - 15km Open Men
1.  Chris Erickson           ATE    1:06:18
2.  Jesse Osborne            BOH    1:08:36
3.  Brad Simpson             ANW    1:11:25     PB 9:30
4.  Stuart Kollmorgen        COL    1:14:27
5.  Andrew Jamieson          OSC    1:14:44     Victorian M65 Record
6.  Simon Evans              BOH    1:17:22
7.  James Christmass         COR    1:20:30     PB 2:43
8.  Adam Garganis            COL    1:21:49     First one
9.  Bernie Keirl             DIV    1:26:20     PB
10. Russ Dickenson           SCA    1:30:46
11. David Armstrong          DIV    1:35:33     First one
 
Victorian Championship - 15km Open Women
1.  Kelly Ruddick            BHA    1:13:23
2.  Michelle Laufer          COL    1:20:40     PB 0:30
3.  Sarah Brennan            BYC    1:22:44     PB 1:44
4.  Heather Carr             EAG    1:31:13

The Victorian championships were held in conjunction with the Victorian Race Walking Club winter championships and it was another great turnout with 80 walkers contesting the various events on offer. There were lots of solid performances and it was good to see some of our junior walkers testing themselves out over 15km for the first time - Cody McNicol-Davidson 1:40:30, Cassie Raselli 1:41:46 and Nicole Hallett 1:45:05. It was also pleasing to see such good numbers in the U9 and U12 club championship events. Presentations were held after the day's racing had completed to round off the day. You can see a selection of photos that club photographer Terry Swan has uploaded to our photo galleries - http://www.vrwc.org.au/coppermine/.
     
VRWC Club Championship - 15km Open Women - Elsie Jacobson Trophy
1.  Kelly Ruddick            1:13:23
2.  Michelle Laufer          1:20:40
3.  Sarah Brennan            1:22:44
4.  Heather Carr             1:31:13
5.  Liz Feldman              1:36:32
6.  Donna Elms               1:42:36
7.  Robyn Shaw               1:43:40
8.  Karyn O'Neill            1:45:42
    Pam Tindal               DNF
    Kylie Irshad             DNF
 
VRWC Open 15km
1.  Bob Gardiner             1:30:48
2.  Gerard Feain             1:33:35
    Duncan Knox              DNF
    Josh Dillon              DNF
    Murray Dickinson         DNF
 
VRWC Club Championship - 15km Under 20 Women
1.  Cassie Raselli           1:41:46     First one
2.  Nicole Hallett           1:45:05     First one
 
VRWC Club Championship - 15km Under 20 Men
1.  Jesse Osborne            1:08:36
2.  Adam Garganis            1:21:49
3.  Cody McNicol-Davidson    1:40:30     First one
 
VRWC Club Championship - 5km Under 16 Girls
1.  Emily Hamilton             27:01     PB 0:49
2.  Paige De Lisen             28:17     PB 0:05
3.  Lauren Collis              36:43
    Gabbie Crea                   DQ
 
VRWC Club Championship - 5km Under 16 Boys
1.  Reese Walmsley             25:29
 
VRWC Club Championship - 3km Under 14 Girls
1.  Philippa Huse              16:45
2.  Jessica Lillie             17:53
 
VRWC Club Championship - 3km Under 14 Boys
1.  Kyle Swan                  13:50     PB 0:08
2.  Lachlan Feain              18:03     PB 0:21
 
VRWC Club Championship - 2km Under 12 Girls
1.  Mackayla Davison           10:56     PB 0:10
2.  Mikhala Hodges             11:01
3.  Kathleen O'Mahony          11:17
4.  Brianna Lillie             11:53
5.  Frances Collis             12:43     First one
6.  Lee Taylor                 13:09
7.  Mackenzie Mielczarek       13:24     PB 0:07
8.  Lararose Picioane          13:45     First one
9.  Chelsea McDonald           13:57
10. Meg Sparkes                15:45     PB 0:42
11. Alexandra Hay              15:50
 
VRWC Club Championship - 2km Under 12 Girls
1.  Corey Dickson              10:11
2.  Nikola Mandic              10:19     PB 0:44
3.  Bede Collis                11:08     PB 2:04
4.  Hayden Walmsley            13:04
 
VRWC Club Championship - 1km Under 9 Girls
1.  Hayley Woolfe              05:48     PB 0:01
2.  Brianna Briet              05:53
3.  Gemma Lillie               06:01     PB 0:14
4.  Claire Noonan              06:50     PB 0:11
5.  Charlotte Hay              07:08     PB 0:08
    Angela Lane                   DQ
 
VRWC Club Championship - 1km Under 9 Boys
1.  Jared Hodges               05:28     PB 0:17
2.  Marcus Byron               05:32     PB 0:28
3.  Angus Hay                  09:01
 
VRWC Open 5km 
1.  Stephanie George           25:59
2.  Marlene Gourlay            29:27
3.  Gwen Steed                 32:00
4.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson     32:55
5.  Celia Johnson              35:24
6.  Tracy Harvey *             41:28     First time
7.  Margaret Beaumont          42:50
   
1.  Nathan Brill               20:15
2.  Jason Kozica               23:21
3.  Mark Donahoo               25:15
4.  Nicholas Mirarchi          26:50
5.  Tony Barrett               31:48
6.  Geoff Barrow               33:34
7.  Kevin Ruddick              36:37
8.  John Morrison              37:18
9.  Barrie Wicks               37:43
10. Bruce Conboy               38:06
11. Ian Beaumont *             43:13
 
As usual, thanks to our many officials and judges who keep the show on the road. Sorry if I missed anyone.
 
Officials: Tim Erickson, Don McLaren, Stacey McLaren, Mark O'Mahony, Bob Hallett, Alan Lucas, Ian Laurie, Harry Summers, Susan Taylor, Marlaine Stanway
Checkin/Results: Mark Donahoo, Michael Bodey, Damien Elms
Judges: Ralph Bennett (Chief), Lloyd Nichols, Brenda Felton, Gordon Loughnan, Kathleen Marsh, Terry Swan, Daryl Biggin, Elke Raselli , Michael Bodey (DQ Board), Peter Vysma (DQ Board), Justin McLaren (Bike), Diane Lowden (mentor)
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Kate Suich, Marlaine Stanway
Camera: Frances Attard, Sabby George
Competitors: 80

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, MELBOURNE, SATURDAY 11 MAY

Last Saturday saw an abundance of opportunity for Victorian walkers with Little Athletics Cross Country in the morning and the Athletics Victoria Road Relays at Sandown Racecourse in the afternoon alongside our own Victorian Race Walking Club roadwalks at Middle Park. So we were pleased to see another good crowd of 64 walkers in attendance on what turned out to be a warm and very windy day - tough conditions for everyone, walkers and officials.

Terry Swan was out with his camera and has already loaded the day's takings to our gallery - see http://www.vrwc.org.au/coppermine.
Frances Attard was also out with her video camera and will have the day's proceedings showing on the club TV next week. In the meanwhile, she had video of last week's races showing in the clubrooms and it is now on YouTube - see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyDIhqw0o6k.

PBs were few and far between in the strong winds but there were plenty of solid walks. Leading the way in the 10km was Jesse Osborne with a very business like 45:34. And it was great to see Nicole Hallett walk her first 10km since 2009 with 1:11:00 - well done Nicole! And Cody McNicol-Davidson also walked excellently for a 16 sec PB with 1:06:54.

10km Open                             Hcp           
1.  Liz Feldman            1:05:46    1
2.  Nicole Hallett         1:11:00   

1.  Jesse Osborne            45:34    5
2.  Mark Donahoo             53:46    4
3.  James Christmass         56:56    7
4.  Bernie Keirl             57:45    3
5.  Terry O'Neill          1:04:05    8
6.  Gerard Feain           1:04:25    1
7.  Cody McNicol-Davidson  1:06:54    2     PB 0:16
8.  Murray Dickinson       1:07:12    6
    Russ Dickenson             DNF   
    Simon Evans                DNF

Jason Kozica 24:25 and Heather Carr 28:50 led the way in the 5km Open walk while Natalie Laurie 16:59 and Ed Blackwood (having his first walk with the club for a good 19:54) led the way in the 3km Open Walk.
         
5km Open                              Hcp          
1.  Heather Carr             28:50    4
2.  Paige De Lisen           28:50    6
3.  Marlene Gourlay          29:59    8
4.  Donna Elms               31:11    1
5.  Pam Tindal *             31:43     
6.  Alison Thompson          32:10    3
7.  Robyn Shaw               32:55    2
8.  Gwen Steed               33:11    7
9.  Celia Johnson            34:38    4
    Carly Bertrand             DNF     
    Chloe McNicol-Davidson     DNF
     
1.  Jason Kozica             24:25    2
2.  David Smyth              29:34    3
3.  Steve Jordan *           34:22     
4.  Barrie Wicks             37:24    1
5.  Rudolf Skrucany *        38:13     
6.  Alex Poore *             38:13     
7.  Bruce Conboy             39:14    4
    Ralph Bennett            DNF     
             
3km  Open                             Hcp        
1.  Natalie Laurie           16:59   
2.  Emily Swan               17:31    1
3.  Cathy Huse *             21:29     
4.  Pam Mews                 30:21    2

1.  Ed Blackwood             19:54     
2.  John Morrison            21:09    1
    Gordon Onley             DQ     

Philippa Huse 16:29 (a PB) and Kyle Swan 14:31 were our standouts in the U15 3km while Kathleen O'Mahony 14:28 and Corey Dickson 13:16 were our top U12s in their 2.5km race. The U9s raced over 1.5km with Marcus Byron 9:08 and Hayley Woolfe 10:16 our fastest.
             
3km  Under 15                         Hcp         
1.  Philippa Huse            16:29    2     PB 0:29
2.  Emily Hamilton           16:54    6
3.  Georgia Bertrand         17:41    1
4.  Brodie Richardson        18:22    5
5.  Gabbie Crea              18:23    3
6.  Jessica Lillie           19:41    7
7.  Madeleine Feain          20:34    4

1.  Kyle Swan                14:31    1
2.  Reese Walmsley           14:49    2
3.  Lachlan Feain            19:58    3
         
2.5km  Under 12                       Hcp         
1.  Kathleen O'Mahony        14:28    1
2.  Brianna Lillie           15:45    6
3.  Tegan Miller             15:53    5
4.  Chelsea McDonald         19:13    2
5.  Alexandra Hay            20:24    4
6.  Caitlyn Rudston-Brown    20:28    3

1.  Corey Dickson            13:16    2
2.  Nikola Mandic            14:00    3
3.  Hayden Walmsley          15:43    1
4.  Joseph Rickard           15:51     
 
1.5km  Under 9                        Hcp          
1.  Hayley Woolfe            10:16    5
2.  Gemma Lillie             10:28    3
3.  Brianna Briet            11:04    4
4.  Angela Lane              11:14    1
5.  Charlotte Hay            11:31    2

1.  Marcus Byron              9:08    1
2.  Lewis Rickard            12:29   
3.  Angus Hay                13:32    2

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

Signin: Damien Elms, Mark Donahoo, Michael Bodey
Officials: Tim Erickson, Ian Laurie, Harry Summers, Mark O'Mahony, Stacey McLaren, Don McLaren
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Lloyd Nichols, Michael Bodey, Damien Elms, Stuart Cooper
Canteen: Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper
Photos and Video: Terry Swan, Frances Attard

AV and VRWC Road Races, Middle Park, Saturday 4 May 2013  

The weather was greatly improved from last Saturday when walkers battled strong winds in our opening round of winter season competition. This Saturday at Middle Park, the 100 walkers (what a great number for so early in the season) had a much better time of it - cool, overcast and a much friendlier breeze. We also hosted our first Victorian roadwalk championship for the year and it was exciting to see our top walkers showing us how it is done over the classic 10km. And we have a small youtube video compliments of Jim Leppik - check out http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151599479650600&set=vb.725740599&type=2&theater

The 10km Victorian Championships took pride of place on the day with Chris Erickson (ATE) and Michelle Laufer (COL) clear winners. Chris, a dual Olympian, walked an excellent time or 41:37 to finish just over 2 minutes ahead of 18 year old Jesse Osborne whose time of 43:41 was not too shabby either. Adam Garganis (COL) crossed the line in third spot but had picked up 3 red cards so was subsequently disqualified. That left Brad Simpson (ANW) to take the bronze medal in a big PB time of 47:54 ahead of Stuart Kollmorgen (COL) 48:39. For Michelle Laufer, it was a case of carrying on from last winter when she won the Victorian 15km and 20km championships and took silver in the 10km. This year,'s gold in the opening 10km omens well for the rest of the season. Sarah Brennan (BYC) took silver in a PB time of 54:21 and Heather Carr (EAG) took bronze with 58:38.

AV 10km Roadwalk Championship - Men                    
1.  Erickson, Chris             ATE      41:37        
2.  Osborne, Jesse              BOH      43:41        
3.  Simpson, Bradley            ANW      47:54               PB 1:17
4.  Kollmorgen, Stuart          COL      48:39    M40 1st     
5.  Evans, Simon                BOH      50:25    M50 1st     
6.  Christmass, James           COR      52:14    M40 2nd     
7.  Keirl, Bernie               DIV      56:03    M40 3rd    Eq PB
8.  Smyth, David                COL      57:18        
9.  Gardiner, Bob               COL    1:00:33    M50 2nd     
10. Armstrong, David            DIV    1:01:18    M50 3rd     
11. Reid, Ross                  COL    1:02:53        
    Garganis, Adam              COL    DQ        
                     
AV 10km Roadwalk Championship - Women                    
1.  Laufer, Michelle            COL      52:41    W40 1st     
2.  Brennan, Sarah              BYC      54:21               PB 0:12
3.  Carr, Heather               EAG      58:38    W50 1st     
 
The usual bevy of VRWC club races were on offer and large numbers of walkers were in action. A number of the AV walkers also entered the concurrent club 10km where the handicap points went to Cassie Raselli and David Armstrong. And what a great walk by Simone McInnes - a 5 min PB and breaking 60 minutes!

VRWC 10km Open                           Hcp Place            
1.  Sarah Brennan               54:21    2    PB 0:12
2.  Heather Carr                58:58    3
3.  Simone McInnes              59:01         PB 5:01
4.  Marlene Gourlay           1:00:31    4
5.  Kylie Irshad              1:02:29    
6.  Cassie Raselli            1:03:15    1
7.  Donna Elms                1:08:24    5
8.  Margaret Beaumont         1:29:04    6
             
1.  Stuart Kollmorgen           48:39    4
2.  Andrew Jamieson             49:24    10
3.  James Christmass            52:14    3
4.  Mark Donahoo                52:20    5
5.  Bernie Keirl                56:03    9     Eq PB
6.  Russ Dickenson              59:20    6
7.  David Armstrong           1:01:18    1
8.  Gerard Feain              1:02:23    8
9.  Murray Dickinson          1:04:26    7
10. Cody McNicol-Davidson     1:04:38    2
11. Ian Beaumont *            1:23:56    
 
The VRWC Open 5km and Open 3km events were also keenly contested with Handicap wins going to Liz Feldman, Reese Walmsley, Jade Sanders and John Morrison.

VRWC 5km Open                            Hcp Place          
1.  Liz Feldman                 30:04    1
2.  Lauren Collis               30:25    4     PB 1:15
3.  Alison Thompson             31:18    2
4.  Gwen Steed                  32:27    3
5.  Robyn Shaw                  33:12    7
6.  Karyn O'Neill               34:16    5
7.  Celia Johnson               34:46    6
8.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson      36:00    8  
    Pam Tindal                  DNF    
             
1.  Jason Kozica                23:53    6
2.  Reese Walmsley              25:26    1
3.  Scott Nelson                26:29    
4.  Ross Darlow                 26:40    
5.  Tony Barrett                31:52    3
6.  Geoff Barrow                33:50    4
7.  Anthony Doran               33:51    7
8.  Barrie Wicks                37:45    2
9.  Bruce Conboy                37:46    5
10. Alex Poore *                38:07   
    Billy Allamby               DNF
 
VRWC 3km  Open                           Hcp Place        
1.  Jasmine Irshad              14:51    5
2.  Stephanie George            14:58    4
3.  Jade Sanders                15:54    1
4.  Emily Swan                  17:11    3
5.  Donna Urquhart              17:40    2     First one
6.  Carly Bertrand              19:38    6
7.  Clare Garganis              21:46          First one
8.  Pam Mews *                  27:33    
             
1.  Paul Kennedy                15:43    2
2.  John Morrison               20:19    1
3.  Paul Tremigliozzi           20:24    3

The U15 3km events saw plenty of PBs with the best coming from Kyle Swan 13:58! Others to PB included Gabriella Crea, Rebecca Henderson, Karla Bulte, Elaine Irons and  Brodie Richardson.

VRWC 3km  Under 15                       Hcp Place        
1.  Emily Hamilton              15:42    E6
2.  Rebecca Henderson           16:04    2     PB 0:28
3.  Paige De Lisen              16:12    10
4.  Georgia Bertrand            16:51    9
5.  Taylor Vasiljevic           16:52    5
6.  Brodie Richardson           17:15    3     PB 0:07
7.  Karla Bulte                 17:32    8     PB 0:30
8.  Mackayla Davison            18:01          First one
9.  Gabbie Crea                 18:07    4     PB 1:10
10. Jessica Lillie              18:17    11
11. Marley Berntsen             18:17          First one
12. Elaine Irons                19:46    1     PB 1:10    
13. Madeleine Feain             19:59    E6
             
1.  Kyle Swan                   13:58    2     PB 0:12
2.  Lachlan Feain               18:46    1
 
The U12's raced over 2.5km and the U9's raced over 1.5km. As these road distances are not contested all that often, I haven't tried to figure out who has done PBs and by how much but the walking was good! Mikhala Hodges 14:00 and corey Dickson 13:21 were our U12 winners while Hayley Woolfe 9:41 and Jared Hodges 8:54 took line honours in the U9 events. The handicap winners were Arnika Nelson, Alexandra Hay, Bede Collis, Angus Hay and Jared Hodges.

VRWC 2.5km  Under 12                     Hcp Place        
1.  Mikhala Hodges              14:00    6
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony           14:23    3
3.  Brianna Lillie              14:46    7
4.  Arnika Nelson               15:09    E1
5.  Frances Collis              16:04    
6.  Natalie Morrow              16:33    4
7.  Mackenzie Mielczarek        17:02    8
8.  Bianca Morrow               18:18    5
9.  Chelsea McDonald            19:39    9
10. Alexandra Hay               19:46    E1
11. Caitlyn Rudston-Brown       20:04    
             
1.  Corey Dickson               13:21    2
2.  Bede Collis                 13:28    1
3.  Nikola Mandic               13:38    3
4.  Hayden Walmsley             16:06    4
 
VRWC 1.5km  Under 9                      Hcp Place        
1.  Hayley Woolfe                9:41    5
2.  Gemma Lillie                 9:51    3
3.  Brianna Briet               10:31    4
4.  Mia Darlow                  10:52    
5.  Angela Lane                 11:03    
6.  Charlotte Hay               11:04    2
7.  Angus Hay                   12:13    1
             
1.  Jared Hodges                 8:54    1
2.  Marcus Byron                 8:54    2
4.  Thomas Kennedy              12:35    3
    William Kennedy             DQ
 
Thanks to all our officials - sorry if I missed anyone. It is a big job and we have many very generous helpers each week.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Mark Donahoo, Damien Elms, Don McLaren, Stacey McLaren, Aaron McDonough, Mark O'Mahony, Harry Summers, Ian Laurie, Michael Bodey, Alan Lucas, Justin McLaren (Bike)
Judges: Matt Owen (Chief), Ralph Bennett, Kathleen Marsh, Brenda Felton, Elke Raselli, Gordon Loughnan, Terry Swan, Stuart Cooper, Diane Lowden, Michael Bodey (DQ Board), Peter Vysma (DQ Board), Nathan Brill (Bike)
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper, Marlaine Stanway
Photos: Sabrina George

VRWC Road Races, Middle Park, Saturday 27 April 2013   

Last Saturday saw the VRWC Winter Season kick off at Middle Park in inner Melbourne in very windy conditions. The day clashed with the AV Cross Country Relays so a number of our walkers were missing but we still saw 86 competitors and large fields in all divisions. And the big news is that the day ran smoothly all with events getting off on time and no issues. Terry Swan was there with his camera and has uploaded a good variety of photos to our photo gallery at http://www.vrwc.org.au/coppermine. We'll get them all labelled asap.

Stuart Cooper sends our results in each week to the Melbourne Age and the Melbourne Herald Sun and most times they do get a guernsey. This week, they didn't make it into the Herald Sun but they did make it into the Age online results - see http://www.theage.com.au/sport/results.

And a special welcome to all our first time walkers this week - Donna Urquhart, Millie and Marley Berntsen, Taylor Vasiljevic, Nikola Mandic, Mackenzie Mielczarek, Natalie and Bianca Morrow, Kate Daly, Meg Sparkes, Alexandra Charlotte and Angus Hay, Clare Noonan, Angela Lane and Marcus Byron. And welcome back to Megan Szirom (over from Adelaide), Nicole Hallett and Cassie Raselli.

Our events this week were points events, meaning that all current club members were vying for Actual Time, Handicap and Style Award points. Note that handicaps points can only be allocated if the walker has subsequently walked that or a similar distance in the recent pass in VRWC competition. That means that first up walkers can't get Handicap points this week but they will be eligible on our next points day. You can read more about our points competitions at http://www.vrwc.org.au/vrwcpointscomps.shtml.

The 8km Open event saw Megan Szirom 41:12 and Simon Evans 41:07 take line honours while Emily Hamilton 48:20 and Cody McNicol-Davidson scored maximum handicap points.

8km Open                   Time     Hcp    
1.  Megan Sziron           41:12     
2.  Emily Hamilton         48:20    1
3.  Cassie Raselli         52:26     
4.  Kylie Irshad           53:02
5.  Donna Elms             56:49    3
6.  Chloe McNicol-Davidson 58:28    2
 
1.  Simon Evans            41:07    5
2.  Mark Donahoo           43:29    2
3.  James Christmass       43:37    3
4.  Bernie Keirl           45:47     
5.  Russ Dickenson         50:20    7
6.  Bob Gardiner           51:03    4
7.  Murray Dickinson       53:33    6
8.  Gerard Feain           53:58    9
9.  Cody McNicol-Davidson  54:52    1
10. Geoff Barrow           59:01    8
    Ross Reid              DNF     
    Brad Simpson           DNF     
    David Smyth            DNF     

The Open 4km winners were Sandra Geisler 21:22 and Nathan Brill 16:58 while the U15 4km winners were Paige De Lisen 22:56 and Kyle Swan 20:27. We certainly had big numbers in these events.

4km Open                   Time     Hcp
1.  Sandra Geisler         21:22    1
2.  Stephanie George       22:06    9
3.  Heather Carr           23:18    8
4.  Liz Feldman            24:27    2
5.  Donna Urquhart         24:56
6.  Emily Swan             25:04    7
7.  Nicole Hallett         25:50    3
8.  Gwen Steed             26:06    4
9.  Robyn Shaw             26:44    11
10. Alison Thompson        26:58    12
11. Carly Bertrand         27:20    10
12. Margaret Beaumont      35:37    4
13. Pam Mews *             37:55    6
    Milly Berntsen         DNF      First timer
    Jasmine Irshad         DNF     
 
1.  Nathan Brill           16:58    4
2.  Tony Barrett           25:34    1
3.  Paul Tremigliozzi      27:33    5
3.  Rudolf Skrucany        28:33    7
4.  John Morrison          28:48    2
5.  Barrie Wicks           30:25    3
6.  Bruce Conboy           30:27    6
7.  Alex Poore *           32:21     
8.  Ian Beaumont *         34:34     
    Gordon Onley           DQ     
 
4km  Under 15              Time     Hcp
1.  Paige De Lisen         22:56    4
2.  Philippa Huse          23:09    1
3.  Lauren Collis          24:06     
4.  Georgia Bertrand       24:10    3
5.  Taylor Vasiljevic      24:11    First timer
6.  Rebecca Henderson      25:15    7
7.  Jessica Lillie         25:20    5
8.  Brodie Richardson      25:52    8
9.  Gabbie Crea            25:54    2
10. Madeleine Feain        28:59    6
    Marley Berntsen *      DNF      First timer
 
1.  Kyle Swan              20:27    1
2.  Reese Walmsley         21:56    3
3.  Lachlan Feain          27:32    2

Our U12 and U9 walk fields were also big with lots of new walkers but they certainly found it tough in the very windy conditions. Mikhala Hodges 11:05 and Corey Dickson 11:02, Hayley Woolfe 6:06 and Jared Hodges 5:45 were our winners.

2km  Under 12              Time     Hcp 
1.  Mikhala Hodges         11:05    4
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony      11:30    1
3.  Brianna Lillie         12:06    6
4.  Tegan Miller           12:10    2
5.  Mackayla Davison       12:13    3
6.  Arnika Nelson          13:03     
7.  Mackenzie Mielczarek   13:31    First timer
8.  Natalie Morrow         13:43    5
9.  Bianca Morrow          14:42    First timer
10. Chelsea McDonald       15:02     
11. Kate Daly              16:27    First timer
12. Meg Sparkes            16:27    First timer     
13. Alexandra Hay          16:48    First timer
 
1.  Corey Dickson          11:02    1
2.  Nikola Mandic          11:03    First timer
3.  Bede Collis            13:12     
4.  Hayden Walmsley        13:37    2
 
1km Under 9                Time     Hcp
1.  Hayley Woolfe          06:06    2
2.  Gemma Lillie           06:15    1
3.  Brianna Briet          06:59    3
4.  Clare Noonan           07:01    First timer
5.  Charlotte Hay          07:16    First timer
6.  Angela Lane            07:16    First timer     
 
1.  Jared Hodges           05:45    1
2.  Marcus Byron           06:00    First timer
3.  Angus Hay              08:56    First timer
 
And a big thank you to our many officials and judges and canteen staff who ensured that the day was so successful. Sorry if I have missed anyone!

Setup :  Bob Gardiner, Stuart Cooper, Russ Dickenson, Tim Erickson, Jason Elms, Ross Reid, Peter Vysma
Officials:  Tim Erickson, Mark Donahoo, Damien Elms, Jason Elms, Don McLaren, Ian Laurie, Aaron McDonough, Jason Kozica, Michael Bodey, Justin McLaren (bike)
Judges:  Peter Vysma (Chief), Ralph Bennett, Gordon Loughnan, Graham George, Stuart Cooper, Brenda Felton, David Cash
Canteen :  Barb Gardiner, Wendy Cooper, Marlaine Stanway, Kate Suich
Photos :  Terry Swan