The Victorian Race Walking Club

The Summer Season occurs between October and March and coincides with the long hot Australian summer. The emphasis in on track walking and most races are over the shorter track distances. There is also a strong walking presence in the 'Interclub' Track Competition with all Athletics Teams fielding walkers in their regular competitions.

For this reason, VRWC only holds a small number of events during this period.

VMA TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS, MENTONE, SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2020

The VRWC Summer Season wound up on Sunday morning, with the annual Victorian Masters 5000m Track Championships at Dolomore Reserve in Mentone. Conditions were pretty good apart from a bit of wind early. With 30 Masters walkers (15 men and 15 women) in action, the meet was well supported and the Masters walkers recorded some good times. The women did especially well, with PBs to Marnie Grace, Dee Holohan and Rozlyn Walker, along with first time 5000m walks by Hsien Chiam and Tracy Colbert. Alas, Kelly Ruddick looked like she had produced the walk of the meet with her finish time of 23:06, some 36 secs under the W45 world record, but she had felt poorly during the race and stepped onto the grass interior to recover before returning to the track to complete her race – an automatic disqualification. Hopefully she will take the record in the Victorian T&F Championship walk at the end of the month.

VMA 5000m Track Championship Women, 8:30AM                
W40  1    Sandra Geisler      27:14
W40  2    Laura McLennan      34:54
W45  1    Marnie Grace        33:22    PB 0:16
W45  2    Hsien Chiam         36:37    First one
W45  DQ   Kelly Ruddick       DQ
W50  1    Dee Holohan         30:51    PB 1:00
W50  2    Tracy Colbert       33:41    First one
W55  1    Donna-Marie Elms    31:57
W55  2    Rozlyn Walker       38:13    PB 1:12
W65  1    Alison Thompson     31:06
W65  2    Karyn O'Neill       35:03
W70  1    Heather Carr        31:10
W70  DQ   Celia Johnson       DQ
W75  1    Gwen Steed          37:28
W75  2    Sylvia Machin       39:00
                
VMA 5000m Track Championship Men, 9:15AM                
M45  1    Pramesh Prasad      25:17
M50  1    David Smyth         28:38
M55  1    Kevin Cassidy       25:26
M55  2    Simon Evans         27:26
M60  1    Mark Donahoo        28:39
M60  2    Terry O'Neill       31:19
M60  3    Paul Moritz         34:45
M60  4    Chris Worsnop       47:00
M60  DQ   Albin Hess          DQ
M65  1    Frank Prowse        34:10
M65  2    Clyde Riddoch       35:24
M70  1    Andrew Jamieson     27:34
M70  2    Geoff Barrow        36:37
M80  1    Gunther Ilgoutz     36:54
M80  2    Juan Perez          40:56

A small number of our club walkers contested VRWC non-championship races to round out the morning.

VRWC 10,000m Walk, 10:00AM            
    Kathleen O'Mahony         DNF
    Charlotte Hay             DNF
    Angus Hay                 DQ
        
VRWC 3000m Walk, 10:00AM            
1.  Joel Imbriano             17:10
2.  Maddison Nash             17:37
3.  Bernie Keirl              18:14
        
VRWC 1500m Walk, 10:00AM            
1.  Simon Evans               08:14

Thanks to all our officials, judges and helpers and well done to all our walkers.
    
Officials: Tim Erickson, Mark Donahoo
Lapscorers: Bill Carr, Tony Doran, Barrie Wicks, Colin Thompson, Carolyn Rosenbrock
Judges: Stuart Cooper (chief), Shane Dickson, Mark O'Mahony, David Cash, Terry O'Neill
Photos: Terry Swan (see http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/564)

VRWC TRACK RACES, MENTONE, WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2020

The VRWC summer season is fast drawing to a close but not quite yet, as we travelled to Dolomore Reserve in Mentone to host the annual Athletics Victoria 5000m Walk Team Championships. Conditions were warm and humid but gradually cooled as the evening progressed.

We started proceedings with a VRWC 1500m track walk which saw Corey Dickson (6:32) and Kevin Cassidy (6:56) leading the field. Well done to 11 year old Daniel Pashutin who walked a big PB of 8:08 to finish 4th.

VRWC 1500m Walk, 7:00PM
1.  Dickson, Corey        M    06:32
2.  Cassidy, Kevin        M    06:56
3.  Irshad, Kylie         F    07:53
4.  Pashutin, Daniel      M    08:08    PB 0:31
5.  Keirl, Bernie         M    08:26
6.  Elms, Donna-Marie     F    08:58
7.  Colbert, Tracy        F    09:26
8.  Hugo, Beverly         F    13:06
    Bennett, Ralph        M    DQ
    Imbriano, Joel        M    DQ

The AV 5000m Team Championships followed at 7:15PM, with Mark Blackwood and Corey Dickson leading the men out. Corey soon slowed, given he was racing immediately after finishing the 1500m walk, allowing Mark to take line honours with 23:41. With Angus Hay finishing third, the Knox team took the Teams title.

AV 5000m Team Championship - Men, 7:15PM
1.  Blackwood, Mark     KNA    23:41
2.  Dickson, Corey      KNA    24:58
3.  Hay, Angus          KNA    28:06
4.  Donahoo, Mark       ESS    29:11

Team Placings
1.  KNA       6 pts    Mark Blackwood, Corey Dickson, Angus Hay

The women’s Teams Championship, held concurrently with the men, saw 12 year old Darcey Roberts (25:35) and 16 year old Charlotte Hay (25:45) walking brilliantly out in front and guiding their Knox team to victory, with Ariana Pashutina (28:08) in third. Such is the strength of the Knox Athletics walking team that their next 3 girls in Emily Smith, Grace Louey and Kathleen O’Mahony took second place in the teams, while third spot went to the Glenhuntly Masters team of Heather Carr, Gwen Steed and Roz Walker.

AV 5000m Team Championship - Women, 7:15PM
1.  Roberts, Darcey      KNA    25:35
2.  Hay, Charlotte       KNA    25:45
3.  Pashutina, Ariana    KNA    28:08
4.  Smith, Emily         KNA    28:17
5.  Louey, Grace         KNA    29:51
6.  Carr, Heather        GHY    31:41
7.  O'Mahony, Kathleen   KNA    32:05
8.  Grace, Marnie        VMA    33:52
9.  Steed, Gwen          GHY    38:44
10. Walker, Rozlyn       GHY    39:25    Inaugural

Team Placings
1.  KNA 1     6 pts    Darcey Roberts, Charlotte Hay, Ariana Pashutina
2.  KNA 2    16 pts    Emily Smith, Grace Louey, Kathleen O'Mahony
3.  GHY      23 pts    Heather Carr, Gwen Steed, Rozlyn Walker

Thanks as always to our many officials, judges and helpers and thanks to the Mentone Athletics Track committee for allowing us to race there.

Manager: Tim Erickson
Judges: Peter Vysma (C), Gordon Loughnan, Brenda Felton, Dave Cash, Shane Dickson, Stuart Cooper, Terry O'Neill (recorder)
Timekeepers: Mark O'Mahony, Karyn O'Neill, Donna Dickson, Bill Carr, Donna-Marie Elms, Tracy Colbert
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221087952769268&set=oa.10157845631178911)

VRWC TRACK RACES, CLIFTON HILL, WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2020

With the radar showing big rains quickly approaching from the west and with the prevailing winds hot and almost gale force, the 20 walkers at the George Knott Athletics Track at Clifton Hill on Wednesday evening had their work cut out. But they responded well, all walking excellently in the conditions. Riley Coughlan (8:02) and Ela Uzun (8:04) had a great battle at the front of the 1500m walk and both were rewarded with big PBs. Ela also bettered her own U9 and U10 1500m Club records of 8:11, a big effort in the conditions. Heather Carr was also in record breaking form with her W70 time of 8:37. There is no stopping those two. Daniel Pashutin was not to be left out, finishing with a big PB of 8:39. We also welcomed Coburg Little Athletics walkers Amelia and Tom Vernal, as well as two of our mums Alla Pashutina and Debra Nash, all four having their first walks with the club. Welcome!

VRWC 1500m Walk                    
1.  Riley Coughlan        M    08:02    PB 1:16
2.  Ela Uzun              F    08:04    PB 0:07, VRWC U9/U10 Club Record
3.  Heather Carr          F    08:37    VRWC W70 Club Record

Heather Carr was also in record breaking form with her W70 time of 8:37. There is no stopping those two. Daniel Pashutin was not to be left out, finishing with a big PB of 8:39.

4.  Daniel Pashutin       M    08:39    PB 0:12
5.  Ethan Nash            M    09:09
6.  Havana Ali            F    09:33
7.  Tom Vernal            M    10:21    First walk with us
8.  Alla Pashutina        F    10:22    First walk with us
9.  Amelia Vernal         F    10:38    First walk with us
10. Debra Nash            F    11:23    First walk with us

The excitement of the 1500m was a hard act to follow, but the 3000m and 5000m walkers were up to the challenge, with Darcey Roberts (15:13) and Kevin Cassidy (15:18) leading them around. Liam Hutchins was only 1 sec outside his PB with 15:59 while Angus Hay was only 2 secs outside his PB with 16:22.
            
VRWC 3000m Walk                
1.  Darcey Roberts        F    15:13
2.  Kevin Cassidy         M    15:18
3.  Liam Hutchins         M    15:59
4.  Angus Hay             M    16:22
5.  Ariana Pashutina      F    16:28
6.  Emily Smith           F    17:01
7.  Maddison Nash         F    18:30
8.  Paul Moritz           M    20:56

Finally, Sandra Geisler (28:22) and Mark Donahoo (30:28) challenged themselves with 5000m walks.
                
VRWC 5000m Walk                
1.  Sandra Geisler        F    28:22
2.  Mark Donahoo          M    30:28

Thanks as always to our officials, judges and helpers. Apologies if I have missed anyone.
    
Officials: Tim Erickson, Therese Smith, Donna Elms, Kylie Hutchins
Judges: Peter Vysma (chief), Shane Dickson, Stuart Cooper, Brenda Felton
Photos: Terry Swan (see http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/561)

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 19 JANUARY 2020

The heavy smoke haze forecast for Melbourne over the weekend did not eventuate and we were able to continue with our VRWC road races at Middle Park on Sunday morning. With the sun out and with still conditions, it was tough going and everyone felt it, but it was definitely easier than it might have been, with the relatively clear air.

Overall, 26 walkers were in action, with Jason Kozica and Adam Garganis the longest walk exponents, both completing their allotted 15km. W45 Kelly Ruddick stormed through the 10km, finishing with an impressive 48:40. Big congrats to 8 year old Ela Uzun who broke her U9 2km club record by 2 secs, recording a time of 11:11. She finished just behind Riley Coughlan who was just outside his PB with 11:08. We also welcomed Matt Harvey, son of former international Michael Harvey, for his first ever racewalk. Matt looked good as he strode through the 2km in a time of 18:12. It was also great to see dad Michael on hand. We also welcomed Tasmanian walker Dave Moore to Melbourne – he has a stroll in the 5km Open Walk.

VRWC OPEN 15KM WALK                
1.  Jason Kozica         M    1:17:45
2.  Adam Garganis        M    1:20:23
    Paul Moritz          M        DNF     (6km in 43:00)
            
VRWC OPEN 10KM WALK                
1.  Kelly Ruddick        F      48:40
2.  Heath Beveridge      M      55:46
3.  Mark Donahoo         M    1:02:52
4.  Terry O'Neill        M    1:06:00
5.  Heather Carr         F    1:06:37
6.  Donna-Marie Elms     F    1:10:30
    Kathleen O'Mahony    F        DNF     (4km in 24:55)
            
VRWC OPEN 5KM WALK                
1.  Kevin Cassidy        M      26:38
2.  Gwen Steed           F      38:11
3.  Dave Moore (TAS)     M      45:36
    Tracy Feiner         F         DQ
            
VRWC OPEN 3KM WALK                
1.  Ariana Pashutina     F      16:39
2.  Liam Hutchins        M      16:39
3.  Emily Smith          F      16:56
4.  Karyn O'Neill        F      21:42
5.  Anthony Doran        M      22:10
            
VRWC OPEN 2KM WALK                
1.  Riley Coughlan       M      11:08
2.  Ela Uzun             F      11:11    PB 0:02, new VRWC U9 Club Record
3.  Havana Ali           F      13:03
4.  Ralph Bennett        M      13:04
5.  Matt Harvey          M      18:12    First ever racewalk
            
VRWC OPEN 1KM WALK                
1.  Daniel Pashutin      M       5:39    First walk at this distance
2.  Pam Mews             F      11:42

Thanks as always to our officials, judges and helpers. Apologies if I missed anyone. We would have no races without you all.
    
Officials: Tim Erickson, Donna Dickson, Cheryl Beveridge, Frances Attard, Bill Carr
Race Entry: Karyn O'Neill, Mark Donahoo, Ralph Bennett
Judges: Peter Vysma (chief), Gordon Loughnan, Stuart Cooper, Shane Dickson, Mark O'Mahony
Photos: Terry Swan (see http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/560)

VRWC TRACK WALKS, GEORGE KNOTT ATHLETICS TRACK, CLIFTON HILL, WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2019

The latest round of the VRWC Summer Season took place last Wednesday evening at the George Knott Athletics Track in Clifton Hill. The 21 walkers in attendance had perfect conditions, with a cool evening and only a slight breeze, and there were quite a few PBs. Special commendations to Heather Carr, who bettered her W70 5000m club record by 12 secs with her time of 30:46, and to 8 year old Ela Uzun, who set new VRWC U9-U11 3000m records with her inaugural time of 16:50. Wow, what a time for an 8 year old! Others to walk well included 13 year olds Marcus Wakim (a first ever 5000m and a time of 27:12) and Maddison Nash (3000m PB of 17:10), Tracy Colbert (3000m PB of 20:37), 8 year old Havana Ali (big 3000m PB of 19:49) and 10 year old Daniel Pashutin (1500m PB of 8:51).

5000m Track Walk                
1.  Corey Dickson          M    24:47
2.  Marcus Wakim           M    27:12    Inaugural
3.  Sandra Geisler         F    28:06
4.  Heather Carr           F    30:46    VRWC W70 Club Record
    Andrew Jamieson        M      DNF    (3000m in 16:28)
    Paul Moritz            M      DNF
                
3000m Track Walk                
1.  Rhydian Cowley         M    11:54
2.  Tracy Feiner           F    14:43
3.  Ariana Pashutina       F    16:15
4.  Emily Smith            F    16:31    
5.  Ela Uzun               F    16:50    PB 1:03, VRWC U9-U11 Club Records
6.  David Smyth            M    17:07
7.  Maddison Nash          F    17:10    PB 0:14
8.  Mark Donahoo           M    17:12
9.  Donna-Marie Elms       F    19:16
10. Havana Ali             F    19:49    PB 1:46
11. Tracy Colbert          F    20:37    PB 0:39
12. Bob Gardiner           M    22:16
    Albin Hess             M       DQ
                
1500m Track Walk                
1.  Daniel Pashutin        M     8:51    PB 0:10
2.  Clyde Riddoch          M     9:52

Thanks to our officials and judges and thanks to club president Stuart Cooper who brought all our equipment.
    
Officials: Tim Erickson, Donna Dickson, Therese Smith, Debra Nash
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Gordon Loughnan, Shane Dickson, Stuart Cooper, Kathleen Marsh
Photos: Alas, no photos from this meet.

VRWC TRACK WALKS, KEILOR ATHLETICS TRACK, KEILOR, WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2019

Our latest VRWC summer season walks were held on Wednesday evening at the Keilor athletics track in NW Melbourne. The location meant that not too many could make the trip but those who did come along were rewarded with excellent conditions and some fine times.

Kyle Swan and Corey Dickson had a great battle early in the 5000m, until Kyle eventually put the hammer down and cleared away to win with 21:25. 17 year old Corey was rewarded for his efforts with a PB time of 21:39. Further back, 12 year Darcey Roberts walked a superb time of 26:16, setting a big PB, along with new U13 and U14 Club Records. 12 year old Ariana Pashutina also walked excellently for her time of 28:38.

The 3000m walk was won by 13 year old Marcus Wakim (PB 15:05), after a great battle with M60 Kevin Cassidy (15:15). Well done also to 12 year old Maddison Nash for her PB time of 17:24. But the standout 3000m walk was by W70 Heather Carr whose time of 17:58 set new a VRWC W70 Record (and for the record, she also broke her World and Australian record time of 18:01 by 3 secs).

Finally to the 1500m where 8 year olds Ela Uzun and Havana Ali walked wonderfully as usual. Well done to Ela who set new U19 and U10 VRWC Club Records with her time of 8:11.

VRWC 5000m Walk                
1.  Kyle Swan             M    21:25
2.  Corey Dickson         M    21:39    PB 0:09
3.  Heath Beveridge       M    25:55
4.  Darcey Roberts        F    26:16    PB 0:30, VRWC U13/U14 Records
5.  Ariana Pashutina      F    28:38
6.  Paul Moritz           M    34:18
                
VRWC 3000m Walk                
1.  Marcus Wakim          M    15:04    PB 0:18
2.  Kevin Cassidy         M    15:15
3.  David Smyth           M    16:49
4.  Maddison Nash         F    17:24    PB 0:23
5.  Mark Donahoo          M    17:30
6.  Heather Carr          F    17:58    World/Australian/VRWC W70 Record
7.  Donna-Marie Elms      F    19:36
8.  Tracy Colbert         F    21:16    PB 0:06
                
VRWC 1500m Walk                
1.  Ela Uzun              F      8:11    PB 0:11, VRWC U9/U10 Club Records
2.  Havana Ali            F      9:28

Thanks to our judges and officials. Apologies if I have missed anyone

Officials: Tim Erickson, Mark Donahoo, Donna Dickson, Cheryl Beveridge, Mark Roberts
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Shane Dickson, Stuart Cooper, Terry Swan
Photos: Darlene Swan (see http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/555)

VRWC SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIPS, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDA7 17 NOVEMBER 2019

Sunday morning saw the VRWC Summer Roadwalk Championships at Middle Park in Melbourne, and the weather was good, with cool overcast conditions for the 31 walkers in attendance.

The 20km walkers were first to start, with Kyle Swan, Corey Dickson, Jason Kozica and Rhydian Cowley all heading out together and walking an even paced race. That suited 17 year old Corey Dickson perfectly, as he shadowed his older clubmates to record a fantastic inaugural 20km time of 1:36:06. Overall, the Gus Theobold Trophy went to Kyle Swan with 1:34:50.

VRWC  20km Open Men - Gus Theobold Trophy            
1.  Kyle Swan                 M      48:44    1:34:50
2.  Corey Dickson             M      48:45    1:36:06    Inaugural
3.  Jason Kozica              M      48:45    1:36:31
4.  Rhydian Cowley            M      48:44    1:36:32
    Paul Moritz               M         DQ

The 10km walkers were next to start, with 16 year old Alanna Peart leading from the front to record a superb PB of 49:30. The other outstanding walks came from M70 walkers Andrew Jamieson (56:50) and Heather Carr (a new W70 club record of 1:04:55). The Heather Carr Trophy was won by Tracy Feiner with 52:40.
            
VRWC 10km Masters Women - Heather Carr Trophy           
1.  Tracy Feiner              F      52:40
2.  Heather Carr              F    1:04:55    VRWC W70 Club Record
3.  Gwen Steed                F    1:17:46
           
VRWC Open 10km           
1.  Alanna Peart              F      49:30    PB 1:32
2.  Andrew Jamieson           M      56:50
3.  Mark Donahoo              M    1:04:14
4.  Terry O'Neill             M    1:07:59
    Ross Reid                 M        DNF

The 5km and 3km walkers raced together, with Heath Beveridge, Fraser Saunder and Darcey Roberts heading out together. They were all rewarded with PBs – 16 year old Heath recording 23:24, 15 year old Fraser recording 24:01 and 12 year old Darcey recording 14:51. Special mentions also to 14 year old Kaylah Heikkila-Dobowik (30;35) and 12 year old Ariana Pashutina (15:57) on their PBs. We also welcomed Coburg walker Tracy Colbert for her first walk with the club.
           
VRWC U20 5km Club Championships           
1.  Heath Beveridge           M      23:24    PB 0:07
2.  Fraser Saunder            M      24:01    PB 0:10
   
1.  Jemma Peart               F      26:25
2.  Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik   F      30:35    PB 0:39
           
VRWC Open 5km           
1.  Simon Evans               M      28:37
2.  Ralph Bennett             M      33:25
3.  Geoff Barrow              M      35:54
           
VRWC U15 3km Club Championships           
1.  Marcus Wakim              M      15:52
   
1.  Darcey Roberts            F      14:51    PB 0:22
2.  Ariana Pashutina          F      15:57    PB 0:43
3.  Emily Smith               F      16:19
           
VRWC Open 3km           
1.  Donna Elms                F      19:52
2.  Tracy Colbert             M      21:22    First walk with us

Our youngest walkers also had club championships today, with wins going to Daniel Pashutin (his first walk with us), Zahlia Heikkila-Dubowik and Ela Uzun. It was impressive to see the quality across all our junior age groups.
           
VRWC U12 1.5km Club Championships           
1.  Daniel Pashutin           M       9:01    First walk with us
   
1.  Zahlia Heikkila-Dubowik   F       9:35
           
VRWC U10 1.5km Club Championships           
1.  Ela Uzun                  F       8:25
2.  Havana Ali                F       9:13    PB 0:19
3.  Addison Paulke            F       9:41

Thanks as always to our many officials and judges and club helpers. Apologies if I have missed anyone.

Officials: Mark Donahoo, Tim Erickson, Bill Carr, Ian Laurie, Simon Baker, Donna Dickson, Cheryl Beveridge
Judges: Peter Vysma, Shane Dickson, Stuart Cooper, David Cash, Gordon Loughnan
Refreshment Table: Karyn O'Neill, Darlene Swan, Rob Cowley
Canteen: Kate Suich, Donna-Marie Elms
Photos: Terry Swan (see http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/554)

We welcomed Runners World Kew proprieter Neil Ryan to the presentations, as he handed out Runners World Winter Season awards to Kyle Swan, Tracy Feiner, Alanna Peart and Corey Dickson. The AV Winter Season Walks Perpetual Trophies were also awarded, with winners as follows:

NORM GOBLE TROPHY     Most points earned in Men’s AV Championships   Rhydian Cowley
BETTY NEWMAN TROPHY   Women’s Walking Team Champions                 Melbourne University
AVIS REDMAN TROPHY    Best Under 16 Girl Walker                      Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik
TOM DAINTRY TROPHY    Best Under 14 Girl Walker                      Darcey Roberts
BOB GARDINER SHIELD   Best U16/U14 Boy Walker                        Fraser Saunder
SIMON BAKER SHIELD    Best U18 Boy Walker                            Corey Dickson

The VRWC 2019 AGM followed, with the highlight being the awarding of VRWC Life Memberships to stalwarts David Cash and Ian Laurie.

Overall, it was a big morning!

VRWC TRACK RACES, MENTONE, WEDNESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2019

The VRWC Summer Season continued last Wednesday evening, with 20 walkers contesting track events at Dolomore Reserve, Mentone. Conditions were cool with occasional windy bursts but were not too bad overall.

The 10,000m walk was the first event to kick off at 6:30PM and it was 20 year old Kyle Swan who went straight to the lead, recording an impressive solo time of 42:27. 17 year old Corey Dickson also walked well to finish with 49:39, while 12 year old Darcey Roberts continued her stellar form, walking her first ever 10,000m and setting a new VRWC U13 club record of 56:42 (the previous record of 58:10 had been set by Bec Henderson in 2014.        
                
VRWC 10,000m Track Walk                
1.  Kyle Swan            M    42:27
2.  Corey Dickson        M    49:39
3.  Darcey Roberts       F    56:42    First one, new VRWC U13 Record

The 1500m walk started at 7PM, with 4 walkers, including first timers Rudi Coggins and Giselle Evans. Rudi was the fastest with 8:48.
                
VRWC 1500m Track Walk                
1.  Rudi Coggins         M    08:48    First time with us
2.  Aiden Smith          M    10:45
3.  Giselle Evans        F    11:29    First time with us
4.  Pam Mews             F    16:21

The 5000m and 3000m walks kicked off at 7:15PM, with 13 walkers in total. Heather Carr and Ariana Pashutina were the standouts, Heather breaking her own 5000m VRWC W70 club record time with 30:58 and Ariana setting a new VRWC U13 club record with 28:00. Overall, fastest times to Jason Kozica (24:04) and David Smyth (17:03).
            
VRWC 5000m Track Walk            
1.  Jason Kozica         M    24:04
2.  Kevin Cassidy        M    25:22
3.  Emily Smith          F    27:55    PB 1:37
4.  Ariana Pashutina     F    28:00    Inaugural 5000m, new VRWC U12 Club Record
5.  Heather Carr         F    30:58    New VRWC W70 record
6.  Terry O'Neill        M    32:42
7.  Donna-Marie Elms     F    34:04
8.  Paul Moritz          M    34:12
9.  Gwen Steed           F    37:28
                
VRWC 3000m Track Walk                
1.  David Smyth          M    17:03
2.  Marnie Grace         F    19:13    PB 0:13
3.  Ralph Bennett        M    19:35
    Rupert Van Dongen    M    DQ

Thanks to all our judges and officials and helpers. Apologies if I have missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Karyn O'Neill, Bill Dillon, Donna Dickson, Mark Roberts, Michael Bodey            
Judges: Shane Dickson (chief), David Cash, Stuart Cooper, Gordon Loughnan            
BTerry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10220245424866597)

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER 2019

Our VRWC Summer Season opened on Sunday morning at Middle Park, with a cool overcast day and a cold wind to test the 20 walkers in attendance. Lots of the walkers had competed in the AV Shield walks the day before, so it was a good weekend of racing for them.

The longer events started at 8AM, with Adam Garganis going to the front and locking in a strong 20km training performance of 1:38:26, not too bad after his Saturday evening 5000m walk in the AV Shield. Corey Dickson and Marnie Grace tested themselves out over the 15km distance, with Corey walking a big PB of 1:20:17 and Marnie finishing her first attempt at the distance with 1:45:06. Special mention also to Madeleine Feain for her PB in the 10km walk (1:00:28).

20km Walk                   
1.  Adam Garganis               M       49:52    1:38:26
                   
15km Walk                   
1.  Corey Dickson               M       54:48    1:20:27    PB 4:06
2.  Marnie Grace                F     1:10:05    1:45:06    Inaugural 15km
                   
10km Walk                   
1.  Kevin Cassidy               M       52:39   
2.  Kylie Irshad                F       58:41   
3.  Madeleine Feain             F     1:00:28    PB 0:48   
4.  Heather Carr                F     1:08:28   
5.  Mark Donahoo                M     1:10:51   
    Heath Beveridge             M         DNF    7km in 41:14
 
The shorter distance races went off together at 9AM, with Tracy Feiner and Darcey Roberts leading them out. Darcey completed the 2km in 9:49, a great backup after her 9:48.9 in the AV Shield 2000m the day before, while Tracy Feiner went on to win the 5km with 25:13. Special mention also to 12 year old Ariana Pashutina who walked a big 2km PB of 10:45.

5km Walk               
1.  Tracy Feiner                F       25:13
2.  Gwen Steed                  F       35:21
    Geoff Barrow                M         DNF    4km in 32:04
               
3km Walk               
1.  Emily Smith                 F       16:31
2.  Glennis McPherson           F       31:44
               
2km Walk               
1.  Darcey Roberts              F        9:49    Eq. PB
2.  Ariana Pashutina            F       10:45    PB 0:18
3.  Ian Beaumont                M       18:47               
4.  Margaret Beaumont           F       18:59
               
1km Walk               
1.  Ela Uzun                    F        5:23
2.  Havana Ali                  F        6:25

Thanks as always to our many judges, helpers and officials.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Mark Donahoo, Cheryl  Beveridge, Donna Dickson, Mark Roberts
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Stuart Cooper, Shane Dickson
Canteen: Wendy Cooper
Refreshment Table: Karyn O'Neill
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10157501206708911)