The Victorian Race Walking Club

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

VRWC RELAY WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2023

A pleasant Saturday afternoon greeted the 32 walkers who were in attendance for our annual VRWC Relay Race day. There were 7 teams competing, with the teams organised by Mark Donahoo to make the competition as close as possible. The lead changed on a number of occasions before Team 4 (Emily Smith, Jade Chitty (each walking 2 legs) and Kevin Cassidy took the lead to eventually win by 13 secs.

VRWC Relay Race

1.  Team 4   Start Time                               01:00
             Lap 1 (1km)     Emily Smith         F    05:00
             Lap 2 (2km)     Jade Chitty         F    10:12
             Lap 3 (3km)     Kevin Cassidy       M    16:33
             Lap 4 (1km)     Jade Chitty         F    04:41
             Lap 5 (2km)     Emily Smith         F    10:17   PB 0:20
             Actual Time                              46:43    
             Finish Time                              47:43

2.  Team 1   Start Time                               00:00
             Lap 1 (1km)     Riley Coughlan      M    04:03
             Lap 2 (2km)     Dee Holohan         F    12:21
             Lap 3 (3km)     Riley Coughlan      M    12:50
             Lap 4 (1km)     Tate Jardine        M    05:57   PB 1:11
             Lap 5 (2km)     Emilie Garside      F    12:45   PB 0:05
             Actual Time                              47:56
             Finish Time                              47:56         

3.  Team 7   Start Time                               01:21
             Lap 1 (1km)     Logan Allison       M    05:47
             Lap 2 (2km)     Amelia Vernal       F    12:30
             Lap 3 (3km)     Nikola Mandic       M    13:02   PB 0:17
             Lap 4 (1km)     Amelia Vernal       F    06:08
             Lap 5 (2km)     Alejandro Stephens  M    09:27
             Actual Time                              46:54
             Finish Time                              48:15

4.  Team 3   Start Time                               00:40
             Lap 1 (1km)     Donna-Marie Elms    F    05:50
             Lap 2 (2km)     Angus Shuttleworth  M    09:46
             Lap 3 (3km)     Jonathan Ho         M    15:07   PB
             Lap 4 (1km)     Angus Shuttleworth  M    04:51
             Lap 5 (2km)     Donna-Marie Elms    F    12:22
             Actual Time                              47:56
             Finish Time                              48:26

5.  Team 5   Start Time                               01:00
             Lap 1 (1km)     Lily Bowkett        F    05:42
             Lap 2 (2km)     Daniel Pashutin     M    10:07
             Lap 3 (3km)     Grace Louey         F    16:32   PB 0:15
             Lap 4 (1km)     Daniel Pashutin     M    04:38
             Lap 5 (2km)     Carolyn Rosenbrock  F    11:04
             Actual Time                              48:03
             Finish Time                              49:03

6.  Team 6   Start Time                               01:08
             Lap 1 (1km)     Marcus Wakim        M    03:54
             Lap 2 (2km)     Gwen Steed          F    14:33
             Lap 3 (3km)     Marcus Wakim        M    12:40
             Lap 4 (1km)     Ella Harris         F    05:48   PB 0:19
             Lap 5 (2km)     Kylie Irshad        F    11:37
             Actual Time                              48:32
             Finish Time                              49:40

7.  Team 2   Start Time                               00:21
             Lap 1 (1km)     Zoe Bowkett         F    05:41
             Lap 2 (2km)     Heather Carr        F    13:01
             Lap 3 (3km)     Ariana Pashutina    F    15:08   PB 0:02
             Lap 4 (1km)     Heather Carr        F    06:22
             Lap 5 (2km)     Mya McClure         F    10:06
             Actual Time                              50:18
             Finish Time                              50:39

We also had some scratch races for those others who just wanted a walk.           

4km Walk
1.  Eden Morgan       M    Open    18:39
2.  David Smyth       M    M40     22:51
3.  Steven Haverly    M    M40     36:08
    
3km Walk
2.  Mietta Morgan     F    Un14    17:03
            
1km Walk
1.  Anouk Morgan      F    U10     06:18
2.  Abby Fowler       F    U10     07:22

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

Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee: Terry Swan
Race checkin: Mark Donahoo, Bill Carr
Recorders: Ian Laurie, Bob Gardiner, Mark Donahoo, Narelle Coughlin, Colin Morgan, Alla Pushutina, Dylan Shuttleworth, Deanne mcClure, Karyn O'Neill, Terry O'Neill,
Judges: Di Lowden(C), Stu Cooper, Gordon Loughnan, David Cash, Kathleen Marsh, Anthony Doran, Brenda Felton
Setup Packup: Terry Swan, Stu Cooper, Ian Laurie, Bob Gardiner
Photos: Terry Swan see (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10230248210049975)
Presentation: Mark Donahoo, Stu Cooper, Emily Swan, Marcus Wakim

The races were followed by our winter season presentations. 

VRWC, AV AND VMA WALKS, MENTONE ATHLETICS TRACK, MENTONE, SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2023

Walkers swapped the bitumen of Middle Park for the newly refurbished synthetic surface of the Mentone Athletics Track on Saturday afternoon. Conditions were perfect for the 35 walkers in attendance and we saw some good performances.

The 2 Hour, 1 Hour and 10,000m walks were first up, with 10 walkers on the start line. Alejandro Stephens and Jonathan Ho both walked in excess of 20km in the 2 Hour walk while Carolyn Rosenbrock walked very evenly for her 18+km finish distance. And a special mention for Nikola Mandic who recorded an excellent 48:56 in his first 10km effort.
         
VRWC 2 Hour Walk
1.  Alejandro Stephens              M    21,120m
2.  Jonathan Ho                     M    20,125m    Longest walk so far    
3.  Carolyn Rosenbrock              F    18,524m
4.  Karyn O'Neill                   F    15,952m
5.  Marnie Zakis                    F    15,909m
    Eloisa Nidorfer                 F         DQ    First time walker
 
VRWC 1 Hour Walk        
1.  Terry O'Neill                   M     8,782m
        
VRWC 10,000m Walk        
1.  Nikola Mandic                   M      48:56    First 10km
    Ross Reid                       M         DQ
 
The AV 5000m Teams Championships saw a clean sweep for the Knox Athletics Club walkers, Maddison Nash and Eden Morgan leading their respective teams home. 11 year old Angus Shuttleworth did his first ever 5km and finished with an excellent time of 27:04.
        
5000m AV Teams Championship Women        
1.  Maddison Nash                   KNA    25:23
2.  Ariana Pashutina                KNA    27:05
3.  Emily Smith                     KNA    27:55
         
5000m AV Teams Championship Men        
1.  Eden Morgan                     KNA    23:44
2.  Angus Shuttleworth              KNA    27:41   First 5km
3.  Daniel Pashutin                 KNA    30:15

The Victorian Masters 5000m walks were also contested, with the highlight being provided by Gwen Steed who set new VRWC and VMA W80 records.

5000m VMA Women's Championship            
1.  Kylie Irshad            1     50-54    31:37
1.  Dee Holohan             1     55-59    33:02
1.  Donna-Marie Elms        1     60-64    32:28
1.  Karyn O'Neill           1     65-69    36:41
1.  Heather Carr            1     70-74    34:32
1.  Gwen Steed              1     80-84    38:08   VMA and VRWC W80 record
             
5000m VMA Men's Championship            
1.  Rupert van Dongen       1     45-49    36:34
1.  David Smyth             1     50-54    28:53
1.  Simon Evans             1     60-64    28:56
2.  Paul Moritz             2     60-64    35:21
1.  Terry O'Neill           1     65-69    32:46
1.  Clyde Riddoch           1     70-74    42:42
    Frank Prowse            DQ    70-74    
1.  Gunther Ilgoutz         1     80-84    41:57

The meet was rounded out by some VRWC scratch races which saw PBs from Kate Siviour and Jade Chitty.

VRWC 5000m Walk        
1.  Kate Siviour            F     24:15    PB 0:22
2.  Jade Chitty             F     27:00    PB 0:18
3.  Emilie Garside          F     37:24    First 5km
         
VRWC 3000m Walk        
1.  Mietta Morgan           F     17:32
         
VRWC 1500m Walk        
1.  Logan Allison           M      9:04
2.  Anouk Morgan            F      9:10
3.  John Nottle             M      9:42
4.  Geoff Barrow            M     12:06

Once again, many thanks to the judges, officials and helpers whose work made for a successful day’s racing. Apologies if your name was omitted – we appreciated your contribution nonetheless.

Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee: Terry Swan
Race checkin: Mark Donahoo, Michael Bodey
Recorders: Ian Laurie, Bob Gardiner, Dylan Shuttleworth, Bill Carr, Anthony Doran, Tim Erickson
Judges: Stu Cooper(C), David Cash,  Brenda Felton, Peter Price, Michael Bodey,
Setup, Packup: Mark Donahoo Terry Swan, Stu Cooper, Ian Laurie, Rupert Van Dongen
Drinks table: David Smyth
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10230203724137855)
Presentations: Mark Donahoo, Terry O'Neill, Simon Evans

VRWC AND AV COUNTRY ROADWALKS, VICTORIA PARK, BALLARAT, SUNDAY 27 AUGUST 2023

Sunday morning saw our VRWC walkers travel to Ballarat to join with our country counterparts for the annual Victorian Country Walk Championships, held alongside our own VRWC club championships at Victoria Park. Conditions were excellent but, with only 22 walkers in attendance, numbers were down on previous years.

Marcus Wakim (43:08) and Scott Peart (22:24) were the standout walkers in the AV Country Championships. Special mention also to Arnika Nelson (51:46) who continues to improve.

AV Country Open Men 10km Championship         
1.  Marcus Wakim        Invitation      43:08
         
AV Country Open Women 10km Championship     
1.  Arnika Nelson       Invitation      51:46    PB 0:39
2.  Megan Szirom        Albury Aths     53:29
3.  Jemma Peart         Ballarat YCW    55:09
4.  Sarah Brennan       Ballarat YCW    57:00
         
AV Country U20 Men 5km Championship     
1.  Scott Peart         Ballarat YCW    22:24    PB 0:21
         
AV Country U14 Girls 3km Championship     
1.  Matilda Read        Wellington AC   17:29

The VRWC Club Championships were contested alongside the AV Country races and saw some good times. We welcomed Will Bottle from Tasmania and he walked a swift 46:18. Special mention to Jonathan Ho for his 10km PB of 56:43 and to Riley Coughlan for a fast 5km of 22:09.

VRWC 10km Open Men Championship     
1.  Fraser Saunder          VRWC        45:36
2.  Will Bottle             TAS         46:18
3.  Jonathan Ho             VRWC        56:43    PB 1:11
4.  Terry O'Neill           VRWC      1:06:07
     
VRWC 10km Open Women Championship     
1.  Carolyn Rosenbrock      VRWC        59:53
2.  Marnie Zakis            VRWC      1:09:31
3.  Karyn O'Neill           VRWC      1:13:21
     
VRWC 5km U18 Men Championship     
1.  Riley Coughlan          VRWC        22:09
     
VRWC 5km U18 Women Championship     
1.  Emily Smith             VRWC        28:45
     
VRWC 3km U14 Girls Championship     
1.  Matilda Read            VRWC        17:29
     
VRWC 2km U12 Girls Championship     
1.  Zoe Bowkett             VRWC        12:52
2.  Edith Ede               VRWC        13:37
3.  Indigo Marshall-Moodie  VRWC        13:59
     
VRWC 1km U10 Girls Championship       
1.  Lily Bowkett            VRWC         5:35
2.  Pippa Read              VRWC         5:43

Once again, many thanks to the judges, officials and helpers whose work made for a successful day’s racing. Apologies if your name was omitted – we appreciated your contribution nonetheless.
    
Organisers: Kerrie Peart, Wayne Peart
Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee: Terry Swan
Jury of Appeal: Terry Swan, Bob Gardiner, Paul Nunn
Race checkin: Mark Donahoo
Recorders: Ian Laurie, Bob Gardiner. Paul Nunn, Mark Donahoo
Judges: Scott Nelson(C), Stu Cooper, Gordon Loughnan, Di Lowden, David Cash, Shane Dickson, Shane Bicknall, Brenda Felton
DQ Board: Michael Bodey
Setup, Packup: Kerrie Peart, Wayne Peart, Scott Peart, Jemma Peart, Alana Peart, Graeme Saunders, Terry Swan, Stu Cooper, Ian Laurie
Bike rider: Jared Tallent
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10230165668386485)
Presentation: Mark Donahoo, Emily Smith, Marcus Wakim

VRWC ROAD WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 2023

Cold, damp conditions did not dampen the spirits of the 28 starters who lined up for our final points races for Winter 2023, especially as there were Handicap prize incentives on offer.

The 8km saw Grace Louey and Arnika Nelson make big inroads into their PB’s, Grace by a whopping 2:38 and Arnika by 1:04 in easily winning line honours in 41:49. Grace’s 46:14 also won her the 8km handicap prize, a feat replicated by Terry O’Neill who took the Men’s prize. (Looked like a nice vintage, Terry!)  Numbers were hit by illness and the LAVic cross country titles, so only four fronted for the 6km. Emily Smith produced a good one to take the handicap with her 34:57. The 4km prizes went to Gerard Feain, 24:07, and Gwen Steed who crossed in 29:57.

Parental work commitments have meant fewer appearances this winter by Ela Uzun and Havana Ali than they would have liked, but they made up for lost time in the 2km by cleaning up on the handicaps, equal 1st in 9:02 and 10:24 respectively. And Ela' tim eof 9:02 bettered her club U13-U13 club records. Wow!
Levi Robertson (2km) and Jaida Robertson (1km) also took home the ‘chocolates’ (literally) with their times of 11:34 and 5:40. Matilda Read hasn’t raced 1km since her early club days so her huge PB of 4:53 was no surprise.

8km Walk                             Hcp pl
1.  Marcus Wakim           36:45     3
2.  Alejandro Stephens     41:03     2     PB 0:16
3.  Terry O’Neill          51:24     1

1.  Arnika Nelson          41:49     3     PB 1:04
2.  Grace Louey            46:14     1     PB 2:38
3.  Carolyn Rosenbrock     47:14     4
4.  Karyn O’Neill          57:33     2

6km Walk                             Hcp pl
1.  Char Hay               34:54     4
2.  Emily Smith            34:57     1
3.  Donna-Marie Elms       40:11     3
4.  Emilie Garside         44:56     2     First 6km

4km Walk                             Hcp pl
1.  Mark Blackwood         19:45     2
2.  Gerard Feain           24:07     1

1.  Kylie Irshad           25:13     3
2.  Amelia Vernal          27:22     2     First 4km
3.  Gwen Steed             29:57     1    

2km Walk                             Hcp pl
1.  Levi Robertson         11:34     1

1.  Ela Uzun                9:02     1     VRWC U13-U20 Club Records
2.  Mya McClure             9:59     3
3.  Havana Ali             10:24     1     PB 0:06
4.  Dee Holohan            12:31     4

1km Walk                             Hcp pl
1.  Matilda Read            4:53     4     PB 1:31
2.  Zoe Bowkett             5:36     2
3.  Jaida Robertson         5:40     1
4.  Pippa Read              5:46     5
5.  Lily Bowkett            6:07     7
6.  Heather Carr            6:15     5
7.  Abby Fowler             7:30     3

Once again, many thanks to the judges, officials and helpers whose work made for a successful day’s racing. Apologies if your name was omitted – we appreciated your contribution nonetheless.

Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee: Terry Swan
Recorders: Mark Donahoo, Ian Laurie, Simon Baker, Mark Donahoo, Eda Girgin
Judges: Brenda Felton (C), Peter Price, Gordan Loughnan, Scott Nelson, Michael Bodey, Stu Cooper, Tony Doran
Setup Packup: Terry Swan, Gerard Feain, Ian Laurie, Terry O'Neill, Michael Bodey, Carolyn Rosenbrock
Coaching panel: Mark Donahoo, Fran Attard, Simon Baker, Grace Louey, Emily Smith
Bike rider: Terry Swan
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10230069920472847)

VRWC ROAD WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 6 AUGUST 2023

A small but enthusiastic field of 17 faced the starter (several times in most cases) for this amalgam of race and speed endurance training session that has become a popular feature of the Winter program. The gun fired every 17 minutes, each time sending the walkers off on a 2km interval as they aimed at the fastest speed they could sustain over up to 5 repeats, so earning themselves more rest before the next one. The social element is welcome as it allows for friendly training-night chatter between intervals.

Most of the competitors showed levels of pace judgement in keeping with their years in the game. Marcus Wakim, hitting sub-9’s all the way, beat his 2km PB four times with the 3rd his fastest, 7:54. He paid for it a little in the last one but easily nailed the fastest aggregate 10km of 40:44. Jonathan Ho smashed his old PB on every rep, his fastest being 10:21, walking four even-paced legs before fatigue slowed him on the last. Equally impressive was Maddison Nash, another 5-outof-5 PB scorer, whose time difference over her five sub-10min legs was just 6 seconds – how’s that for even pace? Maddie had the third-quickest 10km aggregate overall and could be knocking on the door of a sub-50min 10k sooner rather than later. After starting well, Ariana Pashutina had one tough middle rep before rallying for two strong final circuits, while Riley Coughlan, Emily Smith, Grace Louey and Alejandro Stephens held consistent pace before stepping on the gas in the fifth.

The 3 X 2km and 2 X 2km fields also produced some pleasing results. After a quick start Daniel Pashutin settled for two nearly identical following legs. Angus Shuttleworth’s first 2k yielded another PB – 9:32 – before he received the bill in the next two laps. It’s all experience! Speaking of which, if you want textbook even pace you couldn’t go past Geoff Barrow’s – 3 seconds difference across 3 legs!

Matilda Read produced three creditable intervals in her first tryout. Younger sister Pippa wasn’t going to be left out of this fun format, producing two good laps of her own and just ‘pipping’ Amelia Vernal for the aggregate win by a second!

5x2km Intervals Race          Total    Int 1    Int 2    Int 3    Int 4    Int 5                      
1.  Marcus Wakim         M    40:44     8:03     8:02     7:54     8:11     8:34  U18 2km Club Record
2.  Riley Coughlan       M    46:38     9:42     9:31     9:27     9:17     8:41
3.  Maddison Nash        F    48:18     9:43     9:37     9:39     9:40     9:39
4.  Alejandro Stephens   M    49:25     9:56    10:06    10:03     9:56     9:24
5.  Jonathan Ho          M    53:01    10:29    10:39    10:21    10:30    11:02
6.  Ariana Pashutina     F    54:00    10:28    10:45    11:41    10:31    10:35
7.  Emily Smith          F    55:32    11:05    11:06    11:14    11:08    10:59
8.  Grace Louey          F    57:04    11:22    11:25    11:41    11:26    11:10

3x2km Intervals Race          Total    Int 1    Int 2    Int 3
1.  Daniel Pashutin      M    30:50     9:59    10:25    10:26        
2.  Matilda Read         F    32:49    10:30    10:50    11:29        
3.  Angus Shuttleworth   M    33:55     9:32    11:44    12:39    U12 VRWC 2km Club Record      
4.  Donna-Marie Elms     F    38:39    12:44    13:11    12:44        
5.  Geoff Barrow         M    44:30    14:51    14:48    14:51        

2x2km Intervals Race          Total    Int 1    Int 2
1.  Pippa Read           F    27:01    13:08    13:53            
2.  Amelia Vernal        F    27:02    13:39    13:23            

VRWC 4km Open Walk        
1.  Emilie Garside       F    28:55
2.  Christal Xie         F    30:20

Thanks as always to our many judges, officials and helpers. Apologies if your name is not on the list. Everyone is appreciated – the events would not run without your help.

Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee:  Terry Swan
Race checkin: Debbie Nash, Narelle Coughlin, Mark Donahoo
Recorders: Dylan Shuttleworth, Carolyn Rosenbrook, Bob Gardiner, Ian Laurie, Mark Donahoo
Judges:  Peter Price (C), Stu Cooper, Kathleen Marsh, David Cash,
Setup, Packup: Ian Laurie, Mark Donahoo, Stu Cooper, Donna Marie Elms, Bob Gardiner, Debbie Nash, Richard Nash, Narelle Coughlin
Bike rider: Terry Swan
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10230028177509299)

RWA, VMA AND VRWC ROAD WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 29 JULY 2023

Warm and sunny skies, albeit with the usual stiff northerly, greeted the 41 walkers who fronted for the annual RWA Challenge and VMA championships on Saturday. The 10km and 8km starters got underway first, with the Masters welcoming QLD visitor Brenda Gannon to their 10km ranks. Brenda showed she is a strong competitor, just missing a sub-60min result. Among the VMA walkers, the standout was Carolyn Rosenbrock whose 1:00:19 attracted an 87.20% rating.

Amongst the Challenge contestants, Marcus Wakim took 10km line honours for the men with 43:31, while Arnika Nelson, walking her first 10km, showed she has great promise in the long ones in clocking 52:23 to be first woman home. Maddison Nash and Alejandro Stephens set big new PBs of 52:29 and 52:15 as their climb up the improvement curve continues. Ariana Pashutina was the only 8km starter on the day, but she took advantage of the 10km company around her to post a 25sec PB of 46:25.

10km VMA Masters & RWA Masters, Open and U20 Challenge                             
10km                Age Gp    Time    VMA     RWA Mast   RWA Open     RWA U20
Arnika Nelson       Open     52:23                       1    
Maddison Nash       U20      52:29                                    1
Brenda Gannon       M45    1:00:00    1 M45                
Carolyn Rosenbrock  M60    1:00:19    1 M60   1 87.20%        
Grace Louey         U20    1:02:42                                    2
Barb Bryant         M65    1:04:55    1 M65                
Donna-Marie Elms    M60    1:10:16    2 M60   4 74.85%       
Marnie Zakis        M45    1:11:47    1 M45   5 63.92%       
Karyn O'Neill       M65    1:12:26    2 M65   3 77.70%       
Heather Carr        M70    1:13:00    1 M70   2 82.01%       
Char Hay            U20        DNF                                    DNF    
                                
Marcus Wakim        U20      43:31                                    1
Eden Morgan         U20      50:32                                    2
Alejandro Stephens  Open     52:15                       1    
Pramesh Prasad      M45      58:05    1 M45   2 70.15%       
Jonathan Ho         U20      58:42                                    3
Simon Evans         M60    1:02:35    1 M60                
Gerard Feain        M60    1:04:29    2 M60   3 69.42%       
Terry O'Neill       M65    1:05:30    1 M65   1 72.85%       
Gunther Ilgoutz     M80    1:31:38    1 M80                
Mark Blackwood      M45        DNF      M45                
Paul Moritz         M60        DNF      M60                

Numbers, unfortunately, were a little down in the shorter Challenge races. Lily Bowkett was the best of the bunch with a huge 43sec PB in the 1.5km, with Jaida Robertson taking the win with her own PB time

8km U18 RWA Challenge         
1. Ariana Pashutina          46:25
         
3km U14 RWA Challenge     
1.  Mietta Morgan            17:05
                 
2km U12 RWA Challenge
1.  Zoe Bowkett              13:32        

1.  Angus Shuttleworth       10:10
                 
1.5km U10 RWA Challenge     
1.  Jaida Robertson           9:06
2.  Lily Bowkett              9:12
3.  Anouk Morgan              9:33

Entrants for the RWA Challenge and Masters events who are VRWC members were automatically entered for the Club points competition (Times and Handicap). For Maddie Nash it was a productive day, with a handicap win alongside her big 10km PB. Terry O’Neill won the Men’s handicap alongside his 1:05:30 in the Masters 10. Nikola Mandic turned on a powerful display in his first 8km race, his 38:45 making the prospect of what he’ll do with more training and racing over longer distances very appealing. The same can be said of Kate Siviour who ripped a huge chunk from her PB for 41:34 and would surely benefit from more winter racing. Evergreen club stalwarts Gwen Steed and Geoff Barrow took handicap honours in the 5km, with Jade Chitty not far off her PB in being first home in 27:31. Subject to ratification, Gwen’s time of 37:42 has broken her own VRWC W80 record for 5km by 8secs– well done, Gwen! Another to show big progress was Amelia Vernal, who is getting stronger with each race and who clobbered her previous best 5km time by 51secs to clock 34:20. Steve Haverley (who can always be depended on to race on Twilight Trivia day) and Mietta Morgan were our only 3km starters, with both handling the windy conditions well. In the 2km we were pleased to welcome, Susan Short, a newcomer to race walking, for her first road race. Susan is a Mentone Masters athlete who is keen to get into the sport, and we look forward to seeing more of her. Levi Robertson and Mya McClure took the 2km handicaps.

VRWC Open 10km                        H'Cap Place   
1.  Arnika Nelson            52:23    2
2.  Maddison Nash            52:29    1
3.  Carolyn Rosenbrock     1:00:19    4
4.  Grace Louey            1:02:42    7
5.  Donna-Marie Elms       1:10:16    5
6.  Marnie Zakis           1:11:47    6
7.  Karyn O'Neill          1:12:26    3
8.  Heather Carr           1:13:00    8
    Char Hay                   DNF    
        
1.  Marcus Wakim             43:31    2
2.  Eden Morgan              50:32    3
3.  Alejandro Stephens       52:15    4
4.  Pramesh Prasad           58:05    7
5.  Jonathan Ho              58:42    5
6.  Gerard Feain           1:04:29    6
7.  Terry O'Neill          1:05:30    1
    Mark Blackwood             DNF
    Paul Moritz                DNF
                         
VRWC Open 8km                         H'Cap Place
1.  Kate Siviour             41:34    
2.  Ariana Pashutina         46:25    2
3.  Emily Smith              47:37    1

1.  Nikola Mandic            38:45    
                         
VRWC Open 5km                         H'Cap Place    
1.  Jade Chitty              27:31    2
2.  Amelia Vernal            34:20    3
3.  Gwen Steed               37:42    1      W80 Club Record

1.  Geoff Barrow             38:45    1
                          
VRWC Open 3km                         H'Cap Place
1.  Mietta Morgan            17:05    1
        
1.  Steven Haverly           27:33            
             
VRWC Open 2km                         H'Cap Place
1.  Mya McClure               9:42    1
2.  Susan Short              12:19    
3.  Zoe Bowkett              13:32    2

1.  Angus Shuttleworth       10:10    2
2.  Levi Robertson           11:26    1            
             
VRWC Open 1.5km                       H'Cap Place
1.  Jaida Robertson           9:06    1
2.  Lily Bowkett              9:12    3
3.  Anouk Morgan              9:33    2
4.  Abby Fowler              13:02    4

Thanks as always to our many judges, officials and helpers. Apologies if your name is not on the list. Everyone is appreciated – the events would not run without the help of everyone.

Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee: Mark Donahoo
Race checkin: Bill Carr, Mark Donahoo
Recorders: Bob Gardiner, Madeleine Feain, Dave Long, Mark Donahoo, Bill Carr, Matt Vernal.
Judges: Gordan Loughnan(C), Stu Cooper, Peter Price, Michael Bodey, Di lowden, Kathleen Marsh, Brenda Felton, Scott Nelson
Set up, Pack up: Gerard Feain, Madeleine Feain, Dave Long, Carolyn Rosenbrock, Donna Marie Elms, Bob Gardiner
Photos: Therese Smith (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159778684381048)

AV, VMA AND VRWC ROAD WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 16 JULY 2023

The 37 walkers in attendance for the latest round of the winter roadwalk season were treated to a still and sunny winter morning, a vast difference to the antarctic winter’s morning two weeks previously. This Sunday morning meet saw VRWC hosting the Victorian Winter Roadwalk Championships, along with the VMA 20km championships and a variety of VRWC club championships.

The 20km races kicked off first, at 8:30AM. With nearly all our top internationals already overseas and preparing for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Hungary, the fields were small, but we did have Jemima Montag there, just back from an altitude training camp in the USA and doing her own final prep at home before leaving for Budapest herself in a few weeks. She stormed straight to the front and timetrialed her way to a very impressive 1:29:10 (splits of 44:51 and 44:19). Char Hay was just outside her PB with her second place time of 1:51:41 while third placed Carolyn Rosenbrock was in PB mode with 2:03:44. They were joined by VRWC/VMA walkers Karyn O’Neill (2:27:47), Gerard Feain (2:12:05)  and Terry O’Neill (2:14:06).

AV 20km Open Women Championship                    
1.  Jemima Montag             MUA       22:25      44:51    1:07:04    1:29:10
2.  Char Hay                  MUA       26:40      54:15    1:22:25    1:51:41
3.  Carolyn Rosenbrock        YRA       29:58    1:00:26    1:31:50    2:03:44    PB 1:41
                    
VMA 20km Women Championship                    
1.  Carolyn Rosenbrock        W60       29:58    1:00:26    1:31:50    2:03:44
1.  Karyn O'Neill             W65       36:10    1:14:12    1:50:48    2:27:47
                     
VMA 20km Men Championship                    
1.  Gerard Feain              M60       35:07    1:05:46    1:38:49    2:12:05
1.  Terry O'Neill             M65       34:03    1:07:16    1:40:27    2:14:06
                     
VRWC 20km Open Men Championship - Alf Robinson Trophy                
1.  Gerard Feain              VRWC      35:07    1:05:46    1:38:49    2:12:05
2.  Terry O'Neill             VRWC      34:03    1:07:16    1:40:27    2:14:06

The 10km walkers were up next, with the U18 Boys leading the way. ACT visitor Owen Toyne took overall honours with 43:55, ahead of Victorians Riley Coughlan 45:01 and Scott Peart, a big PB of 47:45. Jemma Peart took the VRWC 10km Women’s Championship with 52:27, ahead of Grace Louey with a PB of 1:00:33.

VRWC 10km Open Women Championship -  Mabel Robinson Trophy        
1.  Jemma Peart               VRWC      52:27
2.  Grace Louey               VRWC    1:00:33    PB 0:52
         
AV 10km U20 Men Championship        
   Eden Morgan                KNA          DQ
         
10km AV U20 Women Championship        
   Maddison Nash              KNA         DNF
         
AV 10km U18 Boys Championship        
1.  Owen Toyne                ACT/INV   43:55
2.  Riley Coughlan            KNA       45:01
3.  Scott Peart               BYC       47:45    PB 2:15

The  AV U16 5km and AV U14 3km walks rounded out the Victorian Championship component of the morning, with wins going to Emily Smith, Mietta Morgan, Angus Shuttleworth and Ela Uzun. I must zoom in to note the record breaking performances of Ela and Angus. Ela’s time of 14:07 not only broke her own U13 Club Record, but also bettered Jemima Montag’s U14 club record and Rebecca Henderson’s U15-17 club records. Further, she zoomed through the 2km mark in a new road PB and U13 club record time of 9:06. And Angus bettered Billy Allamby’s U12 club record of 15:02 with his own very fast time of 15:00. Special mention also to 11 year old Havana Ali for her 25 sec PB time of 15:45.
         
AV 5km U18 Girls Championship        
1.  Emily Smith               KNA       28:52
         
AV 5km U16 Boys Championship        
No starters         
         
AV 5km U16 Girls Championship        
1.  Mietta Morgan             KNA       29:14
         
AV 3km U14 Boys Championship        
1.  Angus Shuttleworth        KNA       15:00    PB 0:03, VRWC U12 Club Record
2.  Tate Jardine              ATE       22:06
         
AV 3km U14 Girls Championship        
1.  Ela Uzun                  ATE       14:07    VRWC Club Records, U13-U17
2.  Mya McClure               BOH       14:51
3.  Havana Ali                ATE       15:45    PB 0:25
4.  Matilda Read              WEL       15:59
 
The VRWC 2km U12 and U10 club championships then following, with some wonderful performances. Congrats to winners Zoe Bowkett, Logan Allison and Pippa Read. Lots of PBs and first outings over the 2km distance. Great work everyone!
        
VRWC 2km U12 Boys Championship        
No starters         
         
VRWC 2km U12 Girls Championship        
1.  Zoe Bowkett               VRWC      12:20    PB 0:55
2.  Edith Ede                 VRWC      12:53    First 2km walk
         
VRWC 2km U10 Boys Championship        
1.  Logan Allison             VRWC      12:54    PB 0:46
           
VRWC 2km U10 Girls Championship    
1.  Pippa Read                VRWC      12:01
2.  Anouk Morgan              VRWC      12:10    PB 1:45
3.  Lily Bowkett              VRWC      12:36    PB 0:44
4.  Ella Harris               VRWC      12:49    First 2km race
5.  Erlyn Singh               VRWC      14:13
6.  Abby Fowler               VRWC      16:39    First 2km race
 
Finally, we included some VRWC non-championship races for those who just wanted a low pressure fitness walk for the day. Results are below.
        
VRWC 5km Open Non-championship
1.  Nikola Mandic             M         23:43    PB 0:02    
2.  Ariana Pashutina          F         27:09
3.  Jonathan Ho               M         27:41    PB 0:07
4.  Daniel Pashutin           M         28:12
         
VRWC 3km Open Non-championship    
1.  Amelia Vernal             F         18:58
2.  Donna-Marie Elms          F         19:02
         
VRWC 2km Open Non-championship    
1.  Christal Xie              F         15:17

Thanks as always to our many officials, judges and helpers. As we were using our new 1km course alongside the lake, it was a bigger job than usual to cart over, setup and then bring back all the equipment. Apologies if I have missed anyone.

Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee: Terry Swan
Race checkin: Michael Bodey
Recorders: Ian Laurie, Tim Erickson, Michael Bodey, Bob Gardiner, Simon Baker, Mark Donahoo
Judges: Katheen Marsh (C), Stu Cooper, Scott Nelson, Gordon Loughnan, Di Lowden, David Cash
DQ board: Peter Price, Brenda Felton
Pit lane: Peter Price, Brenda Felton
Setup Packup: Gerard Feain, Terry Swan, Ian Laurie, Tim Erickson, Donna Marie Elms
Bike rider: Richard Nash
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229872981789503)

VRWC ROAD WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 1 JULY 2023

Perfect conditions greeted the 32 walkers who fronted for the latest round of VRWC roadwalks at Middle Park. The longer races were first off at 2PM and it was Riley Coughlan who led the whole way to win the 6km walk with 27:50. Nikola Mandic is improving week by week and also produced a great first up 6km time of 28:33. There were quite a few PBs - Alejandro Stephens, Jonathan Ho and Maddison Nash in the 8km walk and Char Hay in the 6km. And special mention to Emilie Garside who walked her longest race so far and won the handicap in the 4km walk. Finally, it was great to see former VRWC walker Kirstin Shaw back in Melbourne for the weekend and having her first walk with us since 2016. For the record, she walked a good 46:03.

8km Open Walk                            H’cap Place    
1.  Alejandro Stephens     M    41:19    2    PB
2.  Eden Morgan            M    41:39    4
3.  Jonathan Ho            M    45:40    3    PB 1:25
4.  Gerard Feain           M    48:53    1
             
1.  Maddison Nash          F    41:56    1    PB 2:28
2.  Kirstin Shaw           F    46:03    
3.  Grace Louey            F    48:58    2
             
6km Open Walk                            H’cap Place    
1.  Riley Coughlan         M    27:50    3
2.  Nikola Mandic          M    28:33    2    Longest race
3.  David Smyth            M    35:51    1
            
1.  Char Hay               F    31:49    1    PB 0:16
2.  Donna-Marie Elms       F    39:14    3
3.  Heather Carr           F    39:18    2
4.  Marnie Zakis           F    43:32    4

4km Open Walk                            H’cap Place    
1.  Steven Haverly         M    36:47    
2.  Geoff Barrow           M    30:56    2
3.  Terry O'Neill          M    24:47    1
            
1.  Mietta Morgan          F    23:41    4
2.  Karyn O'Neill          F    28:07    2
3.  Emilie Garside         F    28:44    1    Longest race
4.  Merilyn Thompson       F    29:24    3

The shorter races started 15 minutes later, at 2:15PM, and Mya McClure and Angus Shuttleworth were straight to the lead and showcasing their fantastic walking styles. Mya eventually broke clear for a 10 sec PB of 9:29, while Angus was only 1 sec outside Kyle Swan’s U12 2km club record with his PB time of 9:35. Matilda Read chased gamely and was rewarded with her own PB of 10:15. The 1km wins went to Zoe Bowkett (5:24) and Logan Allison (PB 5:46).
             
2km Open Walk                            H’cap Place    
1.  Angus Shuttleworth     M     9:35    1    PB 0:01
            
1.  Mya McClure            F     9:29    2    PB 0:10
2.  Matilda Read           F    10:15    3    PB 0:13
3.  Emily Smith            F    10:47    
4.  Gwen Steed             F    14:42    1

1km Open Walk                            H’cap Place    
1.  Logan Allison          M     5:46    1    PB 0:02
            
1.  Zoe Bowkett            F     5:24    1
2.  Pippa Read             F     5:39    5
3.  Lily Bowkett           F     5:44    2
4.  Ella Harris            F     6:07    3    PB 0:06
5.  Anouk Morgan           F     6:15    4
 
Thanks to our many officials, judges and helpers. Apologies if I have missed anyone.

Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee: Terry Swan
Recorders: Mark Donahoo, Robert Gardiner, Bill Carr, Ian Laurie, Deanne McClure, Alan McClure
Judges: Stu Cooper(C), Peter Price, Brenda Felton, Gordan Loughnan, Shane Bignell, Michael Bodey
Set up, Pack up: Terry Swan, Gerard Feain, Robert Gardiner, Mark Donahoo, Ian Laurie, terry O'Neill, Karyn o'Neill, Tim Erickson, Emily Garside, Michael Bodey
Bike rider: Tim Erickson
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229763163604117&set=oa.967519710964694)

VRWC AND AV CHAMPIONSHIPS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 24 JUNE 2023

VRWC trialled a new 1km AIMS certified course last Saturday afternoon for the Victorian 15km Roadwalk Championships. The meet attracted 44 walkers who contested the various events on offer. But Saturday came towards the end of what had been a very cold week and it was a case of more of the same come race day. Events got underway at 2PM, with a very strong northerly wind, a high chill factor and with black clouds looming in the distance.

The new course certainly proved to be a fast one, with the Declan Tingay, Rhydian Cowley, Kyle Swan and Will Thompson reeling off initial 1km laps of 3:59 and 3:59. The strong headwind then started to come into play, with first Kyle and then Rhydian dropped off the pace, leaving Declan and Will to pass the 5km mark together in 20:22. Declan then put the pedal down, ticking of laps of 3:53, 3:55, 3:52, 3:57 and 3:56 to reach the 10km mark in 39:47, now with a break of 59 secs over Will. Declan continued to reel off sub-4 laps to cross the finish line with a time of 59:08, well ahead of Will with 1:01:29, Rhydian with 1:03:56, Kyle with 1:05:23 and Corey Dickson with 1:06:29. Juniors filled the next 2 places with Marcus Wakim 1:07:42 and Riley Coughlan 1:10:31. An impressive finishing card indeed. Disappointment then set in with a late red card taking Declan's tally to 3 and costing him a time penalty of 90 secs. With an amended time of 1:00:37, he was still the fastest of the men, so final positions were unchanged. The fastest of the women was SA ace Olivia Sandery (1:11:16) who, like Declan, was contesting the VRWC race, so the Victorian championship medals went to Sarah Brennan (1:27:14) and Carolyn Rosenbrock (1:31:30). The weather was certainly challenging, with rain starting to fall soon around the half way mark, to add to the already windy arctic conditions.
    
AV Open Men 15km Championship       
1.  Will Thompson         MPA       20:22      40:46    1:01:29
2.  Rhydian Cowley        GHY       20:22      41:14    1:03:56
3.  Kyle Swan             ANW       20:32      42:51    1:05:23
4.  Marcus Wakim          COL       22:28      44:55    1:07:42
5.  Riley Coughlan        KNA       23:20      47:07    1:10:31    First one
6.  Alejandro Stephens    GHY       26:59      54:58    1:23:04
7.  Jason Kozica          UNA       28:14      56:26    1:23:06
8.  Michael Harvey        AWA       36:52    1:16:22    1:56:39

AV Open Women 15km Championship       
1.  Sarah Brennan         BYC       28:41      57:41    1:27:14
2.  Carolyn Rosenbrock    YRA       29:57    1:00:17    1:31:30

VRWC Elsie Jacobson Open Women 15km Championship       
1.  Olivia Sandery        SA        23:20      47:12    1:11:16
2.  Sarah Brennan         VRWC      28:41      77:41    1:27:14
3.  Carolyn Rosenbrock    VRWC      29:57    1:00:17    1:31:30
4.  Karyn O'Neill         VRWC      35:57    1:12:18    1:49:20
        
VRWC U20 Men 15km Championship       
1.  Marcus Wakim          VRWC      22:28      44:55    1:07:42
2.  Riley Coughlan        VRWC      23:20      47:07    1:10:31
3.  Jonathan Ho           VRWC      28:56      58:08    1:28:28    First one

VRWC 15km Points Races               H'cap Place
1.  Declan Tingay         1:00:38    3   (1:30 Pit Lane)
2.  Will Thompson         1:01:29    2
3.  Rhydian Cowley        1:03:56    10
4.  Kyle Swan             1:05:23    7
5.  Corey Dickson         1:06:29   
6.  Marcus Wakim          1:07:42    1
7.  Riley Coughlan        1:10:31    6
8.  Alejandro Stephens    1:23:04    9
9.  Jason Kozica          1:23:06   
10. Jonathan Ho           1:28:28    5
11. Gerard Feain          1:37:46    4
12. Terry O'Neill         1:44:02    8

1.  Sarah Brennan         1:27:14    3
2.  Carolyn Rosenbrock    1:31:30    2
3.  Karyn O'Neill         1:49:20    1

The meet included the usual spread of VRWC races, ranging from 10km down to 1km. PBs were few and far between, given the conditions, so special mention to Logan Allison, Indigo Marshall-Moodie, Daniel Pashutin and Abby Fowler who defied the odds. And a special mention to Alejandro Stephens who collapsed over the finishing line, fully spent. I am pleased to report that Alejandro came good once he was back in the clubrooms in a warmer environment. It's a tough sport sometimes.

VRWC Open 10km Walk                  H'cap Place 
1.  Ariana Pashutina        55:53    1
2.  Emily Smith             59:45    3
3.  Marnie Zakis          1:11:30    2
        
VRWC Open 5km Walk                   H'cap Place
1.  Nikola Mandic           23:45    1
2.  Daniel Pashutin         27:41    2    PB 0:17

1.  Mya McClure             26:54    3    First one
2.  Jade Chitty             28:14    2
3.  Madeleine Feain         28:58    1
4.  Grace Louey             29:49    4
        
VRWC Open 3km Walk                   H'cap Place
1.  Angus Shuttleworth      15:25    1
2.  Pramesh Prasad          16:40    4
3.  Kevin Cassidy           16:55    3
4.  Tate Jardine            21:42    2
5.  Geoff Barrow            23:04    5

1.  Matilda Read            17:03    5
2.  Heather Carr            19:24    1
3.  Donna-Marie Elms        19:26    3
4.  Amelia Vernal           20:00    2
5.  Emilie Garside          21:38        First one
6.  Gwen Steed              22:50    4
7.  Kylie Irshad              DNF   
        
VRWC Open 1km Walk                   H'cap Place
1.  Logan Allison            5:48    1    Eq. PB

1.  Indigo Marshall-Moodie   5:31    3    PB 0:17
2.  Zoe Bowkett              5:32    4
3.  Lily Bowkett             5:45    2
4.  Pippa Read               5:48    5
5.  Abby Fowler              6:48    1    PB 0:20

Thanks as always to our many judges, officials and helpers. The races would not proceed without your generous support. And it was indeed a tough day in the office.

Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee: Stu Cooper
Recorders: Mark Donahoo, Darlene Swan, Robert Gardiner, Ian Laurie, Tim Erickson, Bill Carr, Ella Pashutina
Judges: Shane Dickson (C), Scott Nelson, Brenda Felton, Gordan Loughnan,Bernadette Morgan, Peter Price, Ralph Bennett
DQ board: Michael Bodey
Pit lane: David Cash
Set up, Pack up: Terry Swan, Ian Laurie, Michael Bodey, Gerard Feain, Madeleine Feain, Tim Erickson, Donna Marie Elms, Stu Cooper
Bike rider: Terry Swan
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229710967379244&set=oa.1311041686484393)

I must also point readers to Terry Swan's video at https://www.facebook.com/terry.swan/videos/275018915196628. Check out our new course and just see how well everyone was walking. Fantastic stuff!

VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 17 JUNE 2023

We saw a good turnout of 34 walkers for our annual VRWC Guess Your Time roadwalk meet at Middle Park on Saturday. Things were complicated by the strong winds but some competitors still managed to guess just about spot on. The best time estimate of the day went to Tate Jardine who correctly predicted (to the exact second) that he would walk 13:30 for the 2km walk. There were prizes for the best guess in each race, as well as some random prizes from the table. Well done to VRWC president Stuart Cooper for his shoping expedition! Lots of PBs. Special mention to Nikola Mandic, back after a break of 3 years, who was one of those who did a best ever time. He is gettin walk fit quickly.
                 
8km race                               Hcp Place  Diff Place  Time Diff
1.  Marcus Wakim              35:46    1          1           0:14    P 0:29
2.  Jonathan Ho               47:03    3          2           0:42    First one
3.  Gerard Feain              51:18    2          2           0:42
4.  Terry O'Neill             54:33    4          4           2:43

1.  Arnika Nelson             42:53                           2:07    Arnika Nelson
2.  Maddison Nash             44:24    2          2           1:14    PB 0:09
3.  Carolyn Rosenbrock        47:53    3          3           1:33
4.  Erika Woodward            50:45                           0:45
5.  Karyn O'Neill             57:32    1          1           0:02
                 
6km race                               Hcp Place  Diff Place  Time Diff
1.  Emily Smith               35:15    1          1           0:35
                 
4km race                               Hcp Place  Diff Place  Time Diff
1.  Riley Coughlan            17:31    1          3           0:11    PB 0:22
2.  Nikola Mandic             18:52    2          2           0:07    PB 0:54
3.  Kevin Cassidy             22:57    4          5           0:27
4.  David Smyth               23:42    3          4           0:21
5.  Geoff Barrow              31:07    5          1           0:03

1.  Ariana Pashutina          21:17    1          2           0:13
2.  Char Hay                  22:13    5          4           0:17
3.  Donna-Marie Elms          26:20    3          1           0:10
4.  Heather Carr              26:55    2          5           1:05
5.  Marnie Zakis              28:06    4          3           0:14
                 
2km race                               Hcp Place  Diff Place  Time Diff
1.  Daniel Pashutin           10:12    3          3           0:22
2.  Pramesh Prasad            10:52               5           0:42
3.  Levi Robertson            10:58    2          4           0:26    PB 0:15
4.  Tate Jardine              13:30    1          1           0:00    PB 0:27
5.  Oliver Semmens Erickson   15:41    4          2           0:11    PB 0:22

1.  Mya McClure               10:03    2          1           0:13
2.  Hannah Matthews           10:55    1          2           0:35
3.  Amelia Vernal             12:35    4          3           0:30
4.  Jaida Robertson           13:04    3          5           0:42    PB 0:06
5.  Merilyn Thompson          14:29    5          4           0:37

1km race                               Hcp Place  Diff Place  Time Diff
1.  Zoe Bowkett                6:00    3          3           0:42
2.  Lily Bowkett               6:10    2          4           0:46    PB 0:33
3.  Abby Fowler                7:08    1          1           0:12    PB 0:15
4.  Annika Semmens Erickson    8:33               2           0:33

Thanks as always to our many officials, judges and helpers. Apologies to any I have missed.

Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee: Terry Swan
Recorders: Mark Donahoo, Richard Nash, Robert Gardiner, Bill Carr, Narelle Coughlin
Judges: Brenda Felton(C), Peter Price, Stu Cooper, Scott Nelson
Set up Pack up: Terry Swan, Baz Wakim, Marcus Wakim, Gerard Feain, Robert Gardiner, Carolyn Rosenbrook
Bike rider: Terry Swan
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229668579359570&set=oa.3581239152109740)

LBG CARNIVAL, CANBERRA, SUNDAY 12 JUNE 2023

After a zero degree start to the day, the annual Lake Burley Griffin Walks Carnival at Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra was held in beautiful, still and sunny conditions. With 160+ entries, the carnival was well supported by our member clubs, with representatives from NSWRWC, VRWC, ACTRWC, SARWC, QRWC, TRWC and WARWC.

The carnival started with an announcment that the blue riband men's 30km race would be renamed as the Robin Whyte Classic. Robin’s dedication and drive in building the LBG walking festival into the celebration it has become – as well as his participation in every one of its marquee 20 miles / 30km races up until his health began to fail in 2020 – are now fittingly remembered. The women's 30km event was also renamed to the Val Chesterton Classic, to honour Robin's partner Val who was the other key player in the LOC for so many years.

VRWC sent a small but talented team and we took more than our fair share of individual and team awards. Leading the Victorian charge were Declan Tingay and Riley Coughlan, both of whom took dual golds. Declan's wins were perhaps the highlights of the entire carnival in that he shattered the existing meet records with his 15km (59:46) and 5km (19:26) times. Other podium finishes and Teams successes are featured in the table below.

Numerous Victorians made the most of the occasion by racing in multiple events, increasing our medal and team tally and boosting our chances in the Brennan Shield competition. Well done to Team VIC!

GOLD Indiv     Declan Tingay       Open Men 15km      59:46
               Riley Coughlan      U20 Men 10km       44:06
               Riley Coughlan      U18 Boys 5km       22:38
               Declan Tingay       Open Men 5km       19:26

GOLD Teams     Open Men 15km       Declan Tingay, Marcus Wakim, Fraser Saunder
               U20 Men 10km        Riley Coughlan, Scott Peart, Eden Morgan
               U20 Women 10km      Emily Smith, Maddison Nash, Char Hay
               U15 Girls 2km       Mya McClure, Hannah Matthews, Matilda Read
               U18 Boys 5km        Riley Coughlan, Scott Peart, Daniel Pashutin
               Open Women 5km      Jemma Peart, Char Hay, Arnika Nelson
               Open Men 5km        Declan Tingay, Corey Dickson, Marcus Wakim

SILVER Indiv   Marcus Wakim        Open Men 15km    1:04:38
               Angus Shuttleworth  U12 Boys 2km        9:36
               Mya McClure         U14 Girls 2km       9:39
               Jemma Peart         Open Women 5km     25:12
 
SILVER Teams   U10 Girls 1km       Pippa Read, Lily Bowkett, Anouk Morgan
               U12 Boys 2km        Angus Shuttleworth, Tate McQueen, Logan Allison
               U16 Girls 3km       Mya McClure, Matilda Read, Mietta Morgan

BRONZE Indiv   Logan Allison       U10 Boys 1km        6:09
               Pippa Read          U10 Girls 1km       5:22
               Tate McQueen        U12 Boys 2km       10:58
               Scott Peart         U18 Boys 5km       23:46
               Ariana Pashutina    U18 Girls 5km      28:01
               Corey Dickson       Open Men 5km       20:34
 
BRONZE Teams   U18 Girls 5km       Ariana Pashutina, Emily Smith, Mietta Morgan
    
The following results show the first 3 placings in each event, as well as the performance of all VRWC walkers.

Event 1: Open Men 30 Km
1.  Timothy Fraser        ACTRWC    2:17:14
2.  Mitchell Baker        ACTRWC    2:18:13
3.  Dylan Richardson      NSWRWC    2:18:32
5.  Corey Dickson         VRWC      2:29:43    First one

Masters Men
1.  Peter Crump           SARWC     3:14:39

Open Women 30 Km
1.  Allanah Pitcher       NSWRWC    2:34:36
2.  Hannah Bolton         NSWRWC    2:37:15
3.  Bridget Bell          NSWRWC    2:54:06

Combined Handicap Results (Men and Women)
1.  Corey Dickson         VRWC   
2.  Alejandro Stephens    VRWC       

Combined Teams Results (Men and Women)
1.  NSWRWC1    Dylan Richardson, Carl Gibbons, Jack McGinniskin       15 pts
2.  NSWRWC2    Allanah Pitcher, Hannah Bolton, Bridget Bell            6 pts

Event 2: ACT 30 Km Fitness Walk
1.  Sue Archer            ACTRWC    3:47:03

Event 3: ACT 30 Km Championship
1.  Timothy Fraser        ACTRWC    2:17:14
2.  Mitchell Baker        ACTRWC    2:18:13

Event 4: Open Women 15 Km
1.  Hannah Mison          NSWRWC    1:09:33
2.  Tayla Billington      QRWC      1:12:11
3.  Jasmine Dighton       NSWRWC    1:19:44

Masters Women 15 Km
1.  Noela McKinven        QRWC      2:29:04

Event 5: Open Men 15 Km
1.  Declan Tingay         VRWC        59:46
2.  Marcus Wakim          VRWC      1:04:38    First one, VRWC U18 Club Record
3.  Kim Mottrom           SARWC     1:10:28
4.  Fraser Saunder        VRWC      1:11:19    First one
5.  Gerard Feain          VRWC      1:38:47

Masters Men 15 Km
2.  Gerard Feain          VRWC      1:38:47

Handicap Results
1.  Fraser Saunder        VRWC
2.  Gerard Feain          VRWC

Team Results
1.  VRWC      Declan Tingay, Marcus Wakim, Fraser Saunder              7 pts

Event 6: ACT 15 Km Fitness Walk
No entrants

Event 7: ACT 8 Km Fitness Walk
Women
1.  Nicole Nilon          NSWRWC    1:03:20
2.  HelenToyne            ACTRWC    1:09:16
3.  Kristy Templer        SARWC     1:12:04

Men
1.  John Nilon            NSWRWC    1:03:20
2.  Robert Kennelly       ACTRWC    1:20:15
3.  Geoff Barker          ACTRWC    1:24:58

Event 8: Men Under 20 10 Km
1.  Riley Coughlan        VRWC        44:06
2.  Kodi Clarkson         ACTRWC      44:16
3.  Scott Peart           VRWC        50:00    First one
4.  Eden Morgan           VRWC        51:49

Handicap Results
3.  Eden Morgan           VRWC

Team Results
1.  VRWC      Riley Coughlan, Scott Peart, Eden Morgan                15 pts   
2.  NSWRWC    Raven Pyda, Jack Robson, Brendan Pospischil              6 pts

Event 9: ACT Over 19 10 KM
1.  Kim Mottrom           SARWC       57:41

Event 10: Women Under 20 10 Km
1.  Alexandra Griffin     WARWC       50:45
2.  Sienna Pitcher        NSWRWC      51:13
3.  Nellie Langford       SARWC       52:00
4.  Maddison Nash         VRWC        53:05    PB 0:39
8.  Emily Smith           VRWC        59:41

Handicap Results
1.  Maddison Nash         VRWC
3.  Emily Smith           VRWC

Team Results
1.  VRWC1     Emily Smith, Maddison Nash, Char Hay                    11 pts   
2.  NSWRWC    Lyla Williams, Ciara Cassilles, Sienna Pitcher          10 pts

Event 11: Under 10 Boys 1Km
1.  Nate Appleyard        NSWRWC       4:55
2.  Jacob Hearnden        NSWRWC       5:54
3.  Logan Allison         VRWC         6:09

Team Result
1.  NSWRWC    Nate Appleyard, Jacob Hearnden, Max Miller               7 pts      

Event 12: Under 10 Girls 1 Km
1.  Stella Wade           NSWRWC       5:04
2.  Freya Williams        NSWRWC       5:18
3.  Pippa Read            VRWC         5:22    PB 0:03
4.  Lily Bowkett          VRWC         5:37    PB 0:26
9.  Anouk Morgan          VRWC         6:02

Handicap Results
2.  Lily Bowkett          VRWC

Team Result
1.  NSWRWC1    Stella Wade, Freya Williams, Addison Fahey             32 pts
2.  VRWC1      Pippa Read, Lily Bowkett, Anouk Morgan                 23 pts
3.  NSWRWC2    Beth Cochrane, Addison Jenkins, Caitlin Allum          18 pts
4.  NSWRWC3    Veronica Dennett,Milana Sorokin, Amelie Barakat         6 pts

Event 13: Boys Under 12 2 Km
1.  Nate Appleyard        NSWRWC       9:33    PB 0:51
2.  Angus Shuttleworth    VRWC         9:36    First one
3.  Tate McQueen          VRWC        10:58
7.  Logan Allison         VRWC        13:38    First one

Team Results
1.  NSWRWC1    Nate Appleyard, Jacob Hearnden, Luca Barakat           12 pts
2.  VRWC1      Angus Shuttleworth, Tate McQueen, Logan Allison        10 pts

Event 14: Girls Under 12 2 Km
1.  Hannah Hewitt         NSWRWC      10:36
2.  Erin Cassilles        NSWRWC      10:46
3.  Molly Miller          NSWRWC      10:53
6.  Pippa Read            VRWC        11:13    First one
13. Zoe Bowkett           VRWC        13:15    PB 0:50
14. Lily Bowkett          VRWC        13:23
16. Anouk Morgan          VRWC        13:55    First one

Handicap Results
1.  Pippa Read            VRWC   
2.  Lily Bowkett          VRWC

Teams Results
1.  NSWRWC1    Hannah Hewitt, Erin Cassilles, Molly Miller             52 pts
2.  NSWRWC2    Ashleigh Mansell, Keira Gill, Sienna Wade               41 pts
3.  NSWRWC3    Isla Banks, Nikki Hearnden,  Mackenzie Kitching         30 pts
4.  VRWC1      Pippa Read,  Zoe Bowkett,  Freya Williams               26 pts
5.  NSWRWC4    Freya Williams, Lara Penney, Teigan Dummer              17 pts

Event 15: Boys Under 14 2 Km
1.  Callum Martin         NSWRWC       9:42
2.  Nate Appleyard        NSWRWC       9:48
3.  Alexander Braendle    NSWRWC      10:00
6.  Angus Shuttleworth    VRWC        10:27
8.  Tate McQueen          VRWC        11:04

Team Results
1.  NSWRWC1    Callum Martin, Nate Appleyard, Alexander Braendle       25 pts
2.  NSWRWC2    Tyler Cousins, Christopher Nilon, Mitchell McCarthy     16 pts
3.  NSWRWC3    Michael Mathison, Noah Vella, Sagan Jones                6 pts

Event 16: Girls Under 14 2 Km
1.  Sophie Polkinghorne    NSWRWC      9:22
2.  Mya McClure            VRWC        9:39    PB 0:24
3.  Jillian Ryan           ACTRWC     10:05
4.  Hannah Matthews        VRWC       10:24    PB 0:57
5.  Matilda Read           VRWC       10:28    PB 0:27
8.  Mietta Morgan          VRWC       11:20
10. Charlise McQueen       VRWC       11:42

Handicap Results
1.  Hannah Matthews        VRWC
3.  Matilda Read           VRWC

Team Results
1.  VRWC1      Mya McClure, Hannah Matthews, Matilda Read              30 pts
2.  NSWRWC1    Sophie Polkinghorne, Emma Hoskins, Lilly Twigden        28 pts
3.  NSWRWC2    Molly Miller, Erin Cassilles, Lexie Beacroft            15 pts
4.  NSWRWC3    Sienna Wade, Beth Cochrane, Summer Hay                   6 pts

Event 17: Boys Under 16 3 Km
1.  Kodi Clarkson          ACTRWC     12:56
2.  Bailey Housden         QRWC       12:59
3.  Joel Byatt             NSWRWC     14:04
6.  Daniel Pashutin        VRWC       15:33

Teams Results
1.  NSWRWC1    Joel Byatt, Callum Martin, Jaxson Horton                24 pts
2.  NSWRWC2    Tyler Cousins, Kane Robson, Christopher Nilon           15 pts
3.  NSWRWC3    Aidan Pospischil, Mitchell McCarthy, Alexander Wenzel    6 pts

Event 18: Girls Under 16 3 Km
1.  Matilda Webb           NSWRWC     14:37
2.  Emma Grocott           ACTRWC     14:45
3.  Jessica Loring         NSWRWC     14:57
4.  Mya McClure            VRWC       15:13
7.  Matilda Read           VRWC       17:10
10. Mietta Morgan          VRWC       17:33

Team Results
1.  NSWRWC1   Matilda Webb, Jessica Loring, Emma Hearnden              42 pts
2.  VRWC1     Mya McClure, Matilda Read, Mietta Morgan                 30 pts
3.  NSWRWC2   Summer Sivaraj, Lilah Norden, Emma Hoskins               23 pts
4.  SARWC1    Katie De Ruvo, Liliana Templer, Laura Corvalan Sotomayor 20 pts
5.  NSWRWC3   Laura Corvalan Sotomayor, Olive Gauci, Nikki Hearnden     6 pts

Event 19: Boys Under 18 5 Km
1.  Riley Coughlan         VRWC       22:28
2.  Bailey Housden         QRWC       23:22
3.  Scott Peart            VRWC       23:46
8.  Daniel Pashutin        VRWC       29:04
9.  Eden Morgan            VRWC       29:05

Team Results
1.  VRWC1     Riley Coughlan, Scott Peart, Daniel Pashutin             13 pts
2.  NSWRWC1   Joel Byatt, Alexander Braendle, Jack Robson               9 pts

Event 20: Girls Under 18 5 Km
1.  Sophie Polkinghorne    NSWRWC     25:16
2.  Lyla Williams          NSWRWC     27:29
3.  Ariana Pashutina       VRWC       28:01
12. Emily Smith            VRWC       31:02
14. Mietta Morgan          VRWC       33:28

Team Results
1.  NSWRWC1     Sophie Polkinghorne, Lyla Williams, Chelsea Roberts    42 pts
2.  ACTRWC1     Jillian Ryan, Hana Jugovic, Julia Grocott              28 pts
3.  VRWC1       Ariana Pashutina, Emily Smith, Mietta Morgan           23 pts
4.  NSWRWC2     Laelia Byatt, Chelsey Torrens, Jessey Bektas           22 pts
5. NSWRWC3      Chelsey Torrens, Kailey Webber, Sarah Challinor         6 pts
    
Event 21: Open Women 5 Km
1.  Hannah Mison           NSWRWC     21:46
2.  Jemma Peart            VRWC       25:12
3.  Nellie Langford        SARWC      25:54
4.  Char Hay               VRWC       26:27
5.  Arnika Nelson          VRWC       26:33
9.  Ariana Pashutina       VRWC       29:15

Team Results
1.  VRWC1     Jemma Peart, Char Hay, Arnika Nelson                        37 pts
2.  NSWRWC1   Hannah Mison, Jessica Loring, Lilah Norden                  31 pts
3.  SARWC1    Nellie Langford, Daisy Braithwaite, Katie De Ruvo           25 pts
4.  ACTRWC1   Michelle Bray, Ann Jugovic, Jill Pearson                    20 pts
5.  NSWRWC2   Imogen Cochrane, Laura Corvalan Sotomayor, Nicolle Challinor 8 pts
       
Masters
1.  Michelle Bray          ACTRWC      27:17
2.  Ann Jugovic            ACTRWC      29:04
3.  Jill Pearson           ACTRWC      35:04

Masters Teams
1.  ACTRWC1    Michelle Bray, Ann Jugovic, Jill Pearson                    7 pts

Event 22: Men Open 5 Km
1. Declan Tingay           VRWC        19:26
2.  Mitchell Baker         ACTRWC      20:18
3.  Corey Dickson          VRWC        20:34    PB 0:14
8.  Marcus Wakim           VRWC        23:02
11. Fraser Saunder         VRWC        25:08

Team Results
1.  VRWC1     Declan Tingay, Corey Dickson, Marcus Wakim                  28 pts
2.  ACTRWC1   Mitchell Baker, Timothy Fraser, Owen Toyne                  26 pts
3.  NSWRWC1   Carl Gibbons, Dylan Richardson, Jack McGinniskin            15 pts
4.  SARWC1    Kim Mottrom, Cooper Rech, Peter Crump                        6 pts
   
Masters
1.  Kim Mottrom            SARWC       23:22
2.  Peter Crump            SARWC       30:28
3.  Greg Metha             SARWC       33:15

Masters Teams
1.  SARWC1    Kim Mottrom, Peter Crump, Greg Metha                         7 pts

VRWC ROADWALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 3 JUNE 2023

VRWC Walkers were back at Middle Park on Saturday for another round of our winter roadwalk season. Conditions were generally good for the 33 athletes in attendance.

The longer walks got underway first, with Alejandro Stephens leading them out and taking first [lace in  the 10km with 52:44. Jonathan Ho (PB 1;20:38)  and Char Hay (1:09:15) had a good battle in the 12km and both recorded good times. In the 5km, Gwen Steed set a new VRWC W80 record (along with AMA and VMA records as well) with her time of  37:56.
             
12km Walk                                 H'cap        
1.  Char Hay                   1:09:15    1
2.  Carolyn Rosenbrock         1:11:50    2

1.  Jonathan Ho                1:10:38    2    First one
2.  Gerard Feain               1:17:09    1
                 
10km Walk                                 H'cap
1.  Donna-Marie Elms           1:11:25    3
2.  Karyn O'Neill              1:12:46    2

1.  Alejandro Stephens           52:44    1    PB 0:11
2.  Terry O'Neill                  DNF        
                  
5km Walk                                  H'cap
1.  Madeleine Feain              28:55    3
2.  Emily Smith                  29:26    4
3.  Heather Carr                 33:12    2
4.  Gwen Steed                   37:56    1    VRWC/AMA/VMA W80 record

The shorter races proved popular with our younger walkers and we had a couple of scorching performances from Mya McClure (14:45 in the 3km) and Angus Shuttleworth (4:36 in the 1km). i fact, Angus beat Kyle Swan's U12 Club Record (dating from 2010) by 8 seconds. Hannah Matthews also did a big PB with her 3km time of 17:15. And finally, welcome to first timer Lila Vassallo.

3km Walk                                  H'cap
1.  Mya McClure                  14:45    3    PB 0:28
2.  Matilda Read                 16:25    6
3.  Hannah Matthews              17:15    1    PB 0:25
4.  Dee Holohan                  19:02    4
5.  Amelia Vernal                19:45    2
6.  Indigo Marshall-Moodie       20:01         First one
7.  Merilyn Thompson             21:25    5
            
1.  Nikola Mandic                14:10    1
2.  Pramesh Prasad               16:18    4
3.  Levi Robertson               17:40    2
4.  David Smyth                  17:44    3
5.  Geoff Barrow                 23:03    5
6.  Steven Haverly               26:05    

1km Walk                                  H'cap   
1.  Jaida Robertson               5:32    2
2.  Pippa Read                    5:39    3    Eq. PB
3.  Erlyn Singh                   5:54    4
4.  Ella Harris                   7:02    5
5.  Abby Fowler                   7:23    1    PB 0:06
6.  Lila Vassallo                 7:45         First time with us       

1.  Angus Shuttleworth            4:36         First one, VRWC U12 Record
2.  Logan Allison                 6:21    1

The latest Handicap and Actual Times Points Competition updates are found at http://www.vrwc.org.au/vrwcpointscomps.shtml.

As always, thanks to our many officials, judges and helpers who keep the show on the road every week. I was not there (am sunning myself in Queensland) so here is Mark Donahoo’s listing.

Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee: Terry Swan
Recorders: Mark Donahoo, Tameeka Robertson, Deanne McClure, Dylan Shuttleworth, Darlene Swan, Kylie Irshad, Ian Laurie
Judges: Peter Price (C), Anthony Doran, Brenda Felton, Gordan Loughnan, Michael Bodey, Stu Cooper
Set up, Pack up:  Terry Swan, Ian Laurie, Michael Bodey, Gerard Feain, Madeleine Feain, David Long
Bike rider: Terry Swan
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229569284797268&set=pcb.10160501294503911)

AV, AV SCHOOLS and VRWC CHAMPIONSHIPS, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 21 MAY 2023

After Melbourne had endured a wet and cold week, we approached race day with some trepidation. As predicted, the bad weather continued into Sunday, with heavy rain early, morphing into intermittent showers as the morning progressed. Overall, we had 49 walkers in attendance at Middle Park, another good carnival entry list.

The blue riband event was the Victorian Open 35km Championship which kicked off proceedings at 8AM. With the race being on the World Athletics calendar and hence a point scoring opportunity for the top walkers, we played host to 4 international walkers, Teo Caporaso (ITA), Sandeep Kumar (IND), Masumi Fuchise (IPN) and Priyanka Goswami (IND). They added to what was already  a top field, with a quality mix of interstate walkers joining us.

Rhydian Cowley (VIC) was challenged early by Mitchell Baker (ACT) and Kumar, but he soon broke away and had carved a small lead by the 10km mark. From then on, he steadily increased his lead, eventually crossing the finish line in 2:27:34, breaking his own Australian record by 3 minutes. In doing so, he confirmed his status as Australia’s fastest ever 35km walker. Baker walked an inspired race, storming through the 20km mark in 1:24:59 and holding on well to take second with a wonderful time of 2:31:54, in his first ever attempt at the distance. Italian Caparosa walked an even race to finish just 30 secs outside his PB with an equally creditable 2;32:49. Dylan Richardson (NSW) and Carl Gibbon (NSW) were next in, with PBs of 2:38:34 and 2:41:32, great times for young walkers at the start of their international careers. Kyle Swan (VIC) was another first timer, and he was content to head out slowly and just grind out a good training session, with his final time of 2:44:55. This does not really reflect what he is really capable of when he decides to give it a real go. The final finisher was 60 year old Michael Harvey (VIC), a far cry from his days as one of our top walkers, but he seemed content to just be part of what was a history making race. I did feel sorry for Tim Fraser (ACT) who went out hard and got to 32km before the body gave out. He was on for a great time up till then – next time, Tim!

AV & VRWC Open 35km                 Time       AV    Invitation  VRWC
1.  Rhydian Cowley           VIC    2:27:34    1                 1       PB 4:01, Aust Record
2.  Mitchell Baker           ACT    2:31:54          2                   First one
3.  Teodorico Caporaso       ITA    2:32:49          3    
4.  Dylan Richardson         NSW    2:38:34                              PB 0:03
5.  Carl Gibbons             NSW    2:41:32                              PB 2:32
6.  Kyle Swan                VIC    2:44:55    2                 2       First one
7.  Michael Harvey           VIC    4:40:33    3        
    Tim Fraser               ACT    DNF            
    Sandeep Kumar            IND    DQ            
    Tristan Camilleri        SA     DQ            
 
The women’s field was a smaller one, with only 5 starters. Rebecca Henderson (VIC) made her intentions known right from the start and was never headed, finishing with a 13 minute PB and breaking Allanah Pitcher’s Australian record by over 3 minutes. Masumi Fuchise (JPN) was next with 2:54:28, a PB by over 3 minutes and a performance that never saw her falter. 21 year old Hannah Mison (NSW) was the youngest 35km walker and doing her first ever long distance race, but she went out confidently, passing the 20km mark in a 5 minute PB of 1:37:48 and then gritting the teeth as she explored new territory. She faded significantly in the last 10km and was passed by Fuchise, but still managed to break the 3 hour mark with her time of 2:59:09, the fourth best by an Australian woman. Kelly Ruddick (VIC) was unlucky, slipping on a wet turn soon after the 20km mark and being forced to retire.     
        
AV & VRWC Open 35km Women          Time        AV    Invitation   VRWC
1.  Rebecca Henderson       VIC    2:47:54     1                  1      PB 13:44, Aust Record
2.  Masumi Fuchise          JPN    2:54:29           2                   PB 3:32
3.  Hannah Mison            NSW    2:59:09           3                   First one, 20km PB
    Priyanka Goswami        IND    DNF             
    Kelly Ruddick           VIC    DNF         DNF        DNF
    Siu Nga Ching           HKG    DNS             

Let’s look at the 5km splits which tell the story of the race

35km Women                          5km       10km     15km       20km       25km       30km       35km
1.  Rebecca Henderson       VIC     23:46     47:25    1:11:08    1:34:49    1:58:37    2:22:40    2:47:54   NR
2.  Masumi Fuchise          JPN     24:41     49:20    1:13:54    1:38:24    2:03:07    2:28:39    2:54:29
3.  Hannah Mison            NSW     24:38     48:48    1:13:12    1:37:48    2:02:47    2:29:48    2:59:09
4.  Kelly Ruddick           VIC     36:28     53:00    1:19:35    1:46:27                          DNF
    Priyanka Goswami        IND     23:53     48:49                                                DNF
 
35km Women                          5km       10km     15km       20km       25km       30km       35km
1.  Rhydian Cowley          VIC     21:05     42:07    1:02:56    1:23:51    1:45:19    2:06:34    2:27:34   NR
2.  Mitchell Baker          ACT     21:06     42:12    1:03:28    1:24:59    1:47:28    2:09:52    2:31:54
3.  Teodorico Caporaso      ITA     21:49     43:45    1:05:28    1:27:16    1:53:10    2:10:49    2:32:49
4.  Dylan Richardson        NSW     22:08     44:13    1:06:45    1:30:04    1:53:19    2:15:47    2:38:34
5.  Carl Gibbons            NSW     23:08     46:09    1:09:27    1:32:35    1:55:28    2:18:33    2:41:32
6.  Kyle Swan               VIC     23:50     47:57    1:11:34    1:34:51    1:58:23    2:21:43    2:44:55
7.  Michael Harvey          VIC     36:54   1:16:52    1:54:51    2:33:31    3:15:48    3:58:45    4:40:33
    Tim Fraser              ACT     22:08     44:13    1:06:29    1:28:19    1:50:08    2:13:55    DNF
    Tristan Camilleri       SA      23:58     47:57                                                DQ
    Sandeep Kumar           IND     20:50     42:08                                                DQ

The Victorian Schools Roadwalk championships were also contested with U20 10km, U18 5km, U16 3km and U14 3km races on offer. Results are below. Standouts had to be Marcus Wakim (42:35), Riley Coughlan (22:21), Ela Uzun (14:33) and Mya McClure (15:18).

AV Schools U20 Men 10km        
1.  Marcus Wakim            Carey Baptist Grammar School        42:35
2.  Eden Morgan             Belgrave Heights Christian School   51:25
         
AV Schools U20 Women 10km        
1.  Maddison Nash           Hazel Glen College                  53:44    PB 1:39
         
AV Schools U18 Boys 5km        
1.  Riley Coughlan          Salesian Coll. Rupertswood Sunbury  22:21
2.  Scott Peart             Ballarat High School                22:56
         
AV Schools U18 Girls 5km        
1.  Ariana Pashutina        Ashwood High School                 26:54
2.  Emily Smith             Kilbreda College                    28:29
         
AV Schools U16 Boys 3km        
1.  Daniel Pashutin         Ashwood High School                 15:57
         
AV Schools U16 Girl 3km        
1.  Mietta Morgan           Homeschool                          16:39
2.  Havana Ali              Plenty Parklands                    16:58
         
AV Schools U14 Boys 3km        
1.  Angus Shuttleworth      Ferntree Gully North Primary Sch    15:42
2.  Tate Jardine            Strathmore Primary School           21:40
    Tate McQueen            Marist College                        DNS
         
AV Schools U14 Girls 3km        
1.  Ela Uzun                Plenty Parklands Primary School     14:33
2.  Mya McClure             Yarrambat primary school            15:18
3.  Matilda Read            Mirboo North Secondary College      16:07
4.  Hannah Matthews         Marta Christi Belgrave              17:40    PB 0:32
5.  Edith Ede               Pleasant Street Primary Ballarat    20:26    First 3km
    Charlise McQueen        Marist College                        DNS
 
We rounded out the morning with a series of VRWC Championship and non-championship races, as shown below. Well done to our new club champions Indigo Marshall-Moodie and Pippa Read.
    
VRWC U12 Girls 2.5km Championship        
1.  Indigo Marshall-Moodie  VRWC      16:24
2.  Zoe Bowkett             VRWC      16:59
         
VRWC U10 Girls 1.5km Championship        
1.  Pippa Read              VRWC       8:39
2.  Erlyn Singh             VRWC       9:04
3.  Ella Harris             VRWC       9:12
4.  Anouk Morgan            VRWC       9:25
5.  Abby Fowler             VRWC      12:45
         
VRWC Open 10km Non-Championship        
1.  Alejandro Stephens      VRWC      53:23
2.  Jonathan Ho             VRWC      57:54    First one
3.  Marnie Zakis            VRWC    1:11:08
    Char Hay                VRWC        DNF
         
VRWC Open 5km Non-Championship        
1.  Arnika Nelson           VRWC      25:07
2.  Madeleine Feain         VRWC      29:10
3.  Terry O'Neill           VRWC      33:26
4.  Karyn O'Neill           VRWC      35:43
        
VRWC Open 3km Non-Championship        
1.  Kevin Cassidy           VRWC      16:48
2.  Dee Holohan             VRWC      19:05

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

Meet Manager: Tim Erickson
Referee: Terry Swan
Jury of Appeal: Terry Swan, Tim Erickson, Simon Baker
Race Director: Mark Donahoo   
Recorders and timekeepers: Madeleine Feain, Simon Baker, Anthony Doran, Darlene Swan, Michael Bodey, Colin Morgan, Deb Nash, Maddison Nash,
Judges: Zoe Bryson (Chief), Renee Cassell, Lisa Colquhoun, Shane Bickall, Ralph Bennett, Kirsten Crocker, Gordon Loughnan, Di Lowden, Brenda Felton, Peter Price,  Scott Nelson
Set up, during, Pack up: Terry Swan, Simon Baker, Tim Erickson, Michael Bodey, Carolyn Rosenbrook, Terry O'Neill
Canteen: Karyn O'Neill, Gwen Steed
Photographs: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.1258822884748364&type=3)
First Aid: Mark Donahoo   
Presentations: Tim Erickson, Jared Tallent, Mark Donahoo

VRWC ROAD WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 13 MAY 2023

Perfect conditions ensured optimal racing conditions for the 39 walkers who travelled to Middle Park on Saturday afternoon for the latest VRWC roadwalks.

Marcus Wakim and Eden Morgan led out in the longer races, Eden excelling with a big PB time of 50:01 in the 10km. Grace Louey also PB’d in the 10km with 1:05:15. But the standout was definitely 20 yo Arnika Nelson who had her first walk with us in 4 years and has she improved in that timeframe, recording a huge 5km PB of 25:31.

12km Walk                                         H'cap
1.  Carolyn Rosenbrock          60+    1:11:44    1

1.  Marcus Wakim                U18      57:21    2    PB 0:01
2.  Gerard Feain                60+    1:17:14    1

10km Walk                                         H'cap           
1.  Char Hay                    Op       54:50    1
2.  Grace Louey                 U20    1:01:15    2    PB 0:42

1.  Eden Morgan                 U18      50:01    1    PB 1:32

5km Walk                                          H'cap       
1.  Arnika Nelson               Op       25:31        PB 1:31
2.  Ariana Pashutina            U18      27:00    2
3.  Jade Chitty                 U20      27:18    1    PB 0:19
4.  Emily Smith                 U18      28:52    3
5.  Heather Carr                60+      33:29    4
6.  Karyn O'Neill               60+      36:43    5

1.  Mark Blackwood              40+      23:40    
2.  Jonathan Ho                 U20      27:48    1    PB 1:31
3.  Terry O'Neill               60+      35:46    2

Our biggest field was in the 3km walk and as usual it was 12 year old Ela Uzun who led them out, storming through to an U13 club record with 14:19. Not to be outdone, Gwen Steed set a new W80 club record with her time of 22:17. Hannah Matthews and Tate Jardine tested themselves out with their longest walk so far. Lots of PBs overall.

3km Walk                                          H'cap           
1.  Ela Uzun                    U12      14:19    5    VRWC U13 Club Record
2.  Mya McClure                 U12      15:13    2    PB 0:04
3.  Matilda Read                U14      15:48    1    PB 1:55
4.  Havana Ali                  U12      16:10    4    PB 0:12
5.  Mietta Morgan               U14      16:23    3    PB 0:12
6.  Hannah Matthews             U14      18:12        First 3km walk
7.  Donna-Marie Elms            60+      19:22    9
8.  Dee Holohan                 40+      19:25    6    PB 0:18
9.  Merilyn Thompson            40+      21:49    8
10. Gwen Steed                  60+      22:17    7    VRWC W80 Club Record

1.  Daniel Pashutin             U16      15:34    1
2.  Pramesh Prasad              40+      15:58    2
3.  Tate Jardine                U12      21:14        First 3km walk
4.  Steven Haverly              60+      26:50    
    John Nottle                 60+        DNF

The 1km walkers were \also in great form, with lots of PBs. Fastest overall went to Zoe Bowkett with 5:23, ahead of Pippa Read, Erlyn Singh, Anouk Morgan and Logan Allison.

1km Walk                                          H'cap          
1.  Zoe Bowkett                 U12       5:23    3
2.  Pippa Read                  U10       5:25    2    PB 0:28
3.  Erlyn Singh                 U10       5:36    4    PB 0:22
4.  Anouk Morgan                U10       5:48    1    PB 0:08
5.  Lily Bowkett                U10       7:52    6
6.  Marj Apple                  60+       7:53    5

1.  Logan Allison               U10       5:48    2    PB 0:05
2.  Haris Ali                   U12       6:48    3
3.  Aydin Uzun                  U12       8:39    1

Thanks as always to our many officials, judges and helpers. Apologies if we missed you!

Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee: Terry Swan
Recorders: Ian Laurie, Bob Gardiner, Michael Bodey, Colin Morgan, Bill Carr, Mark Donahoo
Judges: Gordan Loughlan (Chief), Peter Price, Brenda Felton, Di Lowden, Tony Doran, Scott Nelson
Set up, Pack up: Terry Swan, Tim Erickson, Gerard Feain, Michael Bodey, Bob Gardiner, Ian Laurie, Steven Haverly
Canteen: Donna-Marie Elms, Gwen Steed
Bike rider: Tim Erickson
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229422487807435&set=oa.760196399151402)

VRWC ROAD WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 6 MAY 2023

Our VRWC winter season continued on Saturday afternoon with road races at our club headquarters at Middle Park. After a wet Friday night and a wet Saturday morning, the weather cleared just in time for our races. We had to shorten our course to a 1km loop due to large puddles on the top section of the course but, with only shorter distance events on offer, competitors were not impacted.

It was a big day, with a club coaching session held from midday till 1:30PM, followed by our club races which got underway at 2PM. The coaching course had 42 attendees and saw insightful presentations by Simon Baker, Frances Attard and Mark Donahoo. Mark’s presentations have been uploaded to http://www.vrwc.org.au/vrwccoach.shtml.

The club races saw 40 walkers in attendance, a great start to the season. The 8km, 6km and 4km races got underway first, with Riley Coughlan leading out, followed by Marcus Wakim and Char Hay. All walked impressively. The oldest and youngest walkers (76 yo Andrew Jamieson and 13 yo Mietta Morgan) also showed how it is done, walking excellent times.

This was our first Winter Season Points day, with Handicap and Actual Time competition points on offer. Note you must have a previous time with us over a comparable distance before you can be allocated Handicap points. Read more about our Points Competitions and see the points awarded today at http://www.vrwc.org.au/vrwcpointscomps.shtml.

8km Walk                                             H’cap place
1.  Char Hay                   F    U20     42:56    2
2.  Carolyn Rosenbrock         F    M60+    46:07    1

1.  Marcus Wakim               M    U18     37:16    2
2.  Gerard Feain               M    M60+    50:41    1

6km Walk                                             H’cap place
1.  Ariana Pashutina           F    U18     32:26    2
2.  Jade Chitty                F    U20     33:44    3
3.  Grace Louey                F    U20     34:51    1
4.  Emily Smith                F    U18     35:37    6
5.  Heather Carr               F    M60+    40:36    5
6.  Marnie Zakis               F    M40+    41:45    4

1.  Eden Morgan                M    U18     29:14    1
2.  Jonathan Ho                M    U20     34:44    2
3.  Andrew Jamieson            M    M60+    37:58    3

4km Walk                                             H’cap place
1.  Maddison Nash              F    U18     21:58    3
2.  Kylie Irshad               F    M40+    23:25    5
3.  Mietta Morgan              F    U14     23:26    1
4.  Dee Holohan                F    M40+    26:35    2
5.  Gwen Steed                 F    M60+    30:38    4

1.  Riley Coughlan             M    U18     17:53    2
2.  Daniel Pashutin            M    U16     21:18    1
3.  Pramesh Prasad             M    M40+    21:26    3
4.  Steven Haverly             M    M60+    36:34    

Our shorter events got underway 15 mins later, with 18 mostly young walkers powering through the 1km and 2km distances. Amazing youngster Ela Uzun, who has just turned 12, led out as usual, storming to new U13-U20 club records with her time of 9:13. Mya McClure, Havana Ali and Matilda Read also walked impressively, also recording big PBs. Rounding out the day’s action, Zoe Bowkett, Logan Allison and Pippa Read took fastest times in the 1km. We also welcomed first time VRWC attendees Hannah Matthews, Indigo Marshall-Moodie, Ella Harris, Marj Apple and Abby Fowler. Welcome to the club, everyone.

2km Walk                                             H’cap place
1.  Ela Uzun                   F    U12      9:13    5   VRWC U13-U20 Records
2.  Mya McClure                F    U12     10:03    4   PB 0:21
3.  Havana Ali                 F    U12     10:30    2   PB 0:14
4.  Matilda Read               F    U14     10:55    1   PB 1:12
5.  Hannah Matthews            F    U14     11:21        First time with us
6.  Amelia Vernal              F    U16     12:12    3   PB 23
7.  Makenzie Davis             F    U12     12:27        First time over 2km
8.  Indigo Marshall-Moodie     F    U12     13:03        First time with us
9.  Emilie Garside             F    Op      14:32    6    

1.  John Nottle                M    M60+    13:12        First time over 2km
2.  Tate Jardine               M    U12     13:57    1   PB 1:04

1km Walk                                             H’cap place        
1.  Zoe Bowkett                F    U12      5:46    3
2.  Pippa Read                 F    U10      5:53    2   PB 0:49
3.  Anouk Morgan               F    U10      5:56    1   PB 0:39
4.  Ella Harris                F    U10      6:13        First time with us
5.  Marj Apple                 F    M60+     7:44        First time with us
6.  Abby Fowler                F    U10     17:29        First time with us

1.  Logan Allison              M    U10      5:53        First time with us

Thanks as always to our many officials, judges and helpers. Apologies if we missed you!

Manager: Mark Donahoo    
Referee: Terry Swan    
Recorders: Ian Laurie, Debbie Nash, Richard Nash, Kevin Cassidy, Bob Gardiner, Mark Donahoo    
Judges: Brenda Felton (chief), Gordan Loughnan, Di Lowden, Ralph Bennett, Peter Price, David Cash    
Set up, Pack up: Gerard Feain, Kylie Irshad, Terry Swan, Ian Laurie, Bob Gardiner, Tim Erickson, Kevin Cassidy, Emilie Garside
Bike rider: Tim Erickson    
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229368032766093&set=oa.750729240115260) 

VRWC AND AV TRACKWALKS, MENTONE, SATURDAY 29 APRIL 2023

With Australian Motor Race Grand Prix cleanup still underway at Middle Park, we were forced to an alternate venue on Saturday for the opening round of our VRWC winter season. So it was down to the Dolamore Reserve at Mentone and back to the track for the Victorian 10,000m Track Championships, as well as a smattering of VRWC Club Championships.

Before I start on my report, I must put this little shout from VRWC club member Terry O’Neill

I went down to Mentone on Saturday to race the 5km. I started feeling unwell that night after we arrived home. I tested negative that night and again yesterday, but just tested positive this morning. You may want to make others aware through Heel & Toe.

So, if you were at Mentone on Saturday and are now feeling unwell, administer a covid test. Fingers crossed, everyone!

Now to the races, where we saw a total of 28 walkers in action. The meet included the Victorian Open 10,000m Track Walk Championships which were won by Riley Coughlan (47:01) and Rebecca Henderson (46:23). They become our Victorian Champions for the year. The accompanying VRWC 10,000m Open Club Championship saw additional walkers in action, with Maddison Nash doing a great job for a big PB with her time of 55:23.

10,000m AV Open Men’s Championship (for the Bert Gardiner Medal)    AV 40+    AV 50+
1.  Riley Coughlan             M    KNA      47:01       
2.  Michael Harvey             M    AWA    1:07:15       
3.  Rupert Van Dongen          M    MEN    1:20:14                  1   
                    
10000m AV Open Women’s Championship                                 AV 40+    AV 50+
1.  Rebecca Henderson          F    MEN      46:23       
2.  Char Hay                   F    MUU      53:11       
3.  Sarah Brennan              F    BYC      55:52                  1   
4.  Carolyn Rosenbrock         F    YRA      59:08                            1
5.  Donna-Marie Elms           F    PTN    1:07:23                            2

10,000m Track VRWC Championship        
1.  Riley Coughlan             M             47:01
2.  Alejandro Stephens         M             55:45
3.  Gerard Feain               M           1:07:10

1.  Rebecca Henderson          F             46:23
2.  Maddison Nash              F             55:23    PB 3:09
3.  Sarah Brennan              F             55:52
4.  Carolyn Rosenbrock         F             59:08
5.  Donna-Marie Elms           F           1:07:23
    Kylie Irshad               F               DNF

Other VRWC Club Championships were on offer, as shown below. Nikola Mandic (in his first walk with us since 2016) and Ariana Pashutina won the 5000m walks, Andrew Jamieson and Matilda Read won the 3000m walks and John Nottle and Mya McClure won the 1500m walks. Finally, we welcomed Matilda Simcox and Emilie Garside for their first walks with us.
       
5000m Track VRWC Championship
1.  Nikola Mandic             M              24:23
2.  Jonathan Ho               M              29:19    Equal PB
3.  Terry O'Neill             M              33:55

1.  Ariana Pashutina          F              26:51
2.  Emily Smith               F              29:19
3.  Karyn O'Neill             F              35:23

3000m Track VRWC Championship
1.  Andrew Jamieson           M              17:56

1.  Matilda Read              F              17:43
2.  Dee Holohan               F              19:43
3.  Marnie Zakis              F              19:49
4.  Gwen Steed                F              22:14

1500m Track VRWC Championship
1.  John Nottle               M               9:38    PB 0:42

1.  Mya McClure               F               7:12
2.  Pippa Read                F               8:45
3.  Matilda Simcox            F               8:47    First walk with the club
4.  Emilie Garside            F               9:08    First walk with the club
5.  Tracy Colbert             F              10:44

Thanks as always to our many officials, judges and helpers. Apologies if we missed you!

Manager: Mark Donahoo
Referee: Terry Swan
Recorders: Ian Laurie, Kevin Cassidy, Simon Baker, Anthony Doran, Megan Feain, Bob Gardiner, Narelle Coughlin, Kevin Cassidy
Judges: Shane Dickson (Chief), Brenda Felton, Ralph Bennett, Bernadette Morgan, Scott Nelson, David Cash, Anthony Doran
Set up, etc: Mark Donahoo, Bob Gardiner, Terry Swan, Rupert Van Dongen, Anthony Doran, Kevin Cassidy, Kylie Irshad, Gween Steed, Rupert van Dongen   
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229312701262840&set=oa.613965007285061)