Whilst Jessica was competing over 11km, members and visitors took on the 3rd round of the winter track and field series, and again there were some very promising runs over all distances. Teaming in 2 x 800m was a great event with the team of Patrice and Vincent just holding off the team of Andrew and Jonti, and a fast finishing team of Olivia and Ron. A great event with each runner taking on 800m each and many of the sprinters teaming up with middle distance athletes.
The shorter events saw some quick times over the 60m with masters champion Ashley McMahon taking the men’s honours with a quick 7.09 from Blue Stars open athlete Chris Devery in 7.28 and under 18 sprinter Jonti Faulkner in 7.60. Devery has just moved back onto the track having a “hit out“ , eyeing off the upcoming summer season, as with Lachlan Parry. U16 athlete Emma Matthews showed her winter build up is paying off with a quick 7.78 defeating masters champion Monique Perry in a time of 7.85 and up and coming school girl champion, Chelsea Ezeoke in a time of 7.95. State and Australian team mates for many years Jackie Bezuidenhout and Blue Stars Gianna Mogentale faced one another “yet again” and the local athlete provided some good competition for Bezuidenhout who will head to Spain for the World Masters Outdoor titles in September. There was also good running over the 150m and great to see a number of visitors using the winter program as preparation and providing our local athletes with some great competition. In the field a number of PBs were created in the triple jump, a good indication for our school athletes now heading to the regional titles for combined high school.
Next round and final round of the winter track and field series will be held Sunday 26 August with 100m, 400m, hammer, long jump, walk and 2km.