If its too cold the White Hills race can be a muddy slog, if its too hot it can be a sweat fest, either way there are still the big hills to navigate, but it finishes at a brewery which is terrific motivation. Today we had ideal conditions and the wonderful Jo Cowie took our her first senior win with the club. Jo has knocked on the door a few times and took out a well deserved win. She epitomises what running is all about, doing your best, giving 100% and not letting any obstacles get in your way. Jo has battled along through a lot of runs and many will know she has faced some setbacks, so it was fantastic to see her take out a well deserved win today. She also cooks outstanding cupcakes, so if you want to send me a few I would appreciate it Jo. In second place was Mark Brown, he continues to give free publicity to Bunnings with that hat he wears, though you don’t see it for long these days, he gets quicker every week. In third place was Mark Padgett, a man who admits to wearing womens shoes, but a hell of a runner none the less who chewed up the hills to complete the podium.
Fastest today was taken out by Matt Zegveld in the men’s, Ricky did pull out with a niggle, but no one is suggesting foul play… Our fastest female was Deb Pauna who as always made the hills look like a walk in the park, well done to you both.
After the senior race there were plenty of refreshments on hand thanks to our generous sponsor, Van Dieman Brewery, represented by long time club member Rob Tatchell. A man many of you may not be aware of as he is very quiet and generally keeps to himself, but we appreciate his support and his drinks. Maybe a second toilet would be good though.
Division 2 was a close contest but in the end was taken out by Benjamin Carter who flew up the difficult hilly driveway to take out the race with outstanding running. In second was Joe Rogers who is looking very fit this season and it showed with a sensationally paced run. In third place was Olivia Padgett, who continues to improve week after week. Our fastest junior male was Harry Jackson who makes it look easy and somehow has chip 3, must know people in high places. Our fastest junior female was Rosie Jackson another outstanding young runner in the club.
In our Division 3 race we saw Harrison Geale breakthrough for his first win (won before his Dad as well), Harrison has run quite a few times but never let his head drop and it was outstanding to see him rewarded with his first win. In second place was Jock Barnewall, this young man likes to line up a good 2 minutes before his start, poised ready to run (see the pic on facebook), and in third place was Emily Padgett, the Padgetts decided to take out 3rd in every race today. Our fastest male was Alexander Murray, who was running late, jumped out of the car and he and his brother caught up to half the field with outstanding running. Our fastest female was Emily Padgett who is in ripping form in 2022, must be some hard fought backyard races in that family (though I suspect Dad would still try to win them all 🙂 )
Full results from today can be found here.
Thank you again to our sponsor, our volunteers and all of our members for a wonderful first three weeks of the season. We have the week off for easter next week, but none the less you can enter race 4 from tonight and you have 2 weeks to enter for Hillwood here.
Hopefully we have our first lot of junior tops in for race 4 and stay tuned over the easter break we will be announcing the location of this years half marathon.
We hope everyone has a wonderful easter.
