Winter 2015

One Last Hurrah At The Tan

It was a beautiful spring morning at the Tan for the final round of XCR15, with Malvern fielding five teams in the iconic relay race.

Damien Bertram, first runner in our men’s division three team, ran our fastest time for the day (13:23). Despite strong runs from Jaco Kukkuk, Ash Snowden, Dan Halliday and Chris Scully, the team finished eleventh in what was a very competitive race. 

Meanwhile, Nicki Macfarlane (16:07) ran a blistering pace as the first leg of our women’s division two team, ably supported by Eimear Fox, Sophia Hanlon and Colette Hanlon.

Harriers Cruising Along Yarra Boulevard

Marcus Boxall and Jaco Kukkuk at the Burnley Half Marathon.

The Burnley Half Marathon was run on the weekend in excellent running conditions.

Marcus (79:33) led our men home followed closely by Jaco (79:59). Marcus and Jaco both ran personal bests moving them to first and third respectively on our men’s road ladder. Anthony (80:26) finished strongly powering past Damien (80:39) late in the race to finish third. With four runners required to comprise the Division 3 team in this race, this is a great result indeed.

Trails And Tribulations

The XCR competition headed down to surf coast for the return of the Ekiden Relay. The trails at Anglesea were unanimously considered challenging but enjoyable by the bunch of hardy Harriers who made the journey.

Unfortunately our numbers were thin due to injuries, with makeshift men’s division three and four teams and an invitational women’s division two team cobbled together.

Harriers Tackle The Col de Brimbank

Malvern's hardiest athletes headed out to Brimbank Park on Saturday for round seven of the XCR competition.

First up were the open women over 6km with one climb of the Col de Brimbank. Tracey Austin was first home in 26:05 with Nicki Macfarlane not far behind in 27:13. Completing the women's team with strong runs were Caroline Howard (31:48) and Jay Wright (34:30).

Damien & Eimear Win At Nortons

Damien Bertram and Eimear Fox

Malvern headed out to Nortons Park for the third club race of the season, the 8km cross country, with the Trevor Robbins Handicap and the William Donald Championship up for grabs. With Little Athletics and Glenhuntly also booked into the park on the day, setting up was a challenge, but thanks to the help of Glenhuntly we were able to get racing.

A Day At The Races

Malvern had a good day out at Sandown Racecourse for the XCR road relays. Twenty three Malvern athletes turned up to race despite a forecast of torrential rain. Fortunately, the rain held off except for a light sprinkling on the leg three runners.

Harriers Zoom Around Albert Park

Round 5 of XCR was the 10km road race at Albert Park, where perfect conditions made for a fast race.

In the 10km race, first home for Malvern were Shaun Green in 34:49 and Colette Hanlon in 44:33. At least three PBs were lowered, including Marcus Boxall (35:37), Jaco Kukkuk (37:39), and Chris MacGregor (40:34). John Williams (37:48) was first and Caroline Howard (50:55) sixth in their age categories. Colette Hanlon was the winner of the Sock Award.

Lake Wendouree Was A Breeze

Tracey Austin finished fourth overall at Lake Wendouree

Malvern had a good outing in Ballarat, with nineteen Harriers competing in the road race around Lake Wendouree. Cold and windy conditions made for a tough day, but our athletes still posted some very good times. Both open men and women competed together in the 15km race.

Our fastest run of the day was from David Jimenez (representing Box Hill) who ran 52:03, who was closely followed by Shaun Green in 52:07. The rematch in round 5 at Albert Park could be a classic.

Next home was Tracey Austin who finished fourth overall, with the amazing time of 54:02.

Damien Back In Form

Nim Gorrie winner Damien Bertram with winter captain Dan Halliday

Damien Betram showed that he is well and truly on the comeback trail with an impressive win in the 6.4km Nim Gorrie Handicap at Karkarook Park. Tony Purdy and Chris MacGregor both ran strongly to take the minor placings.

Damien’s time of 22:28 was bested only by Shaun Green who ran 21:46. Tracey Austin was the fastest woman with a 23:26, with Nicki MacFarlane second fastest with 26:57.

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