Fifteen athletes represented Bacchus Marsh at the 2024 State Cross Country Championships held at Bundoora Park on Saturday. Unfortunately, illness and injury hit us hard, with 5 athletes having to scratch. 735 athletes competed on the day, representing 76 Centres from across the State.
The day was absolutely glorious, with athletes and supporters basking in the winter sunshine as temperatures reached 18 degrees.
First to compete for the Centre was our Captain, Sam White. The Under 16 and 17 boys competed in the same event over the 3km distance. While Sam sat mid pack through the half-way mark, he was comfortably holding onto 2nd place for the Under 17’s. Sam ran a well-paced race and managed to hold onto his placing. This was Sam’s final little athletics State event, and he deservingly lapped up all the cheers of support from the crowd, as he crossed the finish line to take the State Silver medal.
The Under 9 boys were next to compete, racing over 1.5kms. This was the first State Cross Country Championships for these boys and the nerves, mixed with excitement, saw the boys keen to get the race underway. Hunter Robinson, who has had a superb last month of running, continued his form into State and was our first athlete home in 33rd place. Atlas Ferreira, once again flew home, to cross the line in 51st place while Kobi Hehir also finished strongly but was unfortunately disqualified.
Harbin kaur Aujla was our sole representative in the Girls Under 9’s, with 57 athletes competing over the 1.5km distance. The field quickly strung out as athletes tackled the long gruelling hill. Harbin maintained a consistent pace over the entire race and crossed the finish line in 32nd place.
The Under 10 boys were next to compete, also racing over 1.5kms. The leading pack set a fast pace over the first kilometre. The final 200 metres was frantic, in one of the closest finishes for the day. Harry Johansen flew down the finishing straight to place 34th overall while Freddy Carroll was placed 66th.
Emilia Ibrahim, who has had an interrupted season dealing with a niggling foot injury, was ready to race at States as she managed to toe the line with over 80 other girls. Emilia should be extremely proud of her 25th placing in the Under 10 1.5kms.
BMLAC had four boys competing over 2kms in the Under 11 event. It was evident that many of these athletes have been training hard over the season. We are very proud of our boys, with Joshua Askew leading the way to finish in 25th place. Harry Holland was next home for the Marsh in 35th place, while Mitchell Tung finished 53rd and Angus Norman, crossing the finish line, in 67th place.
Zeke Horne was also our sole competitor in the Under 12 2km event. Zeke always gives 100% and once again set a steady pace. A display of consistent running over the entire distance saw Zeke finish in 39th place.
In our final race for the day, Kyra Booth and Tahlia Hunter lined up in the Girls Under 12 2km event. Little separated both girls at the half-way mark, and as they have done all season, encouraged each other until the end. It was Kyra who pulled away in the closing stages to come home in 51st place with Tahlia not far behind in 52nd place.
Well done to all those athletes who competed on the day – another fantastic Cross County State Championships. You should all be extremely proud of your results.
A special thanks to our Team Manager, Tabitha Hunter, with the assistance from Jess Lloyd, who ensured all our athletes were at the call room in plenty of time and prepared for their races. And thank you to Justin Horne who completed our duty for the day. Finally, thank you to all those who travelled to Bundoora to support our kids.
The Cross Country season will officially conclude this Saturday with our Final Home Run and Presentation Day to be held at Masons Lane Reserve.
