The Western Metro Region Cross Country Carnival was held on Saturday at Brimbank Park, Keilor. The Carnival was the qualifier for the State Cross Country Championships to be held on August 10.
Athletes from the following Centres were represented at the Carnival – Altona, Bacchus Marsh, Brimbank, Corio, Geelong, Gisborne, Melton City, South Melbourne Districts, Surf Coast, Werribee and Williamstown. The Bacchus Marsh Centre was represented by 20 Under 9-17 athletes.
The course proved quite challenging for athletes. Along with the long wet grass, athletes tackled hills throughout the winding course.
The Open Age athletes were the first scheduled event for the Carnival with all Under 13-17 girls competing in the same 3km race.
Elise Holland was the Centre’s only athlete in the event. Elise sat with the second pack in the earlier stages of the race and battled it out over the final 1km, as the field began to string out. Elise crossed the finish line in 10th place for the Under 13 girls.
The Open boys were next to gather on the start line. Our Centre Captain, Sam White was rewarded for his consistent racing, winning the Region Gold medal for a second consecutive year. Always a leader, Sam could be heard out on the course encouraging his fellow competitors. Another great run from Nicholas Ibrahim saw him finish mid field, placing 6th overall for the Under 15 boys, while younger brother Thomas, competing in the Under 13 age group, finished the 3kms in 7th place. Well done boys.
The Under 9 athletes were excited about competing in their first Region Cross Country Carnival.
The girls raced first and Harbin kaur Aujla got off to a flying start, as athletes headed around a 500m loop before returning through the start line to complete the final 1km of the 1.5km course. Harbin sat closely behind the leader for majority of the race and should be extremely proud of her fantastic performance to be presented with the Region Silver medal.
Next up were the boys, with Bacchus Marsh having 4 athletes competing. As the gun sounded, athletes powered off the start line and in no time the field were racing in single file. The Marsh boys worked hard as a team throughout the entire race and were led by Hunter Robinson who crossed the finish line in 7th place. George Jacobsen finished strongly placing 12th, as Atlas Ferreira once again produced his well known fast finish to place 18th while Kobi Hehir battled it out over the entire race and after a week of illness should be proud of his efforts placing 19th. Hunter, George and Atlas were presented with the Region Under 9 team Silver medal.
Emilia Ibrahim was our sole representative in the Under 10 girls 1.5km event. After a disrupted season with injuries, Emilia made a welcome return to racing. Little separated athletes over the entire. Emilia comfortably returned to racing, ensuring she will right for the remainder of the season, placing 12th overall.
In the Under 10 boys 1.5km event, consistent athlete Harry Johansen, displayed another great performance with a determined 7th place finish. Freddy Carroll, in his first cross country season, continues to improve and always seems to be enjoying his racing, finishing in 16th place.
Bacchus Marsh had 4 athletes represented in the Boys Under 11 2km event. The field was explosive off the start line as athletes jostled for the lead. Athletes adjusted quickly as the front runners set a fast pace. Joshua Askew was the first runner home for the Marsh finishing in 8th place with Harry Holland close on his heels, a mere 2 seconds behind in 9th place. Mitchell Tung’s fighting performance saw him place 13th while Angus Norman came home in 15th place. Josh, Harry and Mitch were extremely happy when presented with a silver Region team medal.
In the Under 12 girls 2km event, Iyla Robinson, known for her fast starts, sat with the leader in the early stages of the race. As the race progressed the Gisborne athlete had opened up a lead on the field with the Geelong athlete moving into 2nd place. Iyla finished strongly and held on to 3rd place, winning the Region Bronze medal. Both Kyra Booth and Tahlia Hunter, participating in their first Region Cross Country event, worked well together with Kyra finishing 16th and Tahlia 17th. The girls were thrilled to be announced winners of the Silver team medal.
In the final race for the day, Zeke Horne competed in the Under 12 2km event. Setting a consistent pace throughout the race, Zeke sat mid field for majority of the race but a fast finish saw him dipped at the line for a 6th placing.
Thank you to Tabitha Hunter, in her first meet as Special Competition Manager, ensured all our athletes were marshalled ready for their races. And thank you to Justin Horne who completed the Centre duty for the Carnival.
All 20 athletes have now qualified for the State Championships to be held on Saturday 10th August at Bundoora Park.
