Corker of a run by Leanne

Article by Jane Fairgrieve.

Welcome back to all the runners who have enjoyed some time on the Gold Coast and not only enjoyed much warmer weather,  competed in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon with distances of 5 km, 10 km, 21km and of course the marathon.  Congratulations must go to Leanne Corcoran who completed her first marathon in a time of 3hrs 24 minutes, obviously Leanne is a force to be reckoned with! Also completing the 42.2km were Mitch Essex, Daryl Roweth and Brett Sammut.

Whilst some were enjoying the heat and sun of the Gold Coast the rest of us headed out to  Jack Brabham Park for the Sunday run.  The usual course was in disarray after a visit from the Moscow Circus, however Mike Cooper was onto the problem straight away and worked out a new route. The winner for the day was Victoria Hamels who did the 3.20 km in a great time of 18:54.  The Prestwidge family are doing well with Dad Glenn clocking in for the 1.6 km in a time of 8:55.  The girls were close on dad’s heels.

Good to see a visit by our med student, Rhianna Fitzpatrick, who is currently home and taking advantage of mum’s good cooking during the holidays.  A lot of people did not recognise Rhianna with her new hairstyle after Shaving for a Cure.  Uni life must be agreeing with her as she clocked in at 40:04 for the 8 kms.

Welcome to new members, Max and David Currie from Bathurst.  Max did a very impressive time of 20:16 for the 4.8 kms and dad David did 17:31 for the 3.2 kms.

In Sunday’s results, Ella Lamrock was the first female home over 3.2km, followed by Jessie Dean and Estelle Dean. Brad Simmons was the first male home ahead of Jack Daintith and Noah Lamrock.

In the 4.8km event, Kelsey Gray was the first female to finish, with Allison Spurway second and Julie Chapman third.

Ati Sadr took out the women’s 6.4km event. Ian Spurway was the first male to finish, with Tony Fitzpatrick second and Mark Chapman third.

In the 8km event, Amber Rich was the first women home ahead of Rhianna Fitzpatrick. Jarred Sullivan was the fastest male with Anthony Daintith and Mike Cooper just behind.

We say farewell to Richard Eggleston who is heading to Cowra to take up a teaching appointment.  Richard has been a part of the ORC and a willing hand to help with events and, in particular, the running festival.  We wish him well and hope to see him at local events in the future.

We have arranged with Athletics  NSW  for any ORC members that want to run at ANSW meets can join very easily.  Please refer to the President’s report on the ORC website for all the information and the link.

The family of ex-member, Jordan Cheney are organising a fundraiser for Pancreatic Cancer.  Those of you who don’t know, Jordan has pancreatic cancer. Newstead Bowling Club is the venue for a comedy night on Saturday 16 August from 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.  Details can be obtained from the following link: http://www.stickytickets.com.au/18109.  Why not get a few of your ORC friends together and make a night of it all for a good cause.

We had a good turnout for Wednesday night  and new member  Steven Cooper was not deterred by the weather conditions.  Out of the 51 runners Nicholas Thomas was the winner.  Norma Bradley and Mackay Man Ha stepped out in style to keep warm in the cold wind.  Anne Meli also ran well in a time of 19:11 for the 3 kms.  Naomi Sunderland whipped around the course in a time of 14:29.  Amongst the men, Paul Ovens did a great time of 11:34, hot on the heels of Mark Chapman.  John West walked the 3 kms in an incredible time of 18:49.

Good luck to the runners/walkers heading to Wellington on Sunday for the Mt Arthur Challenge.

Tip of the week – ….. wear clothing appropriate to the weather conditions … lately, beanies, gloves, polar fleece and thermal underwear have been very appropriate.