Jack attacks the track
A trip out the road to the scenic Lake Canobolas in cool but improving weather on Sunday saw 63 Orange Runners Club members enjoying a lap or 2 around the track. In the 3k (1 lap run), Amber Rich was the quickest in 13.20 to finish ahead of Karen Neal (14.11) and youngster Lily Craig (15.19). Of the men Matt Lobsey (14.04) finished only seconds in front of Anthony Daintith (14.09), after a little confusion for Matt about how to get to the finish line. ‘Kiwi’ Alistair Merrifield (15.04) was just behind this pair in third.
Doing the 2 lap run the first three men finished within 30 seconds of each other, with Brad Simmons (23.22), Mark ‘Deek’ Chapman (23.44) and promising junior Jack Daintith (23.53) all pushing out 2 quick laps.
The consistent Sue Dean (25.16) again led the ladies around the course, with Liz Simpson (25.38) hot on her heels and another up and coming junior runner, in Katherine Lindsay (27.50) third.
Alison Kittel was the handicap winner after completing the 1 lap course in 17.32.
On Wednesday night 80 odd runners braved the wind chill factor to warm up by running around the track, but most found it hard to get the motor started. Once in the groove though a few really hit the after burners, with Jack Daintith the fastest in 10.51 and in the process reversing the top three order from Sunday’s run, with Mark Chapman and Brad Simmons just behind.
It was great to see Mitch, Nicole and Carrie Williamson all back on the track again.
Also backing up their weekend run was Alison Kittel who was judged the winner on the night for her 3 lap run of 14.39.
John West travelled to the ‘Great Barrier Reef Masters Games‘ at Cairns and enjoyed the warmer weather. On the track John won his age group of the 3000m walk (22m27s), was 2nd in the 5000m walk (37m43s) and in the throwing events he was second in Javelin, Discus, Shot put, Hammer Throw, Weight Throws and the Throws Pentathlon with some pleasing distances.
This weekend will see the Mudgee running festival ran over Saturday and Sunday with many club members venturing over to run in either the 5k, 10k, ½ marathon or marathon.
There will also be a run at Jack Brabham starting at 9am Sunday for all other runners.
The running festival committee would also like to advise that entries are now open for the 2014 event on Feb 22 & 23. You can enter on line, just visit the running festival website. orangecolourcityrunningfestival.com.au
I am keen to have another crack at the marathon. So come on guys, let’s get involved again this year and if you can’t or don’t want to run, there are plenty of great jobs in the lead up or on the day that you can do to help make it a memorable event.
