Members travel the state
Article by Matt Dean
A very busy week for ORC members with a good showing in the Bathurst Half Marathon and 10k and a number of others making the trek to Port Macquarie for the Ironman either as competitors or in the less agonising roll as supporters.
Of the 101 competitors in the Bathurst Half Marathon Mitch Essex was the first runner’s club member home in a time of 1.32.48 in 21st position. Daryl Roweth and Mike Cooper finished closely behind in 1.35.12 and 1.35.33 respectively. For the females Pam Fullgrabe 2.02.39; Maree Moss 2.05.27 and Judy Tarleton 2.26.36 all had strong performances. It was in the 10k where Orange runners once again shone with Mitch Williamson taking out the men in 33.37 and Liz Simpson first home for the women in a time of 39.25 and 11th overall. Nicole Williamson also finished on the podium in 3rd place in 40.42 with Amber Rich in 4th place in 43.11. Others to run well from ORC and break the 40 minute mark were Brandon Connolly 6th in 37.59 and Iain McLean 14th in 39.44. While Anthony Daintith 41.58 and Mark Chapman 42.01 pushed each other for very strong results. It was great to see husband and wife Jamie & Leanne Corcoran notch up their first 10k together. This was Jamie’s first 10k fun run since joining the club will no doubt create a lot of friendly rivalry between couple.
The representation in Port Macquarie was nothing short of outstanding with 23 competitors and many family and friends going along for the ride. Jared Sullivan was the first ORC member home in 10hours 33 minutes and 40 seconds. Jared managed a 3.38.25 marathon after a 3.8k swim and 182k bike leg. Jess Richards was another standout and in the process of her stellar performance qualified for Kona Hawaii. Jess finished 3rd in her age group; was the 10th female overall and clocked the 4th fastest bike leg from the 210 female competitors. I travelled as a spectator and have no intention of competing in an Ironmanrywhere or if the females espiciallt theowed guts, determination and pain at v however due to the number of Orange participants there was no better time to watch this amazing event. It was truly unbelievable too see what these athletes put themselves through to experience the thrill of crossing the finish line. All competitors showed guts, determination and pain at various stages of the race but it was the girls who managed to smile the most. I’m not sure if it was the fact that cameras were everywhere or if the females especially the mothers know what true pain is.
Closer to home and as a result of other events taking priority over the past weekend ,the Berrilee Forest Handicap run was understandably low on numbers. 27 runners/walkers took part in the undulating 4k track while only 7 runners managed the 8.1k course. Clarissa Lark was the handicap winner completing the 4k in 25.15.
Wednesday’s handicap winner was again Clarissa Lark. Clarissa finished the 3 lap course in 15.32. Only three PB’s this week they were Luka Mihalich 4 seconds, Iain McLean 9 seconds and Molly Dean 5 seconds.
The Orange Apple Festival Fun Run will be held this Sunday at the Pinnacle Picnic Area and caters for all abilities with three distances available 3, 5 and 10k. The run commences at 9.00am however entrants are required to assemble in the Pinnacle Picnic Area by 8.45am. Unfortunately this run clashes with the Inaugural Narromine We Run 10k or 5k run/walk at the Narromine Wetlands. There are no online entries for this event for more information email narrominewerun@gmail.com
The following Sunday 19 May 2013 will see the running of the Parkes Rotary Fun Run 10k and 5k with a 2k for the kid’s. The event is held at Harrison Park from 8.00am and entries are available online at www.parkesrotaryfunrun.com.au or will be taken on the day from 6.30am.
For anyone missed out on a 2013 Running Festival T-Shirts there are a small number still available. Please see Kim Roweth or Anthony Daintith for sizes and availability.
Happy Mother’s Day to all ORC mums tomorrow.