Saturday 2 July
The Lodge Handicaps, St Kevin’s, Tooronga.
While many from the club were off working on their suntans at the Gold Coast Marathon Festival, the hardy minority braved a cool but clear winter’s day to represent the club at The Lodge Handicaps. The races were over an 8km loop, with either a single lap 8km race or a two-lapper 16km on offer. Of the 71 athletes present, for some reason, 58 chose the 8km and only 13 went for the 16km. Despite the number of our runners who were away, we still had a team of 21 (13 men, 8 women) to be the largest club on the day.
In the 8km men’s race, Cameron led the way for OXAC (28:44) from Alex O’C (32:00) and Lochie W (34:05). Then the other youngsters Carlo, Jack and Nathan finished in a bunch (34:51, 35:07 and 35:58). After a gap, the older brigade of Bob (2 nd M60), Seb (3 rd M60), Dean, Anthony W and Eamon battled their way to the line.
In the 8km ladies’ race, Lauren M led the way for OXAC (31:08, 1st W40 – also beating the first M40 home!) from Jacqui (38:13, 3rd W40), Josita (43:47, 4th W50), Clara (43:53, 1st W23), and then the ever-smiling pair of Christine (46:35, 1st W60) and Lauren D (50:04).
In the 16km men’s race, Ben was the fastest overall (55:39, 1st Open) and Pablo was third (63:26, 3rd Open, 1st M50).
In the 16km ladies’ race, Margaret led the way for OXAC (79:57, 1st W60), closely followed by Montana (80:52, 1st W23).
Thanks to all who came out to fly the red and black singlet. Hope to see some of you out again at the AV Sandown Relays next Saturday.
Bob