Race Report by Christine Williams
The second event of the AV season took us to Jells Park, Waverley, where each relay team member runs 2 x 3km laps of a twisting course across parkland, pathways and sneaky hills. An event full of the earlys-eason relay chaos that always reminds us why we love winter running.
This year, the theme of teamwork and sharing the baton took on a deeper meaning. At the last minute, Winter Captain Christine had to step away to support her husband, who suffered a fractured pelvis just hours before the race. Like a well-drilled relay team, Dave, Anthony and Marg took on the extra load (one team member down) to coordinate teams, bibs, running orders, and changeovers with calm efficiency.
Others pitched in wherever needed. The whole OXAC crew moved like a machine — supportive, organised, and united. It was, in every way, the spirit of a relay. Well done Old Xavs.
🌳 A Day That Felt Like Summer
As Bruce Davie put it:
“Jells Park is a lovely setting, and it was apparently still summer there when we rolled up on Saturday. Runners slathered on sunblock before heading out on the hilly course, which always seems to contain more twisting loops than one remembers. It was already in the 20s by the time the race got underway.”
Warm weather, rolling hills, and a deceptively tough course — classic Jells Park.
⭐ Notable Performances
A few standouts on the day:
• Zac Taylor — blistering 21:41 🔥
• Justyn Bove — superb 22:12
• Alan Colman — 23:07, taking family honours by just 10 seconds over Annabelle (23:17)
A brilliant mix of speed, grit, and friendly rivalry.
🥇 OXAC Relay Results
Female Open
• Division 2 (4 × 6 km) — Total time 1:57:10; 10th position
Annabelle Colman 23:17 • Aya Fukunaga 30:22 • Fleur ShawJones 32:17 • Marina Scarff 31:14
• Division 4 (3 × 6 km) — Total time 1:37:47; 6th position
Amelie Lague 31:41 • Elisse Gately 33:56 • Margaret Fitzgerald 32:10
Male Open
• Division 3 (5 × 6 km) — Total time 1:58:26; 12th position
Justyn Bove 22:12 • Alan Colman 23:07 • Bruce Davie 24:17 • Zac Taylor 21:41 • David Martini 27:09
• Division 5 (4 × 6 km) — Total time 1:47:18; 6th
Thuan Ma 27:05 • Michael Tsorlinis 24:48 • Christos Tsorlinis 24:14 • Gus Llano 31:11
• Flying Solo in Division 7 (6 km) – Christopher Worsnop — 38:57
Jells Park reminded us that relays aren’t just about running. They’re about showing up for each other, sharing the load, and passing the baton — on the course and off it.
Thank you to everyone who stepped in, stepped up, and kept the OXAC spirit strong. And thank you to the runners who gave everything on a warm, hilly, beautiful day.
Another great day for OXAC — in every sense.
