OXAC Excels in Orchard Outing

APSOC Orchard 10km Handicap

Saturday 14 May 2022

The OXAC team were once again out in force for another APSOC event over the weekend, with the non-premiership Orchard 10km Handicap around Albert Park Lake. The red & black team were the best-represented on the day, in a handicap race whereby athletes all started at different times in an effort for runners to finish more or less together.

Alan Colman striving for the finish line

In the scratch event, Ben Haseler (34:46) took line honours for OXAC, finishing with the 3rd best time of the day despite a last-minute arrival from his graduation – dedication well rewarded for Ben! Aidan Jackson (35:10) finished immediately behind him to make it 2 OXAC runners in the top 4. Other excellent performances included Pablo Campillos (40:47) and Steve McDonald (41:51) who finished 1st and 2nd in the M50 category respectively, Alex O’Callaghan (45:31) who ran in his 52nd APSOC race since 2013, and Pierre Guillon (46:40) who ran solidly in his ongoing return from the Boston Marathon.

Seb Harvey enjoying the wind!

In the handicap event, the Colmans placed excellently, with Annabelle (42:10) placing 2nd overall (but being ineligible for a medal given it was only her 4th APSOC Race), and Alan (42:17) finishing in the top 10 but also being ineligible. Di Guiney (46:48) ran excellently in her 2nd APSOC race, and Nik Mathews (44:56) also placing in the top 12 of the handicap. Full results available here.

Annabelle Colman notching up a win in the Women’s U23 category

The next event is the massive Dyson Relays at the Tan, this Saturday 21 May. Teams are of 6 people in Division 1, and 4 people in all other Divisions. The first runners start at 2:30pm and we will meet at the top of the Tan, near the War Memorial (note the change of venue from previous years!). If you haven’t already, make sure you register for APSOC and fill in our form before Thursday 5pm to ensure you are placed in a team. Keep an eye out for more communication later in the week. Go Xavs!

Aidan Jackson

OXAC Winter Captain