Hanging Rock provides ideal setting for 12km XC
Round two of the XCR season saw Xavs runners head to Hanging Rock on a perfect Autumn afternoon for racing. A mob of kangaroos hopped around but kept clear of the course, and the atmospheric presence of Hanging Rock set the scene for a tough afternoon of racing.
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The 12km course consisted of a reasonably flat 2km loop followed by two much tougher 5km loops that passed along the shoulder of Hanging Rock to provide some serious elevation gains and losses over the distance. Each loop also included some running on the famous horse-racing course.
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Lauren Mosbey led the charge for the Xaverinas, continuing her run of form with a 2nd place finish in the W40 division and 49:20 for the 12km. Di Guiney, new member Belinda Blackburn, Margaret Fitzgerald and Silvia Warren completed the Premier Division team and secured 8th place, with Di, Belinda and Margaret also taking 5th place in the W50 competition. Margaret, Josita Hicks and Christine Williams continued their winning ways in the W60, making it two team gold medals in two races to get their season off to a flying start. Margaret also picked up the individual gold in W60.
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In the men’s competition, Jeremy Higlett was first OXAC runner in 43:22, followed by Ant Meek making his M40 debut in 44:04, good for 7th place in his new division. Alan Colman followed by Bruce Davie and David Martini filled out the Div 3 team, good for 5th place. It was a good day out for the M60 men as Bruce took the silver medal in his debut in that category, and was joined by Richard Dickmann and Bob Meek to take the team bronze.
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Next up on the AV calendar is the 10km road race around Albert Park, promising a flatter and roo-free environment.