By Christine Williams, Women’s Winter Captain
Look, I’m not claiming the race was named after me… but the Williams/Williamson thing was too good not to mention.
What a start to our 2026 Winter season. It was a glorious day in Berwick for the Williamson — a 5 km race made up of two 2.5 km laps around the Haileybury ovals and grounds, weaving across grass, gravel, paths, a footbridge, the odd surprise bump and hill. After years where this race has been under greys skies, wet, muddy, or downright swampy, this year we were gifted one of those perfect blue‑sky autumn afternoons that makes running feel like play.
As always, the pre‑race atmosphere was peak APSOC: new runners trying to work out singlets and wristbands, old friends catching up, people rummaging through bags for… who knows what, and a general sense of organised chaos.
My plan for a polished, clubhouse‑style welcome to the Xaverinas instead lasted about 30 seconds with me standing on a picnic table, calling the women over and literally tossing out the brand‑new Xaverina caps (complete with red smiling lips) and the 2026 season lips‑shaped badge. The ladies seemed to love it, and I’m sure appreciated the lovely gesture.
Warm‑ups followed, then the official course briefing, team photos, last‑minute advice, and before we knew it the starter had us away almost exactly at 2:30 pm. After the race, Haileybury once again put on a beautiful afternoon tea as we celebrated winners, age‑group champions, and the start of another season together.
“We don’t run to beat each other — we run to lift each other.” And nowhere was that more obvious than in the families and partnerships that made the Williamson feel like a true OXAC gathering of generations. This race wasn’t just about times and placings — it was about mums and daughters, fathers and sons, partners and siblings, all out there sharing the same course, the same sunshine, the same nerves, and the same finish‑line joy.
New Members Welcomed
Welcome to the following members already making an impact:
- Marina Scarff — brilliant debut, instantly part of the Xaverinas energy.
- Scarlett Holt — Year 7, first APSOC race, sharing the day with her dad.
- Davide Peano — strong 20:10 debut, huge potential.
- Callum Ragazzon — smooth 22:07 debut.
Standout Performances
- Peter Chappell – 3rd overall (17:34): A superb season opener, leading the OX charge and anchoring our Division 1 team.
- Simon Holt – 4th overall (17:41) & 1st M40: Continues to defy the laws of ageing — and set the standard for the next generation.
- Zachary Taylor – 5th overall (18:16) & 3rd M23: A brilliant run, showing he’s ready for a big season.
- Justyn Bove – 6th overall (18:29): Strong, composed, and crucial for our team points.
- Annabelle Colman – 1st W23 (18:57): A sensational run — first in her age group and first OX woman home.
- Harry Cole – 9th overall (19:04) & 4th M23: An amazing result from the Cole family youngster – shows he’s one to watch.
- Alan Colman – 1st M50 (19:14): Another age‑group win for the Colman household. A model of consistency.
Full OXAC results
- Peter Chappell – 17:34
- Simon Holt – 17:41
- Zachary Taylor – 18:16
- Justyn Bove – 18:29
- Annabelle Colman – 18:57
- Harry Cole – 19:04
- Alan Colman – 19:14
- Davide Peano – 20:10
- Michael Tsorlinis – 20:41
- Christos Tsorlinis – 21:37
- Callum Ragazzon – 22:07
- Craig Stagoll – 22:14
- Thuan Ma – 22:17
- Di Guiney – 22:21 – 2nd W50
- David Martini – 23:00
- Paul Window – 24:00 – 3rd M60
- Aya Fukunaga – 25:33 – 6th W50
- Shannon Cole – 25:53 – 2nd W40
- John Roskam – 26:10
- Richard Dickmann – 26:18
- Claudia Haeger – 26:38 – 3rd W40
- Clara Campillos – 26:42 – 2nd W23
- Amelie Lague – 26:44 – 3rd W23
- Marina Scarff – 26:50 – new member!
- Lexi Guiney – 26:59 – 4th W23
- Jeremy Cass – 27:12
- Alex O’Callaghan – 27:14
- Hannah Stagoll – 27:28
- Elisse Gately – 27:33
- Lucy Permezel – 28:01
- Scarlett Holt – 28:31 – Year 7 debut
- Dan Brodrick – 28:55
- Margaret Cass – 29:01
- Josita Hicks – 30:37 – 3rd W60
- Silvia Warren – 31:38
- Martin Noonan – 33:27 – 2nd M70
Team Results
Our open team took the top spot in Division 1 while our second team was 4th. Our ladies took 2nd and 3rd places behind a strong Caulfield Grammar team.
This was a brilliant start to the 2026 season. We had more runners, more teams, more age‑group podiums, and more energy than any other club on the course. The OXAC culture — supportive, competitive, and full of heart — was on full display.
Bring on Race 2.