Adrian wins on hilly course
On Sunday the Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club ran the Trounson Family 8000metre Handicap. It was not the greatest of weather but each runners had the Nike attitude of, Just do it. Group start was quickly arranged to try beat the forecast rain. The course was not designed for traditional road runners, with narrow tracks amongst the bush land hills below One Tree Hill. Jack Trounson had prepared and marked the track so it was perfect for runners.
Gabe Tonks was the fastest around the course, in just under 40minutes. Jess Hunt was the first female home, in a pursuit to the line with Peter Gibson and Ararat’s Deakin Medical Student Sabine Hamilton making the timekeepers quick on the stopclock.
The Club retreated to the Trounson family home for presentations and warm cuppa. Once handicaps were applied it was announced that Adrian Van Raaphorst won taking home the sash. Jess Hunt was second with Sabine Hamilton taking out third.
Adrian has not won a race with the club since 2019, but has proven that the hillier courses suit him with his recent steady form at the Conquer of the Hill up One Tree Hill Road. The Trounson Family race had not been run over the past two years due to COVID, but Adrian said he still completed the track over those years in the club Virtual run series. Adrian last won this race in 2006 and spoke of his love for the track.
Next club race we join the SAAC for the Lindsay Kent 8000metre Championship on Sunday 19th June on Pipetrack Road near Stawell Airport. Race start at 10am, Race fee $5. All Runners welcome to come join the club. See our Facebook page for race details.
