The Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club community celebrated the ever humble Nathan Bendelle on Sunday, who took out the Stawell Sportspower 5km Handicap, in sunny but slippery conditions, through Stawell’s Deep Lead Nature Reserve.

After first volunteering to take on official timing duties, Bendelle stepped out onto the challenging 5km course with another goal in mind, for the upcoming Great Ocean Road Marathon. He was under strict instructions from his Coach (Sue Blizzard) to ‘take it easy’ and not run too hard. So, it was to Bendelle’s huge surprise when he enquired who had won the race after he crossed the finish line on Sunday to learn that he, in fact, was the victor.

In official second place, returning from injury, was Julie Hertz, 1 minute and 46 seconds behind Bendelle. With the ever consistent Matt Haddow, collecting another podium finish for 3rd place just 1 second behind Hertz.

The fastest runners in the females for the day were Annie Brown (25’54”) and Michelle Dunn (27’21”), with the male category being led by Mark Thompson (20’44”) and Gabriel Tonks (22’45”).

A huge thanks to Shev Healy for the track marking today and all that she does behind the scenes!

Next week’s run will be the Mitre 10 5km Handicap, held at Saw Pit Road, Alec McKenzie Dam, Ararat, at 9am sharp. Race briefing and registrations will take place up to and at 8.45am.!