On Sunday Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club held one of the longest club races, the Clem Hall Memorial 5000m. This race has been held since 1971. With just one volunteer available to assist with racing timing the group decided to start together. Thanks to Paula for stepping up and cheering all runners home.
New runner joined the club for this race. Les Williams has been traveling around Australia and the world joining in with Running clubs to give his support. Les is a long time competitor at the Stawell gift carnival, and trophy sponsor of the 300m masters Handicap. It was great to have him run with us. He kept pace with young Gabe Tonks until the last sprint to the line. Gabe was the fastest Male with Tessa Thompson fastest female.
After the downpour on the previous day the course had few large puddles to find a track around but the rest of the course was fast under foot. At the announcements of the race winners Sabine Hamilton took out Third with Shev Healy coming in second with 1 second splitting the two. Matt Maddow was a favourite to win this race as he had been on the Podium for the last 2 races he’d run. He won 12 seconds clear of Shev on handicap.
Matt, always supportive of other runners, was keen to thank all volunteers and runners who came out for a great run. This is his second season with the club and he last won a race at the Thompson Family race in June last year. Matt generally loves taking his trusted training partner, his dog Arlo to Parkrun or out in the Ararat Hills. His running style is fast and steady, with trouble finding a slower pace in training sessions. Matt is a regular at the Blizzard Running coaching, free group run sessions which has helped him become confident with his running.
Next week the club next Sunday 31st July, meets at Blake Street, Ararat for the Blizzard family 10km Championship race. Group meets at 9.15am and the race starts at 9.45am. Race fee is $5 and all social runners are welcome
