Stawell Amateur Athletic Club made the journey to Cameron Rd, Horsham last Saturday for the Horsham Telstra Shop 6500m Handicap, which also served as the first of the Grand Prix series of races. The Aggregate race winner also wins the Grand Prix event, and earns points towards the series total.
An excellent turnout of 60 competitors competed in seniors, juniors and sub-juniors, including a strong contingent from the newly formed Horsham Running Club.
Times where quick and the competition fierce under ideal conditions over a flat and scenic course along the banks of the Wimmera river — well, scenic for those who had time to notice!
Stawell youngster Karl Scott blitzed the seniors event from start to finish and stamped his authority as a present and future runner to take seriously, coming in a full minute ahead of second place Susie Ellis.
He also beat his father Ray’s time by five seconds, so you can imagine that will take the level of competition in the Scott household up a notch or two! Peter Steggall finished a close third, continuing his run of good early season form.
Fastest race time was once again Col Barnett in 24min 12sec, and Susie Ellis was the fastest female with 28min 16sec.
Karl’s win also gave him the first Grand Prix race, and he received a special medallion for his effort.
Twenty-one runners crossed the line in the next 2 minutes after second placed Susie Ellis, which gives an indication of how competitive the handicaps are becoming.
The juniors competed over 3000m and again the field was close. Nathan Watson claimed the honors with a very strong run from a hard finishing Namomi Jamieson in second place. Emily Parnaby ran well to claim third.
Fastest junior time went to invitational runner Chris Munn, and the fastest female time was Ilana Jorgensen with 13min 10sec.
The sub-juniors ran a sealed handicap 1000m with the whole field starting at the one time. Jack Butler was first across the line in another closely fought race, with the whole field finishing within 40 seconds on handicap times.
Jack also took out the race on handicap, with Mackenzie Ellis second and Georgia Barnett running well for third place.
Jack ran the fastest sub-junior time of 3min 42sec, and Elly Barnett was the fastest girl in 4min 41sec.