Phillip Cole estimated that he might be able to run five kilometres in 25 minutes when he made his debut with the Stawell Amateur Athletic Club at Stawell last Saturday.
He was handicapped accordingly.
Imagine his surprise when he knocked nearly three minutes off that “guestimate” to win the Rupanyup Garden Centre Handicap by a clear minute.
The 26-year-old engineer was embarrassed by his debut win, the first time he has ever raced against the clock in a 5km event.
“I used to run half marathons in my late teens but I’ve never really raced before,” he said.
“I’ve been training on (Stawell’s) Big Hill so I didn’t have much trouble with the hills in this race, but I never gave a thought to winning.”
Cole, who moved to Stawell from St Arnaud eight months ago, joined the club at the urgings of colleagues and members Justine Tracy and Jess Cass.
“I’ve trained with the Stawell Warriors but got injured, so I needed to do something to maintain my fitness levels. Running seems to do the trick. I hope I can keep it up.”
Runner-up Tracy may have regretted her influence on Cole but wasn’t complaining, aware that the season is young with many chances to win ahead.
Third-placed Colin Barnett finished strongly and is a firm favourite for the Telstra Shop Handicap on home turf at Horsham this Saturday.
In the Sub-Juniors division of the race Tom Williams scored his maiden win from ever-consistent Olivia Hunter and Jay Jay Nitschke.
Start time is for the Telstra Shop is 10am. Interested runners are invited to call 53562493 for details.