The Victorian Race Walking Club

The Winter Season occurs between April and September and covers the Australian winter. Conditions are generally superb for road walking with mild winter temperatures, fast courses and lots of competition for all age groups.

AV/VRWC ROAD WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

Our VRWC winter season was completed last Sunday morning with some final longer races, including the Victorian 50km championship and the VRWC 35km club championship, as well as non-championship 10km and 6 Hour walks. Paul deMeester, passing through from Europe on his way back to America, stopped for a few days and availed himself of the opportunity for a walk in the Victorian 50km. Paul has also written a report on the championship events which were on offer – thanks Paul!


The 50km Victorian Championship race win that eluded Simon Evans last year was clinched by him this year, making Simon a two-time winner of the event, having graced the Jared Tallent Trophy once before in 2014.  Four walkers took the start, three men and one woman.  The start was a joint one with the 35km race participants and local future hopeful, Adam Garganis, who set out to walk a 20km because he had to report for work at 1 p.m.

Quentin Rew lent his fine race reputation and walk technique to please the spectators along the 2km Albert Park circuit in Melbourne.  Adam was right there with him but ended up dropping back for a short while to get his shins stretched.  Adam soon caught up with the New Zealander, who received plaudits from local club members for his August personal best in the 50K during a stirring 12th place performance at the 2017 World Championships on the scenic London Mall venue.  Rew and Garganis soon lapped everyone else.  At 20km, both clocked 1:38:20, after which Quentin carried on alone, finishing the 35km in 2:51:31.

A third walker who impressed was Pramesh Prasad, who is vying to represent Fiji at next year's Commonwealth Games at 20km.  He posted a 3:21:25 personal best at the finish line for second place over 35km.  What made his race more difficult was having to walk by himself between the lead duo and a pack of 35 and 50K walkers that numbered up to six at one point.  The group of six included two 35km racers, Tim Erickson, looking very race-crafty after not having had a competitive outing since March, and Bernie Keirl.  The four 50km starters, Simon, Karyn O'Neill, Albin Hess and U.S. visitor Paul DeMeester stayed with their 35km counterparts for the first 6km.  Albin was the first to lose touch with the group, at first only by seconds until about 8km, when the gap grew.  Unfortunately, he was shown the red paddle at the 17km mark.

DeMeester was the next to fall from the pursuing group, when in the 15th km he had to let go of the others.  The American slowed down considerably and gave up the ghost at the half-way mark.  Meanwhile, Karyn was able to stay in a joint lead with Simon in the 50K until the 17th km when she was a few seconds behind.  By the 20km mark, her deficit to Simon was only 19 seconds but it became larger after that.  Sadly enough, in the 34th km she was red carded out of the race.

This left Simon Evans to carry the 50km banner by himself.  But what a show he put on.  After 29km, Simon was still in the company of Keirl and former international Erickson.  But Keirl lost about 20 seconds over the next kilometre and stopped 5km shy of the race finish.  This left a 35km walker next to a 50km walker.  They went at it.  Erickson took the lead by a mere two seconds after 31km but built that up to eight seconds in the next K.  But Evans was not to be denied a second medal in one day, as the 50km walkers were automatically entered in the 35km race.  Evans was soon back in Tim's company and over the next two kilometres, Simon built a lead of 24 seconds by the time Tim Erickson capped his fine race performance over 35km with a time of 4:10:36.

The fight with Erickson was costly to Evans, though, in that he paid for the wonderful, earlier scrap with Erickson in the last 13km of the marque race for the day.  But by then, the championship title was Simon's for the taking.  All he had to do was finish.  And finish he did, not without difficulty.  Having suffered a left foot injury that kept him from properly preparing for the long distance, Simon showed true grit on this way to the finish line.  Having shined in international masters racing in the sprint races and the 20km, Simon stopped the clock at an even 6:25:00.  Victoria has its new 50km champion.  Congrats Simon.

AV 50KM CHAMPIONSHIP       10km       20km       30km       40km       50km    
1.  Evans, Simon           1:12:52    2:26:20    3:36:32    4:48:26    6:25:00    
    deMeester, Paul (USA)  1:12:53    2:30:20                          DNF    
    Hess, Albin            1:14:22                                     DQ    
    O'Neill, Karyn         1:12:55    2:26:39    3:41:59               DQ

VRWC 35KM CHAMPIONSHIP    10km        20km       30km       35km
1.  Rew, Quentin             49:22    1:38:20    2:27:00    2:51:31
2.  Prasad, Pramesh          57:37    1:47:31    2:48:15    3:21:25
3.  Evans, Simon           1:12:52    2:26:20    3:36:32    4:10:12
4.  Erickson, Tim          1:12:53    2:26:19    3:36:32    4:10:36
    Keirl, Bernie          1:12:51    2:26:18    3:36:52    DNF
    Garganis, Adam           49:22    1:38:20               DNF    

First year walker Chris Kent surprised everyone with his walk in the 6 Hour event, bettering his marathon distance target and reaching a final distance of 42.670km. His previous longest distance was the LBG 5 Mile walk in June this year. That an effort!

Our young girls showed the way in the non-championship 10km walk, with Jemima Montag (47:03), Bec Henderson (51:20) and Simone McInnes (52:44) all walking fast. We also welcomed first time walker Claire Samanna who walked an impressive first up 1:05:22. Welcome aboard Claire!

VRWC 6 HOUR WALK           10km       20km       30km       40km       Distance
1.  Kent, Chris            1:18:19    2:37:36    4:02:48    5:37:34    42.670 km

VRWC 10KM NON-CHAMPIONSHIP WALK            
1.  Montag, Jemima           47:03
2.  Henderson, Rebecca       51:20
3.  McInnes, Simone          52:44
4.  Samanna, Claire        1:05:22
    Dickenson, Russ            DNF
    Jamieson, Andrew            DQ
            
ADDITIONAL 6 HOUR TIMES            
    O'Neill, Karyn         46.750 km
    Hess, Albin            46.670 km

Thanks as always to our many judges, officials and helpers. Apologies if I have missed anyone. A special mention to Lucas Kent who did a fantastic job helping out in so many ways at the start/finish line. Legendary performance!

Officials: Terry Swan, Tim Erickson, Ralph Bennett, Mark Donahoo, Lucas Kent
Canteen: Donna Elms
Photos: Terry Swan (http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/443)
Judges: Terry Swan (chief), Gordon Loughnan, Diane Lowden, Brenda Felton, Judy Mason, Ebony Whiley, Kathleen Marsh

VRWC ROAD WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER

It was nice to finally get a warmer day for the 37 walkers who competed last Saturday in our VRWC winter roadwalks at Middle Park. With our two Rio Olympians Rhydian Cowley and Quentin Rew in action, along with Kyle Swan and Jemima Montag, it was a case of the big guns out for a stroll in the park. They all led from the front, as expected. Well done also to Alanna Peart (first ever 8km with 41:25) and Paige de Lisen (8km PB of 46:21) who both tackled the longest distance on offer. Congratulations to Gwen Steed who recorded a club W75 3km record of 20:49. This betters the record she set a few weeks ago.

The races were followed by our VRWC winter season presentations, a big event that was very well attended.

8km Walk
1.  Alanna Peart             U14     41:25    First one
2.  Paige De Lisen           U18     46:21    PB 1:28
3.  Alison Thompson          60+     49:38

1.  Quentin Rew              Open    35:42
2.  Bernie Keirl             40-59   48:41
3.  Albin Hess               40-59   52:59

6km Walk   
1.  Karyn O'Neill            60+     41:07

1.  Rhydian Cowley           Open    26:48
2.  Kyle Swan                Open    27:27
3.  Pramesh Prasad           40-59   29:34
4.  Gerard Feain             40-59   38:24
       
4km Walk
1.  Jemima Montag            Open    18:29
2.  Jasmin Hass              U18     21:48
3.  Holly Cocking            U16     23:03
4.  Kathleen O'Mahony        U16     23:30
5.  Donna-Marie Elms         40-59   26:09
6.  Gwen Steed               60+     27:54    W75 3km Club Record 20:49
7.  Alannah Dingli           U14     28:40
8.  Isabella Dingli          U16     29:10

1.  Mark Blackwood           40-59   19:26
2.  Reese Walmsley           Open    19:53
3.  Hayden Walmsley          U18     19:55
4.  Luke Epps                U12     23:01

2km Walk
1.  Charlotte Hay            U14     10:14
2.  Madeleine Feain          Open    11:24
3.  Grace Louey              U14     11:46
4.  Gemma Lillie             U14     12:29
5.  Dee Holohan              40-59   13:18
6.  Merilyn Thompson         40-59   15:00
7.  Pam Mews                 60+     20:02

1.  Will Thompson            U16     09:37
2.  Angus Hay                U14     10:51
3.  Liam Hutchins            U10     10:56

1km Walk
1.  Ella Cunningham          U12     07:03
2.  Sophie Blackwood         U10     10:58

1.  Hamish Blackwood         U10     05:26
2.  Sebastian Weickhardt     U12     06:01

Thanks as always to our many judges, officials and helpers. Apologies if I have missed anyone.

Officials: Karyn O'Neill, Heather Carr, Bill Carr, Ian Laurie, Mark Donahoo, Ralph Bennett, Tim Erickson
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Terry O'Neill, Mark O'Mahoney, Stuart Cooper, Michael Bodey
Canteen: Wendy Cooper, Kate Suich, Eija Heikkila
Photos: Terry Swan (http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/442)
Lapscoring: Ralph Bennett (http://vrwc.org.au/wp1/race-splits-laps/)

2017 Australian Roadwalk Championships, Wollongong, NSW, Sunday 27 August

The Australian Roadwalk Championships were held this year in Wollongong, in rural NSW. From what I hear, conditions were sunny and still and the course was a fast one, so times were generally good.

The Open 20km championships saw wins to Michael Hosking (VIC 1:25:13) and Claire Tallent (SA 1:37:54). For Michael, it was his first race since March 2016 and marks a welcome return to competition. The men’s 20km saw a lot of our junior walkers in action, with PBs to Tyler Jones (NSW 1:27:07) and Declan Tingay (WA 1:28:10) and an inaugural finish to Luke McCutcheon (QLD 1:31:52). With spots on offer for Commonwealth Games and World Racewalking Team Championships next year, these walkers are all putting up their hands with good early form. They can only improve from here.

Results here are restricted to the first 3 plus any Victorians. For details of RWA Teams results and handicap placings, see the extended results set at http://www.rwa.org.au/wp/2017/08/28/wollongong-full-results/.

AA/RWA Open Men 20km
1.  Hosking, Michael           VIC    1:25:13
2.  Jones, Tyler               NSW    1:27:07    PB 0:05
3.  Reading, Brendon           ACT    1:27:13

AA Open Women 20km
1.  Tallent, Claire            SA     1:37:54
2.  Barendregt, Amanda         NSW    2:02:50    PB 6:07

RWA Open Women 10km
1.  Findlay, Samantha          SA       55:31
2.  Staunton-Jugovic, Ann      ACT    1:01:39
3.  Weekes, Anne               NSW    1:02:33
 
AA/RWA U20 Women 10km
1.  Randall, Alice             TAS      53:10    PB 1:15
2.  McDonald, Jasmyn           NSW    1:00:48

AA/RWA U18 Men 10km
1.  Frew, Connor               ACT      46:55
2.  Richardson, Dylan          NSW      47:07
3.  Baker, Mitchell            ACT      47:52

AA/RWA U18 Women 5km
1.  Henderson, Rebecca         VIC      24:19
2.  Hunt, Gabby                ACT      24:31
3.  Peart, Jemma               VIC      25:07

AA/RWA U16 Boys 5km
1.  Cross, Joe                 SA       24:02
2.  Young, Gwyllym             ACT      24:11
3.  Blaskett, Hayden           NSW      25:12

AA/RWA U16 Girls 5km
1.  Pitcher, Allanah           NSW      24:34
2.  Blanch, Emma               NSW      25:01    Eq PB
3.  Peart, Alanna              VIC      25:34

AA/RWA U14 Boys 3km
1.  Hunt, Tom                  ACT      14:55    PB 0:10
2.  Wearne, Jonathan           QLD      15:51
3.  McCure, Lachlan            QLD      16:04

AA/RWA U14 Girls 3km
1.  McMillen, Elizabeth        NSW      14:53
2.  Burns, Laura               ACT      14:58    PB 0:09
3.  Anderson, Jayda            QLD      15:01

RWA U12 Boys 2km
1.  Elliott, Peter             NSW      10:19
2.  McCure, Sam                QLD      10:32
3.  Bernard, Xavier            WA       10:41

RWA U12 Girls 2km
1.  Williams, Lyla             QLD      10:32
2.  Heap, Ashanti              QLD      10:43
3.  Boughton, Milly            NSW      10:57
 
Invitational Open 5km
1.  Black, Kate                ACT      29:53

Invitational U10 1km
1.  Varga-Strike, Thomas       NSW       6:16
2.  Lee, Cara                  NSW       8:26

VRWC ROAD WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 26 AUGUST

Conditions were just about perfect on Saturday afternoon at Middle Park in inner Melbourne, as 32 walkers contested the latest VRWC winter season roadwalks. Pramesh Prasad (8m 40:33), Will Thompson (8km 41:05) and Marley Berntsen (4km 21:03) led the field out in the longer everts, all finishing with good times. Well done also to Paige De Lisen, Albin Hess, Charlotte Hay and Isabella Dingli who all recorded PBs.

8km Walk           
1.  Paige De Lisen           Open   47:49    PB 0:14
2.  Alison Thompson          60+    49:50
3.  Carolyn Rosenbrock       40-59  51:23
4.  Karyn O'Neill            60+    54:57
           
1.  Pramesh Prasad           40-59  40:33
2.  Will Thompson            U16    41:05    PB 0:19
3.  Bernie Keirl             40-59  46:33
4.  Albin Hess               40-59  51:51    PB 3:01

6km Walk           
1.  David Smyth              40-59  37:08
2.  Russ Dickenson           60+    40:46
3.  Geoff Barrow             60+    42:52
    Ralph Bennett            60+    DNS

4km Walk           
1.  Marley Berntsen          Open   21:03    First one
2.  Jasmin Hass              U18    22:45
3.  Holly Cocking            U16    23:03
4.  Kathleen O'Mahony        U16    24:09
5.  Grace Louey              U14    25:16
6.  Gwen Steed               60+    27:27
7.  Alannah Dingli           U14    29:20
           
1.  Bruce Conboy             60+    32:20
2.  Barrie Wicks             60+    33:50

2km Walk           
1.  Charlotte Hay            U14    09:59    Eq. PB
2.  Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  U14    12:12
3.  Dee Holohan              40-59  13:04
4.  Isabella Dingli          U16    13:34    PB 0:21

1.  Heath Beveridge          U16    10:39
2.  Angus Hay                U14    10:56
3.  Liam Hutchins            U10    11:01

1km Walk           
1.  Eliza Thompson           U14    06:59
2.  Merilyn Thompson         40-59  07:27
3.  Pam Mews                 60+    09:46
           
1.  Sebastian Weickhardt     U12    06:01

Thanks as always to our judges, officials and helpers. Apologies if I have missed anyone.

Officials: Karyn O'Neill, Heather Carr, Simon Baker, Mark Donahoo, Terry Swan, Tim Erickson
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Kathleen Marsh, Ralph Bennett
Canteen: Kate Suich, Eija Heikkila
Photos: Terry Swan (http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/441)
Lapsplits: Ralph Bennett (http://vrwc.org.au/wp1/race-splits-laps/)

VRWC ROAD WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 19 AUGUST

Friday night in Melbourne was cold and wet, with some light snow reported on the Dandenongs.  The good news is that, after a cloudy Saturday morning, the sun came out and, except for a light shower during the race setup, conditions were still and sunny. It was our annual 'Beast Your Season Best Time' race day, with prizes on offer for those who beat their season best by the biggest margin. Well done to prize winners Madeleine Feain, Gwen Steed, Geoff Barrow, Paige de Lisen, Gerard Feain, Gemma Lillie, Angus Hay, Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik and Sebastian Weickhardt.

12km Walk                                     BSBT Placings
1.  Madeleine Feain         Open   1:15:25    1    PB 2:01
2.  Karyn O'Neill           60+    1:22:28    2
    Donna-Marie Elms        40-59      DNF

10km Walk                                     BSBT Placings    
1.  Alison Thompson         60+    1:02:24    2
2.  Gwen Steed              60+    1:13:33    1

1.  Geoff Barrow            60+    1:12:43    1

5km Walk                                      BSBT Placings
1.  Rebecca Henderson       U16      23:58    2
2.  Marley Berntsen         Open     27:08    
3.  Paige De Lisen          U18      27:42    1
4.  Kathleen O'Mahony       U16      30:24    4
5.  Isabella Dingli         U16      35:47    3
            
1.  Pramesh Prasad          40-59    24:10    2
2.  Terry O'Neill           60+      29:57   
3.  Bernie Keirl            40-59    30:12    4
4.  Gerard Feain            40-59    32:02    1
5.  Ralph Bennett           60+      35:47    5
6.  Barrie Wicks            60+      42:34    3
    Bob Gardiner            60+        DNS
    Mark Blackwood          Open       DNF

3km Walk                                      BSBT Placings   
1.  Charlotte Hay           U14      16:19    3
2.  Holly Cocking           U16      16:47    2
3.  Gemma Lillie            U12      19:11    1
4.  Grace Louey             U14      19:13    4
5.  Dee Holohan             40-59    21:10   
       
1.  Angus Hay                U14     16:26    1

1.5km Walk                                    BSBT Placings
1.  Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  U12     08:51    1
2.  Sophie Blackwood         U10     16:52    2
           
1.  Hamish Blackwood         U10     09:03    2
2.  Sebastian Weickhardt     U12     09:39    1

Thanks as always to our many judges, helpers and officials. As I am still away, Peer Vysma has forwarded the following to me:

Officials: Mark Donahoo, Ralph Bennett, Bob Gardiner, Bill Carr, Heather Carr, Bernie Keirl
Judges: Peter Vysma (C), Gordon Loughnan, Mark O'Mahony, Shane Dickson, Stuart Cooper
Canteen: Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper, Eija Heikkila
Photos: Terry Swan (http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/440)
Lapsplits: Ralph Bennett (http://vrwc.org.au/wp1/race-splits-laps/) 

VRWC ROAD WALKS, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 12 AUGUST

The final round of the VRWC Winter Season Points Competition was held last Saturday at Middle Park. Pramesh Prasad (8km 39:43) and Rebecca Henderson (6km 29:12) led the walkers out with the fastest times. Not many there overall as the season draws to a close. I heat that the weather was not too bad. Alas, club photographer Terry Swan was away so no photos this time around.

8km Walk                     H'Cap Place            
1.  Pramesh  Prasad          39:43    1
2.  Albin Hess               54:52    2

1.  Paige De Lisen           48:03    
2.  Alison Thompson          52:08    1
            
6km Walk                              H'Cap Place
1.  Gerard Feain             38:07    1

1.  Rebecca Henderson        29:12    1
2.  Madeleine Feain          37:18    2
3.  Donna-Marie Elms         38:06    3
            

4km Walk                              H'Cap Place
1.  Jasmin Hass              22:23    3
2.  Holly Cocking            23:10    4
3.  Kathleen O'Mahony        23:29    1
4.  Gwen  Steed              28:34    5
5.  Isabella Dingli          29:15    2

1.  Corey Dickson            20:51    3
2.  Angus Hay                24:24    1
3.  Barrie Wicks             34:29    1
            
2km Walk                              H'Cap Place
1.  Luke  Epps               10:25    1
2.  Sebastian  Weickhardt    13:27    1
3.  Chris Kent               15:48    3

1.  Charlotte Hay            10:22    1
2.  Kaylah  Heikkila-Dubowik 12:26    2
3.  Beverly Hugo             16:46    3            
                        
1km Walk                              H'Cap Place
1.  Liam  Hutchins           05:19    1
2.  Lucas Kent               07:36    2

1.  Pam Mews                 09:13    1

Thanks to Peter Vysma for the following listing of officials, helpers and judges. Sorry if we missed anyone.

Officials: Mark Donahoo, Bill Carr, Heather Carr, Martin Hass, Donna Dickson
Judges: Peter Vysma (C), Gordon Loughnan, Kathleen Marsh, Michael Bodey, Stuart Cooper, Mark O'Mahony, Shane Dickson
Canteen: Wendy Cooper, Eija Heikkila

The VRWC Winter Season Points Competitions (Handicaps, Actual Times and Style Awards) have now been finalised and can be viewed at http://vrwc.org.au/vrwcpointscomps.shtml.

AV AND VRWC CHAMPIONSHIPS, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 6 AUGUST

Antarctic conditions were forecast for south eastern Australia on the weekend, with Melbourne expected to receive a huge burst of freezing rain and gale force winds on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. As the Victorian roadwalking championships were scheduled for Sunday morning at Middle Park, there must have been a number of apprehensive walkers and officials and judges.

Luckily, the weather was not as windy as forecast.  It was cold and there was the odd shower but the rain only set in as proceedings finished and packup was underway.

19 year old Collingwood Harriers walker Adam Garganis defended his 2016 Victorian 30km title with an emphatic win, his time of 2:17:24 a PB by more than 6 minutes and one of the fastest times ever done by an Australian U20 walker. Second place went to teammate Pramesh Prasad in his first ever attempt at the distance, while third place went to perennial medallist Simon Evans of Box Hill. In the assocaited VRWC 3 Hour Walk, Karyn O'Neill won with 25.977 km.

AV 30km Walk            
1.  Adam Garganis            COL    46:08   1:31:15    2:17:24    PB 6:15
2.  Pramesh Prasad           COL    53:25   1:49:51    2:51:34    First one
3.  Simon Evans              BOH    61:52   2:06:20    3:16:47
    Terry O'Neill            GPA    DQ
    Albin Hess               VMA    DNF

VRWC 3 Hour Walk        
1.  Karyn O'Neill            25.977 km
2.  Albin Hess               24.873 km
3.  Margaret Beaumont        18.195 km
4.  Ian Beaumont             18.112 km

AV Underage Roadwalk Championships were contested for the U14 to U20 age groups. Best performances by Kyle Swan, Rebecca Henderson and Will Thompson.

AV U20 10km Championship            
1.  Rebecca Henderson        MEN    51:39

1.  Kyle Swan                ANW    45:54

AV  U18 5km Championship        
1.  Jemma Peart              BYC    26:25
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony        KNA    29:34
    Rebecca Henderson        MEN    DNS

AV U16 5km Championship        
1.  Chloe Karagiorgos        KNA    26:51      PB 0:25
2.  Jasmin Hass              KNA    27:30      PB 0:34
3.  Alanna Peart             BYC    27:56
4.  Grace Louey              KNA    32:25

1.  Will Thompson            CCA    24:37      PB 0:04
2.  Corey Dickson            KNA    26:11
3.  Angus Hay                KNA    30:25    PB 0:18
    Heath Beveridge          WES    DNS

AV U14 3km Championship        
1.  Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  COR    20:01

1.  Fraser Saunder           BYC    16:35
3.  Owen Costin              CHI    20:58
    Eden Morgan              KNA    DQ
    Keelan Perry             BYC    DNS

Finally, we had a variety of VRWC Club Championship, along with some open races.

VRWC Open 10km Championship for Women - Mabel Robinson Trophy       
1.  Sandra Geisler           57:06
2.  Wendy Muldoon            59:41

VRWC U12 2km Club Championship        
1.  Sebastian Weickhardt     13:27

VRWC U10 2km Club Championship        
1.  Ella Cunningham          14:34

1.  Liam Hutchins            11:08
2.  Hamish Blackwood         12:59

VRWC Open 5km    
1.  Simone McInnes           25:04
2.  Donna-Marie Elms         32:08
3.  Isabella Dingli          35:51    PB 2:03
4.  Alannah Dingli           36:00    First one
5.  Ralph Bennett            36:00
    Reese Walmsley           DNF

VRWC Open 2km        
1.  Charlotte Hay            11:06
2.  Merilyn Thompson         14:24

Thanks to Peter Vysma for the following listing of officials, helpers and judges. Sorry if we missed anyone.

Officials:  Bob Gardiner, Ian Laurie, Terry O'Neill, Wendy Cooper, Mark Donahoo, Terry Swan (referee), Ralph Bennett
Judges:  Suzanne Callaway (C), Joshua Savage, Kathleen Marsh, Shane Dickson, Gordon Loughnan, Paul Nunn, David Long, Mark O'Mahoney, Stu Cooper, Peter Vysma (DQ)
Canteen: Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper
Photos: Terry Swan (see http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/439/start-75)
.
Special mention for Carolyn Rosenbrock who did a magnificent job s sweeping the course near the construction site and the Parks Victoria depot.

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 29 JULY

It was one of our windiest afternoons for a long time at Middle Park on Saturday so it was not surprising that so many of our walkers (we had 40 walkers in total) chose the 3km and 1.5km options. But a few hardy souls tested themselves out over the longer distances. Adam Garganis lead everyone through with a very comfortable looking 10km (47:53) while Pramesh Prasad was fastest over 12km with 1:06:08. We welcomed first time walker Ros Lording who walked in the 1.5km. We also welcomed back Marley Berntsen for her first walk in a few years and she did well, with 16:15 for the 3km.

12km Open            
1.  Pramesh Prasad           40-59   1:06:08
2.  Terry O'Neill            60+     1:17:30
3.  Karyn O'Neill            60+     1:24:18
4.  Albin Hess               40-59   1:24:46

10km Open            
1.  Adam Garganis            Open      47:53

5km Walk
1.  Paige De Lisen           U18       29:10
2.  Madeleine Feain          Open      31:05
3.  Gwen Steed               U60+      35:49
            
1.  Mark Blackwood           Open      25:31
2.  Bernie Keirl             40-59     29:30
3.  Ralph Bennett            60+       31:43
4.  Heath Beveridge          U14       31:59
5.  Gerard Feain             40-59     32:54
6.  Geoff Barrow             60+       35:58
7.  Bob Gardiner             60+       37:24

3km Open            
1.  Marley Berntsen          Open      16:15
2.  Jasmin Hass              U16       16:43
3.  Kathleen O'Mahony        U16       16:49
4.  Charlotte Hay            U14       16:54
5.  Holly Cocking            U16       17:14
6.  Grace Louey              U14       18:29
7.  Donna-Marie Elms         40-59     18:35
8.  Gemma Lillie             U12       20:15
9.  Alannah Dingli           U14       20:47
10. Isabella Dingli          U16       21:06
            
1.  Angus Hay                U14       17:56
2.  Christopher Kent         40-59     24:12
3.  Bruce Conboy             60+       24:20            

1.5km Walk
1.  Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  U12       08:58
2.  Ros Lording              40-59     09:28    First time
3.  Zoe Pandey               U12       09:49
4.  Ella Cunningham          U10       11:15
5.  Beverly Hugo             60+       12:31
6.  Pam Mews                 60+       15:34
            
1.  Luke Epps                U10       07:46
2.  Liam Hutchins            U10       08:15
3.  Hamish Blackwood         U10       08:52
4.  Remy Pandey              U10       09:26
5.  Sebastian Weickhardt     U12       09:43
6.  Lucas Kent               U10       10:53

Thanks as always to our many officials, helpers and judges. Sorry if I have missed anyone.

Officials: Ian Laurie, Mark Donahoo, Simon Baker, Ralph Bennett, Tim Erickson
Setup: Bob Gardiner, Gerard Feain, Madeleine Feain, Tim Erickson, Stuart Cooper, Terry Swan, Peter Vysma, Ralph Bennett, Terry Swan
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Gordon Loughnan, Kathleen Marsh, Stuart Cooper, Shane Dickson, Michael Bodey, Mark O'Mahony
Canteen: Eija Heikkila, Wendy Cooper, Kate Suich

VRWC AND VMA ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 22 JULY

Conditions were tough for the 50 walkers who fronted for the VRWC and VMA races at Middle Park last Saturday, with gale force winds and cold wintery conditions in evidence. To their credit, everyone knuckled down to the job at hand and a good afternoon of racing ensued.

The main events on offer were the annual Victorian Masters 10km Roadwalk Championships, with a good field of 23 walkers in attendance. Fastest times overall to Mark Blackwood (M40 50:10) and Sandra Geisler (W35 57:09). At the other end of the age scales, Gwen Steed (W75 1:15:15) and Bob Gardiner (M80 1:15:24) also walked excellently.

VMA 10km Championship
1.  Sandra Geisler          F35-39      57:09
1.  Wendy Muldoon           F45-49    1:02:09
1.  Pam Tindal              F55-59      57:57
1.  Carolyn Rosenbrock      F55-59    1:03:16
    Donna-Marie Elms        F55-59        DNF
1.  Alison Thompson         F60-64    1:04:54
2.  Karyn O'Neill           F60-64    1:09:04
1.  Gwen Steed              F75-79    1:15:15
            
1.  Mark Blackwood          M40-44      50:10
2.  Pramesh Prasad          M40-44      50:37
    David Smyth             M45-49        DNF
1.  Bernie Keirl            M50-54    1:02:09
1.  Simon Evans             M55-59      58:56
1.  Paul Moritz             M55-59    1:07:22
2.  Albin Hess              M55-59    1:12:55
1.  Terry O'Neill           M60-64    1:02:58
2.  Clyde Riddoch           M60-64    1:22:16
1.  Geoff Barrow            M65-69    1:12:53
    Frank Prouse            M65-69        DNF
1.  Russ Dickenson          M70-74    1:08:00
    Ralph Bennett           M75-79        DNF
    Gunther Ilgoutz         M75-79        DNF
1.  Bob Gardiner            M80-84    1:15:24

A variety of distances were on offer for the other VRWC walkers, with the Racewalking Australia Postal Challenge being conducted in Victoria this weekend. Once our VRWC results are combined with any performances from Ballarat and Bendigo, we should have a strong overall result to submit. Rhydian Cowley (42:26) had a final  hitout before leaving later this week for the the World Champs (good luck Rhydian!). It was good to see some PBs in the conditions – Madeleine Feain, Kathleen O’Mahony, Chloe Karagiorgos and Will Thompson. And finally, well done to Isabella Dingli who walked her first 5km and to Lachlan Feain who returned after a long outage for back surgery.

VRWC 10km
1.  Rhydian Cowley           Open       42:26
2.  Adam Garganis            U20        47:45
3.  Madeleine Feain          U20      1:03:22    PB 0:25
            
VRWC 8km
1.  Kathleen O'Mahony        U18        49:15    PB 0:19
    Hayden Walmsley          U18          DNF
            
VRWC 5km
1.  Chloe Karagiorgos        U16        27:15    PB 0:58
2.  Jasmin Hass              Open       28:04
3.  Paige De Lisen           Open       28:22
4.  Isabella Dingli          U16        37:54    First one

1.  Will Thompson            U16        24:41    PB 0:20
2.  Corey Dickson            U16        25:06        
3.  Gerard Feain             Open       33:16
4.  Barrie Wicks             Open       42:31
        
VRWC 3km
1.  Grace Louey              U14        18:49
2.  Gemma Lillie             U14        20:17
        
1.  Heath Beveridge          U14        16:53
2.  Angus Hay                U14        17:09
        
VRWC 2km
1.  Charlotte Hay            Open       11:58
2.  Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  U12        12:24
3.  Alannah Dingli           Open       14:08
4.  Merilyn Thompson         Open       14:43

1.  Luke Epps                U12        10:32
2.  Eden Morgan              U12        10:58        
3.  Lachlan Feain            Open       11:48
4.  Sebastian Weickhardt     U12        13:41
        
VRWC 1.5km
1.  Liam Hutchins            U10        08:15
2.  Hamish Blackwood         U10        09:06

Officials: Mark Donahoo, Tim Erickson, Ralph Bennett, Michelle Walmsley, Ian Laurie, Paul van Kopplen
Judges: Josh Savage (chief), Mark O’Mahony, Gordon Loughlan, Diane Lowden, Shane Dickson, Brenda Felton, Suzanne Callaway, Peter Vysma (bike and DQ board)
Canteen: Barb Gardiner, Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper, Eija Heikkila
Photos: Simon Baker (http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/437)
Lapslits: Ralph Bennett (http://vrwc.org.au/wp1/race-splits-laps/)

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 15 JULY

We had perfect weather for our annual VRWC 2km Intervals raceday at Middle Park last Saturday – still, dry and with a nice dose of mid winter sun. The 36 walkers in attendance made the most of it, with 15 completing all five 2km reps on offer. The reps kicked off every 17 minutes – easy at first but getting tougher as time wore on!

Rhydian Cowley lead early with a 12:51 first 3km rep but stopped after only 2 reps, deciding not to push too hard on a tired day. That left young guns Adam Garganis and Kyle Swan to lead out, which they did in fine style, looking like they had a lot left in the tank at the end of the day. Rebecca Henderson and Philippa Huse led the women  home on each rep and also looked strong. Special mentions to Corey Dickson (only 2 secs differential on his 5 laps), Angus Hay (did all 5 laps at 13 years of age), Geoff Barrow (rolling back the years and surprising himself with 5 laps), Emily Hamilton, Cassie Knight, Will Thompson (2km PB with 9:19 on his first lap) and 10 year old Luke Epps and 9 year old Liam Hutchins (both did 3 laps).

5x2km Intervals
1.  Adam Garganis            MU20     8:48        8:58     8:41     8:18     8:32    43:17
2.  Kyle Swan                MU18     8:49        9:00     8:44     8:31     8:34    43:38
3.  Mark Blackwood           MOpen    9:30        9:41     9:31     9:22     9:20    47:24
4.  Pramesh Prasad           M40-59   9:33        9:40     9:31     9:54     9:56    48:34
5.  Reese Walmsley           MU20     9:39        9:48     9:57    10:02    10:11    49:37    
6.  Philippa Huse            FU18     9:57        9:54     9:55    10:03     9:59    49:48
7.  Rebecca Henderson        FU16     9:41        9:48     9:53     9:59    11:10    50:31
8.  Corey Dickson            MU16    10:16       10:18    10:18    10:18    10:16    51:26
9.  Emily Hamilton           FU20     9:53       10:20     9:54    11:06    11:18    52:31
    Bernie Keirl             M40-59  11:03       11:41    12:06    12:01    12:19    59:10 (DQ)
10. Angus Hay                MU14    11:53       12:07    12:04    11:57    11:56    59:57
11. David Smyth              M40-59  10:53       11:10    11:30    11:50    15:01    60:24
12. Cassandra Knight         FOpen   12:40       12:28    13:17    12:27    15:01    65:53
    Albin Hess               M40-59  13:29       13:30    13:42    14:34    14:06    69:21 (DQ)
13. Geoff Barrow             M60+    14:26       14:28    14:41    14:59    14:38    73:12
    Rhydian Cowley           MOpen   12:51 (3km)  8:44                               DNF

4x2km Intervals
1.  Hayden Walmsley          MU16    10:07       10:09    10:13    10:47             41:16
2.  Ralph Bennett            M60+    12:13       12:06    11:59    12:02             48:20

3x2km Intervals
1.  Will Thompson            MU14     9:19        9:53     9:34                      28:46
2.  Luke Epps                MU10    11:14       11:34    10:59                      33:47
3.  Liam Hutchins            MU10    11:22       11:42    11:17                      34:21
4.  Donna-Marie Elms         F40-59  11:58       12:13    12:43                      36:54
5.  Grace Louey              FU14    12:30       13:03    13:17                      38:50
    Russ Dickenson           M60+    12:59                                           DNF

We also had 4km and 2km scratch races for other walkers.

4km Open Walk
1.  Holly Cocking            U16     22:59
2.  Madeleine Feain          U20     24:49
3.  Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  U12     26:29
4.  Gwen Steed               60+     28:01

1.  Gerard Feain             40-59   25:23
2.  Bob Gardiner             60+     28:42
3.  Barrie Wicks             60+     34:00

2km Open Walk
1.  Brianna Briet            U14     12:05
2.  Isabella Dingli          U16     13:56
3.  Alannah Dingli           U14     13:56
4.  Merilyn Thompson         40-59   14:35

1.  Hamish Blackwood         U10     12:41

Thanks as always to all our officials and helpers and judges – my apologies if I have missed anyone.

Officials: Mark Donahoo, Ralph Bennett, Tim Erickson, Kathy and Alan Huse, Ian Laurie, Michelle Walmsley, Darlene Swan, Michael Bodey
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Diane Lowden, Stuart Cooper, Gordon Loughnan, Kathleen Marsh, Shane Dickson, Michael Bodey
Canteen: Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper, Eija Heikkila
Photos: Terry Swan (http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/436)
Lap Splits: Ralph Bennett (http://vrwc.org.au/wp1/race-splits-laps/)

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 8 JULY

Another cold winter afternoon at Middle Park on Saturday but we saw a good turnout with 38 walkers in action. We had prizes for the handicap winners so well done to Karyn O’Neill, Terry O’Neill, Paige De Lisen, Russ Dickenson, Kathleen O’Mahony, Barrie Wicks, Madison Vaughan, Christopher Kent, Eliza Clarke and Liam Hutchins. Quite a few big PBs. Well done everyone.
                    
8km Open                              H’cap Place        
1.  Karyn  O'Neill           55:32    1

1.  Adam Garganis            37:39    5
2.  Will Thompson            41:24        PB 3:02
3.  Pramesh Prasad           41:28    4
4.  Terry O'Neill            47:44    1
5.  Bernie Keirl             48:42    2
6.  Albin Hess               55:02    3    PB 0:18
    Bob Gardiner             DNF    
                        
6km Open                              H’cap Place
1.  Paige De Lisen           35:23    1
2.  Donna-Marie Elms         38:39    2
3.  Gwen Steed               44:45    3

1.  Mark Blackwood           30:04    2
2.  Hayden Walmsley          33:38    3
3.  Russ Dickenson           40:13    1
    Reese Walmsley           DNF    
                        
4km Open                              H’cap Place
1.  Chloe Karagiorgos        20:44    2    PB 1:18
2.  Jasmin Hass              21:46    3    PB 0:40        
3.  Kathleen O'Mahony        22:16    1    PB 0:24
4.  Madeleine Feain          24:35    4
5.  Arnika Nelson            25:08    6
6.  Grace Louey              26:00    5

1.  Corey Dickson            21:01    2
2.  Gerard Feain             26:31    3
3.  Barrie Wicks             34:03    1
                        
2km Open                              H’cap Place    
1.  Maddison Vaughan         12:38    1    PB 0:07
2.  Merilyn Thompson         14:39    2

1.  Luke Epps                10:28    3
2.  Angus Hay                10:39    2
3.  Ralph Bennett            12:24    
4.  Christopher Kent         14:01    1    PB 1:42
5.  Geoff Barrow             14:59    

1km Open                              H’cap Place
1.  Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  05:42    2            
2.  Eliza Thompson           06:38    1
3.  Pam Mews                 10:02    3
4.  Sophie Blackwood         10:25    4

1.  Liam Hutchins            05:13    1
2.  Hamish Blackwood         05:29    2
3.  Lucas Kent               06:45    3

Thanks to our officials and judges and helpers. Sorry if I have missed anyone

Officials and Helpers: Mark Donahoo, Ralph Bennett, Terry Swan, Tim Erickson, Michelle Walmsley, Lachlan Feain, Bob Gardiner, Bernie Keirl
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Stuart Cooper, Shane Dickson, Michael Bodey, Gordon Loughnan
Canteen: Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper
Photos: Terry Swan (http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/435)
Timing: Ralph Bennett (http://vrwc.org.au/wp1/race-splits-laps/)

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 1 JULY

Cold conditions greeted the 36 walkers who turned out for our latest VRWC winter season roadwalks at Saturday at Middle Park. Kyle Swan (58:00) was the fastest over 12km, Rebecca Henderson (50:56) was fastest in the 10km, Mark Blackwood was fastest in the 5km (23:59), Nikolaj Djordjevic was fastest in the 3km (15:48) and Liam Hutchins was fastest in the 1.5km (8:15).

12km Walk            
1.  Madeleine Feain          Open    1:17:26    First one
2.  Karyn O'Neill            M60+    1:23:19

1.  Kyle Swan                U18       58:00
2.  Terry O'Neill            M60+    1:16:24
3.  Albin Hess               M40-59  1:21:51

10km Walk            
1.  Rebecca Henderson        U16       50:56
2.  Alison Thompson          M60+    1:03:57

1.  Corey Dickson            U16       57:47
2.  Bernie Keirl             M40-59  1:01:51
    Bob Gardiner             M60+        DNF

5km Walk            
1.  Paige De Lisen           U18       28:34
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony        U16       30:09

1.  Mark Blackwood           Open      23:59
2.  Will Thompson            U14       25:01    PB 0:51
3.  Reese Walmsley           Open      25:43
4.  Russ Dickenson           M60+      33:14

3km Walk            
1.  Holly Cocking            U16       16:47
2.  Brianna Briet            U14       17:56    PB 0:42
3.  Donna-Marie Elms         M40-59    18:00
4.  Grace Louey              U14       18:57
5.  Gemma Lillie             U12       19:31
6.  Gwen Steed               M60+      21:22

1.  Nikolaj Djordjevic       U14       15:48
2.  Luke Epps                U10       16:23    PB 0:27
3.  Angus Hay                U14       17:40
4.  Gerard Feain             M40-59    18:56
5.  Barrie Wicks             M60+      25:07

1.5km Walk            
1.  Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  U12       09:34
2.  Ella Cunningham          U10       10:35
3.  Merilyn Thompson         M40-59    11:02
4.  Pam Mews                 M60+      14:23

1.  Liam Hutchins            U10       08:15
2.  Nikita Djordjevic        U12       09:03
3.  Hamish Blackwood         U10       09:29
4.  Lucas Kent               U10       10:53
5.  Christopher Kent         M40-59    10:54

Thanks to our officials and judges and helpers. Sorry if I have missed anyone

Officials and Helpers: Mark Donahoo, Ralph Bennett, Terry Swan, Tim Erickson, Michelle Walmsley, Terry O’Neill, Karyn O’Neill, Bob Gardiner, Bernie Keirl
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Stuart Cooper, Shane Dickson
Canteen: Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper
Photos: Terry Swan (http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/434)
Timing: Ralph Bennett

AV, VMA AND VRWC CHAMPIONSHIPS, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 25 JUNE

It was freezing for competitors, officials, judges and spectators at Middle Park on Sunday morning, but nearly all entrants turned up to race, ensuring our largest field so far this winter, 63 walkers in total.

The 20km races were the first events to get underway at 9AM. Championships included the Victorian 20km Championships, the Victorian Masters 20km Championships and the VRWC Open Men 20km Championship (for the Alf Robinson Trophy). The men’s race was won by Rio Olympian Rhydian Cowley (1:28:53), ahead of 2016 World Junior representative Adam Garganis (1:32:26) and Simon Evans (1:59:44). The women’s 20km saw New Zealand visitor Roseanne Robinson first to finish (1:47:28), while the Victorian Championship medals went to Sarah Brennan (1:56:17), Sandra Geisler (2:01:24) and Carolyn Rosenbrock (2:14:23).

Open Men 20 km, 9AM                         AV     VMA       VRWC
1.  Cowley, Rhydian       GHY    1:28:53    1                1
2.  Garganis, Adam        COL    1:32:26    2                2
3.  Evans, Simon          BOH    1:59:44    3      M55/1     3
4.  O'Neill, Terry        GPA    2:04:56    4      M60/1     4
5.  Keirl, Bernie                2:08:36           M50/1    
6.  Van Dongen, Rupert    MEN    2:13:16    5      M40/1     5
7.  Harvey, Michael       AWA    2:16:48    6         
8.  Hess, Albin           IND    2:24:04    7      M55/2     6
    Kozica, Jason                DNS                         DNS
    Prowse, Frank                DQ                M65/DQ    
    Blackwood, Mark       KNA    DQ         DQ     M40/DQ    DQ
    Moritz, Paul                 DQ                M55/DQ    DQ
                    
Open Women 20 km, 9AM                       AV     VMA       VRWC
1.  Robinson, Roseanne    NZL    1:47:28    1        
2.  Brennan, Sarah        BYC    1:56:17    Vic 1  W40/1    
3.  Geisler, Sandra       RWD    2:01:24    Vic 2         
4.  Rosenbrock, Carolyn   ANW    2:14:23    Vic 3  W55/1    
5.  O'Neill, Karyn        GPA    2:23:13    Vic 4  W60/1    
6.  Elms, Donna-Marie     PTN    2:27:28    Vic 5  W55/2    
    Tindal, Pam                  DNF                         DNF
    McInnes, Simone              DNF                         DNF
    Muldoon, Wendy               DNF                         DNF
    Ruddick, Kelly        BHA    DNF        DNF    W40/DNF    

AV Schools Roadwalk Championships were held for U14 to U20 age groups. Lots of good walks but the pick had to be Kyle Swan (10km 45:52), Rebecca Henderson (5km, 24:23), Will Thompson (3km 14:16) and Alanna Peart (3km 14:48).
            
10km Under 20 AV Mens Schools Championship            
1.  Kyle Swan                Melbourne High                 45:52
            
10km Under 20 AV Womens Schools Championship            
    Ellen Dowie              Ballarat & Clarendon College   DNS
            
5km Under 18 AV Girls School  Championship            
1.  Rebecca Henderson        Berwick SC                     24:23
2.  Jemma Peart              Ballarat High                  24:40    PB 0:12
3.  Jasmin Hass              Ringwood SC                    28:18    PB 0:23
4.  Kathleen O'Mahony        Mater Christi College          30:49
    Charlotte Hay            Brentwood SC                   DNS
            
5km Under 18 AV Girls School  Championship            
1.  Angus Hay                Brentwood SC                   30:43    Eq. PB
            
3km Under 16  AV Boys Schools Championship            
1.  Will Thompson            Balcombe Grammar               14:16
2.  Corey Dickson            Tintern Gramma                 15:17
3.  Heath Beveridge          Overnewton Anglican            18:05
    Angus Hay                Brentwood SC                   DNS
            
3km Under 16  AV Girls Schools Championship            
1.  Alanna Peart             Ballarat High                  14:48
2.  Chloe Karagiorgos        Wantirna College               15:25
3.  Arnika Nelson            Clonard College                16:47
4.  Holly Cocking            Luther College                 16:57
5.  Charli Walker                                           20:12
    Charlotte Hay            Brentwood SC                   DNS

3km Under 14  AV Boys Schools Championship            
1.  Fraser Saunder           Ballarat Grammar               16:50
2.  Eden Morgan              Belgrave Heights Christian Sch 17:00    PB
3.  Owen Costin              Christian College              18:10    PB 0:24
4.  Scott Peart              Block Hill PS                  18:28
    Keelan Perry             Marian                         DQ
            
3km Under 14  AV Girls Schools Championship            
1.  Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  Drysdale PS                    19:17

Our youngest walkers were able to contest VRWC U12 2.5km and U10 1.5km Club Championships.
        
2.5km Under 12 VRWC Championship        
1.  Gemma Lillie             15:54
2.  Zoe Pandey               17:57
    Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  DNS

1.  Sebastian Weickhardt     17:23
    Scott Peart              DQ

1.5km Under 10 VRWC Championship        
1.  Alannah Upson            08:54
2.  Madison Vaughin          08:55
3.  Ella Cunningham          10:14
    
1.  Lucas Kent               09:03
2.  Hamish Blackwood         09:05
3.  Remy Pandey              10:09

The final events were VRWC 5km Open and 2km Open roadwalks for any extra walkers who wanted a hitout on the day.
    
5km Open     
1.  David Smyth              29:07
2.  Ralph Bennett            31:10
3.  Bob Gardiner             36:07

2km Open     
1.  Alannah Dingli           13:21
2.  Isabella Dingli          13:45
3.  Merilyn Thompson         14:42
4.  Margaret Beaumont        17:59
5.  Christopher Kent         15:43
6.  Ian Beaumont             18:07

Thanks to all our officials, judges and helpers. It was indeed cold! Apologies if I have missed anyone.

Officials, Mark Donahoo, Bob Gardiner, Tim Erickson, Mark Donahoo, Karyn O'Neill, Simon Baker, Scott Nelson
Judges: Kathleen Marsh (C), Mark O'Mahony, Paul Nunn, Ebony Whiley, Shane Dickson, David Long, Josh Savage, Stuart Cooper, Peter Vysma (DQ Board, Bike), Gordon Loughnan (DQ Board)
Canteen: Kate Suich
Drinks Table: Claire Garganis, David Smyth
Photos: Terry Swan (see http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/1)
Chip Timing: Ralph Bennett (see http://vrwc.org.au/wp1/race-splits-laps/)

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 17 JUNE

The annual ‘Guess Your Time’ races saw some very astute time estimates from our VRWC walkers on Saturday. Those closest to their predicted times were able to choose from the prizes table after the races – and there were some pretty good prizes on offer. Conditions were perfect – cool, windless and sunny – and quite a few of our Canberra walkers were out again after their efforts last weekend at the LBG Carnival.

Mark Blackwood was best, only 1 second away from his predicted time in the 4km. In the women’s 1km, the results were close with Pam Mews (5 secs), Sophie Blackwood (6 secs) and Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik (7 secs) all so close. And we welcomed Old Scotch walker Ian Handasyde for his first walk with the club for many years.

8km Open                     Actual Time   Guessed time  Diff time  Diff place  Hcp place
1.  Karyn O'Neill            55:46        55:00          0:46       1           1

2.  Terry O'Neill            49:12        49:00          0:12       1           1
3.  Albin Hess               56:43        56:00          0:43       2           2
    Pramesh Prasad           DQ

6km Open                     Actual Time  Guessed time  Diff time  Diff place  Hcp place
1.  Mackayla Davison         33:58        33:15          0:43       1           1
2.  Donna-Marie Elms         37:26        35:50          1:36       2           2

    Ralph Bennett            DNF

4km Open                     Actual Time  Guessed time  Diff time  Diff place  Hcp place
1.  Arnika Nelson            22:32        21:40         0:52       5           3
2.  Paige De Lisen           22:48        22:00         0:48       4           6
3.  Kathleen O'Mahony        23:22        23:17         0:05       1           2
4.  Charlotte Hay            24:16        22:00         2:16       7           7
5.  Alison Thompson          24:27        25:50         1:23       6           1
6.  Grace Louey              25:19        24:50         0:29       3           5
7.  Isabella Dingli          29:23        28:55         0:28       2           4
    Alannah Dingli           DNF                

1.  Mark Blackwood           18:49        18:50         0:01       1           3
2.  Heath Beveridge          22:54        24:30         1:36       3           1
3.  Ian Handasyde            27:11        23:30         3:41       4    
4.  Barrie Wicks             34:17        34:00         0:17       2           2
    Bruce Conboy             DNF

2km Open                     Actual Time  Guessed time  Diff time  Diff place  Hcp place
1.  Brianna Briet            11:26        11:05         0:21       2           1
2.  Gemma Lillie             12:29        12:10         0:19       1           2
3.  Alannah Upson            13:28        12:37         0:51       3           3    First one
4.  Gwen Steed               15:04        13:41         1:23       4           4

1.  Luke Epps                10:38        10:30         0:08       1           1    PB 0:06
2.  Angus Hay                11:09        10:50         0:19       2           2
3.  Jim Crawford             21:57        20:30         1:27       3    

1km Open                     Actual Time  Guessed time  Diff time  Diff place  Hcp place
1.  Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  05:57        05:50         0:07       3           3
2.  Ella Cunningham          06:45                                             1
3.  Sophie Blackwood         10:06        10:00         0:06       2           2
4.  Pam Mews                 10:15        10:10         0:05       1           4

1.  Hamish Blackwood         05:38        05:30         0:08       1           2
2.  Lucas Kent               06:30        06:14         0:16       3           3
3.  Christopher Kent         06:45        06:59         0:14       2           1

Thanks to our officials and judges and helpers, and apologies if I have missed anyone.

Officials: Mark Donahoo, Ralph Bennett, Tim Erickson, Cassie Knight, Michael Bodey
Judges: Peter Vysma (chief), Kathleen Marsh, Mark O'Mahony, Stuart Cooper, Shane Dickson, Michael Bodey
Canteen: Kate Suich, Wendy Cooper, Eija Heikkila
Photos: Terry Swan (see https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10155339385848911)
Lapsplits: Ralph Bennett (see http://vrwc.org.au/wp1/race-splits-laps/)

51st LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN CARNIVAL, STROMLO PARK, CANBERRA, SUNDAY 11 JUNE

The annual LBG Carnival moved this year from its traditional home on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin to the Stomlo Forest Park in Canberra. The circuit was a 1km loop on the cycle criteria course and, although it was not dead flat, the times would indicate that walkers were not really effected by the gentle climbs and falls. It was a big change, however, for the older walkers in that the traditional 20 Miles and 10 Miles events were now on a short 1km loop rather than on the picturesque and demanding 10 Mile loop around the lake.

Although there were good numbers in the younger age group events, the fields in the 20 Miles and 10 Miles championships were much smaller than usual, a disappointment for the organizers. It was the usual cold Canberra morning with temperatures hovering just above zero and with a thick fog reducing visibility but it did clear into a beautiful sunny afternoon. Well done to ACTRWC who put on such a wonderful carnival every year. It is always on my calendar!

Our Victorian walkers did well, with 4 individual and 4 team golds, along with a lot of silvers and bronzes. Well done to our medalists

Gold         Karyn O'Neill     Open 20 Miles Women  3:54:37
             Jemima Montag     U20 10km Women         46:43
             Liam Hutchins     U10 Boys 1km           05:11
             Jemma Peart       U16 Girls 3km          14:41
Silver       Hamish Blackwood  U10 Boys 1km           05:20
             Alanna Peart      U14 Girls 2km          09:33
             Alanna Peart      U16 Girls 3km          15:22
Bronze       Heath Beveridge   U14 Boys 2km           10:29

Team Gold    U10 Boys 1km      Liam Hutchins, Hamish Blackwood, Lucas Kent
             U14 Boys 2km      Heath Beveridge, Angus Hay, Luke Epps
             U16 Girls 3km     Jemma Peart, Alanna Peart, Charlotte Hay
             Open Women 5km    Jemma Peart, Amanda Heard, Kathleen O'Mahony
Team Silver  U12 Boys 2km      Luke Epps, Liam Hutchins, Scott Peart
             U14 Girls 2km     Alanna Peart, Charlotte Hay, Brianna Briet
             U16 Boys 3km      Will Thompson, Corey Dickson, Luke Epps
             U18 Girls 5km     Jasmin Hass, Kathleen O'Mahony, Charlotte Hay
Team Bronze  U14 Boys 2km      Liam Hutchins, Scott Peart, Hamish Blackwood

It would also be remiss of me if I forgot to mention the many young Victorian walkers who walked in multiple events, just to help out inj the teams competitions. Apologies if I have missed anyone. Those who walked 3 events included Heath Beveridge (U14 2km, U16 3km, U18 5km), Charlotte Hay (U14 3km, U16 3km, U18 5km), Liam Hutchins (U10 1km, U12 2km, U14 2km), Hamish Blackwood (U10 1km, U12 2km, U14 2km) and Luke Epps (U12 2km, U14 2km, U16 3km).

Those who walked in 2 races included Jasmin Hass (U20 10km, U18 5km), Angus Hay (U14 2km, U16 3km), Scott Peart (U12 2km U14 2km), Alanna Peart (U14 2km U16 3km), Jemma Peart (U16 3km Open 5km), Gemma Lillie (U14 2km U16 3km), Will Thompson (U16 3km U18 5km), Corey Dickson (U16 3km U18 5km), Lucas Kent (U10 1km, U12 2km), Brodie Tallent (U12 2km, U14 2km) and Kathleen O’Mahony (U18 5km, Open 5km).

And now onto the results which show the first 3 in each event, along with all Victorians.

EVENT 1: OPEN 20 MILES WALK
MEN
1.  Darren Bown              207    SARWC   2:57:56
2.  Ignacio Jimenez Solis    204    RWQ     3:05:52
3.  Peter Crump              208    SARWC   3:20:52
    Terry O'Neill            206    RWV          DQ

WOMEN
1.  karyn O'Neill            205    RWV     3:54:37
2.  Val Chesterton           200    ACTW    5:07:53

EVENT 2: FITNESS 20 MILES WALK
MEN
1.  Geoff Barker             210    ACTW    4:46:50
2.  Phil Essam               211    ACTW    5:03:33

WOMEN   
1.  Susan Archer             209    ACTW    4:03:20

EVENT 3: MEN & WOMEN AACT 30KM CHAMPIONSHIP
MEN
1.  Ignacio Jimenez Solis   3004    RWQ     2:52:10
2.  Peter Bennett           3002    RWQ     3:12:17
3.  Robin Whyte             3001    ACTW    3:22:41

WOMEN
1.  Karyn O'Neill           3005    RWV     3:37:55

EVENT 4: WOMEN 10 MILES WALK
1.  Brenda Gannon            100    RWQ     1:31:55
2.  Amanda Barendregt        116    NSWRWC  1:39:23
3.  Noela McKinven           101    RWQ     2:21:42

EVENT 5: MEN 10 MILES WALK
1.  Tyler Jones              108    NSWRWC  1:12:27
2.  Brendon Reading          104    ACTW    1:13:12
3.  Luke McCutcheon          109    RWQ     1:13:59

EVENT 6: FITNESS 10 MILES WALK
MEN
1.  Mick Saunders            114    ACTW    1:54:07

WOMEN
1.  Monika Short             115    ACTW    2:01:07
2.  Lorna England            112    ACTW    2:28:25
3.  Ruth England             113    ACTW    2:28:55

EVENT 7: FITNESS 5 MILES WALK
MEN
1.  Christopher Kent         510    RWV     1:00:59
2.  David Mackenzie          502    ACTW    1:08:55
3.  Peter Brown              505    NSWRWC  1:15:59

WOMEN
1.  Miriam McCarthy          513    ACTW    0:57:59
2.  Robyn Saunders           503    ACTW    1:01:11
3.  Amanda Krklinski         506    NSWRWC  1:10:00

EVENT 8: MEN U20 10 KM WALK
1.  Tyler Jones               69    NSWRWC    45:14
2.  Connor Frew               17    ACTW      46:46
3.  Tim Fraser                15    ACTW      47:34

EVENT 9 :AACT MEN U20 10KM CHAMPIONSHIP
1.  Connor Frew             1017    ACTW      46:46
2.  Tim Fraser              1015    ACTW      47:35
3.  Callum Burns            1010    ACTW      51:50

EVENT 10: OPEN 10 KM WALK
1.  Carl Gibbons              65    NSWRWC    48:12
2.  Jay Felton                64    NSWRWC    51:49

EVENT 11: WOMEN U20 10 KM WALK
1.  Jemima Montag            363    RWV       46:43
2.  Samantha Findlay         389    SARWC     52:18
3.  Jasmyn McDonald           83    NSWRWC    55:06
4.  Jasmin Hass              339    RWV       58:41

HANDICAP
1.  Jasmin Hass              339    RWV

EVENT 12: BOYS U10 1 KM WALK
1.  Liam Hutchins            354    RWV       05:11
2.  Hamish Blackwood         328    RWV       05:20
3.  Sam Wilks                393    SARWC     05:27
8.  Lucas Kent               357    RWV       07:40

TEAMS
1.  RWV    13    Liam Hutchins, Hamish Blackwood, Lucas Kent

EVENT 13: GIRLS U10 1 KM WALK
1.  Chloe Lamb                74    NSWRWC    05:31
2.  Sienna Pitcher            99    NSWRWC    05:41
3.  Kamara Stewart           323    RWQ       05:52
6.  Jorja Tallent            375    RWV       07:04

HANDICAP
3.  Jorja Tallent            375    RWV

EVENT 14: BOYS U12 2 KM WALK
1.  Toby Wilks               394    SARWC     09:47
2.  Tom Hunt                  22    ACTW      10:06
3.  Peter Elliott             62    NSWRWC    10:17
4.  Luke Epps                335    RWV       10:24
7.  Liam Hutchins            355    RWV       11:23
9.  Scott Peart              367    RWV       11:43
11. Hamish Blackwood         329    RWV       11:53
14. Lucas Kent               358    RWV       19:24
    Brodie Tallent           376    RWV          DQ

TEAMS
2.  RWV     15    Luke Epps, Liam Hutchins, Scott Peart
3.  ACTW    13    Tom Hunt, Harrison Baker, Sebastian Young

EVENT 15: GIRLS U12 2 KM WALK
1.  Izabella Dunne            59    NSWRWC    10:20
2.  Milly Boughton            47    NSWRWC    10:31
3.  Elli Pusonjic            391    SARWC     11:10
12. Maddison Vaughan         381    RWV       12:45

EVENT 16: BOYS U14 2 KM WALK
1.  Toby Wilks               396    SARWC     09:28
2.  Tom Hunt                  23    ACTW      09:53
3.  Heath Beveridge          325    RWV       10:29
4.  Angus Hay                343    RWV       10:34
5.  Luke Epps                336    RWV       10:36
9.  Liam Hutchins            356    RWV       11:36
10. Scott Peart              368    RWV       11:54
14. Hamish Blackwood         330    RWV       12:27
    Keelan Perry             373    RWV          DQ
    Brodie Tallent           377    RWV         DNF

TEAMS
1.  RWV    21    Heath Beveridge, Angus Hay, Luke Epps
3.  RWV    10    Liam Hutchins, Scott Peart, Hamish Blackwood

EVENT 17: GIRLS U14 2 KM WALK
1.  Allanah Pitcher           96    NSWRWC    09:20
2.  Alanna Peart             369    RWV       09:33
3.  Laura Burns               12    ACTW      09:50
6.  Charlotte Hay            344    RWV       10:11
10. Brianna Briet            331    RWV       11:09
17. Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  352    RWV       12:03
18. Gemma Lillie             361    RWV       12:09
24. Eliza Thompson           378    RWV       13:42

HANDICAP
2. Eliza Thompson            378    RWV

TEAMS
2.  RWV    58    Alanna Peart, Charlotte Hay, Brianna Briet
7.  RWV    19    Kaylah Heikkila-Bubowik, Gemma Lillie, Eliza Thompson

EVENT 18: BOYS U16 3 KM WALK
1.  Mitchell Baker             4    ACTW      13:15
2.  Joe Cross                384    SARWC     13:49
3.  Jack McGinniskin          85    NSWRWC    14:12
5.  Will Thompson            379    RWV       14:25
6.  Corey Dickson            333    RWV       15:05
10. Luke Epps                337    RWV       17:34
12. Angus Hay                345    RWV       19:49
13. Heath Beveridge          326    RWV       24:14

HANDICAP
1.  Will Thompson    379    RWV

TEAMS
2.  RWV    10    Will Thompson, Corey Dickson, Luke Epps

EVENT 19: GIRLS U16 3 KM WALK
1.  Jemma Peart              371    RWV       14:41
2.  Alanna Peart             370    RWV       15:22
3.  Gabriella Hill           318    RWQ       15:33
12. Charlotte Hay            346    RWV       18:15
14. Gemma Lillie             362    RWV       19:20

TEAMS
1.  RWV    19    Jemma Peart, Alanna Peart, Charlotte Hay

EVENT 20: BOYS U18 5 KM WALK
1.  Mitchell Baker             5    ACTW      23:15
2.  Connor Frew               18    ACTW      23:16
3.  Kyle Bedford              39    NSWRWC    23:18
12. Will Thompson            380    RWV       28:26
14. Corey Dickson            334    RWV       29:02
16. Heath Beveridge          327    RWV       38:17

TEAMS
5.  RWV    9    Will Thomson, Corey Dickson, Heath Beveridge

EVENT 21: GIRLS U18 5 KM WALK
1.  Allanah Pitcher           98    NSWRWC    25:24
2.  Samantha Brown            49    NSWRWC    26:01
3.  Gabby Hunt                20    ACTW      26:27
5.  Jasmin Hass              341    RWV       28:55
6.  Kathleen O'Mahony        365    RWV       29:05
8.  Charlotte Hay            348    RWV       30:35

HANDICAP
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony        365    RWV

TEAMS
2. RWV    14    Jasmin Hass, Kathleen O'Mahony, Charlotte Hay

EVENT 22: WOMEN 5 KM WALK
1.  Samantha Findlay         390    SARWC     25:43
2.  Jemma Peart              372    RWV       26:12
3.  Amanda Heard             351    RWV       27:07
10. Kathleen O'Mahony        366    RWV       33:35

TEAMS
1.  RWV    29    Jemma Peart, Amanda Heard, Kathleen O'Mahony

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 3 JUNE

Conditions were perfect for the 52 walkers at Saturday’s VRWC roadraces at Middle Park. The 8km walk saw fastest time to Adam Garganis (37:38), with high quality walks also by Rebecca Henderson (39:54) and Philippa Huse (40:32).  Will Thompson (31:25) was fastest in the 6km and Jemima Montag (17:45) stormed through the 4km to win by just under a minute from the resurgent Mark Blackwood (18:35).

8 Km Open                           H’cap
1.  Henderson, Rebecca     39:54    4
2.  Huse, Philippa         40:32    6
3.  Elms, Donna-Marie      50:07    1
4.  Feain, Madeleine       50:15    2    PB 0:18
5.  Thompson, Alison       51:34    3
6.  O'Neill, Karyn         55:07    5
       
1.  Garganis, Adam         37:38    2
2.  O'Neill, Terry         48:21    1
3.  Hess, Albin            56:27    3
    Walmsley, Hayden       DNF   
   
6km Open                            H’cap   
1.  Muldoon, Wendy         34:51    1
2.  Rosenbrock, Carolyn    37:21    2
   
1.  Thompson, Will         31:25    1    PB 1:13
2.  Keirl, Bernie          35:28    3
3.  Dickenson, Russ        40:36    2
4.  Barrow, Geoff          42:41    4
   
4km Open                            H’cap   
1.  Montag, Jemima         17:45        PB 0:42
2.  Hass, Jasmin           22:32    5
3.  Cocking, Holly         22:56    2    PB 1:12
4.  Louey, Grace           24:18    3
5.  Steed, Gwen            27:41    6
6.  Dingli, Alannah        27:57    1    First one
7.  Dingli, Isabella       29:06    4    First one
   
1.  Blackwood, Mark        18:35    4
2.  Prasad, Pramesh        18:57    3
3.  McShanag, Connor       21:49    2
4.  Bennett, Ralph         24:44    6
5.  Morrison, John         31:57    5
6.  Conboy, Bruce          32:04    4
7.  Wicks, Barrie          35:35    7

We saw big fields in our 2km and 1km  walks, with Heath Beveridge doing a big PB of 10:26 to win the 2km and Liam Hutchins (5:27) first to finish in the 1km. Special mention to first timers Mietta Morgan and Sebastian Weickhardt who also completed the 1km.

2km Open                            H’cap   
1.  Hay, Charlotte         10:40    3
2.  Carr, Heather          11:20    5
3.  Gourley, Marlene       11:52    2
4.  Lillie, Gemma          12:39    6
5.  Vaughan, Maddison      12:47    1
6.  Holohan, Dee           13:48    7
7.  Thompson, Merilyn      14:54    4
8.  Knight, Cassandra      DNF
   
1.  Beveridge, Heath       10:26    1    PB 0:30
2.  Epps, Luke             10:41    3
3.  Hay, Angus             10:56    4    PB 0:49
4.  Morgan, Eden           10:59        PB 0:19
5.  Blackwood, Hamish      11:41    4
6.  Perry, Keelan          DQ
   
1km Open                            H’cap   
1.  Cunningham, Ella       06:43    1
2.  Morgan, Mietta         06:51        First time with us
3.  Mews, Pam              09:57    2
4.  Blackwood, Sophie      10:02    3
   
1.  Hutchins, Liam         05:27    3
2.  Weickhardt, Sebastian  06:12        First time with us
3.  Kent, Lucas            06:14    1    PB 0:06
4.  Kent, Christopher      07:05    2    PB 0:12

Thanks to our officials and helpers and judges. Sorry if I have missed anyone.

Officials: Ralph Bennett, Tim Erickson, Ian Laurie, Karyn O’Neill, Bill Carr, Kathy Huse
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Kathleen Marsh, Gordon Loughnan, Stuart Cooper
Canteen: Wendy Muldoon
Photos: Terry Swan (see http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/430)
Lap Splits: Ralph Bennett (see http://vrwc.org.au/wp1/race-splits-laps/)

AV, AV COUNTRY AND VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 27 MAY

Conditions were quite good for the 61 walkers who turned out at Middle Park last Saturday for one of the biggest of the Victorian roadwalking carnivals for the year. The wind did get stronger as the morning progressed but it was walkable!

The 10km walkers started first, with quite good fields overall. Congratulations to our Victorian champions Rhydian Cowley (42:37) and Philippa Huse (51:28) and to our Victorian Country champions Terry O’Neill (1:01:52) ande Sarah Brennan (56:36). Rhydian was awarded the C.H. (Bert) Gardiner medal by Bert’s son Bob.

AV/AV Country Women 10km Road Walk        AV 40+  AV 50+  AV Country
1.  Huse, Philippa       SAN      51:28    
2.  Brennan, Sarah       BYC      56:36   1               1
3.  Geisler, Sandra      RWD      58:44
4.  Bryant, Barbara      EAG    1:02:18           1       2
5.  Carr, Heather        GHY    1:03:40           2
6.  O'Neill, Karyn       GPA    1:10:14           3
7.  Steed, Gwen          GHY    1:l6:41           4
    Ruddick, Kelly       BHA        DNS
    Major, Annette       EAG        DNS

AV/AV Country Men 10km Road Walk          AV 40+  AV 50+  AV Country    
1.  Cowley, Rhydian      GHY      42:37   winner of the C.H. (Bert) Gardiner medal
2.  Garganis, Adam       COL      44:28    
3.  Kozica, Jason        STK      48:45    
4.  Swan, Kyle           ANW      49:24
5.  Prasad, Pramesh      COL      49:58   1
6.  Blackwood, Mark      KNA      50:36   2
7.  Kollmorgen, Stuart   COL      51:41   3
8.  Van Dongen, Rupert   MEN    1:01:29   4                  PB 8:43
9.  O'Neill, Terry       GPA    1:01:52                   1    
10. Hess, Albin          IND    1:07:15           1    
11. Gardiner, Robert     COL    1:12:02           2
    Smyth, David         COL        DNF
    Evans, Simon         BOH        DNS

The Victorian Country championships for U18, U16 and U14 were also contested, with small but keen fields of walkers. Well done to all the winners, and special mentions to Alanna Peart (PB 14:46), Arnika Nelson (PB 15:58), Will Thompson (PB 25:52) and Owen Costin (who completed his first ever 3km roadwalk).

AV Country U18 5km Championship
1.  Peart, Jemma         BYC      25:11
2.  Davison, Mackayla    COR      29:00
    Hayes, Zahra         SBE        DNS        

1.  Thompson, Will (INV) CCA      25:52    PB 0:18
            
AV Country U16 3km Championship    
1.  Peart, Alanna        BYC      14:46    PB 0:03
2.  Nelson, Arnika (INV) WYN      15:58    PB 0:18
            
AV Country U14 3km Championship
1.  Saunder, Fraser      BYC      16:27
2.  Costin, Owen         CHI      18:34    First one
3.  Peart, Scott         BYC      19:26
    Perry, Keelan        BYC         DQ

VRWC Club Championships were held for U20, U16 and U14 divisions, with some of the country walkers also eligible to compete as local club members. Again, well done to all the winners and special mentions to Holly Cocking (PB 16:38) and Heath Beveridge (PB 16:07).

VRWC U20 5km Club Championship
1.  De Lisen, Paige        30:28

VRWC U18 5km Club Championship
1.  Peart, Jemma           25:11
2.  Davison, Mackayla      29:00

1.  Walmsley, Hayden       25:07          
2.  Thompson, Will         25:52    PB 0:18

VRWC U16 3km Club Championship
1.  Peart, Alanna          14:46    PB 0:03
2.  Nelson, Arnika         15:58
3.  Hass, Jasmin           16:03
4.  O'Mahony, Kathleen     16:37
5.  Cocking, Holly         16:38     PB 0:36

VRWC U14 3km Club Championship    
1.  Hay, Charlotte         15:34
2.  Louey, Grace           17:53

1.  Beveridge, Heath       16:07    PB 0:36
2.  Hay, Angus             17:29
    Perry, Keelan             DQ

Racewalking Victoria Championships were held for U12 and U10 divisions, and it was good to see so many of our very young walkers in action. We also welcomed first timers Zoe and Remy Pandey. And the youngest walker on the day, 5 year old Sophie Blackwood, won a bronze medal in the U10 1km – well done Sophie!

RWV U12 2km Championship
1.  Lillie, Gemma          12:22
2.  Pandey, Zoe            14:20    First time with us
    
1.  Epps, Luke             10:30
2.  Prys, Joel             11:43
    
RWV U10 1km Championship
1.  Vaughan, Maddison      06:03
2.  Cunningham, Ella       07:08
3.  Blackwood, Sophie      10:06    First one
    
1.  Hutchins, Liam         05:17
2.  Blackwood, Hamish      05:28
3.  Kent, Lucas            06:20
4.  Pandey, Remy           06:21    First time with us

Finally, a range of VRWC non-championships were also held for other walkers. Special mentions to Madeleine Feain (PB 1:03:47) ande Chris Kent (first time over 5km).

VRWC Open 10km Non-Championship
1.  Rew, Quentin           44:12
2.  Madeleine Feain      1:03:47    PB 0:57
3.  Russ Dickenson       1:08:21
4.  Margaret Beaumont    1:30:49    

VRWC Open 5km Non-Championship
1.  Tindal, Pam            27:43    
2.  Knight, Cassandra      28:35            
3.  Keirl, Bernie          29:26    
4.  Barrow, Geoff          35:38    
5.  Morrison, John         41:46    
6.  Kent, Christopher      50:55    First one

VRWC Open 3km Non-Championship        
1.  Laurie, Natalie        16:42    
 
VRWC Open 2km Non-Championship
1.  Briet, Brianna         11:43
2.  Gourlay, Marlene       12:02
3.  Dingli, Alannah        13:49    First one
4.  Dingli, Isabella       14:06
5.  Holohan, Dee           14:10

Thanks to the many officials, judges and helpers who keep the show on the road each week. Sorry if I have missed anyone. Your efforts are always appreciated.

Judges: Brenda Felton (Chief), Kathleen Marsh, Shane Dickson, Diane Lowden, Stu Cooper, Terry Swan, Gordon Loughnan, Peter Vysma (DQ Board and bike)
Officials: Mark Donahoo, Ian Laurie, Tim Erickson, Michelle Walmsley, Ralph Bennett, Alan Huse, Kathy Huse
Canteen: Kate Suich, Barb Gardiner
Photos: Simon Baker, Terry Swan (http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/429)
Lapsplits: Ralph Bennett (http://vrwc.org.au/wp1/race-splits-laps/)

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 20 MAY

Conditions were good for the 46 walkers who contested the various distances at Middle Park on Saturday - cool and sunny but with a freshening wind.

As usual, Quentin Rew went to the front, winning the 12km in a fast 54:57 (after a long Saturday morning training session). But he did not have it all his own way, with Jason Kozica storming home in the 5km and passing Quentin in the last km to record 22:30. Mark Blackwood wiped away the years to win the 10km with an impressive 51:04 while daughter Sophie Blackwood (our youngest competitor) walked a special 1km invitatonal race with 9:50. And at the other end of the age scale, our oldest competitors Pam Mews (aged 82) and Harry Summers and Bob Gardiner (both aged 81) all walked excellently.

12km Walk
1.  Donna-Marie Elms       40-59    1:21:49
2.  Karyn O'Neill          60+      1:27:38
            
1.  Quentin Rew            Open       54:57
2.  Terry O'Neill          60+      1:15:58
                        
10km Walk
1.  Philippa Huse          U18        52:22
2.  Alison Thompson        60+      1:08:56
            
1.  Mark Blackwood         Open       51:04
2.  Albin Hess             40-59    1:06:37
    Bob Gardiner           60+          DNF
                    
5km Walk
1.  Jasmin Hass            U16        29:12
2.  Kathleen O'Mahony      U16        31:20
            
1.  Jason Kozica           Open       22:30
2.  Pramesh Prasad         40-59      24:49
3.  Scott Nelson           40-59      27:23
4.  Heath Beveridge        U14        29:14    PB 1:34
5.  Aaron McDonough        40-59      29:28
6.  Bernie Keirl           40-59      30:19
7.  Russ Dickenson         60+        33:16

3km Walk
1.  Charlotte Hay          U14        15:57
2.  Arnika Nelson          U14        17:20
3.  Holly Cocking          U16        17:35
4.  Heather Carr           60+        17:52
5.  Marlene Gourlay        60+        18:22
6.  Brianna Briet          U14        18:39
7.  Gemma Lillie           U12        19:57
8.  Gwen Steed             60+        20:46
9.  Alannah Dingli         U14        21:35    Inaugural
10. Isabella Dingli        U16        21:59
            
1.  Nikolaj Djordjevic     U14        15:42
2.  Luke Epps              U10        17:14
3.  Angus Hay              U14        17:49
4.  Ralph Bennett          60+        18:45
5.  Anthony Barrett        60+        20:15
6.  Harry Summers          60+        24:01
7.  John Morrison          60+        24:37
8.  Barrie Wicks           60+        27:03
    
1.5km Walk
1.  Maddison Vaughan       U10         9:56
2.  Ella Cunningham        U10        11:40
3.  Pam Mews               60+        15:56
            
1.  Liam Hutchins          U10         8:23
2.  Eden Morgan            U12         8:50
3.  Hamish Blackwood       U10         9:02
4.  Nikita Djordjevic      U12         9:26
5.  Lucas Kent             U10         9:50
6.  Christopher Kent       40-59      12:17
            
1km Invitation Walk
1.  Sophie Blackwood       U10         9:50    First walk with us

Thanks to all our judges, helpers and officials. Apologies if I missed anyone.

Officials: Tim Erickson, Mark Donahoo, Simon Baker, Cathy Huse, Ralph Bennett, Bill Carr
Course Sweeping: John Morrison, Bill Carr, Heather Carr
Judges: Peter Vysma (C), Stuart Cooper, Michael Bodey, Gordon Loughnan, Brenda Felton, Kathleen Marsh
Canteen: Wendy Cooper, Kate Suich
Photos: Terry Swan (http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/428)
Race Splits: Ralph Bennett (http://vrwc.org.au/wp1/race-splits-laps/)

AV CHAMPIONSHIPS & VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SUNDAY 14 MAY

The first of the Victorian roadwalk championships was held at Middle Park on Sunday morning in perfect autumnal conditions. The only issue for the 15km walkers was the tight top turn on the 1km loop we were forced to use, due to ongoing Australian Grand Prix cleanup activities.

The women’s title went to 18 year old Jemima Montag (1:13:37), ahead of Megan Szirom (1:17:16) and 16 year old Rebecca Henderson (1:18:52). For both Jemima and Rebecca, this was their first attempt at a distance further than 10km and they both accounted for themselves well.

The men’s title went to Rio Olympian Rhydian Cowley (1:07:07), ahead of 19 year old Adam Garganis (1:07:37) and Jason Kozica (1:14:27).  Special mention must be made of both Jason and Pramesh Prasad who were never far apart and walked huge PBs.

Victorian 15km Roadwalk Championship Men
1.  Montag, Jemima           MAC     1:13:37    First one
2.  Szirom, Megan            FKN     1:17:16
3.  Henderson, Rebecca       MEN     1:18:52    First one
4.  Brennan, Sarah           BYC     1:25:34
5.  Elms, Donna-Marie        PTN     1:42:24
    Carr, Heather            GHY         DNS
    Ruddick, Kelly           BHA         DNS

Victorian 15km Roadwalk Championship Men            
1.  Cowley, Rhydian          GHY     1:07:07
2.  Garganis, Adam           COL     1:07:37
3.  Kozica, Jason            STK     1:14:27    PB 7:03
4.  Prasad, Pramesh          COL     1:14:48    PB 8:46
5.  Evans, Simon             BOH     1:27:02
6.  Hess, Albin              IND     1:47:26    First one
    Kollmorgen, Stuart       COL         DNF
    Simpson, Brad            ANW         DNF
    Walmsley, Reese          KNA         DNS

A number of VRWC races were also held, with results as shown below. NZ Rio Olympian Quentin Rew took fastest time overall in the 15km with 1:06:02. Special mentions also to Angus Hay (huge 5km PB of 30:42), Holly Cocking (3km PB of 17:14) and Alannah Upson (first time walker with us, 1.5km in 9:19).

VRWC Women 15km Club Championship - Elsie Jacobson Trophy         
1.  Brennan, Sarah           M40-59  1:25:34
2.  Elms, Donna-Marie        M40-59  1:42:24

VRWC 15km Walk                                  H’cap place            
1.  Montag, Jemima           Open    1:13:37    1
2.  Szirom, Megan            Open    1:17:16
3.  Henderson, Rebecca       U16     1:18:52    2
4.  Brennan, Sarah           M40-59  1:25:34
5.  Elms, Donna-Marie        M40-59  1:42:24    3
    O'Neill, Karyn           M60+        DNF    
                
1.  Rew, Quentin             Open    1:06:02    6
2.  Cowley, Rhydian          Open    1:07:07    5
3.  Garganis, Adam           Open    1:07:37    2
4.  Kozica, Jason            Open    1:14:27
5.  Prasad, Pramesh          M40-59  1:14:48    1
6.  Evans, Simon             M40-59  1:27:02    7
7.  Smyth, David             M40-59  1:27:45    4
8.  Hess, Albin              M40-59  1:47:26    3
    Kollmorgen, Stuart       M40-59      DNF    
    Simpson, Brad            Open        DNF

VWRC 10km Walk                                  H’cap place
1.  Dickenson, Russ          M60+    1:07:07    1
    Walmsley, Hayden         U18         DNF    

VRWC 5km Walk                                   H’cap place
1.  Geisler, Sandra          Open      27:20    1

1.  Blackwood, Mark          M40-59    24:17    1
2.  Hay, Angus               U14       30:43    2    PB 4:18

VRWC 3km Walk                                   H’cap place
1.  Hay, Charlotte           U14       16:00    1
2.  Nelson, Arnika           U16       16:41    4
3.  Cocking, Holly           U16       17:14    2    PB 0:12
4.  Lillie, Gemma            U12       19:19    3

VRWC 1.5km Walk                                 H’cap place
1.  Upson, Alannah           U10        9:19        First walk with us

1.  Blackwood, Hamish        U10        8:59    1

Thanks as always to our many officials. I think I captured everyone but apologies if I missed you. You are all most appreciated.

Officials: Mark Donahoo, Terry Swan, Tim Erickson, Ralph Bennett, Reese Walmsley
Judges: Gordon Loughnan (Chief), Stuart Cooper, Kathleen Marsh, Paul Nunn, David Long, Peter Vysma (DQ Board)
Drinks Table: Claire Garganis, Amanda Montag
Canteen: Wendy Cooper
Photos: Terry Swan (see http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/picture.php?/21055/category/427)

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 6 MAY

The Conditions were pretty miserable for the 50 walkers who braved the elements at Middle Park on Saturday. The forecast cold change swept rhrough about 1:30PM, with a blanket of heavy rain innundating the course. Altbough most of the rain has passed by the time the first races started at 2:15PM, it was still cold and bitter, with lots of big puddles to be negotiated. With the Grand Prix cleanup not yet completed, walkers were restricted to a 1km loop once again. Luckily the races were 8km or less so it was not too bad. As I was not there, thanks to club handicapper Mark Donahoo for forwarding the results to me.

NZ Rio Olympian Quentin Rew went straight to the front, walking on his own to record fastest time of 35:02. Behind him were a group consisting of Adam Garganis, Jemima Montag, Reese Walmsley and Pramesh Prasad. While Adam and Jemima walked the full 8km, Rees and Pramesh contented themselves with the 6km race. Handicap winners are shown for each distance, alongside the actual time placings.

8km Walk                                     H’cap Place               
1.  Montag, Jemima           Open   38:35   
2.  Davison, Mackayla        U18    48:54        First one
3.  Carr, Heather            M60+   49:30    4
4.  Feain, Madeleine         Open   50:35    1    PB 2:25
5.  Elms, Donna-Marie        M40+   51:27    3
6.  O'Neill, Karyn           M60+   55:38    2
               
1.  Rew, Quentin             Open   35:02    5
2.  Garganis, Adam           Open   37:45    3
3.  Walmsley, Hayden         U18    44:22    6
4.  O'Neill, Terry           M60+   49:54    1
5.  Dickenson, Russ          M60+   53:37    4
6.  Moritz, Paul             M40+   54:23    2
    Gardiner, Bob            M60+   DNF   

6km Walk                                     H’cap Place               
1.  Tindal, Pam              M40+   33:07    1
2.  Rosenbrock, Carolyn      M40+   39:20    3
3.  O'Mahony, Kathleen       U16    40:13    2
               
1.  Walmsley, Reese          Open   28:56    2
2.  Prasad, Pramesh          M40+   28:56    1    PB 1:26
3.  Kennedy, Paul            M60+   38:10   
4.  Beveridge, Heath         U14    39:48    4
5.  Hess, Albin              M40+   40:24    3

4km Walk                H’cap Place   
1.  Knight, Cassandra        Open   22:51    1
2.  Muldoon, Wendy           M40+   23:37    3
3.  McGougan, Tracy          M40+   27:11   
4.  Steed, Gwen              M60+   27:26    2
               
1.  Blackwood, Mark          M40+   19:41    2
2.  Dickson, Corey           U16    20:42    3
3.  Smyth, David             M40+   21:39    1
4.  Hay, Angus               U14    24:35    5
5.  Barrow, Geoff            M60+   28:18    4
    Bennett, Ralph           M60+   DNS   

2km Walk                                     H’cap Place   
1.  Hay, Charlotte           U14    10:50    3
2.  Briet, Brianna           U14    11:45   
3.  Lillie, Gemma            U12    12:51    4
4.  Dingli, Isabella         U16    13:56    2
5.  Hugo, Beverly            M60+   16:30    1
    Farrell, Judy            M60+   DQ   
    Dingli, Alannah          U14    DNS   
               
1.  Prys, Joel               U12    10:43    1
2.  Epps, Luke               U12    11:10    2
3.  Barrett, Anthony         M60+   14:36    3
4.  Conboy, Bruce *          M60+   15:57   
    Feain, Gerard            M40+   DQ   
               
1km Walk                                     H’cap Place   
1.  Cunningham, Ella         U10    07:40    1
2.  Mews, Pam                M60+   11:02    2
    Kennedy, Alexandra       U10    DNS   
               
1.  Liam Hutchins            U10    05:21    3
2.  Blackwood, Hamish        U10    05:40    4
3.  Xuereb, Justin           U12    06:04    5
4.  Kent, Lucas              U12    06:58    2
5.  Perry, Keelan            U14    07:01
6.  Kent, Chris              M40+   07:17    1

Peter Vysma sent me a list of officials. Thanks to all who helped out. Apologies for any I have missed.

Officials: Mark Donahoo, Terry O'Neill, Karyn O'Neill, Ralph Bennett
Judges: Peter Vysma (Chief), Gordon Loughnan, Stuart Cooper, Mark O'Mahony, Michael Bodey
Canteen: Wendy Cooper, Wendy Cooper
Photos: Terry Swan (see http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/426)

VRWC ROAD RACES, MIDDLE PARK, SATURDAY 29 APRIL

The first Melbourne based road races for the winter were well supported, with 48 walkers in attendance. After a week of heavy rain, the clouds cleared a couple of days ago and conditions were good for our Saturday afternoon 2:15PM start time. With the Grand Prix Motor Race cleanup still underway, we restricted ourselves to a 1km loop. We expect to have out normal 2km course back in action in the next 1-2 weeks.

It was great to see so many new walkers registering for club membership. Special welcome to new members Ella Cunningham, Lucas Kent and Isabella Dingli who all had their first official walks with us. We also welcomed back Mark Blackwood, having his first walk with us for many years. It was also good to see part timer Kevin Cassidy back dusting off his walking shoes. And a special mention to Chris Kent who joined his son Lucas Kent in the 1.5km walk. Add to that the fact that we had 3 of our Rio Olympians present in Rhydian Cowley, Regan Lamble and Quentin Rew, as well as two of our Australian Junior reps in Adam Garganis and Kyle Swan.

Now onto our race reports. Four walkers tested themselves out over the 12km distance, with Quentin Rew (53:56) and Adam Garganis (57:06) leading the way. Philippa Huse (52:27) and Rebecca Henderson (53:06) led the 10km walkers home ahead of David Smyth (56:05). Reese Walmsley was first home in the 5km, ahead of Corey Dickson, who excelled with a PB 24:43.  Kevin Cassidy was fastest in the 3km but special mentions to Luke Epps (16:50) and Angus Hay (16:59) who had a great battle and walked very stylishly, both recording PBs. Finally Liam Hutchins (8:26) and Kayla Heikkila-Dubowik (9:10) led the 1.5km walkers home.

Open 12km Walk            
1.  Donna-Marie Elms         M40+  1:24:00
            
1.  Quentin Rew              Open    53:56
2.  Adam Garganis            Open    57:06
3.  Kyle Swan                Open    58:59

Open 10km Walk            
1.  Philippa Huse            Open    52:27
2.  Rebecca Henderson        U16     53:06
3.  Jasmin Hass              U16   1:02:46
4.  Madeleine Feain          Open  1:04:44    PB 0:29
            
1.  David Smyth              M40+    56:05
2.  Ross Reid                M60+  1:02:50
3.  Russ Dickenson           M60+  1:07:29
4.  Gunther Ilgoutz          M60+  1:14:11
    Andrew Jamieson          M60+      DNF

Open 5km Walk            
1.  Sandra Geisler           Open    28:20
2.  Cassandra Knight         Open    29:03
3.  Kathleen O'Mahony        U16     31:07
4.  Carolyn Rosenbrock       M40+    31:42
5.  Gwen Steed               M60+    34:45
            
1.  Reese Walmsley           Open    24:18
2.  Corey Dickson            U16     24:43    PB 0:17
3.  Mark Blackwood           M40+    25:13    First walk in many years!
4.  Hayden Walmsley          U18     26:20
5.  Connor McShanag          Open    28:43
6.  Bernie Keirl             M40+    29:09
7.  Heath Beveridge          U14     30:50    PB 1:01
8.  Albin Hess               M40+    33:30    PB 0:38
9.  Bob Gardiner             M60+    34:31
10. Anthony Barrett          M40+    34:37
11. Geoff Barrow             M60+    35:44

Open 3km Walk            
1.  Holly Cocking            U16     17:42
2.  Heather Carr             M60+    18:05
3.  Grace Louey              U14     18:49
4.  Gemma Lillie             U12     20:00
5.  Beverly Hugo             M60+    24:16
            
1.  Kevin Cassidy            M40+    16:47
2.  Luke Epps                U10     16:50    PB 0:33
3.  Angus Hay                U14     16:59    PB 0:23
4.  John Morrison            M60+    24:11

Open 1.5km Walk
1.  Kaylah Heikkila-Dubowik  U12     09:10
2.  Isabella Dingli          U16     10:37    First time with us
3.  Ella Cunningham          U10     12:11    First time with us
4.  Pam Mews                 M60+    16:28
            
1.  Liam Hutchins            U10     08:26
2.  Hamish Blackwood         U10     09:16
3.  Justin Xuereb            U12     09:56
4.  Lucas Kent               U10     11:25
5.  Gerard Feain             M40+    11:26
6.  Christopher Kent         M40+    12:49    First time with us

As always, thanks to all our judges, officials and helpers. I have probably missed a few names so apologies. Big team effort.

Judges: Peter Vysma (C), Gordon Loughnan, Michael Bodey, Stuart Cooper, Terry O'Neill
Officials: Ian Laurie, Mark Donahoo, Bill Carr, Karyn O'Neill, Kathy Huse, Tim Erickson, Michelle Walmsley
Photos: Terry Swan
Canteen: Wendy Cooper, Kate Suich

As usual, Terry Swan recorded the action with his camera – check out http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/425. A superb collection as usual. Thanks Terry.

CASTLEMAINE NAB 500, CASTLEMAINE, SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017

The Victorian Race Walking Club and Events in Nature combined to put on the third annual Castlemaine NAB 500 Walks Meet in Castlemaine, in country Victoria, last Sunday morning. Held in the beautiful surrounds of the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens and strongly supported by local Castlemaine business and local government, it again provided a unique opportunity for our walkers to compete for significant prize money.

While the previous two editions of this race were held in sunshine, this year we were unlucky enough to encounter one of the worst weekends seen in Victoria for some time. Thankfully the rain held off until just before our final event, the Castlemaine NAB 5km, but it then settled in for the rest of the day, with the race and the subsequent presentations and post-event cleanup, all done in very wet and cold conditions. Oh well, you can’t have everything.

Being country based, the carnival drew mostly from the Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong areas but also included a sprinking of Melbourne based walkers. The format changed this year with the 3km and 5km raaces being handicap based, with the fastest walkers in each race heading off last and having to chase. It made for some very exciting races but, alas, despite the best intentions of the handicapper (me!), the outmarkers generally prevailed.

Well done to our winners Mackayla Davison, Albin Hess, Scott Peart, Madison Vaughan and Ebony Whiley. Although all the races were exciting, the finish of the Open 5km had us all on the edge of our seats. Although Ebony Whiley, walking over a minute faster than recent form would indicate possible, had the win sewn up, the second place was up for grabs with Pramesh Prasad, Adam Garganis and Rhydian Cowley all in the mix. It came down to a final rush for the line with Rhydian eating into Pramesh’s lead with every stride but just failing by a couple of metres in overhauling him. What a race!

U18 3KM ROADWALK              EXPECTED  START TIME  ACTUAL TIME
1.  Davison, Mackayla         16:30     06:30       16:11
2.  Thompson, Eliza           23:00     00:00       22:50    First ever
3.  Saunder, Fraser           16:30     06:30       16:44
4.  Thompson, Will            14:10     08:50       14:49
5.  Peart, Alanna             14:56     08:04       15:38
6.  Peart, Jemma              14:20     08:40       15:14
    Hayes, Zahra              14:30     08:30       DNS
               
50+ 3KM ROADWALK              EXPECTED  START TIME  ACTUAL TIME
1.  Hess, Albin               20:30     02:30       19:28    PB 0:56
2.  Keirl, Bernie             17:00     06:00       17:01
3.  Barrow, Geoff             20:10     02:50       20:21
4.  Carr, Heather             17:05     05:55       17:30
5.  Lotherington, Bill        21:30     01:30       22:00
6.  Elms, Donna-Marie         17:50     05:10       18:27
7.  Bryant, Barb              17:10     05:50       17:56
8.  Knox, Duncan              18:30     04:30       19:30

U12 1KM BOYS
1.  Peart, Scott              05:31     PB 0:03
2.  Tallent, Brodie           05:35     PB 0:15
3.  Fox, Oscar                05:57     PB 0:01
       
U12 1KM GIRLS
1.  Vaughan, Maddison         06:14     PB
2.  Tallent, Jorja            06:46     PB 0:01
    Fox, Amber                DNS
    Heikkila-Dubowik, Kaylah  DNS

OPEN 5KM ROADWALK             EXPECTED  START TIME  ACTUAL TIME
1.  Whiley, Ebony             31:30     00:00       30:07
2.  Prasad, Pramesh           24:07     07:23       23:59
3.  Cowley, Rhydian           20:15     11:15       20:08
4.  Garganis, Adam            21:20     10:10       21:50
    Hamilton, Emily           25:10     06:20       DNS

And now to the big list of thank you’s.

- Thanks to Michael Smith for his superb local organization and efforts in pulling everything together.
- Thanks to the VRWC judges who came up and helped out judging.
- Thanks to everyone who helped with setup, event running and pulldown in the rain.
- Thanks to Harry Koponen of the Castlemaine NAB bank for his ongoing support and presence today.
- Thanks to the Mount Alexander Shire for their generous support, both financial and otherwise (and for the use of the botanical gardens).
- Thanks to Peter Grant at the Castlemaine Bike Vault for his generous sponsorship.
- Thanks to the Castlemaine Amcal Pharmacy for their genorous sponsorship.
- And finally, thanks to Terry Swan for his superb photo gallery at http://www.vrwc.org.au/piwigo/index.php?/category/424.

See you all in Castlemaine next year.