By Matthieu Ryan
Embracing the cooler conditions on a Sunday back in March, 55 members of the Shepparton Runners Club (SRC) ran up the hill at the Botanical Gardens in Kialla in a 4.25km cross country run.
The course comprised of two laps, taking in the hill and the surrounding bushland. Many runners embraced the hill and were grateful that it was at the beginning of the race, embracing the descent.
The field of participants comprised of many levels of runners from, primary school age to 60+. SRC coach, Chris Armstrong said “Handicaps are wonderful. It gives a chance to any runner to come and win at one of these events. There were 43 of 55 within 60 seconds of their handicapped and 31 of 55 within 30 seconds”.
“A special thank you to our volunteers who helped set up the course, acted as marshals, helped organise the start/finish area, finish barcodes, pack up/clean up, results, timing and live streaming”.
Adrian Jones was first to cross the line at 33:18, with Justine Ryan close behind at 33:27. Mathieu Ryan came in 3rd place with a time of 33:58 and Tara Daniel 4th with a time of 34:28.
The handicaps are open to SRC members and non-members. If anyone wishes to join the Shepparton Runners Club, please visit sheppartonrunnersclub.com.au/join-us
Mathieu Ryan, Acacia Ryan, Chris Armstrong, Justine Ryan and Tara Daniels. Photo: Supplied
