Narra Yarra Win For Marra

By Brian Marantelli 27 May 2014

For the second consecutive week the Victorian Cross Country League result has seen the virtual backmarker run the fastest time and also take home the winner’s cheque. Last week at Karkarook Park it was Phillip O’Brien and this week at Warringal Park, alongside the Yarra River, Michael Marantelli was able to give the field a sizeable start and score in a desperate drive to the finish line. Michael headed Mark Andrews with 200 metres to travel but Mark, as is customary for him, produced another effort to just fail, the margin being less than one second. Michael, having a weekend of from his AFL umpiring duties, recorded his fourth win with the club but his first for several years.

Jarrod Page, having his first run with the club, produced a terrific 28:57 run to finish third. Duncan Whitford continued on from his first up second at Strathmore and was fourth across the line narrowly from Colm Rothery, Shane Grund, Colin Davis and David Spence, all only metres away. Finishing off the top ten were Marcus Boxall and novice runner Todd Foster. Multiple club champion Sean Quilty, after many injuries, continues his climb up the leader board with a solid effort just short of the placings. Brigitte Seeley was desperately unlucky as she held a big lead in the last kilometre before unfortunately taking a wrong turn. A win is surely not far away from Brigitte.

Marantelli’s 25:47 was the fastest of the day with David Spence the second fastest in 26:52. Shane Grund’s run of 27:50 showed a win was not far away for the first year VCCL runner. Corina Kapusta running 32:15 was the fastest of ladies and the novice awards went to Kylie Harding and Pat Garrat.

The race was sponsored for the 25^th year by Tony and Charlene Rendina, although the prize pool was boosted by generous co-sponsors Matthew Taylor and Contract Fire. The VCCL acknowledges the great support Tony and Charlene have given the Victorian Cross Country League over a long period of time.

This week the VCCL is joined by the Bendigo Athletic Club for the Caruana Classic over 8km at Woodlands Park, Greenvale. Please note that it’s an 11am start this Sunday; enter via Oaklands Road.

The following week is the time honoured Family Feud 5km at Birds Land where runners, besides the individual race, battle for family honour and the perpetual shield. Runners bring along a family member for a great event. Family members don’t have to be registered members to be eligible for the Family Feud.

Related

Race 3 Photos courtesy of Leanne Baxter and Leanne Callaghan.

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