No Jay Walking At Birdsland

By Brian Marantelli 10 June 2014

Jay Wright broke the trend of close finishes in winning by a season high margin of twenty six seconds at Birdsland on Sunday morning. Wright, who finished second behind Phil O’Brien in the Karkarook 5km a few weeks ago, wasn’t taking any chances this week as she paced herself throughout the four laps of the Birdsland Lake in the all female group of Charlene Rendina, Janine McKerron and Fiona Ely. Jay has become a regular with the club and has competed in all five races this season, her second with the VCCL.

Although the winning margin was clear, the next in, Mark Howard, had only inches to spare from Brigitte Seeley, who in turn was followed home closely by Duncan Whitford, Leon Brooks, Ian Cayzer and Marcus Boxall. Shane Grund, having a great first season with the VCCL, finished eighth, with David Haigh and David Page finishing out the top ten placings. Michael Marantelli, running from a tight handicap, ran the fastest time of 15:36 with Phillip O’Brien next quickest at 16:22. Brigitte Seeley was fastest of the females with a solid run of 19:22. The novice awards went to Andrew Lane and Fraser Murray.

On Sunday the Victorian Cross Country League honoured Roy McKenzie, the club record holder, as he completed his 800^th race with the club, his first event being in the early 1970s. Roy’s achievement is an amazing effort and a tribute to his dedication and determination as well his high regard for the VCCL.

This week we travel to Bendigo for the Flack Advisory Winter Classic 6.4km with a 12 noon start. This season will be the first time that the race will not be run on the road from Eaglehawk to Bendigo but instead in the Woodvale Recreation Reserve.

The following week is the popular club relay held at Norton’s Park in Wantirna South. Anyone wishing to enter a team or join a team please contact Mark O’Brien. The event is run on a handicap basis with teams of five. There are prizes for the three fastest teams as well as the first three on handicaps.

Related

Race 5 Photos courtesy of Leanne Baxter.
A Tribute To Roy McKenzie by Greg Whitecross.
Thank You From The McKenzies.

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