Kel
Tyler Wins Last Race
The last race for the season, the President’s
5km Handicap, was held on Saturday on Big Hill,
Stawell, in wild and wintry conditions. Due to
the closeness of the Aggregate points table,
it was decided to make this last event a Sealed
Handicap to keep the runners in suspense as to
the eventual outcome.
 A
field of
twenty-two senior and
fourteen
junior runners
lined up
at the start,
which took
place right
on top of
Big Hill
in a strong
gusty wind.
Runners
set off
at a
fast pace,
the junior
runners
grabbing
their moment
of glory
by leading
off down
Scenic
Road. However,
when the
field settled
down it was
the senior
runners
who took
command
with Col
Barnett
leading
the way,
which he
maintained
to take
out
line honours.
Jon
Dugdale
and Gary
Rice fought
hard for
second
and third
place,
with Gary
gradually
establishing
a lead
over Jon
to eventually
cross the
line second.
When
handicaps
were
applied, Kel Tyler
came
out the winner,
after
putting in a great
effort
over the hilly
course.
The
luckless
Gary
Saunders finished
second
for the third
time
in three races (not
counting
the
relays) with
Peter Steggall
third.
But all eyes
were
on Stan Watson and Gaynor Radovic.
Radovic
had to finish
in 8th place
or higher
to win
but in
true
champion
form
she
finished
sixth
to destroy Watson's
chances
of winning
the
aggregate.
First
junior home
was Aaron,
a strong
young runner
from Halls
Gap, who
put in a
brilliant
performance
to cross
the line
in 8th place
overall,
only a bit
over 2 min
behind the
first senior
runner. His
time was
20 min 3
sec. Lucy
was the fastest
junior girl in
a time of
22 min 10
sec. When
handicaps
were applied
Karl came
out the winner.
He has had
a great season
and improved
tremendously
over the
year. Lucy
took out
second place
with Hugh
third.
Eleven
sub-juniors lined
up
for
the
1.5km
race at
the
foot
of
Big
Hill.
Just
as
the
event
started,
the
heavens
opened,
and
along
with
a wild
wind,
made
the
conditions
difficult.
Nathan
seemed
unfussed
though,
and
stormed
home
to
win
from
Sophie
in
a
time of
5
min 3 sec. When
handicaps
were
applied
it
was
a popular
win to
Fraser,
who
had
to
wait
all
season
for
a win.
Harry
was
second
and
Elly
third.
Aggregate
and Championship
Winners
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