111 eager starters gathered for the season opener, Steigen 5 km handicap along the Barwon River paths. It felt like winter was arriving as the strong winds and persistent misty showers buffeted the runners. Grant Simpson continued on from his medal winning performances at the Victorian Masters championships to hold off Alex Romaniw and Mark Chalmers for fastest time honours. Simpson also won the sealed handicap. Reigning female champion, Kate Bramley, was a convincing winner from Zoe Adams in that section. Many runners stayed on to hear a presentation by staff from the Injury Clinic and Profeet Podiatry.
Top 10 Placings
G.Simpson, 17:16; R. Little, 28:50; I. Graljuk, 19:21; D. Blount, 19:02; K. McNulty, 20:44; K. Bramley, 18:52; T. McRae, 19:43; S. Vander Bruggen, 18:44; J. Curran, 18:49; L. Pye, 24:19.
Fastest Times
Under 20 Male: T. Hockley-Samon 18.33, K. Harper 19.13
Under 40 Male: A. Romaniw 17.28, J. Curran 18.49.
Under 40 Female: K. Bramley 18.52, Z, Adams 20.33.
Veteran Male: G. Simpson 17.16, M. Chalmers 17.39
Veteran Female: S. Andrews 22.38, M. Paull 24.42.
Masters Male: C. El-Hage 19.45, K. McNulty 20.44.
Masters Female: N. Angus 25.19, K. Hammond 26.59.
Legends Male : D. Elward 20.53, J. Morton 22.47.
Legends Female: P. Galvin 24.46, J. Morton 28.49.
Supervets Male: J. Walker 25.53, G. Marshall 30.05.
Supervets Female: M. Blood 34.50.
