Stawell Amateur Athletic Club’s first race under lights at North Park drew a large crowd on Friday for the Chris Blake Championship. 

Thirty-eight runners laced up at the starting line of the one and three kilometre races. 

A sealed start for the juniors and seniors created some early congestion, but runners quickly spread out as they settled into their rhythm for the seven and a half laps. 

A true credit to first-year handicapper Nathaniel Warren, the first 20 runners finished within two minutes of each other on adjusted times. 

Naomi Hunter was first for the seniors, in only her second run with the club for the season, running a three kilometre personal best of 16:18. Jess Maffescioni was second, with Claire Davies in third. 

It was a battle for the fastest times with new runner Eion Smyth and local speedster Scott Carey pushing each other all the way to the end, running an impressive 10:13. 

Milla Harrison was first after handicaps were applied in the junior three-kilometre, with Joseph Clarke coming in second and Alfie Freeland third. Hamish Baker was first on handicap in the sub-junior one-kilometre dash in an impressive time of 4:51. Christian Clarke was second, with Isla Murphy rounding out the podium in third. 

The club has a week off this week and wishes our members competing in the Ballarat Marathon all the best.

The next race with be the Poolwerx Handicap in Horsham on Sunday, May 5. Fun runners welcome.

The entire April 24, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire April, 24, 2024 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!