Times were irrelevant last Sunday as athletes battled the blustery winds, the cold weather and branches over the course, as they tackled King and Queen of the Mountain.
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Postponed from previously due to wet conditions, the course up the steep incline of Mt Kembla offered a challenge to all athletes, and especially those who challenged the tough 5km. A challenge at any time, the course is one of the best and offers steep inclines, rough terrain and a downhill run to the finish that will be a challenge to any athlete.
Breaking 30 mins in these conditions was considered a good run, and King of the Mountain, Christopher Thurbon, deserved "his crown" as he handled the course like a seasoned veteran, even though this was his first attempt at such an event.
Young junior athlete Imogen Anderson took on the longer distance and was well rewarded with Queen of the Mountain, after racing home down the steep decline with control and good running. Thurbon completed the course in 26min 46sec whilst Imogen finished off in under the 30min mark, recording 29min 56sec.
Prince of the mountain went to fast finishing Joshua Smith, with sister Charlotte making it a Smith double by being awarded the Princess Of the mountain. Conducted over 2km, this event also is a challenge, with athletes being confronted by branches across the course due to the heavy winds.
A well deserved hot chocolate at the local Mt Kembla Hotel was a just reward for the athletes who braved the conditions and raced well considering the conditions.
Whilst our local athletes are training and competing in cold, windy conditions, Grace and Ashlyn Adams, along with Abby Cox, are enjoying the conditions and experience over in Canada. All three can be proud of their results and although the Adams girls were on the trip last year, Abby is new to this experience. All three athletes will come back with international experience, knowing what the competition is like on the other side of the world.
This arranged tour is a good one, and one that gives athletes the experience without the pressure of representing your country at a major meet. Coach Wayne is pleased with his squad and hopes that they can continue their form come the summer track and field season.
Mary Thomas it at it again. Travelling to UTS for the second round of their throwing meet, Mary again has broken five state records in hammer, discus, weight throw, pentathlon and super weight throw. She is now ranked 1st in the world for her age bracket in the throws pentathlon and has broken the old state record by over 1000 points.
She now is also ranked number one in the world for the super weight throw. Mary now holds all throws records in her age bracket, and seeing the summer season has not yet commenced, it would not surprise, that she breaks them again come summer.
The third round of the Winter Track and Field will be held on Sunday, July 28, at the Kerryn McCann Athletics Centre with first events at 10.30am. Events to be conducted are 60m, 150m, javelin, walk, triple jump (long jump for juniors) and 2x800m relay. Bring your friends, family and come on down to this popular meet and use it for either fitness, preparing for combined high in Canberra or just to see how you are going in off season prior to the summer season. Open to all athletes, all ages from under 8 right through to masters men and women. Even if you wish to try track and field for the first time, you are encouraged to come and give it a go.
Little A's are heading into their registration period and they are reminded of the dual membership process they can undertake. For more information on this check with secretary of IBS on 4262 8498 or by emailing through our website: www.illawarrabluestars.com.