Runner takes top spot

A LOCAL runner is celebrating a personal best after taking a first-place win in the ninth round of Athletics Victoria’s XCR Series earlier this month.

Competing in the Burnley Half-Marathon’s under 20 men’s category, Ben Mornane won the top spot in the five-kilometre event with a time of 15 minutes and 10 seconds.

He said it’s exciting to have a new record to aspire towards.

“I almost shocked myself a little bit with the win,” he said “It’s a very nice feeling to have a new personal best.

“I was actually sitting in fourth for most of the race. It was only the last 200 metres where I was able to pass the others and it was right on the line.

“This is definitely a highlight of the season for me. In the same series I managed to win the 10-kilometre run at Albert Park so I’m really happy with both those performances.”

Mornane received his previous personal best during last year’s XCR Series, also at Burnley, with a recording of about 15 minutes and 30 seconds.

A member of Eureka Athletics and competing through the Ballarat Regional Athletic Centre, Mornane trains with former national junior running coach Rod Griffin.

He’s been running since he was around seven years old after being encouraged by a friend to join him for a lap around Lake Wendouree.

Following his Burnley win, Mornane said he already has his next races front of mind.

“I’m eyeing off track season right now and looking to run the three and the five-kilometre on track runs in Adelaide,” he said. “I’m hoping to run the nationals next year around March.

“I’m running six to seven days a week and doing sessions three days a week. I run about 70 to 80 kilometres each week.”

The Ballarat Regional Athletic Centre’s under 14 men’s group also won the top spot in Burnley’s teams event.