![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/07\/cross_57072.jpeg\")
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\u201cThat\u2019s the biggest thing, as well as experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the second year I have done all the open races. Having done it last year, it\u2019s felt like it\u2019s been a bit easier to compete at that level.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Victorian title win has Dowie primed for a tilt at the national cross-country championships, to be run at Victoria Park on Saturday, August 23.<\/p>\n
She believed getting a run under her belt on the nationals course could only enhance her preparation.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, she will aim to up her training load and focus on a couple more Athletics Victoria events.<\/p>\n
Last weekend\u2019s event attracted big contingent of open and junior Ballarat region athletes.<\/p>\n
Chris Hutchinson was the best placed local behind Dowie in the open\u2019s women\u2019s 46th place in a time of 41.27.<\/p>\n
Benjamin Stevens was the first Ballarat athlete to cross the line in the open men\u2019s championship.<\/p>\n
He finished 22nd in a time of 31.27.<\/p>\n
Only one second separated Ben Mornone (32.14) and Matthew Catterson in 32nd and 33rd place.<\/p>\n