Bec’s ecstatic about first national XC champs

BENDIGO athlete Bec Wilkinson will mark a career-high when she races at the Australian Athletics cross-country championships at Ballarat Victoria’s Park.

Ninth place in the Victorian titles run on the same course earnt Bec a place in the Big V line-up.

Athletics Bendigo Region has a squad of 14 bound for Ballarat to compete at various distances and age groups.

Wilkinson will be be racing in the women’s open 10km.

A goal will be to lower her state title time of 37.21.

“I did not expect a top 10 finish at states,” Wilkinson said.

“I have started to take running more serious in the past year or so and it’s great to see the hard working paying off.”

The Victoria Park course is one Wilkinson knows well as she had a three-year stint living in Ballarat.

“It will be nice racing somewhere familiar,” Wilkinson said of the title showdown which will start at 1.15pm.

Wilkinson’s background is in trail running.

“Hilly, technical course are more my strength which is not the case with Victoria Park.

“It’s set up really well for spectators which will make an exciting atmosphere.”

In the past two months Wilkinson has increased weekly workload to between 110 and 120 kilometres for my first marathon later in the year.”

Wilkinson is coached by Bendigo’s gun marathon runner and 2024 Paris Olympian Andy Buchanan who is also a dual national XC champion.

“Andy is a great mentor.”

Wilkinson’s strength and conditioning is done with the team at PB Performance and Health.

It’s also be an outstanding season for Wilkinson and her Bendigo team-mates in premier division of Athletics Victoria cross-country series.

Bendigo is sixth in the women’s premier title race at two rounds to go.

“It’s a huge result in our first year in the top division in about 15 years.

“I am so proud of all the team who have helped contribute this season.”

Wilkinson also spoke about the team aspect of cross-country running.

“Running can sometimes be such an individual sport, but cross-country adds a team element which is one of the reasons I love it.”