Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics

The Centre hosted the State Cross Country Championships at Lake Dewar, Myrniong last Saturday. There were 686 athletes that competed over the course of the day, representing close to 80 Centres from across the State. Sixteen athletes represented Bacchus Marsh.

Under 13 athletes Lachlan Simons and Patrick Lovett were the first BM competitors for the day, racing in the 3km event. Having produced consistent results this season, Lachlan put in another solid performance on the day, placing 25th with Patrick, off a short preparation this year, finished in 32nd place overall.

BM Centre Captain, Sam White was next to line up in the combined Under 16/17 3km event. Sam got off to a good start and at the halfway point was sitting in a top 10 position. In the later stages of the race, Sam was able to overtake runners as they headed for the finish line. Once all competitors had finished, age group placings were calculated, and Sam was rewarded for a hard-fought race and presented with a Little Athletics Victoria 4th place ribbon.

The Under 9 boys were next to race over 1.5kms. With these boys competing in their first individual State Cross Country Championships, there were a few nerves with added excitement as they marshalled in the call room with almost 80 other boys. Auden Sundqvist always gives 100 per cent and his performance at State was proof of this. Auden fought it out to the end and crossed the finish line in 13th place overall.  Meanwhile, Harry Johansen also showed great determination over the 1.5kms and finished in 49th position.

The Under 9 girls lined up next and were quick to put nerves aside, as the race commenced at a fast pace. As the girls left the oval precinct, runners began to string out, heading through the tunnel and out around the campgrounds. Lyla Clark coming off an excellent performance at Region, was determined to produce another good result and did not disappoint, finishing in 13th place – a great effort for her first season of Cross Country. Evelyn Grant, who improved as the season progressed, finished off very strongly, passing a number of runners as they closed in on the finish.  Evie placed 43rd overall.

The Under 10 boys were next to compete, also racing over 1.5kms. With all boys placed in the 2nd row of the start line, the boys struggled to break the pack and were forced to play catch up for the majority of the race. Joshua Askew recorded the best result for the Marsh, finishing in 28th place. Mitchell Tung, who always fights it out to the end, finished in 52nd place while Angus Norman was not too far behind in 54th place. Miller Clark, also in his first season, should be very proud of his result, finishing 70th overall.

Anni Clarke toed the line in the Girls Under 10 2km event. After an excellent season Anni was determined to continue her success and after a few deep breaths on the start line, was focused and ready to give it everything. Anni got off to a good start and in her usual patient running style, was sitting just behind the leading pack. Anni remained strong throughout the race and a fast finish saw her dip at the finish line with a top 10 State performance, crossing the finish line in 9th overall.

In the Under 11 2km boys event, BMLAC were represented by Logan Simons and Zeke Horne. Both boys have pushed each other over the season and State was no different, with only seconds separately the two at the halfway mark. Logan was able to increase his pace in the second kilometre, and crossed the finish line in 36th place with Zeke finishing 18 seconds behind in 47th place.

In the final race for the day, Iyla Robinson lined up in the Girls Under 11 2km event. Also being placed on the 2nd row of the start line Iyla was unable to push through the pack as runners exited the oval and headed out over the main part of the course. Iyla fought hard the entire race and finished with a very proud 15th place in the State.

**The 2022/23 has now officially come to an end and we look forward to the upcoming 2023/24 Track & Field season, which will commence of October 7 at Masons Lane Reserve. The Little Athletics Victoria registration portal should open late September.