Australia takes Sprint race in Aus/NZ Challenge

Last Updated: Wednesday, 09 January 2013 20:50

Strong performances across the age classes saw Australia even up the scores in the Australia/New Zealand Challenge on Tuesday by winning the Sprint Race match.

Inspired perhaps by the international elite field whose World Cup races preceded the Oceania competition, NSW competitors delivered a stunning series of podium placings to give Australia the edge it needed to come back on terms with New Zealand after their fine win in the Middle Distance at the weekend.

Fedor Ishakov Bennelong Northside was the first Australian back in M21, Eric Morris also Bennelong Northside 1st place in M40, Karen Blatchford Newcastle 3rd W45, Michael Burton Big Foot 2nd M50, Debbie Davey Waggaroos 3rd W55, Nick Dent Central Coast 2nd M60, Bryony Cox Garingal 1st W65, Ross Barr Garingal (and Mr Sydney Summer Series himself) 3rd M65, Jean Baldwin Goldseekers 3rd W70, Basil Baldwin Goldseekers 3rd M70, and Maureen Ogilvie Uringa 1st W80.  Full results listings here

The Australia/NZ Challenge moves on to the Long Distance race on Thursday near Masterton, with a very different set of terrain challenges for the runners.