10/03/2016 Robs Rambler 6kM Handicap

TRARALGON HARRIERS’ RACE REPORT 10/3/2016

ROB’S RAMBLER 6KM HANDICAP

Rob’s Rambler 6km was a beaut chance for a hit-out over yet another scenic yet physically demanding course. The race consisted of a single circuit on gravel logging tracks near Traralgon South township, graduating from an almost flat first kilometre to strenuously hilly latter sections.

Simone Forbes, in a repeat of the strength displayed the previous week, won off a handicap of 12 minutes in a net time of 28 minutes 26 seconds. Simone completed the Half Iron-man Melbourne Challenge at the end of January. This consisted of a 1.93km swim, a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run.  Since then Simone has been combining recovery with a little training, raising three kids and some racing, including the Traralgon Harriers’ Thursday events and the recent Traralgon 5km Fun Run where she ran 21:29, a significant improvement over her earlier 25 minute personal best. Although she would like to concentrate more on bike riding, Simone says her main interest is running and from here her goals include the Boolarra Rail Trail 25km race and the Traralgon Half Marathon in June.

Warren Shields, off the same handicap as Simone Forbes, finished a close second in 28:26. His placing is evidence of his progress since his return to the Harriers’ races a few weeks ago at Churchill where he finished 38^th on a flat course.

Talented junior runner Tylah Whitehead finished third in the handicap in 29:53.

Other stand-out results include Peter Grixti’s fourth placing, Colby Morley’s third fastest net time and Riley Evans’continued domination of the Harriers’ Thursday races.

The fastest net male results were: Riley Evans 22:10, Ian Cornthwaite 23:35 and Colby Morley 24:03.

The three quickest females were: Karen Graham 28:14, Simone Forbes 28:26 and Sue Elsdon 29:01.

At the age of fourteen Riley Evans is amongst a small group of the most talented junior athletes the Traralgon Harriers have ever had.

About three decades ago one of those athletes, Gary Henry, went on to run an Olympic qualifying time for the marathon.

Riley has been steadily improving his times, despite limited training and time constraints due to his football interests. His running form and strength are remarkable – nothing seems to faze him. Together with the talented Morley twins, Colby and Tyler, the Harriers now have a very promising trio with exciting athletic futures.

This Thursday’s (17/3/16) handicap event is the Tour De West 6km from the Clubrooms at the Corner of Douglas Parade and Grubb Avenue, Traralgon at 6pm.

Included is also an intermediate race of 4km and junior races of 1.6km and 800m.

The public is encouraged to join in, regardless of ability, whether walkers or runners.

www.traralgonharriers.org.au