Thanks everyone for your friendly comments and emails; a highlight for me this week.
The BIG highlight of this week will be the opening of the new cross country course at Stromlo this Sunday. Already in continual use for most of 2007 for biking and mountain biking, the facility will now boast a 2.5k cross country circuit, after much long and careful preparation, despite the drought. Sunday's opening is simply NOT TO BE MISSED. We get to run over the course at 10:30, then stay and watch the country's best.
The latest media release: (typos left in unamended)
Media Release: Australia ’s Elite distance runners gather to celebrate the birth of a running Mecca in Canberra
Australia ’s elite distance runners will gather in Canberra this Sunday for their first taste of the Stromlo Forest Park Cross Country track, named after 1983 World Marathon Champion and Australian of the Year, long-time Canberra resident, Robert De Castella, who will be on had to start the mens elite race.
The elite womens 8km race starting at 11:30am is impossible to pick. The clash between the strength and experience of established runners with international credentials and the fearless running of a group of outstanding juniors will be captivating. Former world #1 triathlete Annabel Luxford will be out to upset the runners with her coach and former world champion triathlete/duathlet e and Commonwealth Games Marathon Bronze medallist Jackie Fairweather (nee Gallagher) keeping her honest. Local World Championship representative Sarah Salmon will have to contend with Australian Ekiden representative Sarah Lofts and top city to surf finisher Melinda Vernon. Melbourne Marathon top performers Lisa Dick and Billinda Schipp will challenge. Schipp, also coached by Fairweather, has shown a great return to form after the birth of her first child and will be strong, as will local and former Australian rep Joy Terry. The young guns will be led by Australian Ekiden representative Tara Palm and multiple national age record holder ACT’s Emily Brichacek. Can they surprise their elders and usher in a new era?
The elite male 8km race starts at 12:10pm and boasts multiple Olympian Lee Troop, Melbourne Marathon winner Rohan Walker and Australian Ekiden Representatives; Mark Tucker, Ben St Lawrence, Andrew White and local Erwin McCrae. They will have to contend with current World Mountain Running representatives Scott Mctaggart and Mark Bourne and a host of other Australian Representatives. The favourite in the mens race, Martin Dent has shown his versatility at distances from 5km to the Marathon and his 4th in the Melbourne Commonwealth games Steeplechase was memorable as he fearlessly chased the Kenyans. Dent has recently won the Noosa Bolt and Burnie ten and was second to Brett Cartwright in the Melbourne Half Marathon. Cartwright showed awesome form in Melbourne but has been hampered by injury and is in doubt for the race. The race also signals the return of former Australian representative and local Dean Cavuoto to elite running after beating cancer.
The world class facility has been integral to attracting a strong field as the athletes can’t wait to get a feel for the track that will regularly be used to host Australian Championships. However they will have to wait for the schools race at 10am and the community 5km race at 10:30am before they get their chance. It’s your chance to beat Australia ’s elite distance runners!
Contacts:
For details of the circuit - Robert de Castella 0411 182 345
For information about the events – Dave Hobson 6258 2676 or Race Day 0408 233 436
