Aaron wins hilly Hellyer College 5km

Aaron small

A hilly, slippery course in parklands at the rear of Hellyer College didn’t prevent Smithton runner, Aaron Robertson, from an excellent win in the Professional Cross Country Club of Tasmania’s 5 kilometre handicap on Sunday.

Robertson was delighted with the victory which comes in his third season back running after an enforced 8 year lay-off due to a persistent injury. He kept fit during that time with cycling and still cycles regularly as part of his training.

He had won one race previously, in 2003, at Sisters Beach and after taking the lead with only 200 metres to run, hung on to beat Mark Saint-John and Brad Taylor. A gallant Ken Troughton, who must have thought he had the race won until Robertson swept past, finished fourth.

Troughton had lost about half a minute early in the race after missing a turn and must be considered very unlucky.

The course conditions provided a challenge and for many runners the main battle was to stay upright. However, it was enjoyed by most as a break from running on hard surfaces.

Tim Dowling and Tony Wilson ran excellent races to finish seventh and ninth respectively.

Fastest time for the males was recorded by Brad Taylor (20:03) with Michelle D’Monte fastest female in 25:06.

Earlier the nominated time winners were Isabelle Murchie, Ashley Fehlberg, Lucy van Rooyen and Brian Paine.

Race 20 2016 Actual

Race 20 2016 Fastest to Slowest