Somerset: Raymond Spinks/CRC 12km

Race seventeen of the season takes members to Somerset for the Raymond Spinks/CRC twelve kilometre handicap.

The event starts and finishes at the Somerset soccer ground and commences with a four kilometre climb up the Murchison Highway to Village Lane, then continues on country roads until the final stretch along Cardigan Street.

The toughness and distance suits backmarkers. Following his great second last week, Simon Gates could start favourite. He won a five kilometre race at Devonport last year and now looks primed to take out his second win.

Matthew Rolls will be the hardest to beat. He is another who missed the last race, but the week before turned in an impressive performance with a strong finish over a much shorter five kilometres.

Hayden Bishop, who would have been a strong chance last Sunday but missed the race to run the Gold Coast half marathon, could make amends this week. He has the form and is constantly getting faster.

Bryan Tuit loves this event, being a previous winner, and if he makes the trip from Devonport he will look the victor at some stage. The distance suits him perfectly.

Other strong chances include the third placegetter from last Sunday, Gerard Lowry, while Ellen Elphinstone and Michelle D’Monte will fly the flag for the women.

Runners are reminded to wear their chest numbers and timing chips for every race.

Entries close at 9:30 with the race starting at 10:00.

A nominated time event will be held at 9:05