Persistent rain in the week preceding the match, and on the day, meant that the normally soggy conditions at Lloyd Park were even more treacherous than runners are accustomed to. Despite this, hundreds of runners pulled on their club vests, including 20 Walton athletes, and braved the mud for one last time this season.
The ladies team started the day in an almost unassailable position at the top of division 3 with three dominant wins from three matches so far.
Once again, they smashed the competition to pieces by finishing 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th in the division 3 race, scoring the lowest possible mark of 15 points. Alex Morrice was first finisher with her first race victory of the season, showing tremendous grit in the torrid conditions. Charlotte Ryan followed less than 20 seconds later in second, to cement herself at the top of the individual standings for the season, with two race wins and two 2nd place finishes. Alex also finished 3rd in the individual season standings with two 3rd place finishes, a 2nd place finish and a race victory to cap the season off. Well done to both on a terrific season.
Ellie Reimer was the 3rd place finisher in another strong run, less than a week after her new sub-40 10km PB, a superb week for Ellie! Ellie also managed to bag 4th place in the overall season standings, with two 4th place finished and a 3rd place to end the season.
Alex Slotwinska was next across the line and overcame injury worries to put in a valiant performance and grab 4th place on the day and the 5th individual league place, making it 4 Walton athletes in the top 5 across the entire season.
Amy Starnes produced a stunning run to make it a remarkable Walton top 5 whitewash in the division 3 race. This was Amy’s highest finish of the season, and she also finished 1st V35 on the day. This means that Amy finishes 2nd in the V35 season standings. A brilliant achievement.
Mandy Ruks, who seems to get stronger every season, was Walton’s 6th runner across the line in 9th place on the day, making it 4 top ten finishes in a row. Mandy also finished 3rd in the V45 category in the season standings. Brilliant consistency.
Michelle Tafili finished 7th Walton and 14th on the day. Another Walton athlete finishing well in the age group rankings, securing 3rd overall in the V35 category. A solid season by Michelle, who has improved each race. The 8th Walton athlete to complete the mud-fest was Jennifer Lithgow, coming home in 23rd overall, an excellent first season in WAC colours, including a top 10 finish.
The manner in which the division 3 title was won by these athletes is first class. There is strength all the way through the team, giving them a resilience that has been lacking for some time. From team captain Mandy, who has been running cross-country for Walton for over a decade, sometimes on her own, all the way through to those who are competing in their first season, every athlete has committed themselves and earned the right to compete in division 2 next season. And most importantly of all, it was done with a brilliant team spirit and smiles on their faces.
Well done ladies, and congratulations.
