Saturday saw the State Open 10km - Over 40's 5km and All Schools Championships at the Clarence High School. A tight 1km loop course with 18 directional changes resulted in below average times for the majority of walkers. However, the early wet weather cleared resulting in ideal walking conditions.
The first events were the Open 10km and Over 40's 5km. In the open event, Daniel Coleman walked a steady pace finding the tight course difficult which resulted in a below average time. Despite this, Daniel maintained his style and again showed our younger walkers the benefits of an excellent technique.
In the Over 40's a field of three set off with Eugene Gerlach setting the early pace. David Moore again walked well and put in a late charge but was not able to peg back Euguene. Our veteran walker, Wayne Fletcher again walked a solid race.
The All Schools events saw small fields. In the Under 18 event, Bobby Malcolmson walked his first 8km race. Despite tiring towards the end, Bobby maintained his form. There is no doubt this promising junior will significantly improve his time over this distance and we look forward to some excellent results later in the year.
Teletha Phillips was the only entrant in the Under 16 5km event. Coming off a long illness that has had an adverse impact on her training schedule, Teletha put in a solid performance. Once Teletha is able to get back into full training and shake off this persistent illness, we will see Teletha back to the form that she displayed last season.
In the Under 14 boys, Shannon Weedon travelled down from Longford to compete. Shannon has little opportunity to compete during the winter road season but he put in a very creditable performance.
In the Under 14 girls, four competitors walked. It was a close race between Caitlyn Phillips and Clare Cronly (who was eligible to walk in the Under 12 age group) with the lead changing a number of times. Only 12 seconds separated the two at the end with Caitlyn recording a win. Megan Guy in her first year with the Club walked well and is continuing to improve and will benefit from the winter season when it comes to the track.
The final event was the Under 12 girls. Sophie Eberhardt showed her experience with a solid time. First year walkers Tahlia Hunt and the youngest of the club, Sarah Guy, walked well. Both these young walkers are learning this difficult art of race walking and continue to improve each time they compete.
At the conclusion of the events medals were presented by Athletics Tasmania Vice President, Wayne Fletcher and Club President, Rosemary Coleman.
Thank you to the judges and officials. Once again the Club was able to demonstrate that despite small numbers we have a group of enthusiastic walkers and supports.
| State Open 10km Championship | |
| 1st - Daniel Coleman | 49.33.07 |
| State Over 40's 5km Championship | |
| 1st - Eugene Gerlach | 32.42.47 |
| 2nd - David Moore | 33.22.07 |
| 3rd - Wayne Fletcher | 37.23.31 |
| All Schools Under 18 - 8km Championship | |
| 1st - Bobby Malcolmson | 46.27.25 |
| All Schools Under 16 - 5km Championship | |
| 1st - Teletha Phillips | 30.53.10 |
| All Schools Under 14 - 3km Championship (boys) | |
| 1st - Shannon Weedon | 19.08.46 |
| All Schools Under 14 - 3km Championship (girls) | |
| 1st - Caitlyn Phillips | 20.19.53 |
| 2nd - Clare Cronly | 20.31.09 |
| 3rd - Stephanie Holloway | 21.00.20 |
| 4th - Megan Guy | 22.24.35 |
| All Schools Under 12 - 2km Championship | |
| 1st - Sophie Eberhardt | 13.02.40 |
| 2nd - Tahlia Hunt | 14.20.30 |
| 3rd - Sarah Guy | 19.16.09 |