<22.07.06> - MacFarlane And Gillard Dominate Cross Country Titles

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06 Aug 2006

Donna MacFarlane (Sandy Bay) and Kim Gillard (North Launceston) are
the new Tasmanian cross country champions after dominating their
events at today’s state titles at the Police Academy at Rokeby.

MacFarlane, the Commonwealth Games steeplechase bronze medallist
shrugged off recent injury concerns to record an effortless victory in the
women’s 8km race in just over 27 minutes, placing her well on track for a
top placing on a home course at the Telstra Australian Championships
which will be held at Pontville on 26 August.

Former World Championships marathon representative, Gillard
celebrated his return to living in his home state by running 36mins 41
secs to win the men’s title over Grant Page and Jarrod Shaw.

In under age competition, the most impressive runs came in the under 18
events, where Karinna Fyfe managed to hold off Libby Clarle to take the
girls’ title over 4km in 14:36 whilst national youth squad member, Josh
Harris was victorious in the boys 6km championship in 19:50.

The titles were held in almost perfect conditions at the picturesque river
side course.

Attention now turns to the national titles at Pontville, where athletes from
all over Australia, are expected to see entries totalling more than 800.

[full results are available on the Athletics Tasmania website –
www.tasathletics.org.au and will be emailed to print media outlets]

Launceston – 22 July 2006
Further information: Brian Roe 0438 604 571