Classy veteran runner Greg Hilson has taken out Race 8 of the Bendigo Athletic Club’s cross country season to claim victory by the slender margin of just 2 seconds!  .  Hilson ran a strong and convincing race which was sponsored by the Boundary Hotel at No. 7 Reservoir over the shorter distance of 3km.  Although his win was narrow, Hilson went into the race as one of the favourites as the shorter distance was always going to suit.  After working his way through the field it soon became apparent that his biggest challenger would be the man who started just in front of him in Brett Gilligan as he too enjoys the shorter events.  With both runners producing season’s best km rates by some margin they were picking off the runners in good time and then with just under 1 km to run Hilson made his move.  He went in front of Gilligan and with only a few of the remaining front markers in sight he charged to the front and held off a determined Gilligan by that narrow margin.  The win is great reward for Hilson who has been battling various injuries that have been holding him back over the last couple of years.

As well as the $250 first prize and the all important sash, Hilson also claimed top points in the Flack Advisory Veterans award.  Filling the placings were Kane Ellis and John Bailey.

Gab Sait ran her best race since joining the club and seemed to be another relishing the shorter distance as she went about taking out top spot in the Bendigo Original Pie Shop Ladies Award ahead of Ingrid Douglass and Rhonda Schultz.

With the shorter distance meant quicker times and this week it was Michael Preece who took home the honours in the Bendigo Bank fastest time award.  His time of 9.49 minutes just edged out another classy veteran runner in Phil Noden who clocked an impressive 9.52 for the 3km event.  Josh Sait ran a solid 10.0 mins but had to settle for third fastest on this occasion however is still leading in the race to be crowned club champion yet again.

In the Bridge Hotel Open Award it was Brett Gilligan who claimed maximum points in front of newly returned member Rob McDonald and Daniel Plowright.

While in the Liz & Mark Findlay sponsored U23 Award it was Gab Sait coming out on top ahead of consistent performer Reza Azimi and Kyle Hilson who had his first run with the club again this season.