Local primary school teacher Brett Gilligan has powered home to take out Race 9 of the Bendigo Athletic Club’s cross country season.  The win was also a huge PB for Gilligan for the 6.5km distance in the event sponsored by Viatek held at Notley’s Reserve in the Whipstick forest.

Gilligan was one of the pre race favourites after being narrowly beaten last week and he quickly went about turning that around as he took off in earnest after the runners ahead.  Previous place getters Kane Ellis and John Bailey were firmly on his radar as both were thought to be big chances to win also.  Halfway into the race Ellis in fact had a good lead and for a long while looked a likely winner.  As the race drew near the business end though it was clear that Bailey & Gilligan both had enough to seriously challenge Ellis.  As the last big hill was approaching Gilligan made his move putting in a huge effort up and over the last climb where he passed Bailey with only about 600metres to go.  The run to the line then was quick as the track is downhill from there and both Gilligan and Bailey surged passed Ellis in the sprint to the line.  Bailey to his credit fought on well but there was to be no denying Gilligan on this occasion, leaving Bailey as bridesmaid once again by a margin of 7 seconds.  Made all the more impressive was the fact that his PB time of 25.17minutes for the 6.5km was done on a tough hilly course in slippery conditions.  Gilligan has continued to improve since joining the club at the start of last season.  Known more for his track and field work the win is great reward for effort and is well deserved.

As well as the $250 first prize and the all important sash, Gilligan also claimed top points in the Bridge Hotel Open Award ahead of Rob McDonald and Daniel Plowright.

On a tough course it was Josh Sait who scorched around the course to take out the Bendigo Bank fastest time award in an impressive 22.39 minutes, well clear of Adam Parker 24.01 minutes and Ben Goode 24.12 minutes.

This week it was Ingrid Douglass who thrived in the tougher conditions to secure maximum points in the Bendigo Original Pie Shop Ladies Award.  Next in were Rhonda Schultz and Gab Sait.

In the Flack Advisory Veterans Award it was our 1st runner-up, John Bailey with the honours just ahead of Kane Ellis and Kevin Shanahan.

While in the Liz & Mark Findlay sponsored U23 Award it was the consistent Reza Azimi coming out on top ahead of Gab Sait and Michael Preece.

The Bendigo Athletic Club’s next race is the Central Trophies & Gifts 8Km handicap event on Sunday the 2nd of August to be held at No. 7 Reservoir in Kangaroo Flat.  Another great battle looms with many contenders including Kane Ellis, Reza Azimi, Kevin Shanahan & Mark Perdon.  This race commences at 10:30 A.M. after the children’s event and new runners are welcome.