Club veteran, Terry Crome has started off the Bendigo Athletic Club (BAC) in fine style, taking out the Jim Summers 5000 Metres Handicap.

The John Bailey concreting sponsored event was held at Wellsford Rifle Range with 32 runners lining up for the 5km event with another 13 juniors lined up for the 1km event.

Run under sealed handicap conditions, all runners lined up for the start of the event with Defending club champion and recent Stawell winner, Jacob Nolan taking line honours and earning himself fastest time (16.56).

However, it was Terry Crome that took out 1st place in the handicap race, only two seconds ahead of Tony Sait in 2nd place with Chook Stewart running on into 3rd position.

Today was Terry’s first race back with the BAC since he last competed back in 2014 making today’s win an unexpected yet certainly not an unappreciated one.

Alexander Basten finished 1st in the junior 1km, with Edward Boase coming 2nd and Emelia Cutler finishing 3rd.

Edward also got fastest time of 4.44 with Kai Norton finishing 2nd fastest.

The BAC’s season continues next Sunday with race 2 being held at No. 7 Reservoir in Kangaroo Flat starting at 10:30am

Category results:

Veterans: 1st Terry Crome, 2nd Tony Sait, 3rd Chook Stewart

Womens: 1st Melinda Gilligan, 2nd Lyn Crome, 3rd Carol Stewart

Fastest time: 1st Jacob Nolan, 2nd Dan Ryan, 3rd Adam Parker

Open: 1st Dan Ryan, 2nd Ryan Shelton, 3rd Adam Parker

Under 23: 1st Nick Edwards, 2nd Demi Goodall-Hoffman, 3rd Charlie Wardrop