Victorian long distance championships 2005, Barambogie North
It was a day for firsts at the Victorian long distance championships, with Danielle Winslow and Blair Trewin both claiming their first wins in the event at elite level. Trewin’s win, in particular, was the kind of drought breaker that the professional meteorologist can usually only dream about. Not since 1987 has he been able to proudly hold aloft the badge of ‘Victorian Champion’ when, as a canny Canberra M16, he took the race from a bunch of lanky locals.
When questioned about his form going into the race, Trewin deflected suspicion with his customary ‘there or thereabouts’ demur, an answer that students of the Trewin vernacular immediately translated as ‘in the bag’.
Course setters Rob Lewis and Michael Magasanik made the most of the Barambogie North map, with long route choice legs and tricky direction changes providing plenty of opportunity for runners to come unstuck. Trewin’s technical skills didn’t desert him, however, and in his 14th attempt at the M21E title, he was able to claim victory by less that a minute over last year’s champion Bruce Arthur. In third place, an injured Rune Olsen did well to complete the tough 14.1km course, while South Australian junior Lachlan Hallet also ran strongly to take fourth place. Caught by Trewin half way around the course, Hallet kept pace through the middle section before tiring in the final loop.
In the women’s race, Danielle Winslow claimed her second state title in as many weeks. A technically difficult start to the course saw her drop time early on, and while she was disappointed with her navigation, her fitness was able to get her over the line ahead of last year’s champion Emma Prime. Third place went to former top junior Kirsten Fairfax, who this year has been making a quiet comeback to competition at the elite level.
It’s been a good late season for Winslow, whose early 2005 form was uncharacteristically inconsistent. Now, with the NSW and Victorian Championships under her belt, increased confidence and a little local knowledge, she will be the athlete to watch at her home championships in Tasmania in two weeks time.