Brimbank Cross Country

On the 23rd of June, 29 Melbourne Uni athletics runners braved the chilly 18 degree Melbourne winter cold and gusting 5km/h wind to tackle heart-break hill in what turned out to be an epic showdown of fitness and endurance. Against a backdrop reminiscent of the Col du Tourmalet, the white train struggled through sweat, mud and blood (one unfortunate Melbourne Uni runner who would like to stay anonymous suffered a deep gash from a tree branch, sustaining what could have been a fatal injury) and proved its worth once more.
MUAC rising young star Rosie Donegan continued her dominance in the Under 20s, finishing first with a time of 14.15.0 for her 4km race, well ahead of her nearest competitor.
Led by Sophie Barker, who finished 3rd in the Open 6km race, the Div 1 women’s team finished the race in a slightly lower position than previous weeks, due to having a number of runners unavailable. They’re currently sitting in 3rd on the ladder, within striking distance of the leader, Glenhuntly. However they will need all the firepower they can get in the coming weeks if they are to challenge the might of Knox and Glenhuntly.
Mark Kirwan, the rampaging White Train Irish import continued his run of good form, finishing 6th with a time of 53.20. After Brimbank, the Men’s Div 1 team sits comfortably in seventh on the ladder. The Div 2 team, finishing second in the race, is currently fourth overall.
A (dis?)honorable mention must also be awarded to Leigh Goedecke. In a feat of pure determination (or possibly stupidity) to finish ahead of his long-time club rival, Leigh “Babyface” Goedecke took off his shoes halfway through the final lap and finished the rest of the 3km barefooted. Mr Goedecke has so far refused to comment on the rationale behind his wardrobe malfunction and his actions have caused much speculation. One may hypothesise that he was attempting to become more streamlined, in a manner not dissimilar to the Williams leg-hair crisis of 2011.
Congratulations to all who participated in the race.
The White Train’s next stop will be the blossoming orchards and rugged hills of Bendighetto for the iconic Harcourt to Bendigo Ekiden relay. To all the internationals in MUAC who are not aware of the threats one may find in the wilds of Australia, it is advised that you beware of drop-bears and hoop snakes.

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