Yesterday Hill City-University (HCU) had a large contingent compete at the Edmond Cup. Oli Chignell returned to the Cross-Country scene in an absolute commanding fashion, tearing the field apart and cruising to victory. This is the first Cross Country race Oli has competed at since the 2020 Cross Country Challenge. His time of 15:07 put him 42 seconds ahead of Second place getter Daniel Balchin of Canterbury Univeristy (15:49), and third place Ollie O’Sullivan (16:07). Kirk Madgwick (16:32) had a strong race managing to run down Jared Monk (16:36) in the home straight, finishing 4th and 5th respectively. 6th home was George Hamilton (16:50), who also claimed first in the under 18 men. This was another dominant U18 victory for George, who continues to consistently improve on his own performances. Next HCU athlete was Jake Owen (17:42) who finished 9th overall and second in the under 18 men. The hurdles and longer distance suited Jakes training and resulted in a very impressive run, showing several senior athletes that he is going to be difficult to beat moving forward. Next Home in 14th overall were speedsters Josh Hou (18:02) finishing in 2nd in the under 20 mens, followed closely by Jeddiah Thompson-Fawcett (18:06) in 15th overall and 3rd in the U20 mens. Matthew Bolter (18:10) finished 17th overall and continued his strong cross-country performances to finish 3rd in the under 18 mens. Next home was Luke Geddes (18:22) with an excellent run, finishing 4th in the men’s under 20. Elliot O’Sullivan (19:08) finished 22nd overall and 4th Masters man home. Nicolas Alvarez Rey-Virag (19:38) finished 26th overall and 5th in the men’s under 18 with a solid performance. Tim Dawbin (20:30) had a competitive race finishing 29th overall, after a workout setting out the course and carrying a bag of Waratahs for 2.5km. Eric Scharpf continued his form to finish 32nd overall and claim second master’s 50+ men. Followed by Richard Fogarty (21:40) with an impressive run, also post Waratah 2.5km course marking. Philip Morris AKA Shorty (24:11) finished 38th and 8th in the masters men with another consistent run. HCU took out the Senior Mens team race consisting of Oli Chignell, Oliver O’Sullivan, Kirk Madgwick, Jared Monk, George Hamilton, and Jake Owen demonstrating the HCU depth.
The women’s race was won by Zara Geddes (19:11) who also claimed first in the women’s under 18. She demonstrated composure and strength over the 5km cross country and just keeps continuing to impress everyone with her ability and versatility. Sophie Hicks (19:26) finished closely behind Zara coming in 2nd place and claiming the senior women’s title. Sophie backs up her fastest time from the Barnes Cross country with another great run. Megan Foster (20:40) finished 4th overall and 1st under 20 Women home with a strong run, backing up an impressive race at the Shunters and Grunters relay a week before. Kara Bryant (22:02) finished 9th overall and 4th in the master’s women 35-49 narrowly missing out on the bronze medal but continuing her strong season of racing. She was closely followed by consistent performer Georgina Pakeho (22:20) who finished 10th overall and 5th Master’s women 35-49. Anna Carswell (22:59) returned to the racing scene from injury finishing 11th overall and second under 18 women. Anya Rhodes took out the under 16 age group in (24:38) as the youngest female athlete in the field in a gutsy performance. Barbara Patrick finished 17th overall and 4th Masters women 50+ in a strong field. The HCU Senior women’s also claimed victory in the team race consisting of Zara Geddes, Sophie Hicks, Megan Foster, and Kara Bryant.
In the 2.5km race Charlie Light (9:18) second under 16 male had a great race and finished 2 seconds behind first place. Alex Walker (10:32) had another strong run finishing 2nd in the male under 14 category.
Hill City–University 