Rod Viney

Course map: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/3237375865

The longest race of the season to date awaits runners this Sunday, when they head to the Berry Patch at Turners Beach for a seven-kilometre handicap.

All races so far in this delayed season have been five or six-kilometres and many runners will be looking forward to being able to race over a slightly longer distance.

The course is a flat, out-and-back one, mostly on sealed surfaces although there is a section on bush tracks to give some variety.

One runner who will be suited by the distance and terrain is Ulverstone athlete, Nick Young.

Young has been consistent, without standing out, so far this year with his best results being seventh and then fifth in the first two races. He won’t have to improve much on those performances to take the victory.

The hardest to beat is definitely Kendall Buckley who will be out to atone after second last week, while Shaun Batten is also knocking on the door.

Hayden Bishop is a backmarker who will be storming through the field and it would not surprise if he broke the tape.

Others to keep an eye on include Steve Powell and Terry Watson while first year runners Selina Crispin and Narelle Jacobs are showing improvement.

New runners are welcome and must register for membership and enter by 9pm Friday.

The race will start at 9:30am while nominated time events will be held at 9:00.

Course map: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/3213786961

The PCCCT is trialling a new course this week when it conducts Race 5 of this reduced season at Romaine Park Reserve, Burnie.

Numbers of race starters have been excellent and another large field of runners is expected for this 6km event which will be run on paths within the Reserve.

The quiet and scenic venue will make for pleasant running although undulating conditions could prove testing towards the finish.

One runner who will thrive on the course is Owen Thomas and there is no doubt he will prove very hard to beat.

Thomas has some good recent results, running eighth and ninth the last two weeks. He will not have to improve greatly on those efforts and looks well suited by the terrain.

The hardest to beat could be Aaron Robertson who was fifth over a similar course two weeks ago. He is another who seems to prefer non-sealed surfaces.

First year runner, Kendall Buckley, has returned some promising efforts and will win soon while Shaun Batten was a close second last week and will be looking to make amends.

Others to keep an eye on include Paul Birch, Hayden Bishop, Jono Price and Ellen Burgess.

New members are welcome and must register and enter by 9pm Friday.

Nominated time events will be held at 9:00.

Runners 12-, 13- and 14 years old may do their nominated time in the main (handicapped) event.

Course Map: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/3222106114

This Sunday members are able to enjoy another great course, run mainly on non-sealed surfaces.

The 5km event starts at the Spreyton Cider Co and will take competitors through paddocks, apple orchards and even a cherry orchard.

This course, unlike last week’s, is quite flat but will provide some mud and puddles, especially if it rains before Sunday.

After a great run last week to go with a placing at his only other start this year, Shaun Batten will start a “short-priced” favourite. He is in great form as evidenced by the fact that he ran the third fastest time on the day. He ran a quicker time than some runners who had to concede him a start from their handicaps.

One of the frontmarkers, Darlene Jacques, has been doing much quality training and this resulted in a strong second last week. This flatter course won’t suit her as well, but she will still prove very hard to run down.

First year Club runners, Graham Higgins and Paul Pilkington will go close, while a win by either Terry Watson or Ros Hendriks would not shock.

New runners are very welcome. New registrations (min age 15) and all entries close at 9:00pm on Friday.

There will be nominated time events at 9:00 for those wanting a shorter event.

Runners aged 12-, 13- and 14-years old (and older runners) can do their nominated time race in the main handicapped event

Your Committee has decided that we will have a short presentation time following our races. You are invited to stay for this but please remember your distancing from others.
Our COVIDSafe Plan has been updated to reflect this.

Please ensure you are at the start line for your posted handicap time. Race start is at 9:30am.

A very warm welcome to Jackie Reid who is having her first run with the Club today. Welcome to any new nominated time members, also.

We will be running on Fern Glade Road for part of the run. Please keep on the edge and watch for traffic.

Here is a description of the course – it’s the same as we used last year (you may want to follow this while looking at the map).

Run from the start down to the bottom gate of the reserve, run into the reserve and take the lower path up beside the river. After running to the end, turn and then take the road towards the top gate but turn left through the big rocks half way up.

Continue back to the bottom gate, exit and run up the road keeping ON THE RIGHT until the turn. Cross and keeping ON THE RIGHT, return to the Pony Club and enter the top gate. Follow the fence down behind the cars until you are turned back up through the bush to the Pony Club arena. Run the perimeter clockwise, past the finish for 30 metres where you will turn 180 degrees and run to the finish.

It will be well marked with witch’s hats and fingers.

Please keep COVIDSafe distance between you and other runners, especially if you are following someone else. Please read our COVIDSafe plan if you haven’t done so. Thank you very much to our wonderful season sponsors which are all listed on our website.

Course map: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/3216108412

This Sunday the PCCCT will conduct its third race of the season with a 6km handicap at Fern Glade, Burnie.

Starting at the Pony Cub, the course will take runners through the reserve, followed by some road running and then a bush trail back to the finish.

Although it is the same distance as last week’s race at Ulverstone, it presents competitors with several hills and so is likely to lead to some different people fighting out the finish.

Aaron Robertson loves this type of course and, although he hasn’t been to the fore in the first two races, would not shock with a strong showing.

Kendall Buckley, a first year runner with the Club, was a strong third last week and will go close to taking this out. She can work up the field with her co-markers, Will van Rooyen and Graham Higgins who are both also good chances

Others to watch include Owen Thomas and John Badcock. Both will be very used to the uneven terrain so the course will hold no fears for them.

New runners are very welcome and can register for membership on the website. Entries can only be made on the website and close at 9:00pm on Friday.

There will be nominated time events at 9:00 for those wanting a shorter event.