Runners cross country for title

The 2002 ADF National Cross-Country Championship was run in good conditions at Simpson Barracks, Watsonia on July 24.

On one of the most interesting courses in interservice history, the men faced a very tough and hilly 8.5km that took them to almost every corner of the barracks. The recent heavy rain made for ideal cross-country conditions with the course heavy and slippery in several places.

First across the line was CPL Mat Skate from 4 CSSB in a time of 30.25 mins. Second from 4 RAR was SGT Rob Combe, just 15 seconds ahead of SGT Pat Thomas, also of 4 CSSB, in third place.

SGT Thomas took out the men’s over 40 category allowing PTE Troy Wood from 4 RAR to secure third in the open.

SIG Landon Lineham from the School of Signals was the first under 21 in 9th position and LTCOL Rob Barnes took out the Masters over 45 category in 30th position overall.

Numbers were up from previous years although RAAF and Navy competitors were hard to spot amongst a dominant Army turnout.

In one of the largest women’s fields for some time, the race was run over 5.5km covering part of the men’s course.

First home was SIG Tanyia Murdoch from 103 Signal Squadron in a time of 27.55. Second was PTE Jenni Greenland of 4/3 RNSWR and third PTE Shayleen Curtis of 15 TPT. First female veteran and ninth overall was CAPT Gail Thomas from TTC-W.

Army took out both the male and female trophies with RAAF second and Navy third.

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