Top End runners do Shoal Bay

The first lot of runners in the Shoal Bay Classic prepare to face the starter outside HMAS Coonawarra on a mild Darwin morning.

A total of 103 runners faced the starter’s gun in this year’s Shoal Bay Classic in the top end.

The event, held on August 30, took competitors from HMAS Coonawarra to the Shoal Bay Receiving Station in perfect weather.

The majority of runners took their places in relay teams of six, with each team member completing 2.7kms.

Soldier, CFN Baldwin, led from the start, was never challenged and took first position in a time of 60.37 minutes.

Pte Joynes was the best lady runner, completing the distance in 68.47 minutes.

CAPT Frank Kresse took first place in the individual RAN male section of the race in a time of 66.35 minutes.

Second place went to CMDR Andrew in 84.14 minutes.

The Army proved to be the top Service on the day with 1CSR ‘A’ team winning the Open Team title in a time of 59.56 minutes.

FIMA/Darwin team, led by LCDR Ostrowski, was the first RAN team.

The veterans’ section drew a high number of entries with civilian, Mr Smith from Defence Services, first over the line in 78.06 minutes.

CPL Jones was the first lady veteran over the line in 88.19 minutes.

Congratulations to all runners, officials and LSPT Wilson for a professional and well organised event.

Organisers are hoping more than 200 runners will enter the 2003 race.

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