AS
HOSTS of the WA interservice cross-country titles, Air Force was
able to select the 10km course. Whether this gave it an advantage
is a debatable point, though Air Force did improve its showing
from previous events to finish second overall behind defending
champions Navy, who have won the event every year since 1989.
Organisers opted for a hilly run through the Yaberoo Budjara Walking
Trail in the scenic Neerabup National Park. Organisers said the
course was “unforgiving” on the runners because of the soft sand
underfoot and its undulating route which made it difficult for
runners to get into a rhythm.
Ten Air Force competitors featured in the first WA interservice
cross-country event held in four years. Army also had 10 runners
and Navy five runners. Flight Lieutenant Malcolm Walker was the
Air Force’s best competitor in the men’s event.
He finished third in 43:20 minutes. Private David Ross crossed
the line first in 41:49 minutes and Seaman Bradley Pethers was
second in 43 minutes.
The first women across the line were Private Cindy Greenfield
in 48: 08, Private Bernadette Rogash in 50:23 and Seaman Vanessa
Doyle in 1:02.05.
