The Eric Greaves Memorial 10km Road Race – 2012 VMA 10km Road Championship

The VMA 10 km road championship (Eric Greaves memorial) was held at Braeside Park on Sunday 29 July in conjunction with the VCCL. This year was the 14th year as the Eric Greaves memorial. As can be the case at this time of year the weather was somewhat inclement with overnight rain and showers in the morning leaving the track a bit wet and slippery and the temperature quite cool. Fortunately the rain held off during the race.

Despite the weather the entry numbers were the best for 5 years with 69 competing in the 10 km championship and a further 23 including a number of invitees taking part in the 5 km run or walk and 10 km fun run. Particularly pleasing was the number of female entrants, up significantly on last year. It was also good to see 10 venues represented.

As long time members know, Eric Greaves was a member of both the VMA and VCCL. He was a very determined competitor on the track and a tireless worker for both clubs off the track. Again we were glad to welcome Wendy, his parents Linda and Ted and sisters Marilyn and Bev and their husbands. Linda and Ted presented the VMA medals and Wendy the prize money to the VCCL runners.

The fastest time of the males was Shane Draper (36.52) followed by Noel Eastwood (38.58) and Tony Dell (39.10) not far away in third place. As they are in different age groups all took home gold. There were some close finishes in some age groups with the bronze medal being decided by a few metres.

Of the ladies the evergreen Lavinia Petrie was first home in 45.11 followed by Helen Bryan (45.37) and the consistent Jenny Alexander (46.00). Lavinia’s performance gave her an age graded percentage of 98.93, making her a clear winner of the perpetual trophy. One wonders whether she would have bettered 100% had conditions been more favourable. Other good performances came from Petrina Trowbridge (84.34%) and Jeanne Bryan (82.27%). Of the men Ernie Stewart (83.68%) and Norman Franzi (80.10%) did best.

Of course events like this don’t just happen and thanks go to the helpers from the Springvale/Noble Park venue who arrived early to set up, take entries and then record results etc. As always they did a splendid job and the event went off smoothly as always.

Results are available via the Championships Results tab above.