Here are the final results for the VMA Eric Greaves Memorial 10km Road Championship 2013. – updated

The VMA 10 km road championship (Eric Greaves memorial) was held at Braeside Park on Sunday 21 July in conjunction with the Victorian Cross Country League, the 15th running of the combined event. This year we were also joined by the Victorian Business Runners. As can be the case at this time of year the weather is unpredictable and a large amount of rain on Saturday afternoon and evening did not bode well. However Sunday morning dawned fine though quite cold and while the track was a bit wet in places conditions were quite good for the race.

Despite the cold conditions there were 58 Masters competing in the 10 km championship and a further 18 including a number of invitees taking part in the 5 km run or walk and 10 km fun run. There were 10 venues represented and it was good to see Paul Cowell coming all the way from Bendigo. Added to this there were 40 VCCL and 41 VBR runners, making a total of 157 starters. The Park was certainly a hive of activity with all these competitors and numerous officials and supporters.

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 mother Linda and sister Bev. Unfortunately his father Ted is not well and could not be present. We wish him a return to good health. Linda presented the VMA medals and Wendy the prize money to the VCCL runners.

The fastest time of the males was Paul Wilson (M45 – 35.28) followed by Marc Vellin (M35 – 37.57) and Shane Draper (M40 – 38.28). Another top run was from Ewen Wilson (M60 – 39.41), giving him an age graded percentage of 84.16%. Gary Stewart (M65) with 82.84% and John Graham (M60) with 81.82% also performed well. A special mention to Tony Martin (M85), the first time we have had a competitor in that age group. Well done Tony. And two runners, Howard Rees and Lou Buccieri have now completed all 15 Eric Greaves memorials.

Of the ladies Anna Kasapis (F35 – 39.51) led the field home comfortably followed by Heather Gaunt (F45 – 45.42) and the consistent Lavinia Petrie (F65 – 46.59). Only one male in the same age group managed to beat her home and it is hard to believe she will be F70 next year. Lavinia’s performance gave her an age graded percentage of 96.71%, making her a clear winner of the perpetual trophy. Other good performances came from Petrina Trowbridge (F65) with 82.31%) and Helen Stanley (F55) with 80.65%.

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. I won’t name them all here but they have been personally thanked at the venue.
We must also record our appreciation to Parks Victoria for their in-kind support in allowing us to hold the event in such a lovely environment. Their motto is Healthy Parks – Healthy People.