RUNNER-UP at his previous two hit-outs, Brett Gilligan broke through for a hard-earned victory in Sunday’s seventh leg of the Bendigo Athletic Club cross-country season.
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Gilligan said an unsatisfactory race a few weeks earlier when he finished in 19th place had spurred the veteran on at training and races.
The Purtill’s Nursery-sponsored 8km drew 27 athletes for Sunday’s race at Huntly.
From a handicap of 16:00, Gilligan set off with co-marker Luke Matthews to chase the 21 runners ahead of them.
Gilligan passed Ingrid Douglass to take the lead.
At less than a kilometre to go, backmarkers Dan Ryan and Matt Sullivan had reduced Gilligan’s margin signicantly.
In a dramatic finish, Gilligan held on to claim victory in a time of 32:11 as Ryan and Sullivan were next across the line.
Fastest time honours went to Jacob Nolan, 27:54, as Ingrid Douglass ran 35:11 to be the fastest female.
In the juniors 1km event, Olivia Gaskin celebrated victory after being runner-up in her previous two races.
Next across the line was Jack Parker in fastest time of 4:34 as Olivia’s brother, Jack Gaskin was third.
Category results for the Purtill’s Nursery 8km at Huntly:
Veterans: Brett Gilligan, Ingrid Douglass, Terry Crome.
Fastest time: Jacob Nolan, Dan Ryan, Ben Goode.
Open: Dan Ryan, Matt Sullivan, Ben Goode.
Women: Ingrid Douglass, Mel Gilligan, Demi Goodall-Hoffman.
Under-23: Nick Edwards, Demi Goodall-Hoffman.
Next Sunday’s race will be at Woodvale Recreation Reserve.
Athletes will tackle the 6.5km distance from 10.30am.
