Family Feud Starts Early For The Harris Clan
By Brian Marantelli 20 May 2015
Julian Harris left Woodlands Park in Greenvale with the family bragging rights and a pocketful of cash when he easily held out his father Craig to win the 20th Caruana 8km Classic on Sunday. Julian in his second season with the VCCL cleared out over the last kilometre to collect the $1000 first prize by forty six seconds from Craig with Cameron Clayton holding on to third.
Fourteen year old Julian was far enough in front to give his victory salute five hundred metres from the finish as he ambled towards the line to be the youngest winner for many years. Julian, recording his first win with the club, has been close up at his first three starts this the season with minor placings.
Novice runners Andrew Lane and Mark Beavis continue to run well, both finishing in the top ten again, and a win shouldn’t be too far away. Matthew Sullivan, having his first VCCL run ran a great race to finish tenth in the excellent time of 29:11.
For many years the race has been the first of the VCCL and BAC combined events. The ever consistent Greg Hilson was the first of the Bendigo athletes across the line.
The fastest time honours were close with Jacob Nolan (28:10) just a small margin to Luke Searle (28:15) and Cam Clayton (28:19) in third place. Corina Kapusta (32:40) was the fastest of the girls. The novice prize went to Gary Hall, finishing in twelfth place. The first runner over Mount Macca (4.5km) was Alan “Fritters” McCullen who claimed the slab of VB for his effort, with the job done, Alan tired to finish mid field.
The Victorian Cross Country League and members appreciate the tremendous amount of time, effort and of course prizemoney that Joe and Machelle contribute to the VCCL. Over the last twenty years the Caruana Classsic has become one of the major races on our calendar.
This week the VCCL conducts the annual 5x3km Relay at Norton’s Park with a 10am start. Runners wishing to compete will be placed into a team on arrival. If you are assembling a team, please let Mark O’Brien know by phone 0412 250 135 or email mob0659@gmail.com.
