By Jamie Strudley
The annual Hills Challenge event hosted by Cockatoo Little Athletics was held in perfect cross country conditions on Saturday 10 August.
A wet, slippery, muddy, hilly course and very cold conditions greeted the team from Yarra Ranges Athletics.
Once again, exceptional team spirit and support in the trying conditions were the key to retaining the much sought-after trophy.
Mother nature managed to upset the plans of more than 1000 athletes intending to run at Cruden Farm on Saturday at round eight of the Athletics Victoria XCR19.
A flooded course and many fallen trees made the course unusable.
On Saturday 24 August, seven club athletes will represent Victoria at the Australian Cross Country Championships in Wollongong, New South Wales.
Selected athletes are Grace Muller (Women Under-20), Harry Norman (Men Under-20), James Laven (Men Under-20), Mia Strudley (Women Under-16), Maddie Laven (Women Under-16), Kiara Flavel (Women Under-16) and Zoe Clarke (Girls Under-10).
The club welcomes all athletes of any age or ability.
For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit yarrarangesathletics.org.au.
