BOURNE MISSION ACHIEVED

            When faced with the evil machinations of the weather gods, the DVAC Handicapper and the course constructors at Binnak Park, Aaron Bourne had no other option but to hit the acceleration button and fly past the rest of the field.

Aaron won the Binnak Bowl (filled with sweets) and covered the 5km in a time of 25:30. Jo Moxon was placed second in the Handicap race with Kate Ryan taking third place.

            The running of the 2025 Binnak Bowl, held on Saturday 30 August, attracted a field of 8 athletes in the 5km event and 8 athletes in the 3km run. All athletes deserved a gold medal for turning out at Binnak Park, given the unfavourable weather conditions on the morning. The Start/Finish area was shifted to the nearby Shelter which allowed some comfort to athletes and supporters. Despite the bleak conditions, spirits were high and the competition for each place was hard fought.

            In the 3km event Brodie Batt had his work cut out to get past the six runners that set off before him. In the end, Brodie crossed the line in 16:11 on the Handicappers watch and held Jack Daley off by 17 seconds with Rhodri Whelan coming over the line another 21 seconds later. This was a true Handicap racing with all 8 runners in the 3km event separated by 1’45”.

            Caden Murray blitzed around the 5km course in 16:25 to record the Fastest Male with Kate Ryan recording the Fastest Female time. Aaron Bourne and Rob Wendel tied for the Fastest Master’s time, both recording 25:30 for the 5km. Jo Moxon, 27:56, won the Fastest Masters time for the Females.

            In the 3km race, fastest times were recorded by Matilda Johnson (11:01) and Brodie Batt (9:41).

            A feature of the 2025 edition of the Binnak Bowl was the strong band of willing helpers to make the event run smoothly. On hand to assist were:

Handicappers: Caden Murray, Greg Luck

Timekeepers: Paul Schofield, Shania Murray

Trophies: Maryann Murray

Course Set-up: Lyn Davis, Rob Wendel, David Armstrong, Max Balchin

Course Marshalls: David Armstrong, Max Balchin

2025 DVAC BINNAK BOWL    Binnak Park, Bundoora,

Saturday 31 August 2025

5km HANDICAP RESULTS:

2024 DVAC BINNAK BOWL               

Saturday 30 August 2025

3km HANDICAP RESULTS:

HURSTY HUSTLE

            A Steam Train brings a sense of excitement to the whole Valley from Eltham to Hurstbridge each year as it puffs up and down the railway line on Wattle Day. This year Wattle Festival came on Sunday 31^st August 2025 and as a part of the activities Grant Morgan organised the Hursty Hustle, pitting runners & walkers against the Train. At least 118 runners & walkers, many of them in family groups, gathered in Wattle Glen ready to be sent off to race the Train into Hurstbridge.

            This event is a wonderful community event that engages family groups, and all runners of all levels of ability and ages. Arriving in Hurstbridge brings each person to a huge Festival that stretches along the whole town. This year the Steam Train arrived several minutes early to spoil a few dreams but it did nothing to lessen the enjoyment of the day.

            The DVAC Banner flew proudly at the Start line and the Finish line. DVAC was well represented in the support team. Thanks go to the following:

Race Organiser: Grant Morgan

Start Area Assistants: David Armstrong, Lydia Schofield, Max Balchin

Course Assistants: Tony Kenshole, Brooke Rudd

Finish Area Assistants: Paul Schofield, Leonie Morgan, Jane Laycock, Rosie Morgan, Nina Morgan, Lyn Davis

DVAC RESULTS: (3.5km): (Approximate):

Jack Daley 13:07; Asher Knuckey 12:38; Jo Moxon 19:18; Gerard Lynch 11:54; Katrina Castles 13:35; Brodie Batt 11:16; Ethan Armstrong-Bourne 10:44; Jordan Rudd 17:16; Seb Daley 18:04; Matt Daley 16:54; Oliver Daley 16:53; Luella Wood 15:52 (?); Christina Daley 11:21

SYDNEY MARATHON

            Lachlan Deller went off to Sydney with a plan to run the Sydney Marathon in an orderly and controlled manner, saving a special effort for the Melbourne Marathon later in the year. It does seem from his result – a 2:53:33 Marathon result in Sydney that Lachlan has stuck to his plan. Bring on Melbourne!

A note from Lachlan:

Brent McPherson, 3:26:10 & William Gittins, 3:49:36, were two other Valley runners to run the Sydney Marathon.

 Well done to all three.