Road 10km and 5km : Preview

Saturday’s 10k race will see four of South Australia’s best female distance runners going head to head on the road. All four are class athletes who each present a good case for why they should win. If recent form is anything to go by then Isobel Batt-Doyle (FLN) is a good chance to take out her third consecutive race. However, the change of surface and the extra distance might make the task of winning harder. Caitlin Adams (HILLS) has developed into an accomplished runner and has a strong finish, so she might be looking to wait before seizing her chance to ‘kick’ home. Jessica Stenson (HILLS), an Olympian, is getting better week by week and will be a danger, especially if she can wind up the pace from a couple of kilometres from the finish. The wild card among the group is Tara Palm (AH) as she hasn’t raced recently. So don’t count Tara out from springing a surprise if she is at her best. All in all this will be a top class event and not to be missed.

The men’s 10k field is a strong field, but expect that the top five runners to pull away by the first 2k, and from then on it will likely come down to a race of attrition. Matthew Clarke (HILLS) has the pedigree and form, so goes into the event a slight favourite.  Adrian Potter (AH) has been a great performer from 3k – 10k over the past two years and will not want to lose his status as the State’s number one and will look to retain the title he won last year. Riley Cocks (FLN) is always a strong contender, so if he is on form will also be there at the end. The race for medals is likely to be decided before the 8k mark, unless Isaac Heyne (PEM) our best up and coming young distance athlete, and Jacob Cocks (FLN) can hang in long enough to cause an upset. It is also great to see Max Stevens (HILLS) entered, but may not be at his best just yet. Adrian will not want to let Matthew get away and will set himself up so he can pounce at the right time and repeat his victory over Matthew in last year’s 3000m Championships. Riley will also be attempting to turn the tide on Adrian and in turn get past Matthew. Plenty of talent in the 41 strong field. All in all, another classic finish coming up – we might need the photo finish equipment!

There are individual championships for other age groups, many with big fields. Male athletes to watch in the 10k are Dante Afnan (AH) [U20], Bryn Nicholls (AH) [O35]and Colin Ambrose (FLN) [O50]. The Men’s 5k is expected to be fast as Daniel Canala (HILLS) and Dylan Stenson (SAINTS) will be running. Likely winners are Adam Goddard (SAINTS) [U18] and Jonathan Harris (SAINTS) [U16]. In the Women’s Championship events Tara Palm (AH) [O35] is an unbackable favourite. Others to watch are Patricia Laird (AH) [O50] and Lucy Mauviel (PEM) [U20]. In the Women’s 5k Caitlin Slobedman (HILLS) [U18] Mikaela Jones (MTB) [U16] are the athletes to watch.

The Winter Premiership isn’t just all about the runners up front challenging for maximum points. Everyone competing earns at least one point, so strength in numbers is important. The minor placings pick up significant points so having good depth helps.

In the Men’s Open premiership is still hotly contested and Adelaide Harriers will be looking to narrow the gap to Flinders. So up front the positions will become important. In the Men’s O35&O50 and U18&U20 premiership Adelaide Harriers will extend their lead and in the U14&U16 Saints are likely to increase their lead.

In the Women’s Open premiership Hills will just about have two hands on the Cup at this half way stage of the competition. While in the O35&O50 competition Adelaide Harriers are likely take over the lead from Hills. Pembroke will increase their lead in the U18&U20 premiership, but it will be pretty much all square between the leading clubs in the U14&U16 competition.

The fields are big and racing is expected to be fast. It’s also great to see Non-ASA registered runners competing. Everyone involved in the winter competition will be pleased to see such a great turnout. For our athletes and spectators, make sure the new people have a great experience, say hi and encourage them through the event. We all know that can make a big difference.

Preview thanks to Paul Sutcliffe, Athletics SA Statistician