This weekend see the running of The Berry Long Run down in Victoria. And, if the weather is anything to go by there’s a fair chance you could see some snow. One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be a cold one, so wrap up warm peoples!
Without further ado, let’s crack into the contenders for the Berry Long run crowns, starting first with the women.
- Annmarie Darcy’s had a solid couple of runs recently, which includes a second place at the Duncan’s Run-Hundred, as well as fifth place at the Margaret River 80km ultra too.
- Last year’s third place getter, Trish Yates is back for more. She’s also had a solid 2019 with second at the Duncan’s Run-Fifty, along with ninth at the very competitive Two Bays 56km ultra too.
- US runner Ariela Flory appears to have a solid record over the last few years with a number of wins back in her home country. Always hard to gauge how well she may run over here however, but one to keep an eye on.
- Last year’s second place runner, Martine Nield is back for another crack and could be a potential winner should all go well for her on the day. She’s already managed wins already at the Duncan’s Run-Hundred, the Wilsons Promontory 60 km and the Princes Park 6hr Urban Trail Run. As well as fourth at the Two Bays 56km.
- Nicole Paton makes a welcome return to racing after the recent birth of her first child. Again hard to say what type of form she’ll be in, but likely to be as competitive as always and at the pointy end.
- Isobel Ross should travel well. After a year in Canada as well as a crack at the infamous Barkley Marathons, she also managed seventh place at Bogong to Hotham in January this year.
And now onto the men…
- Andy Turner was second here last year, and although his results this year don’t do justice to the athlete he is, always one to watch.
- Solid as always, the man behind Andy last year in this race was Simon Neale. He began the year with sixth at Two Bays. Also finished a highly credible 34th place at the marathon des sables too.
- I ran a fair chunk of the race last year with Stephen Rennick. When trained up, he’s competitive as ever at the pointy end of most races. If fit, he should be there or thereabouts.
- Jason Rawlings looks like he could go well. He grabbed a podium spot at the Alps2Ocean race over in New Zealand earlier this year. He also finished ninth at the Margaret River 80km ultra in May too.
- Also keep an eye on Stefan Taranto, Adam Murphy, Danny Gamble and Ben Clark too as potential top five placers.
In the 40km race, Kellie Emmerson for the win, all the way 🙂 All the best to everyone running down there this weekend.
I'm a mediocre runner who can bat above his average when I train hard. A man of extremes, I do enjoy everything life offers and consider it an absolute pleasure just to be able to put one foot in front of the other and let my mind wander somewhere different.
