Runners brave wet and wild Tassie at National Cross Country Champs

Gale force winds and heavy rain ensured the event was a mud-filled physical test for the 2000 competitors running in Tasmania’s first national athletics event for 12 years.

The windy conditions forced organisers to make amendments due to safety concerns and the main men’s race was reduced from 8km to 6km.

Tasmania’s results were highlighted by Ruby Smee’s silver medal in the women’s open event behind Canberra gun Leanne Peompeani, the first time the state has medalled in the event for 18 years.

Young gun Jack Woodberry showed his versatility across a number of middle to long distance events by finishing second in the under-17 men, while Emily Aichberger claimed bronze in the Women’s PA 3000m.

Athletics Tasmania executive officer Blake Steele said the horrific weather provided challenges for officials, but were pleased with positive feedback.

“Despite the weather and the tough conditions the event ran really well,” he said.

“The course was probably the thing we got most positive feedback on. Even Leanne (Pompeani) said it was one of the best courses she’s ever run on.

“It was challenging and Athletics Australia did a power of work to make sure the risk assessments were in place.

“We had quite crazy weather, especially the wind. We weren’t actually able to put up any of the marquees, and that was more risk management.

“We did the best with what we got given, but we got good feedback and it will be one to remember that’s for sure.

“There’s stories when the championships were at Oakbank (South Australia in 2022), people were losing shoes in the mud there because it was so deep and think. There’d be similar stories told like that.”

Incredibly, after he was pipped at the post for second in the Launceston Ten in June, Ed Marks suffered heartbreak again after he was edged out by fellow Victorian Seth O’Donnell by a single second.

Originally published as Runners brave wet and wild Tassie at National Cross Country Champs