Buchanan keen to follow in champ’s footsteps

IN-FORM runner Andy Buchanan has told of his dream of representing Australia after going within seconds of smashing the Lorne Mountain to Surf race record with a stunning victory yesterday.

The Bendigo runner was just six seconds shy of Steve Moneghetti’s 2006 record, comfortably finishing in 22min 58sec, ahead of two-time Olympian Collis Birmingham with local hope Nick Wightman third in the 8km run.

It continued a successful period for Buchanan, who added the Lorne title to a glittering 12 months that included the national 10km cross country title.

“This is such a tough run,” Buchanan said at the finish.

“There’s nothing like it, it’s very unique but awesome, I love it and I just think well done to everyone that finishes that course, it’s that tough.

“I didn’t know my time was that close to the record ... to be sub-23 (minutes) it means a fair bit.

“‘Monners’ (Moneghetti) ran quick here and he’s such a legend of Australian running so to be close to him it’s really good.”

The 26-year-old winner now has his sights on joining Moneghetti as a national representative on the highest stage

“I’d love to make an Australian team — that’s my next big step,” Buchanan said.

“It’s quite hard these days because we’ve got a really big strength of distance running, 5k, 10k ... it’s really tough to make the team for the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games so hopefully maybe like a world cross (country) team, but I’d love to wear the Australian colours.”

Lorne physio Ellie O’Kane took out the women’s event in 26.49 — and then dashed off to work. The 29-year-old comfortably beat home Camilla Whishaw (29.13) and Rochelle Brennan (29.22).

“I’ve done (this race) before and it never gets any easier,” O’Kane said.

Almost 2000 runners took part in the GMHBA Mountain to Surf course that snaked through the forest behind the town before finishing on the foreshore in front of the surf club.

Three-time Geelong premiership player Cameron Ling got home in 40.27.

“It’s sensational, it’s a brilliant weekend. I love coming down every year, bringing my family down,” Ling said.

“Seeing the number of kids who were out there running ... there was a little kid I reckon he must have been six or seven, flew past me on the Great Ocean Road. They all just have a crack, they love it.”