Tassie runners host nation’s best

TASMANIA will host the nation’s best young distance runners, for the Schools Sport Australia (SSA) Cross Country Championships at Rokeby Police Academy this weekend.

Primary and high school runners will battle it out across seven age groups ranging in distance from 2km up to 10km.

Executive officer for Athletics Tasmania Gabby Steele is excited to see Tasmania host the national event.

“It’s going to be a fantastic weekend of running,” she said.

“We have a mix of new and experienced athletes, and certainly a number of competitors who are hoping to medal for Tasmania.”

A total of 78 runners will represent the state across the four-day carnival.

Co-Captain of the state team in the secondary schools age group, Harvey Chilcott, 17, is hoping his recent preparation for the event will translate to success this weekend.

“I’ve done a few practice runs around the course now and I feel like myself and the whole Tassie team is in good shape going into the event,” he said.

With little rainfall, Chilcott believes the track is in good shape to produce some fast times.

“I’ve set myself a target of running under 20 minutes for my 6km event,” he said.

“I’m expecting some tough competition, though.

“I think the Victorian runners will be the ones to beat.”

The first race kicks off at 9.20am today, with events finishing with team relays on Monday.

James Kitto is a UTAS journalism student.