Geelong Cross Country Club is a renowned sports club located in Geelong, Australia. Founded in 1971 by Geelong Advertiser journalists, the club has a rich history and is actively involved in promoting and fostering a love for cross country running in the Geelong community.
The annual Geelong Half Marathon, organised by the club, serves as its primary fundraiser. The event, which will be held on Sunday April 7th, 2024, not only brings together passionate runners but also raises funds for community organisations. In the previous year, the club donated $20,000 to the Andrew Love Cancer Centre at Barwon Health, showcasing its commitment to giving back to the local community.
The club boasts a successful 52nd season, which culminated in a grand awards ceremony held at St Lords. The season saw numerous champions emerge in various categories, including open champions, marathon champion, age champions, veterans, masters, legends, and SuperVets. The club also recognised individuals for their contributions, with awards such as Best Clubpersons, Most Improved, and Merit Award.
One of the notable events organised by the Geelong Cross Country Club is the Newgrove Benchtops Eliminator. This time-honoured event requires participants to complete both a 4 km and 3 km race, with the top twenty athletes then advancing to a final 2 km race. The winner of the eliminator was Louis Rowan, a prominent athlete who represented Australia in the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Rowan's win marks his fifth victory in the club and his first since 2005.
The club also acknowledged its president, Kevin McNulty, for completing his 400th run milestone.
Another significant event hosted by the club is the Intersport De Grandi Half Marathon Handicap. This challenging race, spanning 21. 1 km, tests the participants' stamina and endurance. In the previous year's event, Sara Taylor-Wilson emerged as the winner, defying the efforts of other participants to secure a victory.
Ruth Kimpton and Liam Drady were recognised as the fastest female and male runners, respectively.
Aside from organising races and events, Geelong Cross Country Club actively promotes cross country running as a sport. The club welcomes new runners of all abilities and provides a supportive and inclusive environment for them to improve their skills and enjoy the sport. With a dedicated and passionate community of members, the club offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow runners and participate in various events throughout the year.
Overall, Geelong Cross Country Club is a thriving sports club that not only promotes cross country running but also contributes to the local community through charitable donations. With its rich history, successful seasons, and diverse range of events, the club continues to be a hub for runners in Geelong, fostering a love for the sport and providing an avenue for personal growth and achievement.