Round 4 of the Browne Shield 2025 10 Miles at Knox

What a difference in weather this time around as compared to last year. Calm and cool conditions and sunny sky to boot - in other words the kind of weather everyone was hoping for. The temperature was in the high single digits, and only a slight breeze which was a good sign that the 10 miles championship would bring out the best of everyone, as well as a more pleasant experience for the volunteers.

The numbers of starters with 80 participants was good however it was not a new record but being aware that there were so many other events happening at the same time, it was still a good outcome.

The course was quite similar to previous years but this time with the honour lap on the new blue track. Thanks to Rob Mason and his team using the timing system again, it was ensured that the results were quickly worked out for each age group. The option for an early start meant that everyone could participate regardless of the time. Many masters use the Browne Shield as a preparation for the biggest event in the year, the Melbourne Marathon, or others like to challenge themselves by running a distance they never did before. No matter what matter what the motivation was, important was that we all as a masters team managed to achieve our individual goals.

Casey Cardinia Masters show their strength by supporting each other. The result was clearly visible by the high numbers of participants (22 starters) representing each age group from women 30-34 with Sarah up to male 70-74 with David. Only the male 30-34 as well as the women 60-64 age groups had to start without a Casey Cardinia representative.

The course did start near the car park at the front of the Knox track. Running about 150m, and then on to the foot / bike path. Two volunteers from Knox at each end of the course made sure nobody got lost or ran further than needed. Everyone had to do two laps before heading back home to the track. Each competitor on the homestretch received a warm welcome and final encouragement on the last couple of hundred meters. The volunteers at Knox had their own race in the background preparing food, snacks and hot drinks as the event was unfolding.

Everyone safe back in the clubhouse enjoyed a warm drink, a soup or some other specialty and sharing the experience they had. Soon it was time to start the last part of such an event, the medal ceremony. At the end of the day it was also the  Victorian Masters 10 Mile Championship 2025.

Depending on your age group there were up to eight competitors in a group.

There were some age groups where the first three finishers had an age grading in the mid to high 70%. In the male group was Yassine Belaabed with 91.64% which was an outstanding performance and for the women we had Christine Williams with 84.66% as the highest age grading. Well done!

Casey Cardinia Masters would like to thank Knox for putting on such a brilliant event and we are looking forward to 2026 to come back for another 10 Mile race.