VMA Cross Country 2026 Championships

Today was the start to the 2026 VMA Browne Shield series which consistists of five events in total. The weather, cool and no wind, were perfect conditions for a good Sunday morning run. A mostly flat to gently sloping course on uneven grass was at times challenging for the runners.

Thankfully a timing system was used which of course meant that no lap scorers were required. The event consisted of two distances. 6km for runners 70 years and over, and 8km for everyone 69 years and younger. In order to utilise the same course two start positions were necessary.

After taking our group photo, we all went to our start position, waiting for the start. The atmosphere was very friendly with volunteers and members from random clubs encouraging every runner on the course.

After the race we went back to the Collingwood clubhouse for a hot drink and the presentation.

The turnout was good with 114 runners combined in both the 6km and 8km. The age range was from 30 years all the way up to 85 years.

8km participants:

Female 30: Elizabeth O'Connor 48:11;

Female 40: Laura Tomic 33:54;

Female 50: Eftalia Kompogiorgas 45:16; Megan Humphrys 45:32;

Female 55: Tracey Hayward 38:49; Hsien Chiam 51:12;

Female 65: Arlene D'Monte 1:07:44;

Male 40: Satgur Singh Mann 32:17; David Ancrum 41:06;

Male 45: Andrew Cutting 32:15; Joseph Mcdermott 32:23; Vikramjit Bhardwaj 37:40;

Male 50: Pramesh Prasad 35:17; Damien Sherry 41:31; Amol Joshi 46:47;

Male 55: Paul Browning 32:39; Mark Clarence 33:50;

Male 60: Tony Mullins 45:06;

Male 65: Albin Hess 50:05;

6km participants:

Male 70: David Blocksidge 41:29;

Male 75: Neil Walsh 51:15.