X-COUNTRY SEASON WELL UNDERWAY
The Loyalist Lancers cross country team has started their season, with races the past two weekends.
They first travelled to Sandbanks Provincial Park for the annual Fall Getaway 5k and 10k road races. First year paramedic student Ryan Bilton (Lombardy, ON) impressed over the 10k distance, claiming the overall win in a time of 38:10. This was a significant personal best, made all the more impressive since he was running alone for the entire distance.
In the 5k race, two more first year students made their debuts. Nicholas Williamson (Parry Sound, ON) placed 6th overall (21:15) in his first competitive race ever, after just starting serious running over the summer. Nursing student Alexis Blyth (Brantford, ON) raced to a 27:20 finish as she transitions to running from a competitive swimming background. Second year runner Carly Fockler (Stouffville, ON) rounded out the Lancer contingent at 29:33.
The team got its first taste of OCAA competition at the Fleming College Invitational on Sunday September 22nd. Blyth led the women in a time of 38:18 over the hot and hilly 6k route. She was joined by second year runner Nicole Flynn (Madoc, ON) in 58:13. Bilton was the only male runner entered in the event, running 31:26 for 8k in similar conditions to place 17th overall.
Next up is a 5k event at Fort Henry in Kingston on September 28th.