Inaugural Commonwealth championships 2009

The inaugural Commonwealth championships, held under the auspices of the Commonwealth Games Federation, the IAAF, the IAU and the WMRA were conducted in Keswick, Cumbria UK from 17 to 20 September, 2009. In the ultra section, these events consisted of 24 hr and 100km races for both men and women. In addition to the individual results there were also teams sections, with the first three to count in the team results.

Australia did particularly well in the championships. Martin Fryer broke the Commonwealth best performance in the 24 hour event. Jo Blake was not too far behind in 2nd. With John Pearson running a very creditable 7th, Australia won team gold. In the womens 24 hr Susannah Harvey-Jamieson finshed a very creditable third despite carrying injuries from a heavy fall two weeks earlier. Meredith Quinlan and Sharon Scholz ran very well to achieve 6th and 8th thus giving Australia the silver medal in the teams section.

In the 100km Jackie Fairweather (former world triathlon and world duathlon champion) easily won the womens 100km in the very smart time of 7:41:23. Caroline Pivetta ran a PB with 9:04 but unfortunately we didn't have a third runner which prevented us from gaining a teams placing.

In the mens 100km Terence Bell ran an excellent race in 7:16 which gave him 4th, Tim Cochrane 7:20 for 5th and Brendan Davies 7:31 for 9th. These results gave Australia the siver medal in the teams section.

All athletes acquitted themselves very well indeed. Much credit must go to the respective crews, especially in the 24 hour event. A special mention of Robert Boyce's efforts in organising, managing, crewing for both Martin and Jo in the 24 hour and then being out on the course manning the special drinks table in the 100km. Well done and thank you very much to Robert for his untiring work, not just at these two events but right throughout the year. His work has been a major contributing factor to Australia's improved performances at 24 hours and 100 km events these past 2 - 3 years.

Results 100km 24 hour

Pics and story courtesy Ian Cornelius

24hr

Opening	Team Australia	Martin Fryer	Jo Blake	John Pearson	Michael Lovric	Mick Francis
Scott Orchard	Susannah H-J	Meredith Quinlan	Sharon Scholz	Allison Lilley	Kerrie Bremner	Deanne Nobbs
Justin Scholz	Eric Bremner	Valerie Banham	Pitsamai Boyce	Robert Boyce	Mongrel sign	SHJ 3rd place
2nd team	Martin & Jo, 1-2	winning team	mongrel lap	clockwork	tough	in for repairs

100km

team Australia	race start	Terence Bell	Tim Cochrane	Michael Barnett	Caroline Pivetta	Coach Boyce
Terence Bell	Tim Cochrane	Brendan Davies	Jac Fairweather	Caroline Pivetta	Don Ritchie *	Malcolm #

* Mick Francis and Martin Fryer with the legendary Don Ritchie. Don holds the men's 100k WBP at 6:10 which
has stood since 1978. Mick and Don were neighbours, training partners, running adversaries and former
team-mates in Scotland

# Ian and Chrissie Cornelius with Malcolm and Marilyn Campbell. Malcolm was the founding President of the IAU
and remained as President for 20 years. He is also a former WBP holder at 1000 miles.

Commonwealth champs 2011

Commonwealth champs website

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