Event report: MetrO 3

The third event of the 2024-2025 MetrO Series was held at Wireless Hill Park, with participants running through the surrounding bushland and the hilly streets of Ardross, Booragoon and Alfred Cove. With controls located all around the assembly area, participants ran off in every direction possible creating a frenzy at the start. Similarly, they came from various different routes into the finish causing there to be some most exciting sprints at the end.

There were 7 controls to pick from on the Short, 15 on the Medium Course, and 23 on the Long from a total 28 controls on the map. With options in every direction, it caused participants to all choose very different courses which is always great. With 71 finishers, including some groups, we hope that everyone had a great time running the event.

The podium for the short course for the women consisted of Janet Fletcher in 3rd, Sharon McFarlane in 2nd and Rosalie McCauley in 1st finishing with a time of 22:29. For the men, we had Ken Brownlie in 3rd, Mike Sibbald (prize winner) in 2nd just losing the sprint finish by 2 seconds to Duncan Sullivan in 1st with a time of 17:41.

The podium for the medium course for the women had Kimberley Clifton and Daisy McCauley (prize winner) sharing equal 2nd and then Amy Dufty with a commanding lead in 1st making it 3 in a row with a time of 33:41. For the men, we had Liam Dufty in 3rd, Tom Brownlie in 2nd and Ruben Claessens finally getting his win after coming second twice in a row with a time of 27:06.

In the long course, for the women we had Tracy Burns (prize winner) in 3rd, Ceri Pass in 2nd and Rachel West in 1st also making it 3 in a row with a time of 44:53. Lastly, for the men we had Craig Dufty (prize winner) in 3rd, Oliver Martin in 2nd and Sten Claessens in 1st continuing his dominance with his 3rd win of the series with a time of 34:49.

Thanks to Kate Braid for running the registration and results computer as well as helping with course setting. Thanks also to control collectors, John and Jennifer Major, Sten Claessens, Ceri Pass, Matthew and Susan Coleman, David Pass and Wendy Hobley and Heike Behrbohm. Thanks to Sharon and Riley McFarlane as well as Mark Lommers for both helping set up and continuing to support the MetrO series and the Western Nomads in running it. And, lastly, a big thank you to setter Joseph Coleman.

Results can be found on Eventor, detailed splits at the Metro Series Splits page and some photos from the event on Facebook. Some peoples' route choices are available on Livelox.

We look forward to seeing you all at the next event on the 30th November, Summer Sprint 1, at Lumen Christi College.

Photo: They're off! - taken by Riley McFarlane.