Former nationally ranked 5000m track and cross country runner Trent Harlow took out the hilly 30.5 km Lightning Strike run on Saturday 20 February in the Stromlo Running Festival in Canberra. Harlow impressed with a strong 1:58:06, Peter Loveridge was second in 2:00:11 and world 48 hour ultra champion Martin Fryer was third in 2:09:13, much faster than last year when he and Trevor Jacobs went way off course when headed for placings. Jacobs ran into trouble again this year, missing a gate and having to climb a 2.5 m fence. He was 6th in 2:13:00 but easily won the age-sex adjusted handicap.
Symeko Jochinke was fastest female in 2:24:08 from Louise Sharp (2:27:33) and Emily Lamrock (2:34:17).
Peter Loveridge backed up the next day to win the 3.4km ascent of Mt Stromlo in 13:52 from international junior orienteer Lachlan Dow in 14:16 and Martin Fryer in 14:31. Louise Sharp was fastest female in 16:39, with Narelle Ash second in 17:53 and Adrienne Torda third in 18:46.
Full results are available at www.stromlorunningfestival.com.au