Celebrated distance runner Vlad Shatrov showed a quick pair of heels at this year’s Forster Running Festival.
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The Newcastle product took out the half marathon in 1:14:25; about five and a half minutes ahead of Ben Toomey.
With the impressive time and consistent efforts in the five and 10 kilometre runs, Vlad won the treble bridge buster.
Ali Fitch was the fastest female to complete the three-pronged event.
Check out Scott Calvin’s mega gallery from the Forster Running Festival.
World Cross Country Championships representative Bridey Delaney was the first female over the line in the half marathon in 1:20:43.
Kyle Pinkerton edged out Port Macquarie’s Harry Jones to win the 10 kilometre run.
The first female to finish the event was Alyssa Betts.
Forster’s Jake Myors was the first male to cross for the five kilometre while Lucie Francis showed blistering place to take out the women’s division.
Race director Kevin Chilvers was thrilled with the turnout.
“It was a stunning day for spectators but a touch warm for runners,” Kevin said.
“We had similar numbers to last year but saw an increase in children competitors.”
Kevin noted a strong turnout of competitors from Newcastle and Port Macquarie.
Competitors ran on a different courser layout that utilised more of the foreshore.
“The changes were well received by runners,” Kevin said.
He encouraged runners to commit to training plans early enough to ensure maximum performance at next year’s event.
A date for next year’s festival has not been confirmed but initial plans for its return are underway.
In the meantime, Kevin is looking ahead to the Port Macquarie Running Festival on March 9 and 10, 2019.
“We’ve moved the kids events and charity walk to the Saturday so we can see more locals and schools show support,” Kevin said.