Teenager Ben Liondas led a strong field home in last Saturday’s edition of the Lakes Entrance parkrun, crossing the finish line in a blistering personal best time.
It was Liondas’ 12th parkrun overall and his third look at the picturesque five-kilometre course along the Lakes Entrance esplanade.
He completed the course in 18 minutes and eight seconds, shaving a remarkable 55 seconds off his previous best time for the track.
Liondas led home a field of 78 other participants who ran, jogged, and walked the course.
The event drew a large crowd, including 44 first-timers, while 10 participants recorded new personal bests.
Allie Lemchens was the first female finisher home, clocking a time of 24.15.
A raft of personal best times were recorded across the field, including Clinton Whelan (21.55), Mathew Evans (22.10), James Murphy (22.20), Troy Minichiello (23.06), Sam McKean (24.05), Brendan Fiedler (28.40), Narika Whadcoat (28.50), Joy Mobberley (36.37) and Grace Thierry (36.39).
Participants represented a wide range of local and visiting running clubs, including TXR Runners, East Gippsland Runners, Diamond Creek Runners, Lakes and District Runners, Southern Peninsula Sports Club, Derek Zoolander Centre for Kids Who Can’t Run Good and The Adventurers.
The Lakes Entrance parkrun departs every Saturday at 8am from the Cunninghame Arm rotunda, welcoming both seasoned athletes and newcomers.
