Dylan Offord and Asha Martin crowned State Champions at Novice XC

Published Sun 22 May 2022

21 May 2022

Dylan Offord and Asha Martin crowned State Champions at Novice XC

Bankstown’s Asha Martin and Sydney University’s Dylan Offord were comfortable winners at the 108th running of the NSW Novice Championships, hosted by St George Club and held at the iconic Scarborough Park in Ramsgate.

WOMEN

Starting conservatively, Asha Martin progressed through the field late to take the win.

When was she confident she could win?

“I knew when I overtook a girl in front I was in a position to win,” said Asha.

Asha was familiar with the course having race there a few years ago, however the recent rain ensured it was very wet and muddy in certain areas.

“I had been feeling very strong in the leadup to the race, but I was facing hard conditions so the plan was just to keep strong and steady.”

Asha most recently ran the national 1500m title.

“I’m transitioning into XC training which is different.

“I think I’m stronger over the long distance. Last season I came back from having a baby and did a couple of races and qualified for nationals.”

Living in Congo, near Moruya on the South Coast, Asha travels a lot, not just to races, but twice a week to training - a 45 minute drive to meet her squad coached by Andae Kalemusic

Asha Martin clocked an impressive 38:39 for the 10km race, to defeated Run Crew’s Natalea Smith (39:35) and Randwick Botany’s Lucy Marquand (39:57).

MEN

In contrast to the women’s race, Dylan Offord’s win, with a little help from his friends, was never in doubt. From the gun he and his Run Crew training mates - some handy runners, Kieren Tall, dual Olympian Ben St Lawrence and Matt Cox, ran as a pack, quickly moving away from the field.

“Ben (his coach) said treat it like a 10km Tempo session at Centennial Park,” recalled Dylan. “I was confident I had a good chance to win. The plan was to just hold on to the group of four.”

But on the last lap things picked up.

“On the fourth lap at about the 8km mark Ben surged on some turns. I felt cooked, so just worked with Coxy, but he got away me over the last 500m.”

After some illness in 2021, Dylan was pleased to be returning to some good form.

“I’ve been fitter before, but have strung together some good weeks of training.”

It was a Sydney University 1-2 with Lachlan Townsend taking silver (33:19) ahead of Run Crew’s Jack Green (33:23).

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW

Image: Asha Martin and Dylan Offord (courtesy of David Tarbotton)

NOVICE RESULTS

Women

1st Asha Martin BAN 38:39

2nd Natalea Smith RCR 39:35

3rd Lucy Marquand RBH 39:57