Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club

18/06/2026

This Sunday 21st June, 2026 we Host S&T Gallagher 8000m Handicap.
🏃🏽🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏽🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏽🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

👣This beautiful trail course runs through Ararat Hills, McDonald Park, over Red Hill track then around the back of the Chalambar Golf Club.

📍Location: Car park at bottom on One Tree Hill
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QmLXRgLo5qSM7zXeA?g_st=ic


⏱️Adult Race
Registration from 9:15am,
Handicap starts at 9:30am


😊Invitational Runners most welcome to come along and have a go, no matter how slow or fast you run.
Entry on the day $5 race entry fee


🏆Trophy donated by S & T Gallagher.
🎽SACCC present Sash for winner,
💵Prize money 1st $50, 2nd $25, 3rd $15

More information please visit
https://www.revolutionise.com.au/stawellandararat/

14/06/2026

Mann’s Memorable Maiden Win at Rice Concongella Vineyard Handicap

Bathed in the sunshine of a brilliant Winter morning, the Rice Family’s picturesque Concongella Vineyard provided the perfect setting on Sunday as Gary and Rhonda Rice warmly welcomed members of both the Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club (SACCC) and the Stawell Amateur Athletic Club (SAAC) for a morning of cross country running through the vines. With sunshine flooding the vineyard course, it could not have produced a more fitting winner, than cheerful and enthusiastic new club member Eleanor Mann who lit up the event with a superb break-through performance to claim her well-deserved maiden victory with the SACCC.

The 6.5km run through the scenic, sprawling vineyard, commenced with members of both clubs, shoulder to shoulder, setting off under mass start conditions, ready to tackle the three loop course designed by race sponsor and multiple SACCC Club Champion himself, Gary Rice.

Under the mass start format, it was Neil Beaton from SAAC along with Mark Thompson and Rohan Homburg from SACCC, who set the pace early, leading a steady sea of runners from both clubs trailing behind on the unforgiving and undulating true cross-country runners course. While Beaton from SAAC produced the quickest time for the day, it was Rohan Homburg who uncorked the quickest performance for SACCC, navigating the vineyard course in 29’ 14”, with Mark Thompson second fastest in 30’ 07”, and Alex Prockter, showing no sign of fatigue, despite completing the 25km course at trail running event ‘Pace the Pyrenees’ the previous weekend, recording third fastest time in 31’ 08”.

In a closely matched battle for fastest female, it was Annie Brown who claimed fastest time in 34’ 42”, followed by Leah Seebohm, second fastest in 34’ 51”, and Steph Carroll third fastest 35’ 18”, with less than 40 seconds separating the tightly packed trio.

With fastest times determined, attention turned to the final handicap result, which remained a surprise, due to the mass-start, sealed handicap. Despite featuring on the podium the previous week, newly signed member Elanor Mann could not have been more surprised to find herself announced handicap winner, claiming the top spot in an incredibly convincing maiden win, a staggering 1 minute and 47 seconds ahead of Tim Molloy, in second place, with Steph Carroll continuing to pepper the podium claiming third place. While it was Mann’s first victory with SACCC she is no stranger to cross-country running, having been an enthusiastic cross-country runner throughout her twenties while living in the United Kingdom. Now living in Australia, Mann has recently joined the SACCC and rediscovered her love of running thanks to the encouragement of friend and fellow club member Tess Thompson.

Next week will see the running of the S & T Gallagher 8km Handicap from Picnic Road at the bottom of One Tree Hill Ararat. Race briefing will take place at 9:15am sharp, for a 9.30am start. More information about registration and entry can be accessed on the club website at https://www.revolutionise.com.au/stawellandararat.

11/06/2026

This Sunday 14th June we host the Concongella vineyard 6500m
Handicap race.

This Race our club joins the Stawell Amateur Athletics Club.
🏃🏻‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃🏽🏃🏻‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃🏽🏃🏻‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃🏽
Invitational Runners most welcome

📍Location: Car Park at Concongella Vineyard, Taylor Rd Stawell
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uE793ibeocwnBLL7A?g_st=ic

👣Track: course runs through the Concongella vineyard and part of the Ironbark state forrest. Track is partially muddy so recommend to wear trail running shoes.

⏱️Time: Adult Race
Entry on the day $5 race fee
Registration from 9.15am,
MASS GROUP START with SAAC
Race starts at 9.30am

☕️Post-race Morning tea at the finish line hosted by Rhonda and Gary Rice.

🏆 Trophy donated by Gary and Rhonda Rice,
🎽SACCC present Sash for winner,
💵Prize money 1st $50, 2nd $25, 3rd $15

🧑‍💻Club details: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/stawellandararat/

31/05/2026

Bendelle Best of the Bunch at Best’s Great Western Classic

Best’s Great Western Winery played host for the scenic setting for the 5th run of the Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club’s (SACCC) 2026 Season on Sunday, and in an absolutely stunning result, it was long-serving Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club member Nathan Bendelle, currently training for the Berlin marathon, and returning to the club for his first run of the season, who proved himself best of the bunch, and in top form, claiming line honours, in a run generously sponsored by Best’s Great Western Winery.

Mild temperatures for the final day of Autumn, and a picturesque backdrop as the vineyards put on a stunning display of nature’s changing colour palette, greeted 28 members of the SACCC on Sunday morning, as they gathered adjacent to the vineyards of Best’s Winery for the Best’s Great Western Classic, following a brief hiatus to allow club members to support local event Run the Gap the previous weekend. Run the Gap showcased many strong performances from club members across all distances, displaying not just the depth of talent within the club, but the support and enthusiasm among members.

Gathering at the gates of Best’s Winery on Sunday morning, runners set off under handicap format, rather than bunched together like grapes on a vine, with Nicki Blackie and Julie Hertz leading from the start, followed by freshly signed new club members Eleanor Mann, and Rowena Carroll. The handicap run delivered a thrilling contest, as Nathan Bendelle, in his first club appearance for the season, made a strong and immediate impact, backing up a 22km training run the previous day, with a superb run which saw him prove too elusive for the back-markers to reel-in, while he steadily closed in front-markers. Eleaor Mann, giving a gritty and determined performance, and almost too strong for him to catch, as Bendelle secured first place, meters from the finish line, and a mere two seconds ahead of a determined Eleanor Mann, with Tim Molloy, continuing to pepper the podium, and finishing third.

Although training partners Mark Thompson and Paul Fenn set off together as backmarkers, it was fast-finishing Fenn, running an average pace of 3 minutes and 45 seconds per kilometer across the 8km course, who claimed best time of the day in a determined 30’ 49”, with Thompson second fastest in 31’49”, and Rohan Homburg proving he is one to watch in 32’ 43”.

Fastest female was Leah Seebohm, in 39’ 54” proving strong, following an epic performance at the Great Ocean Road Marathon, two weeks prior, Annie Brown was second fastest female in 41’ 28”, with Steph Caroll third fastest female in 42’ 28”.

Next weekend the club rests for the King’s Birthday long weekend, with racing due to return on Sunday 14th June, for the G & R Rice 6.5km Handicap, at Concongella vineyard, Taylors Road, Stawell. The race will see the Stawell Amatuer Athletic Club combine with SACCC for the first time in season 2026. More information about registration and entry can be accessed on the club website at https://www.revolutionise.com.au/stawellandararat.

27/05/2026

This Sunday 31st May we host Best's Great Western Winery classic 8000m Handicap race.

Location: Car Park at Bests Winery, Great Western
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1TSxayN9B4QhtY7d9?g_st=ic

Over 14yrs, Adult race
Invitational Runners most welcome
Entry is $5 race fee
Registration from 9:15am,
Race starts at 9:30am

Trophy donated by Best's Great Western Winery,
SACCC present Sash for winner, Prize money 1st $50, 2nd $25, 3rd $15

Club details: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/stawellandararat/

17/05/2026

Homburg Conquers Hill to Claim Maiden Win

One Tree Hill, Ararat’s largest and most significant hill, provided the ultimate test on the weekend, as the Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club , came, ran and conquered over 200m of elevation gain, across 3kms, at the annual Conqueror of the Hill 3000m Handicap, sponsored by Stephen Baird. With Rohan Homburg claiming a memorable maiden win, while also recording the second fastest time to reach the summit.

26 eager cross country competitors gathered on Ararat’s Picnic Road on Sunday morning, ready to set off together from a mass start, with a sealed handicap. From the call of ‘GO!’ both Mark Thompson and Rohan Homburg made their intentions clear, surging to the front early and setting a fierce pace, with Thomposon hitting 3’ 26” for his first kilometer, with Homburg close behind clocking an impressive 3’ 43” along the flat opening kilometer leading to the base of the climb. Tess Thompson made a clear and dominant lead as fastest female from the beginning with a cracking 4’ 22 first kilometre.

Once the field hit the hill itself for the final 2 kilometers, the challenge really began, with the relentlessly steep 230m ascent demanding every ounce of grit and determination from the 26 runners brave enough to conquer the challenge of Ararat’s most punishing incline.

After claiming the coveted Conqueror of the Hill trophy, awarded to the fastest competitor to the top, in 2025, reigning champion Mark Thompson was forced to dig deep to defend the title, with Homburg pushing the defending champion all the way to the peak of the brutal climb. Despite the close contest, Thompson proved triumphant, reaching the top in a blazing 15’ 13” only 16 seconds ahead of Homburg in 15’ 29”, with TIm McQueen, going from strength to strength, and proving he is an absolute force to be reckoned with, running 17’ 59”

In the women’s Tess Thompson proved fastest female, climbing to the top in 18 44”, with Annie Brown second fastest female in a time of 21’ 47” and Silvia Di Domenicantonio third fastest female, finishing strongly in 25’ 55”.

The sealed handicap format added an extra suspense to the event, and after an impressive display of determination, to claim second fastest to the top, Homburg was triumphant once again, claiming a memorable maiden win. Homburg, having always been an impressive runner and all round athlete, found himself joining the club in 2025, following the completion of an Ironman, and stated that it was the “best decision he’s made.” Especially now, with the club providing extra motivation, as he begins training for the Melbourne Marathon in October. Joining Homburg on the podium of winners-by-handicap were Mark Thompson in second place, and Tim McQueen in third place. The trio proving themselves consistent across the entire event, with an impressive all-round performance.

Next weekend the club rests to make way to support a local running event, ‘Run the Gap’, with racing due to return on Sunday 31st May, for the Bests Winery 8km Handicap, at Bests Winery Car Park, Great Western. More information about registration and entry can be accessed on the club website at https://www.revolutionise.com.au/stawellandararat.

03/05/2026

McQueen as Fast as Lightning at Trounson Family Handicap

Following a rest week to observe the running of the Ballarat Marathon, the Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club (SACCC) returned to racing on Sunday, for one of the most challenging races in the SACCC Syllabus, ‘The Trounson Family 8000m handicap.’ With an impressive Tim McQueen going from strength to strength, and fresh from a stellar Half Marathon Personal Best of over 5 minutes the previous week, showing strong form, and lightning fast fashion, to claim the coveted Trounson Family sash, making him the 34th winner of the 36th running of the Trounson Family Handicap.

The Trounson Family Handicap is described as a true trail runners course, boasting 200 meters of elevation, making the gritty, 3 lap course through unrelenting and undulating terrain one of the most challenging runs in the SACCC syllabus; and a steady downpour of 20 millimeters of rain overnight, and a thunderstorm Sunday morning only increased the trepidation for some, and excitement for others.

For the first time this season, runners set off under handicap conditions, with the front markers leading the pack. However, from the moment he set off from his mark, it was clear Tim McQueen was in strong, competitive form. As the race unfolded, he closed the gap between the front markers, while putting distance between himself and the back-markers, to claim the top spot in a convincing victory, an incredible 40 seconds ahead of Tim Molloy also in strong form, with Steph Carroll claiming third place. Upon accepting the winner’s sash, Tim thanked the Trounson family, and spoke of the variety of impressive runners at the club, and how invaluable he has found their support, encouragement and tips.

In addition to the top honours for the day, SACCC president Mark Thompson also celebrated his 150th run with the club, an achievement that has spanned many years, with Mark running with the club for the very first time as a fresh 14 year old.

Fastest times of the day went to Paul Fenn with an impressive 34’ 50”, ahead of Mark Thompson running a speedy 35’ 19” despite completing a Full Marathon the previous Sunday, with Gabe Tonks third fastest in 38’ 19”. Notably the fourth fastest time of the day went to Tanner Trounson, Grandson of club legend, and life member, Jack Trounson. In a moment of immense pride for the Trounson family, Tanner was also the first to cross the finish line, however, as he was running on invitation he was unable to claim the sash.
Fastest female went to Leah Seebohm, in 45’ 04”, ahead of Steph Carroll in 45’ 35”, with Helen McPherson third fastest female in 47’ 19. Impressively, the speedy trio of females all completed the Half Marathon in Ballarat the weekend before.

Next weekend the club rests to make way for Mother’s Day, with racing due to return on May 17th for the Conqueror of the Hill. Race briefing will take place at Picnic Road, at the bottom of One Tree Hill at 9:15am sharp for a 9:30am start. More information about registration and entry can be accessed on the club website at https://www.revolutionise.com.au/stawellandararat.

25/04/2026

Good luck to all our club members taking on the Ballarat Marathon tomorrow!
Whatever the distance we wish you strong legs, steady pacing, and an enjoyable run from start to finish.
We’re all behind you—go well! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

20/10/2025

Fantastic finish line photo, heartfelt moment of emotions finishing a marathon.

We're still not over that finish line feeling 🥹

18/10/2025

Champions Crowned at SACCC Presentation Night

There were sashes, celebrations, and season highlights on Friday night as the Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club (SACCC) crowned their Club Champions for the 2025 season, with Leah Seebohm capping off a stellar season, to be crowned Women’s Champion, and club president Mark Thompson taking home sashes for both the Open Championship and the Over 40s Championship.

It was another stand out season for Seebohm, who claimed the sash and trophy, for Women’s Championship (generously donated by David and Leanne Fenn) for the second year in a row, dominating the Championship race series, by placing first and fastest female in all four races, and gaining her 40 points, which is the maximum possible. Helen McPherson finished the season strongly to claim runners up in the women’s category (30 points), with Annie Brown finishing 3rd (20 points).

In the Open Championship category, (kindly sponsored by Peter and Trish Mottram), it was Mark Thompson who’s strong and solid performances throughout the Championship series saw him win 3 of the 4 Championship races to claim an impressive 38 out of 40 points, taking out the honour of Open Champion for the SACCC for the 6th time. In his acceptance speech Thompson humbly acknowledged long-time friend and training partner Paul Fenn, who, despite winning the first Championship run of 2025, went on to be plagued by injury for the season. Cam Gellie claimed second place and kept the points race close with a series of remarkable results (30), while Alex Prockter rounded out the top three (25 points) with an impressively consistent season on the tracks and trails.

In the Over 40s Championship (generously donated by Shev and Mike Healy) Mark Thompson again took home the sash with 38 points, from Cam Gellie (31 points), with John Basset showing an incredible first season with the club, finishing in 3rd place (27 points).

The Over 50’s Club Championship (proudly donated by the Watkin’s family) was narrowly won by Helen McPherson (31 points) from Stephen ‘Mouse’ Madex, (30 points), with the ever-impressive Peter Gibson in third place (24 points).

Peter Gibson also made club history, winning the Club Aggregate award, for an astonishing 11th time. The Aggregate award, which is sponsored by Julie Hertz and Neil Johnstone, acknowledges the most consistent competitor in the handicap series. Gibson dominated the Club Aggregate points system with 136 points, which earned Gibson a standing ovation from fellow club members. Runners up went to Alex Prockter, keeping Gibson honest with 127 points, with third place awarded to John Basset (106 points).

New member Aiden Lee was recognised for a strong first season with the club and was awarded the Club Encouragement award. While Ally Marr was the deserving recipient of the Club Person of the Year award, for the second year running, for his outstanding efforts track marking, and tireless efforts helping wherever needed. Both awards were generously sponsored by club legend and life member Leo Watkins.

The club also celebrated the major milestone run achieved during the 2025 season by Gary Saunders, who was acknowledged for reaching a staggering 500 clubs with SACCC.

With an incredibly successful 2025 season behind them, the club now looks towards an exciting 2026 season, with their Annual General Meeting in November. If you are interested in getting involved in the action and excitement with the Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club in 2026, please visit the club page or website for more information
https://www.revolutionise.com.au/stawellandararat