The annual 'long course' event requires the 5.5km series participants to extend themselves over the 10km course (2 laps), whilst the 10km series participants take on the 14.5km circuit, which includes an extra loop up and around the notorious Forest and Oxley hills.

The RATS welcomed back Phil & Marg, visiting us again from Sydney, and Russell Craig's son, Steven, for his debut run.

In the 5.5km series, held over the 10km distance, wily veteran and reigning series champion Jack Robertson humbled the opposition, crossing the line some 47 seconds ahead of the fast finishing Kevin Le. Jack and Kevin both beat par for the course, running 68:14 and 50:01 respectively.

Third place went to Wendy Smith, with a very handy 58:13. Fastest time and a new age group record was set by Bill Broughton, who lowered legendary RAT, Ken Saunders' (M 65-69 yrs) record with a fine 47:20.

In the 10km series, held over 14.5km, first across the line was Craig Hancock, finishing several minutes clear of second placegetter Nicola Rabbett. Craig ran a very controlled 73:49 and Nicola, who recently returned from jetsetting the globe, produced an 83:07. Third place went to Max Hosgood, who picked up 18 points for his 81:35 effort.

Phil De Zylva was quickest over the 14.5km journey, with a 73:16 and a commendable effort by Adrian Le, with his first ever 10km run and a sub 60-minute time of 57:48.

President Nicola had a win in the lucky draw prize. She wisely chose the mini Mars bars to share, which most of the crew enjoyed with coffee and a chat at Maverick's.

Full Individual Results:

10km Series (14.5km) Craig Hancock 73:49 (20 pts), Nicola Rabbet 83:07 (19 pts), Max Hosgood 81:35 (18 pts), Bob White 84:38 (17 pts), Phil De Zylva *73:16 (TT), Margaret Shearer 85:45 (TT). 5.5km Series (10km): Jack Robertson 68:14 (20 pts), Kevin Le 50:01 (19 pts), Wendy Smith 58:13 (18 pts), Bill Broughton *47:20 (17 pts), Lauri Perino (Walk) 93:27 (16 pts), Kim Aziz 63:10 (15 pts), Adrian Le 57:48 (14 pts), Russell Craig 72:42 (13 pts), Steven Craig 58:04 (TT), David Munday 72:00 (TT), Rose Robinson (5.5 km) 37:04 (TT), Ian Robinson (5.5 km) 37:48 (TT) * = Fastest Time, TT = Time Trial.

RATS in the Field:

July 26: NSW All Schools X-Country Championships - Eastern Creek. Two young RATS represented the district at the State Championships. Website results were unfortunately unavailable, however Harm Schaap and Wil Harding both performed admirably in their respective age groups. Congratulations to them both.

July 28: Sydney Harbour 10km: Maree Randall ran an outstanding 56:19 on this beautiful Harbour City course. Her age group placings were unavailable at time of writing, however Maree will no doubt be very pleased with this result. We all know how hard she trains.

Next Sunday, August 4: Monkey Mountain Road: Please meet at Macca's car park at 6:30 am for car pooling to start/finish.

Run starts 100m in from intersection of Princes Highway and Monkey Mountain Road and stays on Monkey Mountain Road, which then becomes Woodburn Road. Distances vary, as this is an out and back style course and it will suit all comers. The terrain is hilly, but on good surface gravel roads, providing ideal training for Capital to Coast participants.

Distance to Clyde Ridge Road is 9km (return journey makes 18km). However, runners can easily turn at any point. Most RATS will know this route as the latter stages of the Termeil Xmas Run.