APS Old Collegians runners take part in Athletics Victoria’s 16km cross-country event, the Heritage Round, in Keilor last week

APS Old Collegians runners took part in Athletics Victoria’s 16km cross-country event, one of the oldest running events in the country.

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APS Old Collegians runners took part in Athletics Victoria’s 16km cross-country event in Keilor last week

The race is one of the oldest running events in the country and has been held continuously since 1892.

Originally, a 10-mile race, the event is now the Victorian 16km Cross-Country Championship and is held at Brimbank Park.

The course is famous for its steep hill – the notorious Col de Brimbank – in the middle of the race with the men having to climb it twice, while the women run up it once in a 6km race.

Because of the race’s history, Athletics Victoria calls it the “heritage round” and runners are encouraged to pull out their old club uniforms for the day.

In the men’s race, Matt Bayley led the APS Old Collegians­ charge, finishing fifth in 53min 10sec.

Bayley was joined by team mate Paul Wilson (59min 23sec) who, again, won the 45-49 age group race.

Luke Goodman, who stopped the clock at 63min 00sec, and Robert Schwerkolt, in a time of 63min 26sec, were second and third in their age group.

Jack Holden finished seventh in the under-20 6km event, with a time of 20min 15sec.

Anna Kasapis was the best of the APS women, finishing 21st in 24min 08sec.

Margaret Fitzgerald (27min 04sec) was second her 50-54 age group.