Noreuil Park may again host the finish of the annual Nail Can Hill Run as organisers consider a move away from the present West Albury site.
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Sunday’s race, contested by more than 1100 people in clear conditions, ended at Boonie Doon Park as it has since 2009.
Race co-ordinator Peter Nicol, while reluctant to reveal too many details at this early stage, confirmed the Rotary Club of Albury West was looking to make a change.
Speaking at Boonie Doon Park after the 2018 event, Nicol said altering the location would require Albury Council approval and no official approach had yet been made.
“The start, marshalling area’s quite a good area to start with because there’s a fair bit of space and there’s certainly enough space here, although we would like to see more of a family event post-race, so it’s more of a day rather than a race,” he said.
“Which is hence why we’d probably like to move the location of the finish line to somewhere there’s a few more facilities and there’s a bit more space for us to do something.”
Before moving to West Albury, the Nail Can Hill Run finish line was at Noreuil Park, with Steve Moneghetti setting the race record of 34 minutes, 57 seconds there in 2003.
Five years later, the last time before the course was revamped, Kate Seibold-Crosbie created a new women’s record of 43:53, which was broken on Sunday by Mansfield steeplechaser Victoria Mitchell (42:46).
Nicol would not confirm or deny Noreuil Park was again being considered, saying only, “it would be nice to have an iconic location, wouldn’t it?”.
Traffic concerns contributed to the course being moved away from the riverside location a decade ago.
Sunday’s presentation heard the first three runners home – Jack Rayner, Andy Buchanan and Liam Adams – recorded the second, third and fourth fastest times ever, although Moneghetti’s mark eluded them.
The trio was chasing the $5000 prize available if that time was beaten.
Rayner said the record had attracted him to the event.
“If I’m around, I’ll definitely come back next year,” he said.
Mitchell, although disappointed no special prize was offered for the women’s record, said she was “still stoked to win” the tough event.
“My hat goes off to anyone that gets through it,” she said.
“It’s great to see people out there, achieving, even to complete the course is a big achievement.”
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