Sport
23 April, 2026
West claims best at Clem Hall Memorial
The Clem Hall Memorial 5000m Handicap is one of the longest sponsored races in the Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club’s (SACCC) Syllabus and was run on Sunday, April 19.
Previously sponsored by Stawell Gift Starter Clem Hall, and now generously continued in his memory by his Granddaughter Kerrie Giles, this historic race delivered a result for the history books on Sunday, as Catherine West tackled the challenging 5km course through the Ironbarks in Stawell with determination and intent, to secure a win that was 12 months in the making.
With the atmosphere alive with anticipation of the race ahead, competitors set off from the start line in the Ironbarks in Stawell, together with the Stawell Amateur Athletic Club (SAAC) for a mass start, with a sealed handicap. The sealed handicap only added to the excitement, as runners set off shoulder to shoulder along the undulating and challenging tracks of Three Jacks Tracks.
Despite the mystery of a sealed handicap, the attention was clearly on two standout performers from the previous week, Catherine West and Steph Carroll, who had finished in equal second place and loomed as likely favourites to secure the win.
Both carried strong form into the race. However, in a fitting twist, it was Catherine West who secured the victory, claiming the prize that had previously eluded her. In her very first appearance with the club last year, she crossed the line first at the Clem Hall Memorial Handicap, only to be ruled ineligible to claim the sash, under the club’s rules for new members.
This time, with a season behind her, the support and encouragement of fellow club member Scott Shalders, and many kilometres of training banked in preparation for the upcoming Great Ocean Road half-marathon, she proved too strong, officially securing the victory on a course she has quickly made her own.
Second place went to Steph Carroll, showing exceptional form a week out from running a half-marathon at the Ballarat Marathon, with Tim Molloy running a personal best time to claim 3rd place.
Fastest time of the day went to a dominant Neil Beaton, running on invitation with the SACCC, and proving untouchable with a time of 18’16”, 21 seconds ahead of Club President Mark Thompson in 18’ 37”, with Paul Fenn claiming the third fastest time 19’23”.
It was a hard-fought battle for fastest female, with Annie Brown finishing in 24’ 33”, less than a second ahead of Steph Carroll (24’ 34”), with Helen McPherson, fresh from a strong performance at the Geelong Half Marathon a mere week ago, claiming 3rd fastest female in 25’36”.
In addition to the top honours for the day, Annie Brown also celebrated her 50th run with SACCC and was awarded her 50 runs badge.
Next weekend, the club will rest, enabling members to participate in the upcoming Ballarat Marathon, with many members signed up for a range of events with differing goals and aspirations.
Racing will return on Sunday, May 3rd, for what is described as a true cross-country course, the Trounson Family 8000m Handicap, on Parker Road off Picnic Road in Ararat.
Race briefing will take place at 9.15 am sharp for a 9.30 am start. More information about registration and entry can be accessed on the club website at https://www.revolutionise.com.au/stawellandararat.