With a daily high temperature prediction in the mid-30s, the Yarra Boulevard run was always going to be a hot one and by race start time it was already 26 degrees!

As the field of 688 runners were called to the start line at 7.50am it was still fairly calm atmospherically-speaking but by mid-race a hot, blustery north wind was making things uncomfortable for most.

The Yarra Boulevard run is one of our favourite courses. It is a 5km traffic-free, on-road loop along the very scenic Yarra River in Richmond. Apart from a couple of very small rises, the course is almost flat and usually makes for PBs and fast times. In parts there is also shelter from the sun from the overhanging river gums that line the course.

But on this particular day it was noticeable that runners were struggling with the heat and the times were a reflection of this . . . with some notable exceptions however, including the winners of the 15km run, who both posted exceptional times, and the overall winner of the 10km.

John Dutton, the 15km race winner, took the lead from the start and provided a pacing incentive for the 5km and 10km leaders to work off. Marvin Blanco 10km race winner, sat about 20 or so metres behind him for most of his race until he peeled-off on the second lap to finish. Meanwhile John powered on to finish the 15km a clear 4:36 ahead of second place.

Danielle Sansonetti was similarly impressive to watch in the female 15km race, finishing 2:10 ahead of second placed Jutta Schmitz. A special mention also goes to Maureen Wilson competing in the 50-59 year age group in the15km race and finishing in an exceptional time of 1:09:10.

Our huge thanks to the volunteers from Diamond Valley Aths Club and Williamstown Venture Scouts who staffed the very busy drink stations, and to some of the spectators who just jumped in to give a hand, with a special mention to “John” and his three young children who were very eager helpers.

Summary Results:

5km Male: 1st Joe Hardy 16:56, 2nd Jake Snowdon 17:08, 3rd Yohan Phillip 17:15; 5km Female: 1st Kelly Jarrett 18:30, 2nd Sophie Ryan 19:41, 3rd Briony Cole 19:54.

10km Male: 1st Marvin Blanco 34:25, 2nd Fraser Wilson 36:18, 3rd David Leeton 37:29; 10km Female: 1st Megan Willcox 42:52, 2nd Valerie Covacci 44:01, 3rd Naomi Rands 44:58.

15km Male: 1st John Dutton 50:49, 2nd Shannon Meadows 55:25, 3rd Nicholas Browne 55:50; 15km Female: 1st Danielle Sansonetti 1:04:07, 2nd Jutta Schmitz 1:06:17, 3rd Maureen Wilson 1:09:10.

Full results and a photo album are available.