State 10,000m Championships
Published Mon 25 Oct 2021
The State 10,000m Championships were held at the SA Athletics Stadium on Sunday morning.
The event was split into two heats, with the Open Women, Over 35 Women, Over 35 Men, Over 50 Women, Over 50 Men and Para Men taking off in the 8am race, while the Open Men and Under 20 Men hit the track at 9am.
Riley Cocks claimed the State 10,000m Open Men’s Championship title and Claire Hodgart the Open Women’s honours, while, Timon Sideris secured the Para Men’s State title, Alison Sorell the O35 Women, Stephen Cavanagh the O35 Men, Jennifer Robertson the O50 Women, Bennett Maxwell the O50 Men and Thomas Dowd the U20 Men.
See all the photographs from Sunday's 10,000m
Initially entering the race to help his brother to a PB, R. Cocks took out the State 10,000m Open Men’s Championship in a time of 29:57.09, ahead of Harrison Bagley (31:05.99) and Jack Murphy (32:37.98).
Riley and Jacob Cocks hit the lead from the gun and looked strong as they surged half a lap clear of the chasing pack of Aaron Nitschke, Tom Lancaster, Mitchell Reinhard and Bagley.
J. Cocks unfortunately pulled out of the race just after the 10-lap mark and R. Cocks assumed the sole lead, going on to claim the title.
“Jacob was in good shape heading into the race so we thought he could have a crack at his PB, but he wasn’t feeling too good ahead of the race so unfortunately he couldn’t finish,” R. Cocks said.
“I was running even splits to get him across the line, but when he pulled out, I was still feeling good so I kicked it down and came away with a good hit out.”
He said it was a surprise to run a sub-30-minute 10,000m, given that he’s just four weeks back from a pelvic injury.
“I felt really good out there,” R. Cocks said.
“I have only just got back into running, following my injury, so to get a State title under the belt, it feels good.”
After already claiming this year’s 10,000m Cross Country State title (in July) Claire Hodgart, continued her good long distance form with a 41:07.64 effort to win the title.
“It feels good (to get the title), but I am knackered after that race as it is such a gruelling and mentally challenging event,” she said.
“I wasn’t sure if I was going to get to the start line as my preparation hasn’t been fantastic, I have been on Uni placement so my running has taken a back seat at the moment.
“I just went out there and had fun, but I went out there and ran a bit fast early and I certainly paid for it at the end.”
Sophie Hlipala ran a strong 38:11.23, but entered as an exhibition runner, which meant she couldn’t be crowned State Champion.
