SYDNEY-raider Michael Harrison made it two race records in two years when he blitzed the field in the 5km race on Fitroy Falls marathon day last Saturday.
Showing no effects from a “big” week at the university games on the Gold Coast, the North Rocks runner clocked an astonishing time of 16 minutes 13 seconds on the track through the Meryla State Forest.
Harrison said his race tactics were simple.
“I just go hard at the start and try to hang on,” he said.
“I started off really hard on the downhill section and tried to hold everyone else off.”
The 21-year-old picked up $250 for the win and a bonus $250 for setting a new race record.
He said the Highlands’ biggest running event was an enjoyable Saturday morning.
“Track running is pretty boring so to come here is a nice change,” he said.
“Running through the forest is a great change of scenery and this course really mixes it up.
“There’s a big creek crossing, rocks, the beautiful trees.”
The Commerce/Engineering student trains in Centennial Park in Sydney with a serious group of runners called Sweat Sydney.
He said his focus would now be on the NSW 3km track championships.