Run Crew dominated the 2025 NSW Cross Country Relays, going back-to-back in both the men’s and women’s open events under perfect sunny skies at Newington Armory.
The dry conditions were a stark contrast to last year’s rain-soaked edition at Miranda Park, with teams clocking significantly faster times—up to nine minutes quicker in the men’s race. Run Crew’s women’s squad, led by standout legs from Ruby Madden and Rose Finnegan, made it five consecutive titles with a commanding wire-to-wire performance.
Photo by Fred Etter
In the men’s race, it was a thrilling battle between Run Crew and Sydney University. The lead changed hands across the middle stages, before Run Crew’s Tom Middleton and Ciaran Rushton edged ahead in the closing legs. Rushton’s anchor leg (12:05) held off a blistering 11:57 split from Sydney Uni’s Ben Bishop, who clocked the fastest time of the day. Randwick Botany rounded out the podium, while five clubs finished within 40 seconds of each other in a tightly packed chase group.
The junior divisions delivered plenty of highlights. Trinity’s Matthew McLachlan was the second fastest male across all categories with his 12:03 in the U18 relay, while Gosford’s Harrison McClusky impressed with 12:11 in the U20s before backing up in the open event.
Top 10 Splits of the Day – Men
| Rank | Athlete | Split |
| 1 | Ben Bishop | 11:57 |
| 2 | Matthew McLachlan | 12:03 |
| 3 | Ciaran Rushton | 12:05 |
| 4 | Harry Phillips | 12:06 |
| 5 | Harrison McClusky | 12:11 |
| 6 | Stefan Music | 12:17 |
| =7 | Tom Middleton | 12:19 |
| =7 | Yusuke Shibuya | 12:19 |
| 9 | Lockie Townsend | 12:20 |
| 10 | Oliver Neate | 12:22 |
Top 10 Splits of the Day – Women
| Rank | Athlete | Split |
| =1 | Ruby Madden | 14:16 |
| =1 | Rose Finnegan | 14:16 |
| 3 | Danette Sheehan | 14:23 |
| 4 | Gemma Jenkins | 14:29 |
| 5 | Olivia O’Kelly | 14:37 |
| 6 | Annabelle Miller | 14:40 |
| 7 | Isabella Harte | 14:41 |
| =8 | Shayne Hargraves | 14:45 |
| =8 | Matilda Cole | 14:45 |
| 10 | Millie Chudley | 14:56 |
Photo Gallery
1200 photos courtesy of Fred Etter. Free downloads when you subscribe to our newsletter.
