There was high quality running and drama at the NSW 3000m Championships at ES Marks Athletics Field.
The women’s race was a race of two, with Jaylah Hancock-Cameron and Georgia Winkcup clearing out from the rest of the field. Winkcup, a 2021 Olympian in the steeplechase, forced the pace until a lap to go when Hancock-Cameron, a national 1500m finalist, set sail for home.
Athletes and spectators were allowed on the infield to add to the atmosphere of the event, which features a series of graded races that get faster and faster as the night progresses. Unfortunately for 22-year-old Hancock-Cameron, one of her male training partners ran alongside her on the infield for over 150m on the final lap when she was already clearly on the way to victory. This drew the ire of officials, leading to Hancock-Cameron’s disqualification under rule 7.1 which covers Bona Fide Participation, Unsporting and Improper Conduct.
Hancock-Cameron had crossed the line in 9:06.76, but it will be Winkcup who is recorded as the NSW Champion for 2024 with her 9:08.83 performance.
In the men’s race Joshua Phillips led from gun to tape for a 7:56.25 win ahead of Jackson Sharp (7:59.86). National 800m champion, Luke Boyes, opened up his season with a 5th placed performance in 8:11.13.
Check out photos from the night thanks to Fred Etter
