Sisterly advice guides winning fun run result | Adventure and Endurance

Adam Hicks | 24th November 2008

Ashlea Gilfillan, left, Emma Moffatt and Dane Robinson after the fun run at Ballina on Friday.

A PRE-race pep talk from her younger sister helped The Channon's Ashlea Gilfillan beat Olympic bronze medallist triathlete Emma Moffatt in the Andy Frame Memorial Fun Run at Ballina.

Gilfillan, 20, completed the 5km course around Pop Denison Park, Shaws Bay in 18min06sec on Friday night to win the women's race by more than a minute from Moffatt (19min10sec) in second.

The time saw her finish third overall behind men's winner and Moffatt's boyfriend Dane Robinson (16m37sec) and Adam Horder (17min17sec).

Clearly chuffed at defeating one of Australia's Beijing Olympic heroes, Gilfillan said her sister, champion junior triathlete, Courtney helped her get in the right frame of mind for the race.

“I underestimated myself a bit until Courtney came and told me what she thought of my running style,” Ashlea said.

“That gave me confidence.”

In the end, the thought of lining up against an athlete of Moffatt's calibre helped spur Gilfillan on.

“She (Moffatt) is obviously one of the gutsiest athletes we have,” Gilfillan said.

“The best thing about it was her sportsmanship at the end of the race.”

Ballina Triathlon Club President Mick Smith said it was a highly successful event with 110 starters turning out to honour former club member Andy Frame.

Smith said it was an honour to have Moffatt, also a former club member return for the race.

“A person like Emma is a credit to the sport,” he said.

“She is a great example of what you can achieve with hard work and dedication and an inspiration to the younger athletes.”

RESULTS

5km:

Male: Dane Robinson 16:372, Adam Horder 17:173, Scott Marchant 19:324, Chris Hackett 19:415, Shane Russell 19:48.

Female: Ashlea Gilfillan 18:062, Emma Moffatt 19:103, Paige Single 19:244, Lisa Skinner 19:455, Cas Curtis 20:11.

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