This Saturday, Running2London athlete James Nipperess will race over the infamous Willandra cross country course on Rod & Jan Gibb's property on the NSW South Coast. It will be his first time running the full 12km distance, which includes a steep climb halfway through each of the 4km loops. That infamous hill has had a large part to play in many race outcomes. It is the point on the course where decisive breaks can springboard an athlete to victory.
Nipperess is fully aware of how hard the hill can be. Having raced the U20 8km there two years ago, he says "that hill is a monster. It breaks your rhythm, and you just have to get up it the best way you can." Nipperess has indicated he is happy with his fitness, and he is confident of his race prospects, "I've been training very well, and consistent. Its been great mixing it up with Jeff and Roffy over the longer sessions. I'm feeling stronger and fitter, and I hope it shows on Saturday. "
He will face a tough task against seasoned cross country runners from across the state, but it should be no surprise to see him near the front of the field as the race progresses. As for whether he will finish in first place, he has simply said "I'll just get out there, run and let my feet do the talking. It would be great to win, but anything can happen on race day."
Running2London wishes James all the best.
