Brindabella Classic Trail Run - 53km

The 1997 Brindabella Classic was won by Colin Fray from Great Britain in a time of 3:49.24. Trevor Jacobs was second in a time of 3:51.56, his 10th Brindabella Classic. Third was Kelvin Marshall in 4:08.11, his fifth Brindabella Classic. Colin made up a deficit of more than two minutes from Trevor Jacobs at the final drink station, to power away with the race. This is Colin's second visit to Canberra in 1997. He completed the New Balance Canberra Marathon in April in 2:45.43. Trevor Jacobs in the same Marathon recorded 2:36.06 and then went on to be first runner home in the 50km Ultra.

The Female race winner was Pip Thorn, who improved on her 1996 time and placing to cross the line in 4:44.34 with Elizabeth Short only 12 seconds behind to cross the line in 4:44.46. These two ladies now become fifth and sixth respectively on the all time female race times. Sarah Fein, was third female in 4:57.59.

First to cross the line and first team was the Australian Defence Force team of Nathan Crowley, Miles Irvine, Frank Kresse and Dave Holland in a time of 3:34.22, with South Canberra Tuggeranong second team in a time of 3:37.54. This team, called "Seventh Heaven" consisted of Gordon Nightingale, Andrew Shaw, Michael McCamley and Geoff Monro.

The temperature in Canberra at 4 o'clock was 23 degrees. In the morning conditions were good because of cloud cover, which was forecast to clear by midday. It certainly did. Runners probably welcomed their arrival at the drink stations. After the run Drink Station Number 7 (Murray Darling Commission) was voted the best, with stations 9 (Andrew Gardner) and 3 (Jon Stanhope) taking second and third place in the voting. Fast Women won the all females team category for the second year in succession, although down on their good time of last year. Trevor Jacobs was awarded a platter for his 10th Classic, as was Bill Rannard. Six race Goblets were awarded to Richard Lane, Judd Boeker, Alf Field, Jenny Kiss, and Bob Dent.

Results and Provisional times as follows:- (Times were read off the clock as runners crossed the line-they may differ by one or two seconds from those recorded officially.)

Individuals