Under the lights of the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre (SOPAC) Warm Up Arena, the UTS Northern Suburbs Athletic Club delivered a masterclass in middle-distance running at the Athletics NSW Milers meet on Thursday, 22 January 2026. With the summer season reaching its peak, the Red and Black athletes arrived with intent, securing three impressive victories and a host of top results that showcased the depth and talent within the club’s ranks. From seasoned open campaigners to emerging junior talent, the performances were a testament to the rigorous preparation and competitive spirit that defines UTS Norths.
The night began with high expectations in the 800m events, and Ashton Hanna did not disappoint. Competing in the Men’s 800m Opens, Hanna executed a tactically astute race. Positioned perfectly throughout the first lap, he unleashed a decisive kick in the final 200 metres to break the field and cross the line in first place with a blistering time of 1:52.21. His victory has set the tone for the week that lay ahead.
In the same event, the depth of the squad was on full display. Benjamin Frantz, competing in Heat 5, fought hard to secure 21st place overall with a solid 2:05.55, showing great promise for the 17-year-old. Jason Luther followed closely in the standings, finishing 29th in 2:08.73, while the evergreen Brad Sharpe proved that age is no barrier to competitive athletics. Running in Heat 2 at the age of 65, Sharpe clocked 2:41.21 for 53rd place, inspiring teammates and spectators alike with his tenacity.
The Women’s 800m saw a standout performance from young Valerie Pickup. At just 14 years of age, Pickup displayed maturity beyond her years, mixing it with the open field to finish a remarkable 4th overall in a time of 2:17.00. Her fearless running style suggests a bright future ahead. Ava Ellis also put in a commendable shift, crossing the line in 11th place with a time of 2:25.75, while Margot Story rounded out the club’s representation in the two-lap event, finishing 22nd in 2:36.27. Unfortunately, Alexandra Bova and Deborah Drennan were unable to start their 800m heats, but the squad’s overall presence remained formidable.
Attention then shifted to the metric mile, where UTS Norths truly asserted their dominance. In the Men’s 1500m, Elliot Metcalf was the man to beat. Running in the top heat, Metcalf controlled the pace and delivered a world-class finish to take the win in 3:46.33. His ability to cover the moves and surge when it mattered most highlighted his status as one of the premier middle-distance runners in the state.
Behind Metcalf, Jerra Wright-Smith produced a gritty performance to finish 14th in 4:08.43. Competing as a 17-year-old in a stacked open field, Wright-Smith gained valuable experience that will serve him well in future championships. Alessio Parisi was not far behind, crossing in 17th place with a time of 4:10.55, ensuring three Red and Black vests finished inside the top 20 of a highly competitive field.
The Women’s 1500m was arguably the highlight of the night for the club, featuring a double top-result performance. Fleur Cooper was imperious, storming to victory with a time of 4:24.06. Her stride remained fluid and powerful throughout the three-and-three-quarter laps, leaving the chasing pack with no answer to her closing speed. Joining her in the top results was Ava Garnys, who ran a courageous race to secure 3rd place in 4:30.12. The sight of two UTS Norths athletes celebrating top-three finishes was a proud moment for the club.
The depth of the women’s 1500m squad was further evidenced by Philippa Quarrell, who secured a top-10 finish, coming home in 7th place with a time of 4:41.48. Alexandra Bova, backing up after scratching from the 800m, tested her legs in the 1500m to finish 17th in 4:56.79. Young Skye Wright-Smith, aged just 14, battled hard to finish 27th in 5:16.55. It is also worth noting the contribution of Georgia Winkcup, who took on pace-making duties in the top heat, sacrificing her own finish to ensure a fast race for her competitors, embodying the sportsmanship central to the sport.
As the night lengthened, the endurance athletes took to the track for the 3000m. Amy Thake put in a determined performance to crack the top 10, finishing exactly 10th with a time of 10:33.96. Her consistent lap times and strong finish were key to her result. Hanneke Wegenaar also represented the club with pride, finishing 17th in 12:00.12, showing great resilience over the seven-and-a-half laps.
In the field, Tim McGrath was entered for the Men’s Pole Vault but unfortunately did not start. Nevertheless, the focus of the evening remained firmly on the track, where the middle-distance squad shone brightly.
The Milers meet at SOPAC Warm Up Arena will be remembered as a night of triumphs for UTS Norths. With three victories from Ashton Hanna, Elliot Metcalf, and Fleur Cooper, alongside a podium-worthy run from Ava Garnys and a breakout performance from Valerie Pickup, the club has firmly established its strength leading into the business end of the season. The camaraderie and support among the athletes were palpable, driving each runner to find that extra percentage in the closing stages. As the state championships approach, the form shown by the Red and Black suggests that more silverware is on the horizon. It was a night of outstanding top results, personal bests, and a clear signal that UTS Norths is the club to watch in 2026.
