Canberra athletic clubs from near and far came hunting for the Mick Morris trophy once again on Sunday. The Relay Carnival returned with big numbers, high energy and 10 hungry clubs, and a huge and determined Corroboree contingent.

Our youngest athletes kicked off the day with a bang, stacking early wins and putting us 50 points clear by the end of the first session. The stands were buzzing and it felt like the perfect launchpad for the next two sessions.

The U9-U12 teams kept the scoreboard moving our way with strong finishes across every race. Woden had their moments but every time they closed the gap our teams answered right back. By the time the older age groups stepped on the track Corroboree was well and truly in poll position.

The U13-U17 and Open athletes then put on a sizzling afternoon show. Fast races, loud cheers, and a stack of records tumbling including six new Corroboree marks in the 200m relays and the mixed Swedish. Even the races where our teams finished behind first place still beat the old records which tells you everything about the quality on the track.

One of the highlights was the U17 boys teaming up with U13 Ewan to take on the All Schools teams. Watching him cross the line grinning was one of those moments that lifted the crowd and reminded everyone what athletics is all about.

By the end of the third session the trophy was ours. Corroboree finished on 723.75 points, well ahead of Woden on 607.25, with Ginninderra and Gungahlin rounding out the top four. With over 550 athletes across the carnival it felt huge, fun and full of colour, and our blue army was everywhere both running on the track and helping run the carnival.

A massive thank you to Team Manager Bec who had every athlete in the right place at the right time and made sure all teams were ready to go. Thanks also to Garry for running the carnival so efficiently and on time and to David, Andy, James L and James P for keeping the day on track. And yes, we were very lucky the forecast thunderstorms stayed away.

All in all it was a brilliant day, full of smiles, speed and team spirit. The trophy stays with Corroboree for another year and the story ends the same way as the last five — blue and gold on top!

See the full results for the day