Two of the Rules of Running Middle Distance Squad athletes made their way down to Melbourne to compete at the 2025 Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics All Schools Championships from the 4th–7th of December.
Millie Groom competed in the 3000m, placing 5th in Australia and achieving a huge 26-second PB. The following day she raced the 2000m Steeplechase, placing 6th in Australia with a 12-second PB.
Ayla Moon competed in the 400m, qualifying fastest and then winning the Gold Medal the next day; her second National title this year.
Within an hour she was back on the track for the 1500m final, holding her position and remaining in contention until the last 300m, finishing 9th in Australia.
On the final day of competition, Ayla ran the 800m and won the Silver Medal.
Ayla will now take a short rest before building into cross country season, balancing workload with LAQ States in March.
Millie will also have a short rest before shifting focus toward Triathlon States in February, then building into cross country season alongside the squad.
The squad has had a huge 2025 with success across both Cross Country and Track & Field — securing multiple medals, PBs, State and National titles. Many of our senior athletes were also selected for Regional, State, National and Athletics North Queensland representative teams, highlighting the depth and maturity of the program.
Looking ahead, 2026 will see the squad expand from three to four fully supported training squads, allowing even more athletes to join while maintaining high-quality, individualised programming. Coach Belinda Rule was also proudly awarded ANQ’s Coach of the Year for 2025.
Huge things are on the horizon for 2026, especially with the squad partnering with Momentum High Risk Training through amazing sponsorship opportunities.
Contributed by Belinda Rule
Two Mackay middle-distance athletes delivered standout performances at the Australian All Schools Championships, with Millie Groom securing major PBs and Ayla Moon claiming gold and silver among her national results. Photo credit: Kylie Nyssen.
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