News

A winning run years in the making

By Abby Green

Jul 28, 2026

Cobram student Jasper Brown won the state title at the SSV 3km cross-country event. Photo by Supplied

Ten minutes and nine seconds. That's all it took for 14-year-old Jasper Brown to claim the School Sport Victoria (SSV) state title in the 3km cross-country event.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Representing Cobram Anglican Grammar School, Jasper claimed the title on Thursday, July 16, at the Yarra Valley Racing Club, finishing ahead of 90 other competitors.

The victory was years in the making as Jasper has been competing in the SSV cross-country since Year 5, finishing 61st in his first race, then placing 44th when he was in Year 6.

Last year, he narrowly missed the title with a fourth-place finish before finally claiming a well-earned state championship this year.

“It was really good because I've been wanting to do it for such a long time,” he said.

“When I won this year, it felt like a bit of redemption for myself... I was really happy.”

Jasper's state title wasn’t possible without lots of work though. He trains rigorously, running between 40 and 45km each week, while fitting in regular gym sessions.

Running is also a family passion, with his mum enjoying running since high school, while his brother is currently training to compete in triathlons.

Jasper completing the 3km race in just 10 minutes and nine seconds. Photo by Supplied

Jasper's personal-best for the 3km cross-country is an impressive nine minutes and 36 seconds, which he set at the regional championships.

“I did that at the regional event, but it was definitely a lot harder on the state course because it’s very muddy and hilly,” he said.

For Jasper, the appeal of running goes beyond competition.

“They call it the runner's high. Whenever I go out for a run, I always feel really good,” he said.

“I like doing a solo sport because you don't have to worry about other people, just yourself... there's no stress.”

While he also competes in track and road races, cross-country remains Jasper’s favourite.

Cobram student Aiden Power with dad Matthew Power. Photo by Supplied

“Cross-country is my favourite because of the different terrain, there's more variability,” he said.

“It doesn't matter if you're faster initially because if you're stronger, you can win. That's why versatility is very important.”

Jasper will head to Ballarat in August to compete in a 6km under-16 road race.

After completing the same course in 20 minutes and six seconds last year, he's hoping to improve on that time.

Jasper was one of seven Cobram Anglican Grammar School students who competed at the state championships.

Aiden Power also delivered an outstanding performance in the boys’ under-12/13 3km event, finishing fourth in 10 minutes and 35 seconds — just two seconds shy of a podium finish.