Having shed 13 kilograms of bulk through diet and exercise since last November, the slim, trim 38-year-old clocked a stunning 20.35 minutes on the hilly five kilometre course, slicing three minutes off previous wins in the Sportspower of 2013 and four minutes in 2018.

To put that into perspective, the "new" Reynolds would have beaten the "old" Reynolds by about a kilometre had they clashed in the same race.

"The teenagers have been making a few smart-assed comments about how skinny I am. But yeah, they've noticed the difference and hopefully it's had a positive impact," Reynolds said.

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"I'm walking before breakfast, eating a lot more protein, fresh salads, fish, chicken and beef, normal foods really, but learning a lot about how metabolism works; focusing on what's healthy and what's not."

Having established a clear lead in the downhill run, the timekeepers had race debutante Tracey Groves pencilled in as the winner until Reynolds flashed into view, fast closing the gap before a sharp left hand turn on the flat to the finish.

Reynolds timed his winning dash to perfection, overpowering the runner-up in the last dwindling metres to score by just a tick over a second.

The Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club's first female president, Shevahn Healy, bobbed up into third place and deserves credit for getting the season underway, belatedly but cognisant of strict COVDID protocols.

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Only twenty runners are permitted to start, not in packs but in a staggered handicap start and social distancing is rigidly observed...passing slower runners on the left and allowing a minimum of 1.5 metres of breathing space between.

"We're lucky we are a non-contact sport," Healy said, "but that includes no handshakes, high fives or hugs...and no start at all for anyone showing symptoms. Stay at home!"

The club's shortened 14-race season continues with the five-kilometre David O. Jones Ararat Mitre 10 Handicap at Ararat's Dunneworthy Common on Sunday. Registration and entry details are on the club website sacccinc.org.

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