News

Despite the bitterly cold conditions more than 3,000 competitors braved the elements in the Christchurch Airport Marathon, Half Marathon and associated events on Sunday morning. Ice on the road cost Sam Wreford of Timaru the chance of breaking the marathon race record set by Tom Birnie in 1985. Lisa Hunter-Galvan won the women’s event. Callan Moody and Gabrielle O’Rourke claimed the half marathon titles.

Margaret Hazelwood won the W60-69 Age Group over the 42.2km distance and Jan Curnow finished a creditable 20th in W50-59 Age Group in the half marathon. Bill Hunter and Stuart Curnow finished within seconds of each other in the 10km run (this hasn’t escaped the club handicappers). Julie Hunter competed in the 10km walk.

Marathon (382 Finishers)

Margaret Hazelw0od 3hrs 50min 06sec. (1st W60-69)

Half Marathon Run (1,588 Finishers)

Jan Curnow 1hr 58min 29sec.

10km Run (924 Finishers)

Bill Hunter 53min 09sec.

Stuart Curnow 53min 24sec.

10km Walk (269 Finishers)

Julie Hunter 1hr 40min 29sec.

Full Results

Read The Marlborough Express article here

Despite the wet weather a large number of competitors including a number of new-comers took part in the final Taylor Dam event for the season on Saturday afternoon. The Handicap Race contested in a reverse direction over the 2km cross-country course was introduced for the first time this season in lieu of Brooklyn Shield.

Ron Adams took line honours in the 6km run while Diana Smit and Julie Hunter crossed together to win the 6km walk.

Children’s race winners included Holly Nicholson, Connor Jobe, Angus Kopua, Lucy Bendell and Hunter Bendell.

Full Results and Photos

Bruce Hillis backed up his successful Burton Cup run with a very good result in the Nelson Half Marathon on Sunday. Others who competed in the various events included Cameron Kain, Megan Kain and Michelle Fox.
Contested in cool, calm conditions overall line honours went to Kim Hogarth in a time of 1hr 12min 46sec. just six seconds ahead of Graeme Taylor. Paula Canning lead the women home to claim her ninth consecutive title with a time of 1hr 23min 45sec.
Half Marathon Run (114 finishers)
Bruce Hillis 1hr 34min 43sec. (27th overall; 7th M50-59)
Cameron Kain 1hr 39min 29sec. (35th; 7th MOpen)
Quarter Marathon Run (103 finishers)
Michelle Fox 53min 49sec. (29th overall; 2nd F35-44)
Megan Kain 1hr 04min 44sec. (66th; 8th FOpen)

Full Results

The Hanmer Half Marathon and associated 5km/10km events were held on Saturday. The course takes competitors on a unique journey through Hanmer Forest amongst some amazing scenery. More than 600 competitors took part in one of the events on the day.
Half Marathon Run (436 finishers)
Jodie Brown 1hr 57min 21sec. (18th F40-49)
Michelle Harris 2hrs 02min 18sec. (25th F40-49)

Full Results

The Rotorua Marathon celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Saturday. The event doubled as the NZ Marathon Championship and Robbie Barnes representing Marlborough Athletics finished runner-up in the M50-54 Age Group.
Mieke Holtrop also covered the 42.2km distance while Jess Barnes took up the challenge in the half marathon.
Marathon (3511 finishers)
Robbie Barnes 2hrs 53min 29sec. (39th overall; 2nd M50-59; 2nd NZ Champs M50-54)Mieke Holtrop 4hrs 27min 11sec. (10th F60-64)
Half Marathon Run (1815 finishers)
Jess Barnes 1hr 38min 01sec. (19th F11-34)

Full Results

Read The Marlborough Express article here

Large fields contested the Burton Cup handicapped event at Taylor Dam on Saturday. For the first time walkers who took part also started on handicapped times.
The original W.G. Burton Trophy dates back to 1933 and is presented to the winner of the Senior Men’s race. This was won by Dale Smit ahead of runner-up Will Barnes.
Other winners on the day included Fletcher Kopua, Amber Bendell, Angus Kopua, Sam Hamilton, Anna Barnes, Yasmin Gee, Kiri Johnson and Bruce Hillis. In the walking section Diana Smit and Julie Hunter crossed the line together to finish first equal.
The final event at Taylor Dam will be held on Saturday 24th May and is a 6 km Handicap Run being held in a reverse direction. There will be shorter distances on the day for children.

Full Results      Photos

Read The Marlborough Express article here