We Woke to overnight 1mm drizzle that did nothing but kept the dust down.
Tents erected, finish line set out, BBQ set up, officials arrived for their 7am race brief making sure all knew where they had to be to keep competitors safe, Rural Fire Service arrived as a safety measure, Coffee Cart arrived. We were ready to go.
1st off the start were the walkers at 7.30am and they were all keen.
2nd off the start were the Hybrids where they social walked and run but reminded those that finished 60 minutes and below, they would automatically transferred to the run using their Hybrid time. This is to be fair to the true spirit of Hybrid competitors.
3rd of the start were the runners all grades. What a great field that took to the hills. With online entries we know who they are but anyone can rock up on the day and seize the day. That is what happened.
Results can be found on www.harriers.net.nz/results
Precis of the front runners walkers are:
Walkers:
1st Don Bate in a time of 1.16.22. (First Male) Don is a member of Marlborough Harrier Club as a runner but he was under injury and did not want to put the injury recovery at risk so he did do well.
2nd Craig Roger in a time of 1.27.57
3rd Tracey Bradshaw in a time of 1.37.17 (1st Female)
Hybrid:
1st Callum Rayner and 1st male and Junior Man home 1.00.07. We hope you have recovered enough for the Colgate Games in Nelson next week.
2nd John Urlich in a time of 1.01.27
3rd Hannah Maher and 1st female in a time of 1.02.55
Run: Male
1st Andy Good in a race record time of 38.07 surpassing a record set in 2012 by Phil Costley 38.55 Andy was the semi dark horse in the field as we had a heads up 2 days before he was entering on the day and the record firmly in his sights. Andy is the NZ Mountain Running Champ and holds the record for The Kepler.
2nd Sam Hansby in a time of 43.06
3rd Stephen Blackwell in a time of 44.30
Run: Female
1st Emily Waters in a time of 51.10 A very credible time from the Christchurch 16 year old.
Denis Patchett Memorial Cup: This cup is in memory of Denis Patchett who died suddenly at home. Denis was a long standing and generous contributor to Marlborough Harrier Club. The Cup recognises the effort of the 1st Marlborough Harrier Club member home in the run.
Winner Peter Mann in a time of 1.00.21
Congratulations to all who competed and in their own way became a winner.