Visitors from Motueka, Riwaka, Nelson and Masterton joined the many locals who took to the Wither Hills for the various Mount Vernon races. Sunny skies and near-perfect course conditions attracted a record turn-out of 172 competitors throughout the three events including the largest-ever fields in the Fun Run/Walk and Kids Challenge.
Jeremy McKenzie won his fourth successive title in 1hr 15min 36sec. to take overall line honours followed by Ollie Radford and Ian Thomas. Annabelle Latz won her second successive women’s title and in the process set a new course record of 1hr 27min 58sec. Suz Wood and Anna Archie finished second and third respectively.
In the 11km Fun Run/Walk, Steve Harvey who finished second in 2013 took overall line honours in a time of 53min 41sec. Jimmy Johnston was runner-up followed by Matt Loveridge. Motueka’s Kay Goodall was the first woman home in a time of 1hr 03min 46sec. followed by Magdalena Tait and Maria Voigt.
Eli Harvey headed the 33 children home to complete the Kids Challenge in a time of 9min 45sec. just ahead of Finn McKenzie and Fred Vavasour. The first girl across the finish line was Eleanor O’Connell in a time of 10min 25sec. followed by Ruby Wybourne and Maddie Large.
Sincere thanks to all competitors, volunteers, marshals and tail-end Charlies for making the event a success.
Full Results, Emily’s Photos and David’s Photos
Read The Marlborough Express article here