The windiest day of the season combined with an up and down 1.8km lap challenged both body and mind at the Mt Stewart course.
Each 1.8km lap included around 35 metres of elevation gain.
Race format was an Open handicap. The 7-13 year olds did one lap with the first runner away on 15 min 30 sec and the last off at 22:15.
See FULL RESULTS HERE
First of the boys to finish was Reuben Southern 28:07 followed by Carter Rheeder 28:35 and Olly Konijn 29:10. Fastest overall time was Liam Southern in 7:20 from Harry Long 7:41
The first three home in the girls were visitors. Emma Sexton (from Levin Athletics and off a 19 min handicap) finished in 28:13 closely followed by Alba Hutchings (Wanganui Harriers, also off at 19 min) 28:19 and team mate Ohana lambert 28:35 (off 20 minutes). Fastest time went to Charlotte Burkitt 7:56.
Junior women and colts both did 3 laps. An outstanding run from Natalie Konijn saw her take line honours and she was also the fastest Junior women cutting out the 5.4km in 24:42. Gibson Moores did the same in the Colts and his actual time of 22:20 was the quickest of everyone who did 3 laps.
Women also navigated 3 laps. It was Sharon Rawlinsons time to shine, running off scratch she maintained the lead all the way. The hill didn’t seem to slow her down – the benefit of training on the Gorge Track coming through. She was followed home by Wanganui visitor Paula Conder then Jessica Costall with three others close on her tail. Dot Starzak took fastest time 23:38 from Stephanie Walker 24:22.
James Burnside won the walk, knocking out 3 laps in a swift 41:18 while Brad Pearson took just over 50 minutes and Mandy Jones just over the hour.
Men did four laps, which with an out and back course meant you could see the competition a couple of times each lap. Terry Walker 48:56 took the win from matthew Schipper 50:23 and Kelly Borlase 50:48. Fastest time went to Nick Johnston in 26:14 from Mark Searle 27:53.
