Fast Times in Huntly

They covered 21.1 kilometres, but just 33 seconds separated the first winners in Sunday's Retravision Huntly Half Marathon. In the Solid Energy 10k, the difference was a mere 13 seconds, with a shattered race record along the way.

The half marathon and 10K races were completed on Sunday with over 2000 people competing. The men's half marathon was taken out by Tauranga's Mark McKeown, who ran a strong 1.10.19 to hold off a fast finishing Robbie Johnston, from Auckland. Johnston (1.10.52) last won this race in 1994, and despite turning 40 this year still showed his class. Kyle MacDonald (1.12.08), also from Tauranga just held out Hamilton City Hawks legend Kent Hodgson (1.12.39) for third place. Hodgson worked well with Johan Van Hoovels from Auckland to work their way through the race, with Hodgson proving too strong over the last km.

Lara Phillips from Waiheke Island was the surprise winner of the women's half event, running a personal best time of 1.18.40 and finishing just ahead of Rowan Baird. Previously from the USA, Phillips is coached by Arthur Lydiard protégé and Olympic medallist Barry Magee. Baird ran 1.19.07, in her debut attempt at the distance. Lesley Turner-Hall, Auckland, ran 1.21.13 for third, obviously recovering well from her second-placed run in Rotorua Marathon three weeks ago.

The men's 10K event was stacked with talent, evidenced by the fact that the top 4 placegetters all beat the existing race record of 32.11. Ben Ruthe, from Tauranga, one of NZ's strongest distance runners of recent times, ran 30.27 for the new race record while just holding off last year's half marathon winner, Scott Winton (30.40). Recent Rotorua Marathon winner Craig Kirkwood took 3rd position (31.21). Jess Ruthe, also beat the existing course record to win the women's 10K convincingly in 33.23. Camille Buscomb ran a strong 36.20 for second, with Auckland's Sally Ward 3rd in 37.50.

The event was deemed a great success by participants and organisers alike, with runners praising the smooth organisation and 'friendly feel'. With 2037 people taking part on the day, overall numbers were slightly down on last year's 2300. However, local support was excellent, with a record number of Huntly residents taking part. Race organiser Graham Dudfield from the Hamilton City Hawks said he was pleased with the day, and particularly enjoyed the fine weather and carnival atmosphere at the finish. The chance for the Hawks to promote running and walking in the community was also a bonus.

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