Nelson runner Phil Costley completed a five-peat of the Kaiteriteri Gold Half Marathon, winning the challenging race around the hills near Kaiteriteri in a fast 1hr 16min 5sec.
And the bad news for his competitors is that Phil is likely to be back to defend his title after receiving a permanent free entry into the race as part of his prize for winning.
Mapua’s Dave Keen was second in 1hr 24min 47sec, Sam Coombes of Blenheim third in 1hr 29min 24sec and Nelson’s Stu Cottam fourth in 1hr 30min 1sec.
Motueka’s Colette Read won the women’s half marathon in 1hr 39min 55sec, edging out Christchurch’s Julia Miles by 14 seconds with Motueka’s Claire Sykes third.
Waimea College year 10 student, Cameron Jones, won the 10km race in 37min 39 sec, holding out Nige Burgess and Blenheim’s Jimmy Johnston.
Hannah Viner of England won the women’s 10km in 38min 27min 2sec ahead of Nelson’s Robyn Deane who recorded 43min 3sec.
Walk winners were Peter Hague and Elaine Lewellin in the half while the consistent Bevan Cook, who competed in the M70+ age group, and Lyn Smith, strode to 10km titles.
About 300 runners and walkers competed in the event.
