Marathon effort in Hatuma half
Hundreds enjoy fun, sun and run after fog clears
Spring fog drifted off the Waipukurau racecourse as more than 300 people took part in the Hatuma Lime Half Marathon on Sunday.
Organisers were thrilled with the numbers and the support from the community.
Sport Hawke's Bay's Nichola Heremaia said the two records were broken, and people's smiles broadened as the magnificence of the day unfolded.
"About 350 participants came from around the country to enjoy some Central Hawke's Bay hospitality and picturesque scenery at the 2018 Hatuma Lime Half Marathon, a scheduled event of the Spring Fling event Series.
"From a foggy start into spring brilliance, we could not have asked for a better day," she said.
"The introduction of electronic timing made a huge difference with instantaneous and accurate results providing a much improved experience for participants and organisers alike."
Karen Toulmin from Hastings won the women's half marathon for the fourth year in a row. Katrina Buscke of Napier was second and Masterton's Lesley Graham was third. Jonas Kvottrup Nielsen won the men's half marathon, Napier's Graeme Buscke was in second place and Palmerston North's Dennis Owen was in third.
Two records were broken this year in both the women's run and the women's walk. Sally Duffy beat Kate Kapperly's 0:49:50 with 0:45:49 in the women's 10km run. Rachelle Cocker beat Meredith Johnson's 1:18:25 record with 1:17:05 in the 10km walk.
Waiora Rogers from Hastings was the winner of the major spot prize which comprised a family prize package, including one night's accommodation at Kennedy Park Resort and a family pass to the Hawke's Bay MagpiesNorth Harbour rugby game on September 22.
Derren Hutchinson had the fastest time in the half marathon walk, while Denise Brunskill won the women's event. Brent Hussey of Hastings was first in the 10km run and Sally Duffy of Eketahuna was first in the women's race. Edward Hutchinson came first in the 10km walk, while Rachelle Cocker was first in the women's race. The Bullets dominated the Half Marathon Team Run with Waipukurau Primary Boys taking second. Team Half and Half won the Half Marathon Team walk with Wilson Valuation in second place. The 10km Team Run was taken out by Alex and Oma with a time of 1:01.50.