Wellington’s Moloney breaks marathon record
The Pak’nSave 3 Bridges Marathon continues to go from strength to strength, with the Whanganui course record broken over the weekend.
More than 700 people from all over the country entered the various events on Saturday, with 1000-plus spectators cheering them on.
Other than being a bit windy, Whanganui put on a great day weather-wise for the athletes.
Matthew Moloney from Wellington’s Scottish Harrier Club won the marathon in a time of 2 hours, 36 minutes and 57 seconds, setting a new course record.
And Whanganui’s Ellie Bowen set a personal best on her way to second place in the women’s marathon with a time of 3h 44m 52s.
Geoff Ferry from Lower Hutt won the males’ half marathon, with Whanganui’s Liam Jones second.
In the females’ half marathon, it was a Whanganui brace at the top with Grace Hessell first and Paula Jackson just behind her in second place.
Michele Allison (Wellington) was fourth with a time of 2h 38m 25s to claim a New Zealand and Oceania record for her age group.
Whanganui’s Bart Ferguson took out the men’s quarter marathon title, with local Sandy Lee finishing second in the women’s event.
Event organiser Rob Condor said it was a great day out which required the whole community to pull together for it to be a success.
“Whanganui wants to make this a big thing. We thank all the volunteers that came out and helped.
“They were up at 4am setting up.
“Whanganui put on a great day and showcased our town with class.”
Condor said without sponsors Pak’nSave, Let’s Go Whanganui, McDonalds, Property Brokers, Unichem Whanganui and The Hits, the event wouldn’t be possible.
Wanganui Vet Services ran a free sausage sizzle for the day and raised more than $200 for Hospice Whanganui.
Condor thanked everyone for supporting a great day and said they look forward to the event growing next year.
For results of all the weekend’s races, visit https://thetimingteamresults.co.nz/ pages/event — summary/255/.