The Kaikoura Whale Run at Suburban School on Saturday attracted a huge crowd from outside the district, one of the aims of the event, according to school principal Michelle Spencer.

Mrs Spencer said the whole day had been amazing with happy competitors and crew, and a great atmosphere surrounding the day's events.

Close to 400 people took part again this year, similar to last year's figures, and of that number, more than 350 were from outside Kaikoura, she said, which meant the town had a huge boost for the weekend, with shops, restaurants and accommodation providers all benefiting.

Runners from as far afield as Dunedin have already vowed to return next year, with many saying the scenery made the race a pleasure to compete in.

Mrs Spencer said she had received plenty of positive feedback, both on the day and online including on Facebook since the race, and she was now looking forward to next year's event, which for those of you who are organised enough to start planning, is on September 14.

As for the results, some amazing times were recorded, perhaps most notably 9-year-old Steffi Burra, who completed the 10km course in an impressive 53 minutes and 50 seconds, and Sola Kuwasaki, the only schoolboy to attempt the half marathon, which he achieved in 2.11.06. Both Steffi and Sola are from Kaikoura. Other Kaikoura children also placed well in the marafun 2km race.

Other impressive local times include Shelley Fissenden who was first in the women's vet 10km walk and Winston Gray who won the men's vet 10km walk. Luisa Coyle and Judith Ford were fifth and eighth respectively in the women's half marathon and Alex Thompson finished 10th in the men's half marathon.

Further results from Saturday can be found on the Whale Run website, at kaikourawhalerun.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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