Kemp runs away from rivals

Nelson runner Brian Kemp blitzed an almost 400-strong field to comfortably win the annual Woodbourne half-marathon by nearly five minutes on Sunday.

After finishing runner-up to Ian Thomas two years ago and not competing last year, Kemp made the most of almost perfect running conditions to take the title in a time of 1hr 17mins 45sec.

Runner-up was Marlborough's John Kennedy in 1:22.25, followed by Steve Flaus in 1:25.12, all top three place-getters coming from the veteran men's category.

First open men's runner was Milan Tailey, who crossed the line in 1:25.40, followed by Glenn Thompson who clocked 1:28.06.

Veteran women's competitor Pogo Paterson-McAuley was the first female home, clocking 1:32.57 for the 21.1km course, a time identical to last year's female winner Rachel Monk.

Runner-up was Rachel Quigley in 1:33.17, also a veteran women's runner, while Chloe Uren was the first open women's competitor to finish, third overall in 1:33.18. Second in the open women's category was Anna Archie in 1:36.10, while Kate Parsons crossed third in 1:38.32.

New Zealand Olympic Games triathlon rep Shane Reed took out the 10km run section in 35.31, with Laurie Colvin winning the 5km event in 20.20.

In the half-marathon walk, Dean Crowley took overall honours for the third year running, crossing the line in 2:04.26.

Crowley was almost three minutes clear of his nearest rival, veteran women's competitor Wendy Healy who clocked 2:07.23.

Third walker and second woman home was Ebony McKenzie in 2:15.01, while Bevan Cook was second male and fourth walker overall, with a time of 2:21.07.

Despite fears that a predicted southerly front would make life tough for competitors, the day dawned fine and conditions were near perfect for running, although water and mud around the halfway point added to the challenge.

- The Marlborough Express