The times accomplished in the warm conditions and nor-easter on Saturday suggest the elements had little effect on the Napier Harrier Club Road Championships. The biggest obstacle on the Atawhai circuit, was Hammond Road, where the surface was under major reconstruction and runner's ankles were at risk.
In the first race of the day, Brendan Speakman (7.44) won his fourth successive boys 12 years old road title, from Daniel Smith (7.52). Nine year old James Harris left it to the last race of the season to display his true talent. Harris (7.55) finished third in a time 35 secs quicker than last year to gain a Reading Cinema 'Runner of the day' voucher.
Annie Creagh (8.10), having rediscovered her confidence, blitzed the opposition to claim the girls 12 years old prize. Rachel Town (8.57) failed to surmount a challenge, while Natasha Town-Warner (10.18) continued her improvement. Town (44pts) already had obtained the sealed handicap crown, while reigning champ James Harris (43pts) made a belated charge.
Ryan Woolley (13.26) was triumphant in the mens 16 year old race, with another confident performance over 4kms. After a good battle for second, Eric Speakman (14.07) edged out Cameron Poole-Smith (14.16) and the effort secured him the sealed handicap series by 3 pts from Woolley.
Katie Harris (16.52) recorded exactly the same 4km time as last year to retain the womens 16 years old road crown vanquishing Anieke Engels (18.19) and Aleesha Heywood (20.25) easily. Heywood (43pts) received enough points to snatch the sealed handicap prize from Harris (42pts), reversing last year's outcome.
Laura Nagel (17.00) was the victor in the girls 14 years old contest from the greatly improved Sarah Starkey (17.49) and Abbey Green. Jay Mason (14.45) won the boys 14 year old title with a large ascendancy over Mark Harris.
Daniel Wallis (17.41) retained his 5km Junior Mens title, benefitting from a below par Steven Smith (19.16). Certainly Smith had already secured the sealed handicap trophy for the year. Shayna Heywood (24.06) retained the junior womens title.
Marilyn Brown (21.11) predictably conquered all, to claim the masters women's crown from reigning champ Cheryl Simpson (23.06) and Joan Vyle (24.20). Gina Finlayson (24.59) retained the club's senior womens title with a strong effort, managing to slice an impressive 65 secs off her 2004 run. Marilyn Brown (40pts) finished top of this section of the sealed handicap series, just a point ahead of Marion Sherburn.
Craig Mathers (35.35) had an awesome solo run to win the 10km race and claim the senior men's road title. The strong effort gave Craig Mathers maximum handicap points and he snared the Peter Black Memorial Trophy for the season. Most interest centred on the battle for the masters men's title. Eric Phimister strived to dominate the race, until a roaring surge from Alan Jackson over the last 2kms bridged a 15 second gap. Jackson( 38.13) reaping the rewards of a punishing 170km weekly training scheme was too strong and finished over the top of Phimister (38.17), while Trevor Fulton held on for third 23secs adrift.
report courtesy Trevor Fulton
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