RUNNING

Great turn out for spectacular autumn race

By EveNZ



Oska Inkster-Baynes (Wanaka) winning the 13km title of Race 3 Kathmandu Riverrun Trail Series — EveNZ



Jocelyn Noble and Howard Russel both of Auckland, enjoying the autumn colours on the Outlet Track during Race 3 Kathmandu Riverrun Trail Series — EveNZ

Runners of all ages and abilities were treated to a spectacular autumn day and stunning scenery for Race 3 of the Kathmandu Riverrun Trail Series, in Wanaka, yesterday.

Local athlete Oska Inkster-Baynes set a blistering pace from the start and maintained the impressive lead throughout, crossing the finish line in 44:06 for the 13km run on the Outlet Track. Second in the open division was Lee Cook (Mount Cook) in 47:56 with Ben Logan (Wanaka) taking third place.

Kelly Spaans (Wanaka) topped the women’s podium again in 57:25. Claire Crowe (Wanaka) placed second in 58:48 with Julie Ruddenklau (Oamaru), third. In the Vet division of the 13km race Wanaka athletes Mike Coombe and Justine Quirke finished first in the men and women’s race, respectively.

To ensure the whole family can participate, Race 3 offered multiple distances with a 2km run for the children and a 5km course for the more social runners.

Waimate runner Hamish Gardner made easy work of the 5km course finishing in 22:22 and taking first in the male over 16 division, hot on his heels was the first female, Val Burke (Wanaka) in 23:05. Young Cromwell athlete, Bob Wardill (12) finished in an impressive time of 23:22 to win the male under 16 crown. Sammy Burke (13) in 8:10 and Tom Coulbourne (9) in 9:10, both from Wanaka, claimed the junior titles for the 2km race.

All the races started and finished on the Hikuwai Reserve in Albert Town and attracted a field of 96 runners from across the country as well as international visitors, keen to explore Wanaka’s spectacular trails.

There are four races in the Kathmandu Riverrun Trail Series, an off-road running series which showcases the spectacular lakeside and river tracks in Lake Wanaka. The final race is on Saturday 18 May and travels on a lakeside course from Glendhu Bay to Wanaka.

The Riverrun Trail Series is generously supported by Kathmandu, Riverrun, the Pawson Adventure Fund, Wanaka Health, Patagonia Chocolates, The Water Bar and Radio Wanaka.