Event results
Wellington put on a cool, calm and drizzly day for its Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k. Perfect conditions for running fast times, but not so ideal for spectating.
However my pre-event preparation locked in the ideal vantage point. Only a km from the start/finish, under cover, with a Mojo Cafe nearby. I could watch runners in both directions, fueled by a flat white and toasted cheese scone.
First to arrive were the marathon runners, approaching the turnaround at halfway. Simon Angus was well up, and moving with unhindered freedom from not having to push a buggy.
Not long after, Anthony Randell strode by looking very comfortable and composed as he set out on his 2nd lot of 21k.
Soon a large stampede was rapidly approaching along Waterloo Quay. It was the start of the half marathon. 50m ahead of everyone else was a lone figure wearing the newly designed OHC singlet. Toby Gualter, home from the US for the University holidays and ticking along effortlessly at 3min/k. Without slowing he briefly smiled in recognition before resuming his serious game face and disappearing up the road towards Shelley Bay.
Then followed a mass of half marathon participants. Amongst them I spotted Ryan McKay, who’d started right at the back, moving rapidly and passing people in their dozens. I also saw Ele Brown, having just returned from holiday, settling into the 21k.
The half marathoners had soon all gone past. A quick glance of the watch showed 20min till the 10k ….. just time for another flat white.
The 10k field contained the largest number of OHC people. Amongst them: Barbara Jennings (up from Christchurch), Liz Anderson (running her first event since back surgery a year ago), Denise Pilcher (switching her cyclocross bike for running shoes), Jean Skilton and Linda Rawlins (who were both looking smooth).
I yelled encouraging words at them. Then it was only a short walk and wait for the return of everyone heading back to the stadium.
And I didn’t have to wait long to see Toby flying towards me and sharing the lead with Chris’s nephew, Eric Speakman. Only 1k to go and nothing to separate them. If I could manage a mere 3min km I could actually get to the finish line to see who won….. perhaps not. (Toby did get the win by 8 secs after pushing hard up the ramp on to the concourse).
So I stayed put at Queen’s Wharf and enjoyed cheering on the masses, including those proudly representing OHC.
Ryan had continued his progress through the field and was still running strongly. Barbara, Liz, Jean, Denise and Linda all ran past just as quickly as they were after 1k, and weren’t looking like slowing. They also all managed a smile.
Amongst the half marathon and 10k crowds I spotted Simon and Anthony. 41k completed and no sign of the dreaded wall. And Ele, who was having tough day but was gutsing it out to the finish.
Well done to you all. It was an inspiring day.
— Mark Anderson
Wellington Marathon Champs results (Simon Angus 2nd open men, masters men)
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