Local athletes dominate top spots in Bush Half Marathon

TOP CONTENDERS: From race start, Max Green, Liam Dooley and Kendon Gibson are a tight three. Photos Mike Kelly E4831-018

Contributed

MORE than 100 enthusiastic runners gathered in Whakatāne to compete in the inaugural Whakatāne Bush Half Marathon on Saturday.

The event featured three challenging distances – 5km, 10km, and 21km – providing athletes with the opportunity to race through some of the region’s most picturesque landscapes, including stunning native bush tracks.

Competitors came from near and far, with participants from Auckland, Taupō, and Gisborne joining local athletes for the event.

The half marathon route took runners from Maraetotara Road to Burma Road, weaving through lush native bush towards Ōhope and then to Whakatāne, before returning to Burma Road and finishing at the Ōhope Christian Fellowship Church.

Local athletes dominated the top spots with Liam Dooley, Max Green, Jack Murray, and Kendan Gibson neck and neck from the start, making for an exciting race.

THEY’RE OFF: More than 100 runners are at the start line of the inaugural Bush Half Marathon. E4831-012

Dooley’s strength and endurance on the final hills allowed him to break away, ultimately crossing the finish line as the outright winner with a swift time of 1.33 hours, ahead of Green in second place in 1.35hrs.

Murray and Gibson battled for the final podium spot with Gibson managing to pull ahead, rounding out the top three with a commendable time of 1.41hrs.

In the women’s division, Alie Corporal ran outstandingly to finish first in 2.12hrs, ahead of Liza Rozdestvenskaja in 2.14hrs and Lorraine Hogan in 2.20hrs.

The 10km race saw exceptional performances from Clement Le Lievre, Michael Taylor, and Levi Magee, who placed first, second and third respectively.

The women’s 10km event was a nail-biter, with Mary Engel, Charlotte Mans, and Natalie Jensen finishing within seconds of each other.

The 5km event was equally thrilling, featuring a frantic sprint finish. Oliver Ashburn narrowly edged out Reece Barrett, claiming a well-earned victory by less than a second. Rosie Milne demonstrated excellent form ahead of this year’s AIMS Games competition, securing first place in the women’s 5km, with Olivia Hatcher finishing strongly in second.

The event showcased a diverse range of talent, with experienced runners such as Chris Morrissey competing alongside athletes tackling their first half marathon.

Shared event organiser William Doney was rapt with the turnout and feedback from the day.

“This event was conceived from our community sharing that they wanted a mid-winter event similar to the Toi’s Challenge, so we are happy to be able to provide them with something breathtaking - from the views as well as from the course.”

FUN RUN: Amy Dreaneen, foreground, heads off with the pack at the start of the race. E4831-022
BUSH BATTLE: Max Green and Liam Dooley are neck and neck at this point in the race. E4831-063
TRIPLE TROUBLE: Chris Morrissey, Jack Murray and Kendon Gibson retain their pace on the rise. E4831-076
IN THE FAMILY: The Bush Half Marathon is a family affair for Nathan, Caleb and David Spence with Nathan eventually pulling ahead to finish 10th in the half marathon event. Women’s winner Alie Corporaal can be seen behind. E4831-138
SILVER COMING: Liza Rozdestvenskaja on her way to a second placing in the women’s half marathon and a 10th overall. E4831-184
CRUISIN’: There’s no sign of fatigue as Megan Wait cruises her way to fourth place in the women’s 10km event. E4831-295
THUMBS UP: Megan Catley and Johanna Moran stick together in the 10km event. E4831-314
HARD SLOG: Dan Whitehead and Hawis Evan push through on the uphill. E4831-367
KEEP GOING: Liz Anaru claps hands with a fellow runner as she heads up the track, and they go down. E4831-438
FLITTING FAIRIES: Conny Walker and Rockie Branch bring some fairy fun to the race. E4831-460
HOT PURSUIT: Jack Murray closely trails Kendan Gibson through the final stages of the race. E4831-610
FINAL SMILES: Parehuia Buchancan is all smiles as she heads for the finish line. E4831-871

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