A strong contingent of club runners took home honours at the Whakatāne Athletics and Harriers’ Club’s third annual staging of the Bush Half Marathon, 10-kilomtere and 5km races over the weekend.

Near ideal running conditions gave way to a record turn-out of over 300 runners and walkers, nearly doubling last year’s event.

All three races set off from Ōhope Christian Fellowship Church on Maraetotara Road, just after 9am. Competitors scaled Burma Road and traversed sections of the Toi’s Track, including the Boardwalk and Fairbrother’s Loop.

The 21km (half marathon) included roughly 800 metres of elevation gain – a tough task for even the most seasoned athletes.

The marque Half Marathon event saw victories by locals and club members Connor O’Toole and Liza Rozdestvenskaja.

The run by O’Toole set a course record in a time of 1.37.37. He was followed closely by Dunedin runner Grayson Westgate in 1.41.58.

Rozdestvenskaja crossed the line in 2.05.29 just over a minute ahead of second-place finisher, Iona Kelly from Hamilton.

The first finishers of the day, however, were in the 5km event.

The overall winner in a superb time of 18.23 was Paul Martel, a holiday maker from France.

Club members filled out the men’s podium with Ryker Hauser and Connor Milne taking second and third respectively.

The club took a clean sweep of the women’s podium with three young speedsters finishing 1-2-3.

Iris Stansloski took home the honours in 22.52 followed closely by Roimata Williams and Rosie Milne.

In the 10km event, club member Oliver Ashburn continued a good streak of racing with a clear victory in 37.57, over the challenging terrain.

On the women’s side, Cat Main, a master’s runner out of Tauranga, took home the top spot in 51.15.

Event organisers were thrilled with the competition and overjoyed to have been able to showcase the Eastern Bay on a glorious day.

Next up for the clubs’ race committee is the Julian’s Berry Farm and Cafe Toi’s Challenge, set for November 15.

The race consists of an 18km individual and team challenge as well as a 6km test. More details and registration can be found on the club’s website www.wahc.co.nz

This Saturday, July 25, is the club’s Matatā Ice-cream Challenge race. This is the second race in the club’s Mountain Race series and is contested over a steep 6km course on the hills behind Matatā.

There is also a 4km hill course and a 2.2km race around the Matatā Lagoon.

Please assemble near the Drifts Café 1pm for a prompt 1:30pm start. All are welcome for these primo races, whether members or not, and all will receive an ice-cream reward.