Athletics: Whangarei's Nicholas Connop wins Kaitaia Run/Walk

More than 400 competitors took to the road for the Kaitaia Run/Walk. Photo / Photosport.nz

Whangarei's Nicholas Connop clinched the Toll-sponsored Kaitaia Run/Walk as he went two better than in 2016.

A regular competitor in the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series events, Connop was delighted with the turnaround to take line honours in this year's event.

He finished in a time of 54.26, two minutes clear of Scott Kennedy with Murray Ruffel completing the Whangarei podium finish.

The women's division saw Kerikeri's Maria Akesson produce a fine run to win the women's division in 55.06.

Kaitaia's Emily McDowell and Whangarei runner Anna Gray weren't too far behind a strong Akesson performance.

Waipapa's Lucy Sizer took out a tight women's 4.6km event as she barely led home Whangarei's Teresa Tattersfield. Kaitaia Intermediate pupil Jodie Taniwha impressed as she finished third.

Whangarei runners took line honours in the men's 4.6km race with Elliot Ruffell and Will Tattersfield heading off Kaitaia's Rico Margison.

Conditions in Kaitaia on Sunday were perfect for the 400 runners and walkers who took part in the event based at the Te Ahu Centre where the prizegiving was held.

With only two events left in the 2017 Sport Northland Run/Walk Series, Maria Akkeson is in the lead on the NorthCloud Series Leaderboard with 29 points, second is Katie McVerry on 17 points and Carolyn Younger third with 13 points.

In the men's division Harry Linford still remains in the lead on 24 points with Chris Mills second on 18 points and Louis Young third on 16 points.

The two events remaining in the series are the ACC Whangarei Half Marathon and 9km Run/Walk on September 17 and the ASB Kerikeri Half Marathon on November 18.