Athletics: Young architect designs winning run

10km runner Harry Linford took line honours in yesterday's Chilltech Beach 2 Basin Run/Walk. Photo / Tania Whyte

Harry 'Superman' Linford claimed a jubilant victory in the Chilltech Beach 2 Basin Run/Walk 10km event yesterday crossing the line in 35 minutes, 50 seconds.

Linford, who studies architecture fulltime at Auckland University, made the return home to Whangarei in a bid to better his 2013 Beach 2 Basin race time.

"I wasn't as fast then but I've become twice as quick as I was and I've been training hard," said Linford.

"I get plenty of competition in Auckland but this year I wanted to come back and try to do the Run/Walk series.

"I was hoping to win but I realised as soon as I went onto the Waimahunga track I wouldn't be setting any records or personal bests. I did a good solid run but it wasn't anything too flash."

Ady McKenzie was the first woman over the line in the 10km race after a dominant run through the new course.

McKenzie's time of 41min, 17sec saw her successfully hold off close rival Carolyn Younger who placed second with a time of 42min, 2sec.

Linford said "it was lovely running along the new track", which incorporates the new bridge and pathways en route to the finish line at the Town Basin.

Kitted out in a crisp, blue superman t-shirt, Linford managed to avoid danger through treacherous parts of the Waimahunga track but he admits he was hoping "it would make me faster."

"It was quite off-road, it was very lumpy and filled with rocks and bends and dips.

"I thought it (the Superman t-shirt) would be a laugh, I got it for Christmas and I really love it. It kept me warm because it was a bit chilly this morning.

The next race of the Run/Walk series set to run on April 12 is the 2015 Potter Electrical Heads 2 Hub Run/Walk.

And going on yesterday's turnout, the event could likely attract a similar crowd, with the Beach 2 Basin receiving over 2000 entries.