Athletics: Plenty romp on rail trail

More than 50 runners took part in the first ever "Puffing Billy" race held in Mid North on Sunday.

Organisers Jennie Hastie and Diane Barrett, the president and secretary of Masters Athletics in Northland, were thrilled by the response to the race.

The good numbers mean the run will likely be made an annual event on the calendar for master's athletics in Northland.

Runners and walkers from throughout the north tackled the 13km rail trail starting at Okaihau and finishing at Kawakawa on what is part of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail which will eventually extend from Kawakawa to Horeke in the Hokianga.

Race manager Jim Kettlewell said the weather conditions contributed to the more competitive athletes taking part achieving some good times.

"The rain kept away and there was a fresh westerly wind behind the runners which helped. The only hazards on the trail were the numerous cattle stops and having to walk in the old train tunnel," said Kettlewell.

But travelling through the 200m tunnel was a highlight for many of the competitors.

The first runner home was Anson Clapcott from the Hatea Harrier club with club mates John Kent and Steve Trass close behind. Clapcott, just back from injury, revelled in the conditions to record a respectable time of 57min 22sec for the 13km trail. Judith Bradshaw, also from Hatea, made no contest of the women's race in a time of 1:09.37 with Shona Fogden second and Toni Daly in third place.

Results: Men 1st Anson Clapcott 57.22; 2nd John Kent 58.54; 3rd Steve Trass 1:01.38. Women: 1st Judith Bradshaw 1:09.37; 2nd Shona Fogden 1:11.08; 3rd Toni Daly 1:16.41.