Course makes tight contest

A surprisingly firm course provided close racing at the Ruamahanga Ramblers cross-country event held at the Langs property in Gladstone on Saturday.

Just three seconds was the difference between the first three runners in the 2.1km event, Tom Parker edging out brothers Michael and Andrew Hyman, while in the 6.3km race, triathlete Gavin Champion managed to overhaul an improving Michael Rowepenny on the last lap to win by a mere four seconds.

The course was the real winner on the day with the absence of mud a relief from previous weeks.

Next Saturday the Ramblers will meet at the Te Ore Ore Rd entrance of Henley Lake at 2pm to compete on a course set by the tactful Steve Britland.

Results:

2.1km run: Tom Parker 10.14, Michael Hyman 10.16, Andrew Hyman 10.17, Jack Britland 10.47, William Tanner 10.49, Lucas Megaw 11.20, Jessica Duthie 11.48, Grace Tanner 11.24, Samantha Duthie 11.55, Amelia Rowepenny 15.21, Lucy Britland 18.20, Alex Megaw 18.25, Clifford Rowepenny 19.56.

2.1km walk: Cody Sage 23.47, Tracy Duthie 26.56.

4.2km run: Matthew Furket 17.15

4.2km walk: Michael Scott 36.26, Mel Megaw 37.51, Lisa Gray 37.51.

6.3km run: Gavin Champion 27.43, Michael Rowepenny 27.47, John Sage 29.07, Paul Furkett 29.43, Roger Jones 29.50, Steve Britland 30.26, Greg Lang 32.14, Craig Bird 32.15, Martin Parker 33.33, Wayne Hyman 37.00, Rupert Watson 37.26, Lee Tanner 39.36, Claudia Beache 42.25.

6.3 km walk: Ali Lang 53.34.