Davenport sets fastest time over flat course

Harriers

Andrew Davenport took time honours in the seventh race in the Masterton Harriers' summer series which was run from Parkvale Hall.

The 10km course was mostly flat and even with long straights and runners appreciated a slight breeze in the hot, sunny conditions.

There were 62 competitors, a number of whom were backing up from the previous day's Jumbo Holdsworth event.

This is the point in the season where some changes in the overall handicap points leaders can be anticipated as only a competitor's six best performances are counted, with the poorer results, or absences, dropping out.

Davenport took out the A grade race in a time of 36m 14s. Michael Macklin was best on handicap and joins Lloyd Millar as overall handicap leader in that division.

Lesley Graham won the B grade race in 45m 4s, Conrad McCaffrey took handicap points and Greg Baillie regained the overall points lead.

Competition in C grade remains strong with William Blake winning the latest event in 50m 3s and Annie Hawkes having the overall points lead by a point.

Jim Barr again won the D grade race in 54m 58s with Stephanie Rix taking second place and the handicap maximum and Claudia Baechle holding the overall points lead.

In the walkers' grade, Cath Wedderburn finished 1s ahead of Brenda Farley in 48m 21s and claimed the overall lead. Tim Bird won handicap honours.

In the juniors, Charlie Nathan prevailed in 20m 25s and also took out the the handicap spoils but Chris Blake remains well ahead overall.

Carlos McRae won the midgets grade race in 9m 30s, with Hannah Moore the handicap leader on the day and overall.

The next event in the series will be held over the challenging 16km Rangitumau course on Sunday, February 10.

This is a longer-than-usual distance and the first 10km or so are a good uphill climb. The races start from Rangitumau hall with the walkers first away at 8am.