Heat takes toll on runners

Featherston turned on the sunshine for the Ruamahanga Ramblers last Saturday when they held an event along the shores of Lake Wairarapa, starting at the lake reserve.

Some of the runners opted for the shorter 5km course, after initially planning to compete over 7.5km, because of the heat.

John Ihaka was so keen to beat his long-time walking rival Cath Wedderburn that he actually set off 20sec before the race started but to no avail, Wedderburn hauling him in about 200m from the finish.

Hugh Taylor was fastest over 7.5kms, Matthew Furkert 5km and Jack Britland 2km.

Results:-

2km: Jack Britland 10.30, Jessica Duthie 12.55, Samantha Duthie 13.28, Wendy Taylor 27.39, Tracy Duthie 27.39.

5km: Matthew Furkert 26.38, Steve Britland 26.57, Greg Baillie 27.36, Rupert Watson 27.45, Cath Wedderburn 47.43, John Ihaka 47.46, Ann Taylor 54.47, Max Taylor 55.l16, Gail Edwards 56.51.

7.5km: Hugh Taylor 32.38, Malcolm McDonald 33.10, Ray Haste 34.20, Paul Furkert 35.05, Derek Cox 35.15, Michael Duthie 38.16, Helen Dore 43.46, Rowan Skinner 43.46, Elana Cohen 47.54.

The final race of the winter series will be held this Saturday, starting from Steve Britland's residence on Belvedere Rd and followed by a pot-luck tea.