Hughes rules Jumbo run

Keen mountain runners turned out to compete in the 18th Jumbo Holdsworth Trail Race on Saturday, battling less than perfect conditions.

The day was divided into two races - the 24km Jumbo Holdsworth and the 12km Hooper Loop.

Defending champion and Saturday's overall winner Glenn Hughes, of Wellington, said he was happy with his run, which was 12 minutes faster than last year.

He said it was a tough course, and he had the scars to prove it.

Hughes said he took a few tumbles and had to jump off some rocks, but he was pleased with his time of 2 hours, 32 minutes and 42 seconds.

He said the hardest part was the downhill section from Powell Hutt, although having more cloud and less wind than last year made it easier - as well as the extra training and preparation.

Organiser Liz Nicholson said she was pleased with the 147 entries, which were a few more than last year.

She said the bush conditions were good for the mountain runners, although the track was muddy underfoot.

Down on the ground, it was a "beautiful, stunning summer day".

Nicholson said runners came from as far as Gisborne and the South Island, and three runners were named part of the "Survival Club" by running their 18th consecutive race - "that's pretty awesome".

"They're quite extreme athletes. It's a lot harder than being on the road because of the different fitness required."

RESULTS

- OPEN MEN

1 Glenn Hughes 2:32:42

2 James Robbins 3:05:10

3 Ian McCallum 3:05:37

4 Vincent Zintzen 3:08:05

5 Jeremy Upson 3:08:19

- OPEN WOMEN

1 Lizzie Wesley Smith 3:06:46

2 Marjolein Ros 3:08:17

3 Jacqueline O'Hagan 3:52:36

4 Jennifer Atkinson 4:04:55

5 Rachel Halfpenny 4:17:31

VETERAN MEN

1 Graeme Butcher 2:51:01

2 Bill Thomson 3:05:35

3 Richard Brewer 3:05:39

4 John Nolly 3:06:05

5 Paul Adams 3:06:08

VETERAN WOMEN

1 Billie Marshall 3:46:43

2 Adele Gibson 3:49:29

3 Christine Carlton 3:51:30

4 Trish Morison 4:03:20

5 Anne Rose 4:07:42