Karen Donaldson-Barron takes out the women's Kerikeri Half Marathon title.
Karen Donaldson-Barron takes out the women's Kerikeri Half Marathon title.
A bit of rain didn’t put a damper on this year’s Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon.
Over 1600 runners and walkers turned out for Saturday’s event, which was captured by Northern Advocate photographer Tania Whyte.
Participants either tackled the whole 21.1-kilometre course from Ōkaihau to the Kerikeri Domain, or undertook the shorter 5km course from Marsden Estate.
Sport Northland chief operating officer Brent Markwick said it was a “really successful day”.
“There were perfect running conditions in the morning, with just a bit of drizzle and not too much wind or rain.”
The men’s winner was Joel Bickers from Auckland, who made it in one hour, 11 minutes and 26 seconds, with Northlander Nathan Ryken in second place with a time of one hour, 12 minutes and 58 seconds.
The women’s winner was Karen Donaldson-Barron from Auckland, who completed the half-marathon in one hour, 20 minutes and 59 seconds, and second place went to Whangārei’s Bella Earl, with a time of one hour, 23 minutes and 02 seconds.
In the wheelchair men’s category, Jamie Tapp from Tāheke made it in one hour, 59 minutes and 57 seconds, and the women’s winner was Dru Ormsby from Whangārei, with a time of four hours, 32 minutes and 38 seconds.
The winner of the women’s competitive walk was Shirley Dryden from Kerikeri, with two hours, 16 minutes and 17 seconds, and the men’s winner was Alan Connelly from Whangārei, with two hours, 25 minutes and 41 seconds.
Charlie Birt from Kerikeri won the men’s 5km category and Denika Clooney from Whangārei won the women’s 5km category.
Lucy Roberts celebrates reaching the last few kilometres of the half-marathon.
However, the rain put a damper on the popular Kerikeri Street Party, which is usually held after the event, as it was postponed.
Organiser Jackie Sanders, from Jacman Entertainment, said the event will be moved to another date sometime this summer, depending on Far North District Council allowing another road closure.
“We made the call on Friday after getting advice the weather wasn’t going to be favourable and there would be quite heavy rain during the event,” Sanders said.
“In the end, it was pretty miserable. We’re pleased we made that call not to go ahead.”
She advised people to hold on to their tickets, and if they couldn’t make the new date, they would get a refund.
Judi Brewer, Heather MacMillian and Shona Wheaton finish the five-kilometre course together.
And they’re off! Runners and walkers begin the Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon.
Sandee Clark in full celebration mode as she crosses the line after completing the five-kilometre course.
Joel Bickers was well ahead of the chasing pack in the half-marathon. He was the winner, completing the course in one hour, 11 minutes and 26 seconds.
Sam Rout and Zebedee Stone lead the chasing pack in the half-marathon.
Sarah Worz had heaps of energy with only a few kilometres to go.
Marge Harries, John Holley, Luanne Wedgwood and Sandra Chapman, from Bream Bay Village, walked the half-marathon. Photo / Tania Whyte
Jenny Ling is a news reporter and features writer for the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering health, food, lifestyle, business and animal welfare issues.
