Club founder Ray Wallis made his presence felt when the Ruamahanga Ramblers held an event over the track and trails in Masterton's Lansdowne area on Saturday.
The mixture of lime paths through bush and paddocks and some road running as well was enjoyed by all participants, although the very steep hill in the middle of the course tested stamina, especially for the three-lappers who had to make that climb on three occasions.
Fresh from his victory in the 70-75 years age group at the Wellington Masters road race, Wallis did the three-lapper on what he considers to be his "home turf" and his 60-plus years of training and competing allowed him to keep in touch with most of the younger athletes.
There was a battle royal between Malcolm MacDonald and Paul Furkert at the front of the 7.8km field with Furkert tending to pull away on the flat and MacDonald reeling him in on the hills. On the final lap it was MacDonald who had more in reserve and he beat his rival by over a minute.
Fastest time over the 7.8km was, as usual, returned by Damian Christofis but he actually finished last because he started 30 minutes late due to work commitments.
