Athletics: Hot pace expected for Huntly's big race

Some tough competition is expected in this year's Huntly Half Marathon. Photo / Christine Cornege

A blistering pace is expected at the top of the Huntly Half Marathon tomorrow with defending champion Aaron Pulford under siege from a host of contenders.

In the 31st year of the event the elite male race shapes as a classic. Pulford, who won the Rotorua Half Marathon in late April, is the favourite where the winning time is expected to be around 66 minutes.

Looking to push him all the way are respected runners including Steve Lett, former champion Iain MacDonald and his twin Kyle from Tauranga, Ben Ruthe, and Jono Jackson.

"It is going to be a good battle up front for sure," said 19-year-old Pulford. "I am looking forward to testing where my fitness is at against a good field to get ready for Europe."

Pulford, who took four weeks off running over summer due to being rundown, hopes to win the Huntly Half to help fund his travel to Europe where he will compete in the British Under 23 5000m championship on June 25 among other events.

"It is a special run for me being a local of the home club [Hamilton City Hawks] and one of the things that makes it popular with top runners is that you get a good payout for winning."

The event has $15,000 worth of merit and spot prizes on offer, including $1000 each for the first female runner and first male runner home.

Around 3000 runners and walkers of all abilities across the Half Marathon, 10km, and kids 2km are expected tomorrow.

Race director Corey Hinde said the Huntly Half Marathon was a special event.

"It's a scenic course that takes in the Waikato River, Huntly, Lake Hakanoa, the Huntly East Mine and some great rolling countryside," he said.

Pulford added: "There are a few sharp corners early on so they break up your rhythm and the terrain throughout it makes it an interesting run. "It is not lightning fast but a good challenge."

The course is relatively easy for the Huntly Half Marathon with just one notable hill section at the 9.5km mark to test the athletes.

"It more or less cuts the race in half," said Hinde. "It's a good, challenging hill with some lovely flat running after that.

"All walkers and runners really enjoy the courses, and obviously it's a very popular community event that lots of people love to get involved with."

Among those walkers will be the Powley Family from Papakura, who have benefited from working towards competing in the event.

Leanne Powley, her husband and two daughters, aged 9 and 11, will all be walking the 2XU 10km for the sixth time.

"My husband has now lost about 35 kilos and the fact that he's been so committed to the cause has generated a lot of support from others."

The Powley family often participate in events together, including the 8km of the Te Awamutu Half Marathon and the Panmure King of the Mountain.

"We did quite a few initially because it committed us. We do 10km as a rule and we stick to 10km if we can because of our young girls," said Mrs Powley.

The camaraderie of the event spurs athletes like the Powley family on: "We do it with other friends and it's all about the atmosphere and doing it with others."

Marathon details

* The Solid Energy Huntly Half Marathon walk and run starts at 10am. The 2km kids' run starts at 10.30am and the 2XU 10km walk and run begins at 11.20am.

* Late entries will be accepted on the day at the Huntly Domain from 8.30am until 9.30am for the Solid Energy Huntly Half Marathon and until 10.15am for the 2XU 10km race. Cash, cheques and Eftpos are accepted for late entries.

huntlyhalf.co.nz

At 79, Bunny's fired up for another big day's walk

Bunny Abraham sums up the spirit of the Huntly Half Marathon.

The Opotiki resident ran in the first Huntly Half Marathon in 1981 and, tomorrow, at the age of 79, will compete in it for the 22nd time out of the 31 years it has been running.

Abraham, who turned 79 in March, is encouraging younger runners to give it a go.

The Hamilton City Hawks life member, who lived in Hamilton between 1980 and 1994, says the social aspect and race course are why he travels a 237km round trip for the annual event.

"As a Hawks member, I've made a lot of friends from running over the years, and we get together on the Sunday night after the race," said Abraham.

"The course takes in the lakes, involves being out in the country and takes in the mines.

"There's also that local support from businesses and the community which makes it a great event."

Abraham will be walking the half marathon for the sixth time after a long career of running.

"I started running in 1946 when I was in school. I'll be walking this time around, as I have been for the last five Huntly Half Marathons, due to my feet giving out."

Despite falling ill with pneumonia in 2009, Abraham plans to keep on walking.

"I've missed nine Huntly Half Marathons over the years through living in Australia and having pneumonia.

"I've been having regular checks with the doctor and he's happy I'm staying active."

Abraham says consistent training and preparation are the keys to staying fit and avoiding injury. The local legend recently completed his 20th Rotorua Marathon.

"I've done 36 marathons in total - two in Australia and I've done the Boston Marathon.

"I've also moved up one stage in the Rotorua Marathon Survivors Club, which you qualify for if you've done 15 Rotorua marathons."

He has a message for younger people who think the Huntly Half is too hard - give it a go.

"You can do anything if you focus on it. Preparation is what it's all about."