Athletics: Johnston shows class with powerful run

Auckland-based double Olympic Games representative Robbie Johnston showed he still had a sting in his tail when he won the Canterbury cross-country championship over a 12km course in Hagley Park yesterday.

The international from the Bays Cougars club destroyed all hopes of a home victory with a powerful run over the final 6km to clock 37m 45s.

His only challenge came from his Auckland training partner, former world championship cross-country representative Jason Cameron, who finished second, despite being spiked in the early stages.

For both men it was a successful dress rehearsal for the New Zealand championship to be held on the same course on August 10.

Johnston, 34, and in the twilight of his running career, left no doubt that he wants to win the national title.

"I have decided to have a crack at it. This is the only title [from 1500m upwards] that I haven't won.

"I am not training as much as I used to, but I have just put in a couple of solid months."

Johnston ran freely with the main pack of five runners until the halfway mark yesterday.

It was Cameron who attempted the first breakaway, but Johnston easily covered the break before stepping up the pace.

Competing in his first 12km cross-country for four years, Cameron, 30, was unable to respond and settled for second.

North Canterbury club newcomer Rebecca Moore (nee Lynch), 28, pulled off an upset win in the women's championship.

She has just returned to New Zealand after nearly four years in the United States.

She led from the start and ran the 8km in 29m 51s.

- NZPA