Athletics: McLean makes is three

Wellington athlete Grant McLean defied blustery winds to win his third successive Wellington marathon crown yesterday.

McLean recorded a time of 2h 41m 27s, more than 10min outside the race record he set last year. Tony Vaughan, of New Plymouth, was second in 2h 48m 9s, with Richard Were, of Auckland, third, another 46s back.

Tania Smellie, of Dunedin, set an open women's race record of 3h 12m 55s, in heading off Jo Ryder, of Wellington, by nearly five minutes.

New Zealand 100km champion Carrie White, of Wellington, was third, a further 2m back.