Athletics: NZers second in New York road race

New Zealand runners Nick Willis and Kimberley Smith both finished second in the 26th annual Fifth Avenue road mile in New York last night (NZ time).

Willis was just edged out by Canadian Kevin Sullivan who recorded a time of 3mins 54.1secs. Willis ran the mile in 3mins 54.7secs.

Smith, who was eighth in the same race last year, took control at the half way mark, but was overtaken by Sarah Hall of the United States. Hall won in 4mins 28.0secs to Smith's 4mins 30.3secs.

Willis and Smith each won US$2500 ($3880).

Wellington's Jonathan Wyatt, in his first major race since the world mountain running championship, finished ninth in the Swiss Morat to Fribourg 17.17km road race with a time of 54mins 48secs. The event was won by Koech Kipruto of Kenya.

- NZPA