Athletics: Rodger runs legs off competition

By Murray McKinnon

Kerry Rodger moved another step closer to a possible national cross country title on Saturday with a superb run around the Auckland Domain for his fifth victory in the annual Auckland championships.

The 37-year-old matched strides with Simon Maunder, of Counties, over the first half of the race before pulling clear to win the 12,000m event in 38m 20s, 47s ahead of Maunder.

Rodger first won in 1987, followed by further titles in 1988, 1993 and 1996.

As Rodger is with North Harbour Bays Club he now takes the Athletics North title with the Auckland honours going to Maunder.

"To have won 12 years ago and to be still out there winning is a nice feeling," said Rodger.

Maree Bunce, 1996 Auckland champion, easily won the women's 6000m event, but, like Rodger, is a member of Bay's and so wins the North title with Rachel Penney, of Counties, adding the Auckland title to her victory of four years ago.