Spaniard savours Withers run success

Spanish athlete Alfredo Beneyto added an international flavour to the King and Queen of the Withers hill race today, joining a lengthening list of Marlborough’s running royalty.

The Picton-based 28-year-old, who has been in the country for 12 months, was a clear winner of the historic event, contested over 10km of mostly hilly terrain to the south of Blenheim since 1977.

His time of 45 minutes 51 seconds relegated local athlete David Dawkins to second, the Waihopai Valley resident finishing in 47.11 and claiming the veteran men’s title. Third overall was well-known local footballer Jono Masters in 47.23.

Alfredo’s time was well adrift of the overall race record, 38.07, set by Andy Good in 2021. He admitted to taking a wrong turning near the top, which meant a double back, but finished in fine style and well clear of his rivals.

In sixth overall position and a clear winner of the Queen of the Withers title, which has been contested since 1992, was local sporting legend Megan Graham. It was the former NZ squash champion’s 11^th senior women’s title, along with one junior women’s crown in 2010. She finished in the smart time of 48.31, shy of her best time and the women’s record mark of 44.22, set in 2014.

Second women home was Cat Manson, in 52.23 with Jasmine Mogis third in 53.31. The main race was contested by 52 runners.

The hybrid event, which started prior to the main race and had 30 entrants, was won by Ruby Senior in 1.00.15. Her twin sister, Ali Senior, actually crossed the line first in the hybrid, but her slick time of 58.09 pushed her result into the main race category, the timing cut-off being 60 minutes.

Chris Walsh (1.05.38) was second in the hybrid, with Josh Anderson (1.06.05) placed third.

The walk, contested by 10, was won by Donald Bate in 1.18.30, with Suzanne Dudding second and Ateline Meiring third.

Alfredo has some running pedigree, having completed a two-hour 45-minute marathon in Spain and was a recent winner of the Marina to Marina event in Picton.

He found out about the King and Queen of the Withers from the second-placed runner in the Marina to Marina.

“He told me it was a bit tough,” said Alfredo, “and it really was”.

“But it was really incredible and I enjoyed it. I love running in New Zealand. In Spain [running] is really good too but New Zealand is different, it is like a paradise for runners.

“This was just my second hill race and it won’t be the last one,” he added.

While Alfredo is relatively new to hill racing, Megan is vastly-experienced and continues to set the standard for the sport in Marlborough.

Although admitting it was the usual physically-testing tough proposition, she said she has grown to enjoy the pain.

“I think I hated it more when I was younger than I do now … I enjoy it more now and look forward to it more.

“It still hurts just as much, maybe more but I am just grateful to be able to get out there, still do it and keep these young ones on their toes.”

“I am really grateful to the harriers club their smooth running of the event and for the support of my wonderful family, including those who are in town from Perth, Australia and who delayed their departure for Hanmer to cheer me on.

“It is a great way to start the year, as always,” Megan added.