Vineyard venturers

A late start to the 19th annual Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon on Saturday morning merely whetted the appetites of the over 1600 competitors.

Road closures between Nelson and Blenheim necessitated a delayed start to the various events, to allow competitors to arrive on time.

The half hour delay was timely as early morning drizzle and low cloud made way for perfect running, or walking, conditions.

Four hundred and seventy nine runners took on the 21km half marathon, which was won in the smart time of 1.22.17 by Seb On. Second was teenager Joseph Gilhooly, 1.25.33, with Alex Roberton third in 1.28.57. Local running legend Megan Graham again claimed the women’s title, finishing sixth overall in 1.31.32. Second women was Esme Ogilvie, 1.33.00, with Juliet Downs third in 1.33.20.

The 21km hybrid event, contested by 182 athletes, was won by Kok An Wong in 1.56.16, with first woman Poppy Fernadez, 1.57.25, second and Cunmin Kong, 1.57.31, third.

One hundred and fifty six walkers tackled the 21km walk, which was won by Rachel Maule, 2.43.58, with Clair Zohrab, 2.44.37, second and Sam Lewis, 2.45.13, third.

The 12km run was popular, 375 at the starting line, and was won by Scott Gale, 48.18, from Stirling Jones, 49.53, and Ashley de Castro, 49.54. Jacinda Thompson was first woman home, finishing ninth overall in 55.10, from Michelle Heslop, 57.21, and Morgana Hodliffe, 1.00.10.  

Four hundred and fifteen walkers set off on the 12km walk, with Bary Neal home first in 1.07.04, Glyn Hodgson second in 1.24.21 and John Read third in 1.29.35.

Entertainment, plus food and beverage stalls sprinkled around the course ensured there was plenty of distraction for the participants of all ages and abilities, with the general feedback being that the event was once again well organised and a whole lot of fun.