Dawkins makes most of his half marathon debut
David Dawkins after crossing the finish line first in the Woodbourne Half Marathon on Sunday. Photos Peter Jones.
Waihopai Valley athlete David Dawkins marked his first attempt at a half marathon with victory in the 43rd annual Woodbourne event, contested over three distances on Sunday at the Base.
David, who had previously competed in the 5km event, stepped up to the full 21.1km run distance and, literally, ran away from the opposition.
He finished in the smart time of 1.25.08. Second was Bill Small in 1.26.38 with Alex Roberton third in 1.28.38 completing the all-local podium.
First woman home was another local, Tess Wells, who crossed the finish line in 1.43.37.
The runners and walkers traversed local vineyards, quiet roads and farm tracks in cool and blustery conditions.
David, a previous competitor in the King of the Withers and the 85km Old Ghost Road run, described Sunday’s run as “a good leg stretch … it was nice and flat and I felt OK”.
Although he has not been training specifically for the Woodbourne event, David has been preparing for even longer challenges, including a forthcoming 120km event in Australia and a 100km race in the North Island.
Winner of the half marathon hybrid run/walk event was Andrew Keys in a time of 2.05.55 while first woman was Danielle Deitch in 2.02.21.
Jarod Thompsett took out the 10km run in 41.24, Lena Bailey the first female in 44.32, while Joseph Gilhooly was quickest across the 5km course in a time of 18.01, Erika Smart the first female in 23.13.
As well as the satisfaction of completing the various courses, participants earned a medal for finishing, while some picked up spot prizes donated by Mitchell Sports.
