Good as gold: new record set in Withers run

The course record tumbled as a new King and a new Queen of the Withers were crowned at the foot of the hills this morning.

Andy Good, the current national mountain running champion, shattered the former fastest time, set by Kiwi distance running legend Phil Costley in 2012, by 48 seconds. Costley’s time was 38 minutes 55 seconds, the new mark 38.07.

Bella Rayner and Alexander Dunn race for the finish line in the hybrid section.

The former national representative finished well clear of his rivals in the popular post-festive season event, having led all the way following a blistering start.

Second was Sam Hansby, in a very respectable 43.06, with Stephen Blackwell third in 44.30.

Thirty-three-year-old Good, who is also a running coach, said the Withers run was the opening event on his 2021 calendar.

“I just needed a bit of blow out … this is just the first step in my season as I have got a few races lined up in the next three months. I am Christchurch-based but have been living here in Blenheim for the last six months.

“I saw the signs [for the King of the Withers] that were posted around the farm park and talking to a couple of local trail runners who suggested I have a crack.”

He suggested that today’s format was his favourite type of racing.

“I represented New Zealand at the world mountain running champs so these kind of up-and-downhill races are my preferred option.”

Good said he had his eye on Costley’s record, although wary of the conditions.

“I didn’t know what it would be like up there … I thought that with the rain it might be a bit slick, but I had a look at the watch at the top, did the math and thought it would be close.

“It’s a cool way to start the season and a good confidence-booster, just knowing that you can push yourself hard for 40 minutes and still feel OK at the end of it.”

Queen of the Withers, Christchurch athlete Emily Waters.

Like Good, the new Queen of the Withers was taking on the testing 10km course for the first time.

Sixteen-year-old Emily Waters, from Christchurch, finished in 51.10, racing home 39 seconds ahead of second-placed Laura Smidt, the leading senior woman, with Mariana McClean third in 52.49. Eight-time winner Megan Graham was not on course this year.

Waters, whose grandparents reside in Blenheim, said the Withers event was her first hill race.

“My grandparents are with the harriers club and suggested I give it a go.”

She suggested the course “was not as bad as I thought it was going to be” but said she had very little left in the tank at the finish.

Waters lay third early in the event but passed her two closest rivals on the uphill section and was never headed after that.

Youngster Callum Rayner claimed the men’s hybrid title in the smart time of 1.00.07 while Hannah Maher was the first woman home in 1.02.55.

Fastest junior man was Ryan Marfell in 49.44, Waters the quickest junior woman.

Don Bate won the male walkers section with a time of 1.16.12 while Tracey Bradshaw claimed the women’s title in 1.37.17.