This monthly time trial is free. Run the 10km or run/walk the 5km along the Portobello Cycle/Walkway on an out and back course. Wheelchair and pram friendly

For more details results and report >> Leith Harbour Free

Canterbury Half Marathon – Pegasus, Sunday 11th December 2022

Pegasus Town, Canterbury

Full Results >> Road Results 2022

Leith’s Rachael McKinney, third in her age group

A full interesting personal account and beautiful descriptions of the race from Rachael in her “Pegasus or Bust” article can be viewed further below. Also fellow Leith runner Bryan Staunton’s results who did well to finish 15th in the large Open Men’s grade

Leith Results so far (in bold)

20-39 Open Men
15th Bryan Staunton 1:33:38

50-59 Classic Women
1st Tessa Holland 1:53:14
2nd Cushla Watts 1:56:01
3rd Rachael McKinney 2:04:55

Pegasus or Bust! By Rachael McKinney

The Canterbury Half Marathon is one of several low-key local races organised throughout the year by CJM’s events and it’s the second of their half marathons that me and my Cavy running buddy Cheryl have travelled to the region for. This small but perfectly formed event takes place in the small but perfectly formed new town of Pegasus about 25km north of Christchurch. Three 6km loops of the town and a smaller 3km lap of Lake Pegasus take runners past modern houses with manicured lawns and along the tidy woodland paths that wrap around the town.

As a seasoned half marathon runner is difficult to overestimate the joy of being able to park close to the start and be able to get to the front of the queue for the porta loos before the race gun goes off. Add to that a distinctly ‘80s pre-race Christmas soundtrack playing over the sound system (think Wham and Dexy’s) and Cheryl and I – both paid up members of the age group that remembers those tunes first time around – were keyed up for a fun event in a nice friendly part of the world.

OK so it was getting on for 20 degrees at 8am and there was a bit of stiff breeze of the kind that seems to be common on the Canterbury Plains, but we felt good; I’d even taken three days off running to rest up for it after a bit of a disaster run in Queenstown three weeks ago.

And so, after the usual start line banter we were off. Alas the joy was quickly replaced by the realisation that 1) going out a wee bit too fast for current capability is always a bad idea and something you can still do even after 60 odd half marathons 2) the energy issues that dogged me at Queenstown were still going to play a part today and maybe three events in three months was just a little too much this year.

Very quickly I knew today was going to be tough … and probably a bit disappointing.

Cheryl was having similar thoughts and having completed the Coastal Five only three weeks ago (racing the equivalent of a full marathon over the weekend) when she started feeling faint in the heat after 9km she made the wise decision to call it a day and log her first ever DNF. Tempted though I was to join her I pushed on to find a pace I could manage and figured if nothing else it was another medal for the year.

In fact, on a better day this would have been a much more enjoyable run. I really liked the looped course – by lap two the faster runners were coming past on their final laps which is always great to watch, and it was flat and (could have been!) fast, not too busy, with prizes and spot prizes galore, as well as a finish line that was very close to the all-important post-race refuelling stop. Unfortunately for me it was flat, hot, and slow, and even the best efforts of a local who rigged up a garden hose to lightly shower passing runners wasn’t going change that outcome.

But a race finish is a race finish, and you can only ever do what your body allows you to do on the day … as it was, my personally disappointing time of 2:04:55 still managed to snag me a third place in my age group which is clear evidence that you need to be in it to win it … or at least take third place in your age group. So along with a medal I took home a very nice bottle of wine and couple of glasses to drink it from. Meanwhile it’s time for a wee break from half marathons as Cheryl and I regroup before heading to the Southern Lakes Half in May next year. Well done to everyone who put one foot in front of the other this year and called it a run. We’re all winners in the end!

41st Leith Harbour Free 5/10km, 6pm, Thursday 24 November 2022

Course 1 – Start Neptune/Magnet Streets, Dunedin

It is free. Run the 10km or run/walk the 5km along the West Harbour Cycle/Walkway on a there and back course. Wheelchair and pram friendly

For more details results and reports >> Leith Harbour Free

Queenstown Marathon, Saturday 19 November 2022

Queenstown Lakes District, New Zealand

42km Marathon | 21km Half Marathon | 10km | 3km Kids Run

For more on one of the most scenic marathons in the world >> Queenstown Marathon 2022

For direct link to 2022 results >> Queenstown Marathon 2022 Results

Leith’s Nick Bathgate (in picture) had a great run up in Queenstown. He placed 8th overall (out of 1739) in the Full Marathon, 8th (out of 959) in the Male category, 5th in the 30-39 age category. His time was an excellent 2 hours 48 minutes 25 seconds. This was an improvement of about 5 minutes on his 2 hours 53 minutes 51 second which he achieved in the recent Emersons Dunedin Marathon which took place on 11 September 2022

Rachael McKinney also of Leith tackled the half marathon and achieved a time of 2 hours 6 minutes 5 seconds. She was in 1428th place overall (out of 4142), 608th (of 2553), and 54th (out of 498) in the 50-59 age category. Leith athlete Kate Roberts achieved a time of 2 hours 14 minutes 26 seconds in the half marathon race

Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon, Sunday 30 October 2022

Auckland, New Zealand

For results and more >> Auckland Marathon Website

Leith’s Bryan Staunton cracks the 1:30 barrier again in the half marathon

Running in the M16-34 division he finished 102nd (of a field of 3,959), 90th Male (of field of 2,296) and 72nd in his age grade (out of 1,120) in a time of 01:29:38.

Bryan writes that he

“Really enjoyed this event today, my first. It, however, was a lot tougher than expected with a few tricky rises in the middle stages and a 40m climb up the Harbour Bridge! It was a very early start getting the ferry from the city across to Devonport shortly after 5am and it was absolutely pouring with rain so most people sheltered in the Devonport ferry terminal for as long as they could.

Luckily after we started the rain eased. I aimed to stick with the 1 hr 30 pace runners, and from the outset they set a faster than expected pace. We passed the 14km mark in exactly 58 minutes so I knew we were ahead of time however I was surprised when the pacers didn’t slow on the bridge climb and I fell back quite a long way. Once I made it to the top of the bridge I realised I still had time up my sleeve to stay under the 1 hr 30 and I set a good pace for the last few flat kms, ultimately catching up to pacers again and scraping in at 1:29:40. Overall I massively enjoyed this event despite the wet weather and hope to do it again in future!

40th Leith Harbour Free 5/10km, 9am, Sunday, 23 October 2022

Course 2 – Start Kitchener St – Watercooled Sports, Dunedin

It is free. Run the 10km or run/walk the 5km along the Portobello Cycle/Walkway on a there and back course. Wheelchair and pram friendly

For more details results and report >> Leith Harbour Free

The Night ‘n Day Rainbow Run, Sunday 16 October 2022

Logan Park, Dunedin

Organised by Sport Otago

This event has now taken place!

For full details of this event >> Sport Otago – Night ‘n Day Rainbow Run 2022

The Night ‘n Day Rainbow Run is the most fun way to get active in Dunedin this spring! Run or walk the 3.4km or 5km course around Logan Park and prepare to become your own work of art as you pass through the five colour checkpoints. Wear a white or black t-shirt to get the full effect! The course is family-friendly and great for kids. Great ticket options this year make it an affordable event for the whole family

New Zealand Half Marathon Championships, Sunday 16 October 2022

Cambridge

This event has taken place. See below for further information

Cambridge Athletic and Harrier Club announced that this year’s Cambridge Half Marathon, 10k and 5k will be held on Sunday 16th October 2022. The event will continue to be combined with the Athletics NZ Half Marathon Championships. A change in date was necessary as NZ’s premier marathon event at Rotorua needed to shift dates due to uncertainty with government Covid restriction levels. Unfortunately that new date clashed with the date for the Cambridge Half.

For more details >> NZ Half Marathon Champs 2022

For event website >> Cambridge Athletic and Harrier Club, Half Marathon 2022

Cross Recreation Centre Balclutha Half Marathon & 10KM, Sat 15 October 2022

Balclutha, Otago

Half Marathon, 10 km, 5 km and Family Fun Run events

For full information >> Cross Recreation Centre

Caversham’s Jonah Smith won the half marathon with club mate Nathan Shanks second. Leith Athletic’s Corey Lewis finished third in 1 hours 17 minutes 25 seconds with fellow Leith Master 50+ runner Simon Leaning finishing in fifth place in 1 hour 23 minutes 42 seconds and winning the Master Men 50+ title. Further results for Leith were 7th Casey Pearce in 1 hour 24 minutes 50 seconds, 8th Liam Turk in 1 hour 27 minutes 10 seconds, Bryan Staunton in 1 hour 28 minutes 31 seconds a personal best and first time under 1 hour 30 minutes. Mandy Lowther in 1 hour 33 minutes which was a personal best. She also finished second in the Senior Women’s grade. Rach McKinney was pleased to finish in sub 2 hours. We don’t as yet have all the exact placings and times for some of these athletes but will update the report when they become available. Meanwhile here are some personal accounts of the race from the athletes themselves:

Ninth placed Bryan Staunton on his 1:28.31 PB

“It was a great race for me personally being the first time I have got under the 1 hr 30 min barrier which was a long-term goal for a few years but then I haven’t really done any proper training until this year. Perfect weather for it today although I will have to remember the sunblock next time! Great event and look forward to running next year again hopefully.”

Fifth placed and first Master Male 50+ Simon Leaning on his 1:23.42

“Much better result than I’d hoped for & the course was far more challenging than I’d originally been led to believe- so many “gentle” undulations! The cool head wind coming back into town was a God-send on such a warm day…& I was able to accompany Hilary (Leaning) to the finish line nearer the end of her event. A great way to spend most of a Saturday & always good running a new course (I’d do it again- found it to be a very well organised event also). Thanks to Casey (Pearce) for keeping me honest & yes, it was good seeing lots of blue & white Leith Singlets at the start line😅. Next up: Coastal Classic maybe😓?”

Mandy Lowther on her 1:33 SW2 PB

“Caught Wayne (Porteous) with 4 km to go. Felt strongest at the end and pushed it to finish second female overall and a personal best for me too. The course was tougher than I thought with the ups and downs, but happy with my result coming back from an injury. Really enjoyed the encouragement today so thank you

7th placed Casey Pearce had this to say about his 1:24.55

“Thanks for the support out there! It was cool to see Chris, Sebastian, Jason and Gavin out on the course.

Liam, Bryan, Gavin and I set out early this morning to arrive in Balclutha in time to have a go at the parkrun down there! (Not the wisest decision before a half marathon race, but I’m trying to get to 200 parkruns before Christmas! Plus I was driving, so the others didn’t have a choice haha)

After picking up our race bibs, the bus ride out to the start line made me appreciate that 21km is a pretty long way! It was great to see lots of Leith runners and familiar faces at the start line. I had a loose goal of running the half faster than I did during the Dunedin half and trying to go out at 4 minutes per km, chasing a time of sub-1:25. I had a really good first 11km, keeping comfortably faster than goal pace, trying hard to stay on Simon’s heels. My closing 10km was less than ideal, with my pace fading hard. Mentally, I kept ticking off each km (“the next marker is only 8km to go… the next marker is only 7km to go…) I got caught in the last 600m and didn’t have the legs to hold on to the guy, although when I looked at my watch and saw how close to 1:25 I was, I mustered up a bit of a dash for the finish line. I was stoked to have made it in 7th place, just under 1:25 according to the official result! Bang on schedule.

Tuesday training pays off! It feels good to be regaining some of my speed after a couple of years stuck on a bit of a plateau. I just have to keep showing up and grinding out the mile’s week after week! Thanks for the tips, encouragement and positive energy, it all helped immensely! See you all on Tuesday!!”

Aoraki Mount Cook Marathon, Saturday 1 October 2022

Aoraki Mount Cook Village, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

The Aoraki Mount Cook Marathon is a road running event held in early October each year in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand. The event offers challenges for all abilities including a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km road running events – Something for everyone!

Leith’s Corey Lewis wins the 10km Race

Leith’s Corey Lewis had an excellent race over the 10km course. He finished first overall and first in the Open Male 16-39 grade in 35 minutes 53 seconds. Here is Corey’s account of his race experience:

“It was a calm and chilly start for all three out and back road races. The marathon, half marathon and 10km started at 8, 9 and 10am respectively. When the 10km began it was still a bitter 3 degrees but rays of sun were starting to creep through the cloud cover. Adrian, the race director made a three minute call, a two minute call, a one minute call and then counted down from 30 seconds, which felt like 5 minutes. We set off from the Mt Cook Lodge start line, down the road and onto the highway. After the first km I had cemented my position in the race and settled into a rhythm. The first 5km felt fast and easy, aided by a gentle tailwind and downward gradient. At the turnaround I experienced the expected opposite, running into the wind and back up to the Mt Cook Lodge. By the finish line the clouds had cleared and we had fantastic views of the mountainous ranges surrounding us.”

New Zealand Road Relay Championships, Saturday 1 October 2022

Christchurch

For results >> Road Results 2022

39th Leith Harbour Free 5/10km, 6pm, Thursday 29 September 2022

Course 1 – Start Neptune/Magnet Streets, Dunedin

It is free. Run the 10km or run/walk the 5km along the West Harbour Cycle/Walkway on a there and back course. Wheelchair and pram friendly

For results and report >> Leith Harbour Free

Emersons Dunedin Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km, Sunday 11 September 2022

Dunedin, New Zealand

Organised by the Caversham Harrier & Athletics Club, Dunedin

For results and further information >> Dunedin Marathon

It was a windy, mostly sunny day out there with a cold brisk North Easterly blowing up the harbour all race long. See reports and results below

Leith & Friends in the Half-Marathon

Leith’s Corey Lewis had an excellent race in the half-marathon, finishing second in 1 hour 16 minutes 13 seconds.

Corey was just over 4 minutes adrift of the winner, University of Canterbury’s Harry Rattray who won in 1 hour 12 minutes 4 seconds.

Club Captain, Richard Campbell finished second in the Male 35-49 grade and tenth overall in 1 hour 22 minutes 31 seconds. Simon Leaning finished fifth in the Male 35-49 grade and 19th overall in 1 hour 25 minutes 34 seconds. Liam Turk was the 16th Male under 35 to cross the line and was 25th overall in 1 hour 27 minutes 43 seconds. Casey Pearce finished 20th in the Male under 35 grade and 31st overall in 1 hour 28 minutes 57 seconds. Bryan Staunton finished 27th in the Male under 35 grade and 40th overall in 1 hour 31 minutes 35 seconds. Although not running as a registered Leith runner, Mandy Lowther finished as sixth Female under 35 (6th Female overall) and 63rd overall in 1 hour 35 minutes 36 seconds. Glenn Thompson finished in 1 hour 46 minutes 23 seconds placing 35th in the Male 35-49 grade, overall 162 of 631 and 132 of 333 males

There were runners who are not registered with Leith but have been to Leith training sessions who performed well in the Half-Marathon and other races.

George Alexander finished 6th overall, 6th in the Male under 35 grade and also 6th in the Male category in 1 hour 20 minutes 5 seconds. Further results were: Dan Hayman 1:24:02, 17th overall, 17th Male, 13th (Male under 35 years); Harrison Shaw 1:36:55, 70th overall, 63rd Male, 42nd (Male under 35 years); Nick Punnett 1:39:15, 99th overall, 85th Male, 55th (Male under 35 years); Nigel Scarth 1:39:24, 101st overall, 87th Male, 25th (Male 35-49 years); Ian Morison 01:52:31, 225 overall, 179th Male, 19th (Male 50+); 70+ athlete Ross Gatenby 01:57:06, 279th overall. 205th Male, 23rd (Male 50+); Georgia Mayer 2:05:32, 389th overall, 140th Female, 94th (Female under 35 years); Tessa Scorringe 2:58:14, 620th overall, 289th Female, 76th (Female 35 to 49 years)

Leith & Friends in the Full-Marathon

Leith’s Nic Bathgate, although coming back from a long term injury, had a fantastic run. He finished fifth overall and first in the Male 35-49 grade in 2 hours 53 minutes 51 seconds. Lars Winther also had an excellent run, finishing ninth in the Male under 35 grade, 11th Male and 12th overall in 3 hours 1 second, missing the magical three hour barrier by just one second. The winner, Caversham’s Jonah Smith had an amazing run to finish with his third title in a time of 2 hours 42 minutes 1 second

Lydia Pattillo had a great race, finishing second in the Female under 35 grade, seventh in the overall female grade and 35th overall in 3 hours 27 minutes 26 seconds. See her report + photo below “Marathon Fun in the Gales”

Margie Campbell (not running for Leith), was the overall Female winner of the Marathon, running a quality time of 2 hours 56 minutes 8 seconds. She was 9th overall of a field of 165 runners, first Female, and first Master Female 35-49. Lydia Pattillo in her report mentions how the blustery strong wind played a major part in the race, so Margie’s time was truly of a great quality. Lisa Brignall from the Don Creig Racing Stables in Christchurch finished second in the Female grade in 3 hours 7 minutes 47 seconds, as well as second in the Master Female 35-49 grade and 16th overall. Caversham’s Kristy Eyles finished third in the Female grade, as well as 3rd in the Master Female 35-49 grade and 20th overall in 3 hours 10 minutes 50 seconds

Jamie Gardner finished in 3 hours 22 minutes 25 seconds placing 32nd overall, 27 of 123 males and 17th of 66 in the Male under 35 grade. Nick Wooliscroft on of the Sunday Morning Runners had a good day out too, running 3 hours 46 minutes 37 seconds to finish sixth in the Male 50+ grade, 65th overall and 51st in the Male category

Gallien Chanalet-Quercy recently arrived back from overseas ran well to finish in 3 hours 22 minutes 3 seconds. He placed 30th of 65 overall, 26th of 123 Males and was 9th in the Master Male 35-49 grade

Dave McLean also ran well, despite recent injury and illness, finishing in 5 hours 14 minutes 24 seconds. He was 20th (0f 25) in the Male 50+ grade, 149 overall (of 165) and 112th Male. Despite initially being given a sub 4 hour time due to some timekeeping glitch, he was happy with his time this year. He was happy to finish ahead of Glen Sutton, the Man in the giant 19kg Beer Can who finished near the back of the field in a remarkable 6 hours 12 minutes 37 seconds. Dave plans to aim for a sub 4 hour 30 minute marathon next year. He says he definitely needs to put in more base training

Leith & Friends in the 10km

Wayne Porteous finished in 42 minutes 8 seconds, 26 of 352, 23 of 145 males, 3rd (of 30) in the Male 50+ grade. Bruce Muldrew finished in 56 minutes 14 seconds, 132 of 352, 83 of 145 males and 18th (of 30) in the Male 50+ grade. Peter Murray finished in 58 minutes 10 seconds, 157 of 352, 91 oF 145 males and 19th (of 30) in the Male 50+ grade. Katelyn McIntyre cross the line in 1 hour 18 minutes 8 seconds, 309th overall, 176th Female, 85th (Female under 35 years)

Leith & Friends in the 10km Recreational Walk

Donald Bate was first overall and also the first Male 50+ athlete to finish the 10km Walk. He has been practicing the correct walking technique and it paid off big time with him finishing in a superb 1 hour 4 minutes 54 seconds

Susan Craig decided to tackle the walk this year and was delighted with her 1 hour 15 minutes 14 seconds result. She finished fourth overall out of 208, 2nd female and all ages out of 163 entrants. Jo McKenzie finished the walk in 1 hour 39 minutes 25 seconds. Placing: 101 of 208, 82 of 163 females and all ages

Leith & Friends in the 5km

Robyn O’Neill finished 30th in 31 minutes 16 seconds and Jennifer Cole finished 187th in 1 hour 3 minutes 39 seconds

“Marathon fun in the gales” by Lydia Pattillo

Wind was the main theme of the day for all the Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon events and the full marathon distance, which was fortunate enough to have the majority as a tailwind, wasn’t exempt from the punishing headwinds.

The first time starting at the new Portobello start was a little shock to the system as we were straight into a small uphill climb over the Portobello hump then into 12km of the brewing headwind.

A huge rejoice from each runner as they made it to the turning point at Harrington point and a long tail wind back into town was gifted. Banking time in the tailwind was the main tactic as we knew the punishment of the headwind while in the death-zone of the last 6km of a marathon was going to be absolute agony.
Portsmouth drive had us struggling to stay on our feet and I personally had to hold my race number the length of the harbour basin as the wind was whipping it so hard it was ripping away from the pins. Fortunately the last few km markers slowly kept ticking over and a final push up Fryatt Street and over the railway bridge to Emersons where the huge crowds cheered us in.

I was glad to get it done faster than my tentative 3hour 30min goal, coming home a smidge over 3:27

And let’s not forget all those helpers – Croydon Paton

Croydon Paton in picture with another volunteer taking a selfie. Loved my marathon experience with this lovely volunteer at Macandrew Bay about the 30km mark.

Supporting all the familiar faces but even more the unfamiliar in the final 25% of the field.

Is this your first marathon? “Yes and my heels hurt / I’m never doing this again / I’ve ticked my bucket list / I’ve got chafing / I didn’t eat enough / where’s the drink station”

Hey, if it were easy, everyone would be here doing it. They’re not. You’re the tough one. Huge respect for you runners getting it done! You look amazing! And you’re beating the beer can! Super stoked to jump in at late notice and be part of the excitement

Athletics New Zealand Road Championships, Sunday, 4 September 2022

New Zealand Campus of Innovation & Sport (NZCIS), Upper Hutt

For details and live stream >> Athletics New Zealand Road Champs 2022

Live Results >> Athletics New Zealand Road Champs 2022 Live Results

On a windy day in Wellington there was a close tussle for line honours in the Senior Men’s 10km race, Leith’s Janus Staufenberg running for Otago has won the Athletics New Zealand 10km Road Champs. Running for most of the way in a leading group of about 8 runners, which eventually got whittled down to four by the last lap, he beat Oska Baynes (Canterbury – University of Canterbury Athletic Club) by just 1.6 seconds in 31 minutes 2 seconds. Oska in turn just beat third placed team mate Daniel Balchin by just 4.1 seconds. It was an exciting finish with Janus coming around the final bend with a 10m lead and Oska trying desperately to catch him in a sprint finish. Balchin was just seconds back trying to do the same. However, Janus prevailed to secure a fulfilling finish to the harrier season with this title.

Janus talks about his title winning performance

Windy wellington lived up to its name today with gale winds blowing all day at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport where the race was held. An 8 lap circuit relatively flat with only a small rise but about 5 corners per lap. The tight multi-lap circuit meant that positioning was key from the start to both get a draft from the wind where possible but also through the tight corners to avoid running extra meters. A bit of road biking tactics helped here as I also wanted to stick near the front to avoid being strung out through the corners. Also in the lead up to the event doing session on the roads around Logan park including the Tennis club car park to practice the corners at speed helped here.

With the wind I wasn’t expecting the pace to be full on from the start but at the first lap we went out quick as some boys weren’t keen to muck around with the slow pace into the wind. My tactic was to ensure I stuck around near the front being ready for any surges or breaks. With some surges by various boys throughout the race we were still a relatively large pack of about 8 heading into the final 2 laps. As the pace started to pick up the bunch started getting smaller and heading to the final lap there were about 4 of us left. I still felt strong as we got the bell and found myself at the front with two Canterbury boys either side. Ramping up the pace even more we had to battle the head wind one more time. Concerned I might have started too early I slightly eased up the pace before surging again as I sensed I might have more left in the tank than those around me. Turning the last corner I put down an all out sprint finish to fend off the late surge from Osaka.

Overall very pleased to take out the NZ title, and it’s very rewarding with all the work I’ve been putting into my running recently. Thanks for all the support and all the messages!

Olivia had this to say about her excellent run at the champs

I was pleased with my efforts today, I did however go into the race really hoping for a good time and another PB but the weather wasn’t on our side. It was a tough race, beginning with a fast start and a strong head wind that started to take its toll after several laps. I spent half the race on my own and the second half with another Otago member which was great and really kept me going. I really enjoyed it (apart from the wind!) and am proud of how I handled myself leading up to and during the race. Coming away with 4th place at my first ever NZ road Champs after many seasons away due to injury, I couldn’t be happier to be back and racing.

The Monteith’s Clyde to Alexandra, 10km Event, Saturday 27 August 2022

Alexandra, Central Otago

Various distances for different age grades

Visit the Race Website for full details

Results >> Monteith’s Clyde-Alex 2022 Results

Leith’s Janus Staufenberg finished second in the Open Men’s 20-34 grade 10km race with a time of 29 minutes 45 seconds. Olivia Thornbury finished third in the Open Women’s 20-34 grade 10km in 36 minutes 5 seconds. See below with their results highlighted. The full results can be seen on the race website.

10km Road Race : OM20-34
1st Daniel Balchin Alexandra, University of Canterbury 29:42
2nd Janus Staufenberg Wanaka, Leith 29:45
3rd Joel Carman Dunedin, Hill City University 32:28

10km Road Race : OW20-34
1st Hannah Miller Wellington, Wellington Scottish 34:50
2nd Tillie Hollyer Timaru, Whippets Running Project Canterbury 35:41
3rd Olivia Thornbury Dunedin, 36:05

Impact Roofing and Plumbing Surf to Stadium Fun Run and Walk, Sunday 21 August 2022

Dunedin, New Zealand

With 10 km run/walk and 4 km run walk options

For full details on this event >> Impact Roofing and Plumbing Surf to Stadium 2022

South Island Half Marathon, Sunday 7th August 2022

Lake Hood, Ashburton

Held in the beautiful Lake Hood catchment,runners run around the lake and experience amazing water views throughout the run. Then some of the most amazing home and garden settings and reserves in the South Island

For results >> South Island Half Marathon Results 2022

Leith’s Don Bate, on the left in picture above, who finished second in the Half Marathon 60-69 Vintage Men grade in 1 hour 55 minutes 54 seconds reports:

“This was a great event and I am pleased to report that the predicted atrocious weather held off just in time.. kudos to the met service who said the front would hit at midday, and at precisely 12:04 BAM!..instant southerly gales!! So from 10am race start time until midday the conditions were absolutely sublime.. sunny and no wind! After the 1st lap I was overheating and had to strip off my thermal under layer”

Bryan Staunton also of Leith finished 22nd in the Open Men’s grade in 1 hour 38 minutes 13 seconds and 39th overall

Former Leith athlete Sophie Smith won the Open Women’s grade in the half marathon in 1 hour 32 minutes 55 seconds

Otago Road Championships & Race Walk Champs, Saturday 6 August 2022

West Harbour Walkway and Cycleway, Dunedin

Start / finish area corner of Neptune/Magnet Streets, Dunedin

Results >> Otago Road Champs Results 2022

Triathletes streak to road champs gold >> report by Wayne Parsons ODT online Monday 8 August 2022

See the photo collage below, photos taken by Lydia Pattillo – in order Olivia, Janus, Corey and Dave. More photos to follow.

Enviable perfect conditions on the West Harbour Walkway and Cycleway for today’s Otago Road Race Champs. Leith took line honours for the Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s race with Janus Staufenberg and Olivia Thornbury in stunning form. Amazing effort from Corey Lewis as well to take the bronze medal in the Senior Men’s. Well done all. Thanks to all those who helped marshal.

Leith Report

In the Senior Men’s 10km race, Leith’s Janus Staufenberg set out at a blistering pace leaving the chasing Finn Molloy of Hill City University and the next large chasing pack trailing in his wake by the 5km turnaround. He continued to dominate this race finishing first in 31 minutes 14 seconds. Finn Molloy kept the fast finishing chasing pack at bay to take silver in 33 minutes 17 seconds. Leith’s Corey Lewis made a concerted effort in the last km to put some seconds between himself and the rest. He finished with 33 minutes 35 seconds, with was a personal best, to take the bronze medal. See his report further below:

Olivia Thornbury of Leith was also dominant in the Senior Women’s race leading all the way to get gold in 37 minutes 26 seconds. Second was Hannah Kempf of RTIM in 42 minutes 8 seconds (non-championship) and third was Caversham’s Laura Bungard who claimed silver in 45 minutes 28 seconds

Coming back into form, was Leith’s Dave McLean who won the gold in the Men’s 65+ grade in 53 minutes 45 seconds

Corey Lewis Race Report

The 2022 Otago Road race championships were held on a calm Saturday afternoon; conditions were perfect and set the stage for an epic race. The race began with the eventual winner, Janus Staufenberg (SM) of Leith setting a strong and steady pace. Following close behind was a brave group of three athletes including Matt (U18), Josh (U20) and Finn (SM) all of Hill City University. Chasing Janus and Finn in the senior men’s 10000m race was a group of six runners including myself which eventually was whittled down to four. From memory we all stuck together, jostling for the bronze until the final stages of the race, after putting in a bit of a shift I was thankful to maintain 3rd place and come home in 33:33, a new 10000m PB. Leith’s Olivia Thornbury won the senior women’s race in an impressive fashion. I would also like to thank all the volunteers from each of Dunedin’s clubs and Athletics Otago for making this event possible.

37th Leith Harbour Free 5/10km, 6pm, Thurs, 28 July 2022

Course 1 – start corner Neptune/Magnet Sts, Dunedin

For results and report >> Leith Harbour Free

36th Leith Harbour Free 5/10km, 9am, Sunday 26 June 2022

Course 2 – Start Kitchener St – Watercooled Sports, Dunedin

For results and report >> Leith Harbour Free

Matariki 2022 Run with the Stars, 5.30pm, Thursday, 23 June 2022

Caledonian Ground, Logan Park, Dunedin

This event has now taken place

Athletics Otago hosted the Matariki run with the stars. This involved a night run, followed by pizza and refreshments.

Selwyn Marathon, Sunday 5th June 2022

Lincoln Events Centre, Lincoln

For full details about this event >> Selwyn Marathon

Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km distances

Results >> Selwyn Marathon Results 2022

Well done to Leith’s Rachael McKinney who finished the Half-Marathon in 1 hour 55 minutes 7 seconds and was 3rd in the Master Women’s 50-59 grade, here is her story

Selwyn Half Marathon – Rach McKinney
When my Cavy running buddy Cheryl said she was driving to Lincoln, Canterbury to run the Selwyn half marathon in June, the chance of a lift, and enough Airpoints for a free flight home, meant it was a no-brainer, so I signed up. Despite following hot on the heels of the Southern Lakes half marathon only 4 weeks before, the chance to get out and do another of my favourite running races after so many cancellations over the last few years was just too tempting. So, armed with a sub 1:50 from Wanaka, frankly my best time in donkey’s years, I set off with high hopes of perhaps not a repeat performance but something close.
The Canterbury Plains is a picturesque part of the world, with its ‘braided rivers and pastoral perfection’ (to borrow from the 100% Pure New Zealand website), and from a road-runners’ perspective it’s also the ideal venue for a race; flat roads that seem to disappear endlessly into the distance. I also love a relatively low-key event like this, there is something intimate about being part of small but hardy group of runners who are happy to get up on a dark winter’s morning to run in what at any other time would be a ridiculously underdressed state of affairs.
Ambling down to the start a little early to collect our race packs I couldn’t help but notice that the brisk north easterly showed no signs of easing as the sun came up, and I made a mental note to manage the first few km into the wind so that I didn’t overcook things by the time we were heading back on this one loop half marathon course that kicked off from the Lincoln Events Centre.
With the marathoners heading off 10 minutes before the half there was just enough time to join in the start line banter, laugh at a few jokes from the event director, and scope out the age group competition. I don’t tend to win but sometimes I can find myself near the top of the ‘old birds’ brigade, usually nudged down the placings by some whippet like individual who can still pull out times I’ve never even come close to regardless of age. Today was no exception.
I’ve never been a runner who has been able to recall with any kind of precision the detail of a race – I’ve got a rough idea at best, after the fact, of when things were tough, and of when I felt like I was breezing along like Glenys Quick … OK maybe more like Glenys-not-quite-so-Quick, but you get the picture … and so it was that after about 4 or 5 km into the race, with the north easterly still in my face, I realised it wasn’t going to be a sub 1:50 kinda day. So I shuffled my expectations, and settled into a manageable pace so that at least I could reflect on a solid effort and not blow out significantly in the last few km.
As it turns out my 1:55:07 was still enough to snag me third place in my age group – which was won (as was the female race outright) in the awe-inspiring and frankly ridiculous time of 1:24:41 by Elite Masters Athlete Sally Gibbs (Google this woman … she is an outstanding athlete!).
These days I tend to think there is no such thing as a bad race and I had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend in a great wee part of the world at a well organised event with great volunteers. I still think I can get back under 1:50 again more regularly in the coming year so that will motivate me over the winter. And if I don’t do it before heading back to Lincoln next year at least I won’t have to worry about Sally beating me in my age group … she’ll be 60 by then!

TK Cowan 8km, 5km, 3km (Handicap Race), 1.30pm Sat 4 June 2022

Ocean Grove Domain Hall, 307 Tomahawk Road, Ocean Grove

Organised by the Hill City-University Harrier & Athletic Club, Dunedin

An invitation was extended from Hill City-University to Leith Athletics to take part in this iconic event and we thank them for a fantastic event with a lavish table of refreshments after the races and spot prizes to boot. Did we tell you that the weather was great too, with almost no wind, cool and sunny throughout. Leith had five runners, four in the 8km and one in the 5km.

Full results now available >> TK Cowan results 2022

There were 8km, 5km and 3km options available. See description of the course further below

Race 1: 3km: https://www.strava.com/routes/2834755206829174142

Race 2: 5km: https://www.strava.com/routes/2834754411973704062

Race 3: 8km: https://www.strava.com/routes/2834750350527801778

Marc Boulle, Cliff Kelway-Pope, Bryan Staunton, Don Bate, Corey Lewis all ready to rumble

Leith’s Corey Lewis who was off with Joel Carman had a great run in the 8km, crossing first across the line on handicap at 60 minutes 17 seconds just four seconds in front of the second placed runner, Liliana Braun of Hill City University. He was third fastest in a time of 30 minutes 2 seconds, just narrowly missing breaking the 30 minute barrier. He was off a tough handicap of 30 minutes 15 seconds and had to work his way through almost the entire field with Hill City University’s Finn Molloy and Caversham’s Nathan Shanks who were off 32 minutes 15 seconds set the tougher task of catching Corey and Joel Carman. The next Leith runner to finish was Marc Boullé who bettered his time by about five minutes from the previous year. He finished 14th across the line in a time of 44 minutes 21 seconds. Then came Bryan Staunton in 16th place in an excellent time of 37 minutes 17 seconds. Don Bate was the next Leith runner in 18th place across the line in a time of 42 minutes 4 seconds. In the 5km Cliff Kelway-Pope had a tough handicap starting off at 21 minutes. He finished fourth across the line in a time of 25 minutes 28 seconds

Description of 8km Course: The 8km starts from the Ocean Grove Domain Hall and heads south along and up Tomahawk Road, crossing over at top into Tahuna Road then down Tahuna Road on left side, start running on walkway/cycleway at school pedestrian crossing, then turn right into the Chisholm Golf Club entrance at Lawyers Head Road, to the golf club parking area, and then north up the Lawyers Head Track through Golf Links to top of hill then down path to the left and back onto Tomahawk Road, keep right along grass path then turn right at Tomahawk Beach and onto beach, run along beach then up steep dune into Tomahawk Road again, turn right into Tomahawk road and then at intersection of Tomahawk Road and Centre Road, keep right down Tomahawk Road to the turnaround at the intersection of Southdale and Tomahawk Roads (Tautuku Fishing Club), then head back up Tomahawk Road to the intersection of Tomahawk Road and Centre Road, turn left keeping in Tomahawk Road, then head down the hill, then turn right into Oregon Street (which is actually a crescent) short uphill, then when Oregon Street meets Tomahawk Road again turn right and the finish is about 130m away at the Ocean Grove Domain Hall.

35th Leith Harbour Free 5/10km, 6pm, Thurs, 26 May 2022

Course 1 – start corner Neptune/Magnet Sts, Dunedin

For results and report >> Leith Harbour Free

NZ Senior Marathon Champs: REBOOT The Athletes’ Marathon & Half Marathon 2022, 7.30am Sunday 15 May 2022

Start and finish for the marathon is by Tai Tapu Domain, Old Tai Tapu Road, just south of Christchurch

The 2022 New Zealand Senior Marathon Championships combined with the Athletics Canterbury Marathon Championships took place on Sunday on a fast, flat course in rural Canterbury. Check the results of the Otago athletes who were competing

For full details on this exciting event results >> REBOOT The Athletes’ Marathon & Half Marathon 2022

My Debut Marathon by Ben Pigou 2:39:11

When the Reboot marathon (NZ marathon champs) was formed earlier this year I thought it might be my calling to step up to the marathon mark after completing my fair share of half’s. After 12 solid weeks of training with Nathan Shanks I was ready and excited to see what I could do.

The day finally came, and I took off not too fast, and tried to hold it as best I could. I missed the 6k drink station and carried on, then from about 3k to 18k my calf tightened up quite badly and I thought of a DNF but decided it wasn’t the Cavy spirit (haha).

I passed through 21k in 1:18.36 so I knew that the pack I was with, were on target for an ok time. I just needed to hold on with them.

I had some stomach issues at 37k but managed to push through to finish strong for the last 5k, passing about 4 or 5 people on my way. The last 3k I felt as though I had a huge smile on my face knowing I only had 10 minutes more to go before accomplishing such a massive personal achievement.

I finished with a time of 2:39:11, overall I am extremely happy with my performance, and I look forward to my next challenge!

MT Outdoors Southern Lakes Half Marathon and 10km, Saturday 7 May 2022

Wanaka, South Island

For results >> Road Results 2022

Rachael McKinney, Susan Craig and Cheryl Kelly all smiles

In the Half Marathon, Leith’s Rachael McKinney had an awesome run finishing fourth in the very competitive Female Vet2 (50-59) grade. Her finishing time of 1 hour 48 minutes 26 seconds was very impressive too. Caversham’s Cheryl Kelly finished fourth in this grade in 1 hour 54 minutes 50 seconds.

In the 10km, Susan Craig had an excellent run despite being in a base building phase. She finished third in another competitive grade the Female Vet2 (50-59) in 56 minutes 28 seconds. A time she said she was happy with due to recent illness and subsequent easy slow paced base training. We will soon have a report with photos from Susan.

For full details on this event and entry details >> MT Outdoors Southern Lakes Half Marathon and 10km 2022