A number of Leith Athletes and Leith affiliated runners took part and assisted in this event. The weather crashed on Saturday but by evening it had all settled to become a glorious day on Sunday.

Brandon Purdue of Queenstown won the Cargill Twig for winning the race. He completed 17 laps.

Brooke Thomas of Queenstown completed 16 laps setting a new women’s record.

Sandor Toth’s take on the Crush the Cargill

Saturday morning was expectedly brisk. The forecast showers pulled punches as I arrived at the Crush the Cargill Base Camp. The excitement grew as people set up tents and prepared for the adventure ahead. It was particularly awesome to see the Christchurch group BSR (Big Sunday Runs) and other friends from out of town, making their annual pilgrimage to this special event. It was also very generous of Harjinder to welcome myself, Corey, Josh, and Steve into his tent, to share as ‘home base’.

It was the first race I’ve ever started with a traffic light! It went green and we made a start, walking gently, prepared for anything. The track was soft and muddy, perfect conditions for trail running! The cool temperature was very nice, especially once the body temperature began to rise halfway up the first climb. Then, suddenly, the mist rolled in, somewhere on lap 2 or 3, the temperature plummeted, and we were treated to what I can only describe as the Mr Hyde to our famed ‘Dunner Stunner’. I was very fortunate to rip my poncho so that I could have the luxury of getting cold, and wet right through. Luckily, my friend Anthony took pity and offered me an amazing jacket. Nobody wants to read a jacket report – but I’ll tell you this much, it might have just been the best jacket I’ve ever worn in my life.

Anyway, 6 laps and it was a day for me. Family duties called, so I popped home, had a sleep, and was back in the morning. Feeling sprightly, I put the old soaking shods back on and gave 2 more laps a hoon before the event finished at 10am. It was really fun to be part of those special last moments, watching people’s achievements realised, challenges overcome, and the flood of relief that this is all finally over.

Thank you to Steve Tripp for organising, and well done for the incredible effort out there. It takes a special person to both run an event and also run an event.

Special mentions to Pascal for his incredible multisport effort carrying up his bike and canoe, and Brad for taking awesome photos of the day. And thank you to all the volunteers and The Valley Project, the community group for whom this event fundraises for.

Report summary by Leith Club President Chris Sole (who also ran one lap)

“Congratulations to Race Mastermind, Steve Tripp for the 5th, possibly most successful yet, Crush the Cargill. Despite all the background work, organisation, Steve Crushed the Cargill with an almighty PB 16 Ascent effort. The Whiteboard recorded at least 102 people walked and/or /ran from Bethunes Gully to Mt Cargill Summit Beacon. Rain, misty cold conditions challenged even the hardiest souls. On my single ascent, I met a succession of individuals and group trains, encouraging one another, chatting jovially about the weather, their aches, and pains, focusing on the next step, listening to the birds, trying to stay warm (and dry), breathing deeply Mt Cargill air, satisfied by another lap completed, mission accomplished. This was as close to the Ethiopian experience described by Michael Crawley in Out of Thin Air.

If you missed reading Ashim’s Journey and his Fund-raising effort (Third World Covid Vaccinations/Mental Health Foundation/The Valley Project) in The Star written by Jessica Wilson pre-race – here it is below: “Running the Height of Mount Everest”. Ashim, unfortunately, twisted his ankle at 3am, on his 11th ascent, so not quite completing his Everest Aim. He will be back.”

Running the height of Mt Everest

JESSICA.WILSON
@thestar.co.nz

Challenge accepted . . . Runner Ashim GC will take part in the 24-hour Crush the Cargill this weekend to raise money for causes important to him. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

After experiencing the benefits running has on mental health, a Dunedin man is planning on doing it for 24 hours. Ashim GC (27) will line up alongside other keen endurance runners this weekend for the annual Crush the Cargill challenge. The event goes from 10am on Saturday until 10am on Sunday. ‘‘This is the biggest endurance [run] I have ever done so I’m a bit nervous, but I’m looking forward to it,’’ Ashim said. He set himself a goal to run the height of Mt Everest (8849m) during the event ‘‘That’s the challenge I’ll work towards, but I’ll just listen to my body and do as much as I can.’’ He is raising money for the Mental Health Foundation, vaccinations for poor countries through Gavi and The Valley Project. Ashim moved to New Zealand from Nepal about three years ago, and was grateful for the support he had during the Covid-19 lockdowns and subsequent restrictions. However, many of his friends and family in Asia had a tougher time. He wanted to make sure that everyone, no matter where they lived, had access to vaccinations. ‘‘Vaccinations are totally your choice but that choice should be there,’’ Ashim said. ‘‘We know that if vaccines were to be a solution, we know that we won’t be able to solve the problem until everyone gets it. ‘‘I want to acknowledge the privilege I’ve had during Covid and support the people who have not necessarily had that.’’ Despite having access to support in New Zealand, dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic was not always easy. Ashim lost his job during last year’s lockdown and turned to running as a coping mechanism. ‘‘For me, running has really helped.’’ Although he was not much of a runner until then, he put more energy into it in a bid to keep the negativity out. Mental health issues were still a problem and the Mental Health Foundation did amazing work to help with that, he said. He felt lucky he was able to focus on his health, sports and running as not everyone had the opportunity to do so. ‘‘People should talk and be more open about mental health things.’’ He also wanted to give money to The Valley Project to support the community he lived in and the work it did in the city. Dunedin had an amazing community of runners and great outdoor experiences, he said. ‘‘I’m really looking forward to being part of that community.’’

Capturing the course conditions, the environment and spirit of the event

photos by Renee Ferguson

Dunedin 24 Hour Peak Bagging Sat 20 November 2021

Dunedin, New Zealand

Steve Tripp’s wonderful insight into what transpired

The informal Dunedin 24 Hour Peak Bagging challenge organized by Inch Events (Steve Tripp and Chris Taylor) happened last weekend. Teams and individuals set off on foot or bike to conquer as many peaks as possible. The strategic twist this year was that points were scored for every 100m of altitude of a peak so small peaks were less valuable. Also participants could start anyway they liked (in the world) as long as they ended up at Emersons Brewery by their own steam by midday Sunday.
Chris and I joined up with Adam Keen to form Team Savage (sponsored by https://www.aerobicedge.com ). I planned a leisurely loop around the outer margins of the city starting at Flagstaff incorporating (with permission) some of Wenita’s Mt Allan block, Silverstream Station, Silverpeaks and the usual suspects (all the peaks from Mopanui to Signal Hill). Mt Cargill was conquered 20 hours. For a while we thought we would have been more successful with pig bagging than peak bagging as we saw many wild pigs including at least 2 dead ones. Highlights included the section from Mt Allan, past Mt John and down through Silverstream Station to Jubilee Hut. There is some very big beautiful country out there! Other highlights included the nighttime silence in the Silverpeaks – when we stopped and switched off our lights all we could hear was our own breathing and the occasional morepork in the distance. Another highlight was the 15 min nap on the grass outside Emersions. We finished our 112km, (6250m vert) with an hour to spare after bagging 25 peaks for 122 points – second place overall, first place for foot only category. It was great occasionally bumping into other participants throughout the challenge. Scott Payne on Swampy Ridge and again on Mt Cargill Rd, Pieter Burger on Powder Hill, Glenn Thompson on Bacon Knob (top of Powder Ridge) and Aaron Eyles on Mt Cargill and Signal Hill. We also enjoyed discovering the stash left by Tim Thatcher and Chantal Whitby on Flagstaff and getting our water topped up from Scott’s support truck! Communication was maintained throughout the night through a Messenger chat group with photos getting more and more blurry as the hours ticked by.
Winner overall was Scott Payne who deserved the win after planning and researching and marking his route for months. He biked and hiked around 35 peaks for a score of 146 points.
His highlight was “the Kilmog descent at full send at 2am!” Best story of the weekend goes to Dave McLean (again). Dave got a ride out to Summit Rock at the top of the Rock and Pillars with his bike. He then biked down across that range and into the Lammermoors picking up 70 odd points from only 5 or 6 peaks. Unfortunately then his bike broke. It didn’t just break down but, spectacularly, it completely snapped in half. Dave briefly considered getting his wife to drop off another bike until the pain kicked in so instead she drove out to pick him up. Of course, being in the middle of the Lammermoors meant he had to get to a road so she could pick him up… that took about 6 more hours. Having suffered a broken rib Dave is describing it as lucky and looking forward to next year on a new bike. Unfortunately Dave was disqualified for getting the lift home but still turned up for lunch at Emersons to show us the broken bike before heading to Urgent Drs for a check up. Once again, Peak Bagging has given us a few stories to tell our grandkids around the camp fire.

Cromwell Half Marathon and 10km, Sunday, October 24, 2021

Cromwell, Otago, NZ

Highland Events
7 Alpha St, Cromwell, Otago, 9310, New Zealand

The Cromwell Half-Marathon and 10k Run or Walk course takes you around the shores of beautiful Lake Dunstan, all the way to Pisa Moorings and back, with a backdrop of spectacular mountain views. This is a family-friendly, fun event which attracts runners of all levels

For full 2021 results visit >> Cromwell Marathon and 10km

Leith Athletes had fantastic results in this event, with Margie Campbell fifth overall and first in the Open Female grade and Richard Campbell fourth overall and third in the Male Open (19-39) grade in the Half Marathon Race. A full report will be out soon, meanwhile check some Leith and other Dunedin club results below:

Cromwell 21km (89 Finishers)

4 Campbell, Richard 1:24:01 3rd Open Male (19-39), fourth overall
5 Campbell, Margie 1:24:47 5th overall and first Open Female (19-39)
10 Bayne, John 1:32:04 1st MM(50-59)
35 Sparrow, Liam 1:43:53 4th MM (50-59)
46 Tripp, Andrew 1:50:38 6th MM (50-59)

Cromwell 10km (80 Finishers)

16 Ross Gatenby 50:34 1st MM60+
39 Scoones, John 1:01:31.9 4th MM60+

For results visit >> Cromwell Marathon and 10km

Silver Stream Spin, Saturday 9 October 2021

Waiora Scout Camp

For full details and results visit >> Silver Stream Spin Event Facebook

Here are some amazing stories of how some participants fared in this novel event + some muddy splattering of results

Intro by Chris Sole

Forty-one trail runners turned up to test the Silverstream Spin Theory: throwing a dice is simple, guaranteeing the outcome is statistically and practically irrelevant. Unless of course it is rigged. I wonder if our brightest minds might like to analyse the Dice throws to answer this question. Our Computer and Information Science, Mathematics, Statistics and Post-Grads, Ben, Janus, Jonah, Julius, Maren, Meriam, Nathan, Rosa come to mind. Steve or Sandor can supply us with the data. Even the single Lifeline (an extra throw), did not materially alter the outcome.

This novel fun Throw the Dice, once, and run the prescribed Route, sounds do-able. Then return, bedraggled, wet, muddy, and cold, throw the dice again, off you go. By the second or third throw, well, you might be thinking, leave now, stay in bed, remain in your tent, look after your family, are better options. Cheer on your mud-drenched competitors. They will appreciate it. Third time lucky, is a cruel phrase.

The six Courses carved out of the abundant Silverstream and Silver Peaks tracks, were gently described as 6.3 to 25km. Perhaps a figment of Steve Tripp’s imagination while the wet weather added another element. Extreme. The website suggests a “a lovely variety of calf burning climbs, glorious native bush, wild subalpine ridges, technical downhills, mud, great views and a few stream crossings.” The tracks will never be the same.

I don’t have the complete official “results” but I do know, officially, Brad Spiers was still on his third leg at 8:24pm having started at 9am. He completed his last Loop at 12:07 am, 15hrs after starting. Thank you, Steve Tripp, for calving new Silverstream Folklore.

Mastermind Steve Tripp – Mud and Mayhem

Slithering in Silverstream seems like a good summary of the inaugural Silverstream Spin. In spite of terrible weather on Saturday morning people kept turning up to try their luck. Six loops of varying sizes were available in the Silverstream catchment. Each runner would roll a dice, run the resulting loop and repeat. The first to complete 3 loops would win. No one knew how far they would go. The excitement was evident as people anxiously awaited their first dice roll.

Sandor Toth had the honour of being the Dice Master and did a masterful job of checking the legality of each throw and recording the results. Early on a few superstitions developed as the superbly crafted dice shaker made by Croydon Paton seemed to roll a lot of 5s (Four of the first 9 rolls)

Between the rain and the number of 5s Green Gauge and Rain Gauge tracks took a hammering. A lot of recent pig rooting and tree fall also contributed to a fun and muddy time.

A few stats… 41 people took part. Most as individuals with a few teams to make 35 units. 19 units did not finish making a 54% DNF rate.
Overall Winner (the luckiest bugger) was Heinrich Eksteen who ran three 2s (Chalkies Carousel – 21k, 1460m vert) and finished in 4 hours.
The longest distance was run by Wyatt Stevens who ran loops 5, 4 and 4, making a total distance of about 60km with about 2800m vert. Wyatt finished in 7 hours 30min!
Winner of the gruntiest effort prize was Brad Speirs who finished his last lap at 12:07 am. 15 hours after starting.
Possibly the unluckiest but pluckiest tale of the day was of Steve Stewart. On his first loop (loop 4) he slid down Rain Gauge only to have his sister, Donna Tumaru, slide down on top of him. Returning to base carrying a face full of mud he rolled another 4. Dreading that, he chose to use his life roll and rolled a 5. He ran it in 6 and a half hours and then chose to DNF.

Hayden Scorringe wrote – “Silver stream dice – lots and lots of climbing and mud!!

Just snuck into the top 10. Roll a dice and that’s the track you run / walk / slide. 2 = 7km with 450m elevation then 5 = 24km with 1500+m elevation, then another 2: Total = 40.01 km 2,120 m about 7hrs (5h 58m)”

Rainy conditions set the scene at the silver stream dice. Almost 50 runners had their first of 3 (if you dare) rolls of the dice and set off at about 9.10.

I rolled a 2 and thought I was lucky as 2 is chalkies track. A 7ish km loop, how hard can it be? Well first problem was I didn’t know where I was going and headed off in our group of 3 for a 2k warm up on the road (1km south and 1km back to the start of the track). Turns out that was a good thing as chalkies track had about 400m of elevation in about 2.5km. So yes it was steep!! Wasn’t too muddy at this stage but a few slips on the way back down and by 1030 we were back at the camp. Second roll and I had never been so nervous rolling dice before. A 5! Uh… I had ran most of this loop a few weeks ago so decided to give it a crack rather than taking my lifeline. What lay ahead was 24km and 1500m of elevation. Away I went, a little slower up the muddy stairs at powder ridge and seemed to take a long time to get to pulpit rock. I glanced down at my watch as I ticked over half marathon at 3hrs 30, wow I thought that’s a new slowest pb 😁. Turn right into greengage and boy oh boy did it get worse!! So muddy, so slippery. I felt like Tarzan slipping from tree to tree down the steep hill to the creek.

Once at the creek I had a wee wash of the mud and then looked up, oh wow. My next km took 24 minutes, 1 step forward, half a step backwards. But eventually I made my way out to racemans track which was so much better I even got to run for a while. Back to the camp and that 24km loop took me 4.5 hours!! The boys were like are you done or would you like to roll again. Well it depends I said. Again an extremely nervous roll…… A 2, phew and ok I can do this. Another loop of chalkies. A quick change of clothes and away I went. So much more slippery this time due to the day of rain and traffic. Pretty tough climb and slow decent. Heading back to the camp I somehow still manage a few 5min kms and finish up at 430pm. Race time of 7hrs 20min and 9th overall. This is almost 3 hours longer than my previous longest run, so I was over the moon to have finished. Would I do it again? You bet! But not if it’s gonna rain all day.

Steve Stewart said – “One of the hardest runs I have had to do as I got the long ones”

“One of the hardest runs I have had to do as I got the long ones”. Loop 4 supposedly 16km, but my GPS said 20km. So, luck was not on my side with rolling the dice. It was a horrendous mud slide and quite dangerous in parts. It was fun. The hills were coming down with me. The river was high. I left part of my body on some rocks. I came in at 7.45pm. It was extremely slow-going. I did 2000m climbing. It was too dangerous to do a third loop. I ran around 43km. It was fun (x2).”

Nolan Hill and Nik Williamson wrote – “Silverstream spin went well although very muddy and wet”

Silverstream spin went well although very muddy and wet. Nick and I ended up doing around 31 k’s having rolled a one, a two, and a 4 which meant we did the easiest loop around Racemans then the next loop was Chalky’s and then our final loop was up Steve Amies- Rollinsons Road down rain gauge and back to the scout camp. It was hard work in the mud and a slightly sore ankle for compensating but great fun!!… a great turnout around 50 odd runners I think. I will definitely be back for next year.

A Muddy Splattering of Results

Michael Pullar Silver Stream Spin loops 4,4 & 3 Distance 50.67 km Elev Gain 2,514 m Time 7h 34m

Orlaith Heron Loop #2 Chalkies Added an extra 2km by accident! Too busy talking to think about direction 😂Nice to have company 8.91 km 495 m 1h 11m

Emily Sterk Route 1 with Kat 9.50 km 203 m 1h 28m
Route 2 with Kat 6.79 km 472 m 1h 12m

Mike Simpson Route 5 (and done) 24.71 km 1,351 m 4h 20m
Raining, windy, super muddy and slippery, cramping up- what more could you want? Beautiful route!

Steve Tripp
Silverstream Spin 4 16.64 km 731 m 2h 14m
Silverstream Spin 1 9.03 km 185 m 59m 46s
Silverstream Spin 5 24.21 km 1,346 m 3h 48m

Mackenzie Half Marathon, Saturday, 24 July 2021

Village Green, Fairlie, South Canterbury

The Mackenzie Half Marathon features a not-to-be-missed course, which includes farm tracks, river crossings, shingle roads and spectacular views.

For provisional results >> Mackenzie Half Marathon Results

Also visit the Mackenzie Half Marathon Facebook for results, photos and updates

Leith Athletics’ Lydia Pattillo and Janice Ashton both had awesome runs. The weather was spectacular, ideal for running, which made for some great performances on the tough course. In the Half Marathon, Lydia finished 16th overall in I hour 41 minutes 36 seconds and was the second female to finish. Janice finished 2nd in the Female 55-64 grade and 14th female overall in 02:17:35. See immediately below for Lydia’s awesome report on the race

Surviving the cold and a final mud bath for a medal

by Lydia Pattillo

The morning greeted us to a shivering negative 5 degrees where fortunately the race wasn’t to begin until 10:30am, giving time for the sun to reach a balmy zero degrees.
A field of several hundred started off with a short trip around the block to spread the field, then the off-road began on the river trail where the muddy terrain was so frozen it kept things nice and hard – oh how that was to change on the way back!

After a few k’s the river crossings hit us hard. Freezing waters cut to the bone and felt like the entire lower body had turned to concrete. One section was too deep and farmers had set up stock truck ramps in a make shift bridge for us to climb over – kiwi ingenuity at its finest!

Once circulation returned to our legs along a short flat section, the challenging uphill began. A very steep climb of nearly 400m on metal road was ahead of us for the next few k’s then a few more k’s of undulations along the ridge line and on to an ankle deep mud filled return via steep farmland back to the river crossings.

Crossing back through the freezing waters on fatigued legs it felt as though someone had pushed the slow-mo button on us all, with each step feeling completely numb and as stiff as robot until circulation again returned.

The final few k’s back along the river trail were vastly different to the beginning where frozen sections had melted and the large field of runners had plodded through to churn up the trail to an absolute mud bath. Psychologically surviving through the muddy trail we then hit the final stretch home to gather up a stunner of a finisher medal.

Mt Difficulty Ascent, Saturday 12 June 2021

Bannockburn, Cromwell

For more details and full results go to the Mt Difficulty Ascent Website

or visit the Highland Events Facebook

Leith had athletes competing in Mt Difficulty Ascent 25km Solo Run:

Andrew Lonie had an awesome run, finishing as first Male Vet1 (40-49) and fourth overall in 2 hours 50 minutes 36.6 seconds. Orlaith Heron also having a fine run, finished 5th in the Open Female grade in 3 hours 13 minutes 44.9 seconds. Cassie Hart finished 33rd Female (19-39) overall in 4 hours 20 Minutes 53.1 seconds. Sarah Goldsmith was 52nd female overall and 16th in the Female Vet1 (40-49) in 4 hours 54 minutes. We will have more results as soon as they become available

Leith athletes in the Mt Difficulty Ascent 44km Run:

Steve Tripp, Male Vet2 (50-59) 1st 6:46:08.7 (42.82km 3095m)
Chris Taylor, Male Vet1 (40-49) 8th 6:46:51.4
John Bayne, Male Vet2 (50-59) 2nd 6:49:46.3
Chantal Whitby, Open Female (19-39) 10th 7:03:35.8
Lydia McLean, Open Female (19-39) 17th 7:32:45.8
Dave McLean, Male Vet3 (60+) 2nd 9:06:49.8

Rustic Run or Walk, Saturday 12 June 2021

Bannockburn, Cromwell

For more details and full results go to the Rustic Run or Walk Website

or visit the Highland Events Facebook

Leith’s Lydia Pattillo had a fantastic record breaking run, finishing first in the Open Female (19-39) grade and was first overall winner of the Rustic Run Half Marathon Solo event in an Open Female record of 1 hour 51 minutes 44 seconds.

Combined Club Run, Taieri Mouth/Millenium Track, Ariki (Dave & Nola) invite, Saturday 29 May 2021

Knarston Park, Moturata Road,Taieri Mouth,Clutha, Otago

This event has taken place – a report on how it went will be here soon!

Invitation to Leith Athletics from Ariki’s Dave & Nola Crewe for a run walk on the Millenium track, then afternoon refreshments at their house in Brighton (38 Bedford Parade, Brighton) after the run/walk.

Directions to start: Just after crossing Taieri Mouth Bridge, turn left then carry on straight along Marine Parade, Kingston Terrace, a short rise, then down into Moturata Road to the Knarston Park entrance on Moturata Road. Enter at the big green sign on the left. This would be about 700m from the Taieri Mouth Bridge.

Meet at Knarston Park at 1.30pm for 1.45 start. Run or walk from Knarston Park out along the Millenium Track and back to start. Family Friendly. Go out and back as far as you like. Full distance is about 8km one way with a fair bit of climbing. Can be muddy/slippery. There are beautiful views of the River plus some pristine Native bush.

Old Forest Hanmer Hundred, Friday, 14 May 2021 to Saturday, 15 May 2021

Jollies Pass Rd / Herdmans, Hanmer

For full results >> St James Mountain Sports Results

Sándor Toth takes sixth place

Leith Athletics Sándor Toth had an excellent race on the weekend. His stats for this event are: Distance 161km, 3350m Elevation, 16 laps for a finish time of 23hrs 5mins 37 seconds (8:36 min/km average). He finished 6th overall and 5th male runner across the line. Coincidently his bib # 6 matched his overall placing as can be seen in the photo collage above with the evidently very happy Sándor proudly showing it off. A magnificent effort. Well done to Sándor who can be seen proudly wearing the Leith Athletics singlet up in Hanmer!

Sándor on his first 100 miler

For the full report >> Sándor’s first 100 miler

At the weekend I ran my first 100 miles in the Old Forest Hanmer Hundred. Starting at 10am, my race plan was to treat the day time as the warm up and the night time as the race, which gave me the great advantage of having lots of energy to work with throughout the night. It was bitterly cold and still, with some rain beginning around 2-3am. I finished in 23hrs and 5mins, well under my goal of sub 24 hours. I kept my nutrition and hydration dialed in and consistent throughout the race, and was able to finish with a big push in the last 30km, ramping up to an energetic finish. It was an amazing experience – if you have ever thought about giving it a go, you should! The Great Naseby Water Race is just around the corner 🙂 – Sándor

Invercargill Estuary Half Marathon, Sat 15 May 2021

Stead Street Wharf, Invercargill

Invercargill Estuary Half Marathon and 10km race is also the Athletics Southland Half Marathon Championships Race

Leith Athletics had George Alexander competing. He achieved an excellent 2nd place in 1 hour 20 minutes 45 seconds. He reports that it was a cold and windy morning and the estuary was boggy and very slippery in places so he had to focus hard to keep his footing. We don’t have the results yet, but will post them up here as soon as we do.

South Island Ultra Marathon, Sat 8 May 2021

West Coast Wilderness Trail

Leith Athletics athlete Sophie Smith won the 24km 18-39 Open Women grade in 1 hour 52 minutes 9 seconds finishing an excellent 6th overall.

For full results link >> South Island Ultra Marathon 2021 Results

Routeburn Classic, Saturday 24 April 2021

Routeburn Track, South Island

For race website and full results >> Routeburn Classic

Go direct to results >> Trail Results 2021

The Routeburn Classic is an ‘adventure run’ over New Zealand’s world famous Routeburn Track

Leith Athletics had two athletes competing in this event on Saturday with Dave McLean getting a podium finish in his grade.

Lydia McLean finished 10th in the Senior Women’s grade in 4 hours 17 minutes 27 seconds and 11th overall in the female grade. Dave McLean finished 3rd in the Master Men’s 60+ grade in 5 hours 19 minutes 40 seconds.

New Zealand Mountain Running Championships, Saturday 17 April 2021

Coronet Peak, Queenstown

As part of the Queenstown Alpine Grind

Dunedin had success in this event.

Race stats: 8.86km / 2 Laps (4.43km) ELEVATION GAIN: 748m / ELEVATION LOSS: 726m

GOLD was won by Jennifer Walker Female 39 from Dunedin in the Masters Women 35-49 grade in 1:09:58

For full results >> Queenstown Alpine Grind

Riverhead Backyard ReLaps Ultra “Last Man Standing Event”, Friday 16 April 2021

Riverhead Forest, New Zealand

Bisley sets record in winning gruelling race – (ODT online Wednesday 21 April 2021 article by Jeff Cheshire)

For results go to the Riverhead Backyard Relaps Ultra website

You can also visit the Riverhead Backyard ReLaps Ultra and Relay Facebook

Chris Bisley is the winner of the 2021 Riverhead Backyard ReLaps Ultra after battling with Sam Harvey for 7 laps together. Awesome effort from Chris who takes the Golden Ticket entry into Bigs Backyard in Tennessee in October!! Chris ran 38 laps for a total of 254.98 kilometres at an average of 49 minutes 30 seconds per lap for a total time of 31 hours 34 minutes 13 seconds. – a new record!

Chris had just recently won the Three Peaks Mountain Race 55km Ultra held in Dunedin (28 March 2021), so to achieve this with such a short turnaround against some quality competition is indeed an amazing effort.

Coastal Ultra, Saturday, 10 April 2021

Curio Bay, Catlins

Leith Athletics ultra athletes, Steve Tripp and Sandor Toth competed in the 71km event on Saturday. Sandor Toth finished in 10 hours 26 minutes 40 seconds. He was placed 35th out of 81, finishing 14th in the Senior Male grade. Showing the youngster Sandor how it’s done, Steve Tripp, despite a recent injury, persevered in sandals and finished in 10 hours 4 minutes 59 seconds to place 29th out of 81, finishing as 2nd Master Male runner. He just had slight bruising on some of his toes.

Three Peaks Mountain Race, Sunday, 28 March 2021

Dunedin, New Zealand

For full results and reports of this iconic event go to Three Peaks Mountain Race

Leith Athletics Report:

The Leith Athletics organised Three Peaks Mountain Race took place on Sunday and reports are that it was again an immensely successful event enjoyed by participants, supporters and volunteer helpers alike. The weather was great too, starting off warm and sunny and cooler and cloudier by afternoon. Leith Athletics congratulates and thanks all who took part in any capacity, whether as a competitor or a volunteer. Leith athletes enjoyed some success too: The winner of the 55km Ultra and defending champ Chris Bisley was wearing a Leith Athletics singlet to show his support for the club; Experienced Leith Athletics runner John Bayne won the 55km Male Veteran 50-59 title; Evergreen Dave McLean was second in the Male Gurus 60+ in the 55km race; In the 11km Race the Summit Tadhg Ryan Charleton finished first to the top with Simon Leaning third and defending Female champ Lydia Pattillo winning the title again.

For full results and reports of this iconic event go to Three Peaks Mountain Race

Orokonui Challenge, Sunday, 14 March 2021

Orokonui Ecosanctuary, Waitati, Dunedin

The Orokonui Challenge is an 18.5km run at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary in Waitati, Dunedin.

For more details >> Orokuni Challenge Run

For results >> Trail Results 2021

Chief Timekeeper/Entries/Recorder/Results/Photographer: Sebastian Sole

Leith Athletes and associated athletes took part in this great event which took place in ideal cool and sunny conditions. Leith also provided timing and helpers. Highlights for Leith were: Sandor Toth ran well to finish third overall (3rd Male) in 1 hour 27 minutes 28 seconds averaging 4 minutes 52 seconds per km; Lee Flowers finished 6th Overall (16th Male) in 1 hour 48 minutes 39 seconds averaging 6 minutes 2 seconds per km; Jamie Gardner finished 24th Overall (19th Male) averaging 6 minutes 6 seconds per km; Dave McLean finished 30th overall (22nd Male), first Master 65+ runner in 1 hour 55 minutes 37 seconds, averaging 6 minutes 25 seconds per km.

Full Leith Athletes and associated athletes results:

3rd Sandor Toth Male 1:27:28 (4:52 min/km)

7th Michael Pullar Male 1:35:04 (5:17 min/km) 1st Master runner

10th Richard Seed Male 1:39:07 (5:30 min/km)

21st Lee Flowers Male 1:48:39 (6:02 min/km)

24th Jamie Gardner Male 1:49:39 (6:06 min/km)

30th Dave McLean Male 1:55:37 (6:25 min/km) 1st Master 65+ runner

Fourth Three Peaks Orientation Run, 9am, Sunday, 14 March 2021

Start George Street entrance to Woodhaugh Gardens.

This event, the last of four orientation runs has now taken place. Run leader Danny Baillie reports that the orientation run went well on a fantastic day for running. They had 22 runners plus about 4 more joining at Morrisons.

Description: Ran up Leith Valley to join the second part of the 26km course (and last 2 legs of 55km). Up Leith Valley turning off over bridge into City Forest section. Over Mt Cargill and down to race finish at Chingford Park. Then ran down road back to the start. Approx 22km. Visit Three Peaks Training Page for more details.

Third Three Peaks Orientation Run, 9am, Sunday 7 March 2021

Start George Street entrance to Woodhaugh Gardens.

This event has now been completed

Started from George Street entrance to Woodhaugh Gardens. The first part of the 26km course was up Flagstaff, Swampy, down Morrisons and then back down Leith Valley Rd to start. Approximately 20km. Visit Three Peaks Training Page for more details.

Papatowai Challenge, Saturday 27 February 2021

2463 Papatowai Highway Papatowai, New Zealand 9586

The Papatowai Challenge is a pre-season fun run and walk from a holiday home in the Catlins.
Papatowai is located approximately two hours from Dunedin.

DISTANCE: 15.5km (Trail and Beach)
Check the Sport Otago Website Papatowai Info and Papatowai Facebook Links for full details and results

Leith’s Nic Bathgate takes out the 2021 Papatowai Challenge Title

Continuing from his excellent form on the track, Nic Bathgate finished first overall and also first in the Open Men’s grade in 58 minutes 6 seconds. Hamish McKinlay finished 7th (15th overall) in the Open Men’s grade in 1 hour 13 minutes 1 second. Danny Baillie finished first in the Master Men’s 50-59 grade and 7th overall in 1 hour 7 minutes 43 seconds in another good performance considering he is not race fit yet and well off his time of two years ago which was seven minutes faster. Fifth in this grade was another Leith runner, Tom McKinlay in 1 hours 19 minutes 19 seconds. Simon Leaning finished 3rd in the Veteran Men 40-49 grade and 10th overall in 1 hour 9 minutes 59 seconds. Luke McKinlay finished 16th in this grade in 1 hour 29 minutes 40 seconds. Siobhan McKinlay finished 4th in the Masters Women 45-59 grade in 1 hour 29 minutes 40 seconds. David McLean finished fourth in the Legends Men 60-99 grade in 1 hour 27 minutes 54 seconds. Steven Springthorpe finished 12th in the LM60-99 grade in 1 hour 57 minutes 17 seconds. Hilary Lawrence finished 14th in the Open Female walk in 2 hours 18 minutes 55 seconds.

Second Three Peaks Orientation Run, 9am, Sunday, February 21 at the Bullring

Bullring Car Park, Flagstaff-Whare Flat Road, North Taieri 9092

This event has taken place

A nice slow long run that covered all of legs 2 to 5 of the 55km course. The participants returned along Swampy Ridge to Flagstaff and the Bullring. Approximately 36km. Ten people participated in this long orientation run, including Race Director Steve Tripp, Dave McLean, Glenn Thompson, Colin Tocher and Chander Harjinder Singh.

First Three Peaks Orientation Run, 9am, Sunday 31 January 2021

This event has taken place

Started 9am from the Bullring, Flagstaff-Whare Flat Road, North Taieri 9092

This run covered all the new parts of the 55km course in legs 2 and 3. The runners met at the Bullring at 9am. The 28 runners ran Leg 2 down Longridge Rd and Smeatons Track and then leg 3 along Tunnel Track and Racemans Tracks before returning past the bottom of Powder Ridge and finished by running up Whare Flat Rd. Approximately 20km.

Visit the Three Peaks Mountain Race Website