Runners challenged by Bayview

Nelson runners and walkers were spoilt for choice on Saturday, September 22. There were three possible events in the region they could take part in: the ‘Snout Run’ in Picton, the ‘Abel Tasman Expedition’ and the local ‘Bayview Race’. Despite this, there were still 58 athletes lining up at the start of what is often referred to as the ‘Bayview Challenge’. After starting out on the flat, it climbed to the top of Bayview Rd, followed the undulating ridgeway track to the Centre of New Zealand and then descended back onto Milton Street. The run was closely contested, with Roydon Hawks coming home first in a great time of 45.27 mins, followed by Stu Cottam only 4 seconds behind him. Robyn Deane ran an excellent race to be first home in the woman’s field in an equally impressive time of 49.02 mins, with Collette Read finishing strongly in 49.30 mins. Of the walkers, John Llewellin was the fastest man in 78.14 mins and Clare McKenzie the fastest woman in 83.57 mins. This coming Saturday is the 3rd in the series of the Waimea 10km Road Races. It will be Brightwater’s turn to be host with another undulating course to challenge the athletes and provide excellent training for the Nelson Half Marathon coming up early in November.