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Currant conquers Croesus Crossing |
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 A cloudless West Coast sky couldn't have offered better conditions for Saturday's 26km Croesus Crossing trail run from Barrytown to Blackball.
Cliff Bowman was swiftly 'out of the blocks' and first to reach Ces Clark Hut but then discovered the 'demons' on his descent. Fellow Nelsonian and relative rookie to trailrunning, Brent Stebbings, snatched the opportunity to take the lead, held it all the way until the final gravel section before hitting the tarseal just before the Blackball Hilton finish where suddenly Christchurch based UK doctor, Paul Currant appeared on the scene, surprising Stebbings who didn't quite have the pace to repel his challenge. Currant held on to win the annual event in 2hours 53minutes 41seconds. Stebbing, second, 18seconds back with another Nelsonian, Ed Rimmer, three minutes adrift in third place. Four others, Naoki Ouchi (Japan), 2007 winner and first 40-49, Robert Jarvis, (Chch), Matty Graham (Hokitika) and Bowman also eclipsed 3 hours a real achievement based on previous year's results. Marlborough's Ian Partner and Motueka's Norman Carrington were the respective Men's 50-59 and 60plus winners.
Seventeen women took up the challenge with the Canterbury pair of Vicki Conradson and Koleighne Ford along with Michelle Jacques (Ross) having a solid tussel for bragging rights and the 2008 title. Conradson, took control on the ascent from Barrytown and maintained her lead throughout to cross the line in 3.31.04. Jacques was holding on to 'silver' until out of the bush and onto the gravel where a faster finishing Ford swept past leaving her rival with nothing left to take up the chase. Lisa Nicholl (40-49) and Linda Sillery (50-59) rounded out the age group titles.
Japanese Runner Inc, executive team made the journey 'downunder' to witness the event first hand to include the event in a special edition focussing on Trailrunning and possibly entice some of the fast growing trail running exponents to consider traveling for the event in future years. It will be interesting guaging the developments but their photoshots from Ces Clark Hut will certainly capture the essence and synogyof the Coast at it's brilliant best.
 The Striders next SouthtopStrider Trial circuits Lake Rotoiti , Nelson Lakes, in the annual Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake on Saturday April 19th. This event is alwyas a sell out so anyone interested should visit www.nelsonevents.co.nz promptly to secure a place. Also available are spots in Captain Cook's Landing (July 19) or New Zealand's premier coastal run, the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic on September 6.
Results:
Men: Overall: Paul Currant (Chch), 2.53.41, 1; Brent Stebbings, Nelson, 2.53.59, 2; Ed Rimmer, Nelson, 2.57.04, 3; Robert Jarivs, Chch, 2.57.25, 4; Naoki Ouchi, Japan, 2.57.55, 5.
Age Groups: Under 40: Currant, 1; Stebbings, 2; Rimmer, 3. 40-49: Jarvis, 1; Cliff Bowman, Nelson, 2.58.33, 2; Ben Harvest, Chch, 3.03.17, 3. 50-59: Ian Partner, Marlb, 4.13.30, 1; Chris Fry, Chch, 4.31.22, 2; Andy Sommerville, Wtgn, 4.34.33, 3. 60+: Norman Carrington, Nelson, 3.48.18, 1.
Women: Overall: Vicki Conradson, Chch, 3.31.04, 1; Koleighrie Ford, Chch, 3.33.08, 2; Michelle Jacques, Ross, 3.38.12, 3; Lisa Nicholl, Chch, 3.55.20, 4; Becky Walton, West Coast, 3.58.10, 5. Age Groups: Under 40: Conradson, 1; Ford, 2; Jacques, 3. 40-49: Nicholl, 1; Yuni Sato, Chch, 4.29.20, 2; Deb Bailey, West Coast, 4.36.29, 3. 50-59: Linda Sillery, Nelson, 4.59.43, 1.
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