Road racing: Paine takes big step up

Former Otumoetai College student Deborah Paine on the way to the New Zealand junior women's road race title on Saturday. Photo / Andrew Warner

Even her coach Kerry Hill was a little surprised that Deborah Paine (18) came away with the New Zealand junior women's road race title at the weekend.

"It's a key breakthrough for her," said Hill. "I thought it would be another year before she got a title, but it shows she's got terrific promise."

It's been an impressive rise to the top of the under-20 age group for the former Otumoetai College student who only took up running just over a year ago after injury led to a decision to quit playing rugby.

"Last year in [the under-18] race I came third. I won the secondary schools' [championship] last year, but this is my first [national title]."

The championships were held at the Tauriko Industrial Estate on Saturday. Paine stuck with Canterbury's Gabrielle Gray for a lap and a half of the 5km course, before making her move.

"I knew Gabby was a very good runner because she beat me by quite a good distance in the cross country, so I was just going to give it everything and try and hold on to her as long as I could.

"Just before 2km to go I decided I had a bit more in me. I know I don't have much of a sprint on me, so I didn't want to leave it until the last minute."

Hill said Paine has a positive attitude, and the ability to be at her best "on the day".

"Not everyone can do that. And when things go wrong she's the sort of person who looks for the reasons, not for excuses."

Paine says she will now start preparing for the track season, combining training with her studies at Massey University.

Top-three finishes by other Tauranga athletes: Gavin Smith, second in the Masters M60 10km run; John Caie third in the Masters M45 10km run; Judith May third in the Masters M45 5km run.

-For full results go to www.athletics.org.nz.