Trail run: Dean charges to 30km title

Te Puke runner Bobby Dean heads for the finishing line to win the Tauranga Trail Run 30km race. Photo / George Novak

The fifth Smiths Sports Shoes Tauranga Trail Run was held in slippery conditions at the picturesque TECT All Terrain Park yesterday.

About 650 competitors entered the various distances from the elite 30km run, 15km and 10km walk/runs, to the largest numbers in the Bay of Plenty Times sponsored 5km walk/run.

The event is the major fundraiser for Tauranga Boys' College cross country teams.

"We have had some good corporate support this year from Bay Polytechnic and TrustPower who have both had 100 of their staff and families competing," organiser Scott Furness said.

"The 5km has grown to nearly 300 people doing that now and most of them are part of a family group. The old adage of 'more people, more active, more often' is something we are trying to promote through this. Hopefully it will continue to grow with more businesses getting involved. But the main focus of our event is that family side of it."

Bobby Dean, 28, from Te Puke powered home in 2 hours 22 minutes and 17 seconds to beat two-time champion Russell Lake (2.24.31) in the 30km men's race. It was Dean's first victory in the event he entered in a last-minute decision yesterday morning.

"It was good that it was a bit slippery. I kind of like that stuff. I was running with Russell in the first lap but I wasn't sure what pace to go so I just went for it," Dean said.

"It is good training for a couple of half ironmans, including Port of Tauranga, plus I am going to do some multisport and adventure racing."

Lake said the competitive element was definitely a focus but it was just nice to get out and run on the tracks.

"I really enjoy it. There is some really nice bush but it was a bit wet and slippery in places," he said.

"This is among the best [venue] as it is so varied. You go from running through pine forest and native bush, crossing a few little streams, and a few nasty hills. It is challenging."

Anna Barrett was too strong in the women's 30km race, winning in a time of 2.47.05 which was 27 minutes ahead of second-placed Joanna Chalmers and seventh overall. Peter Aronsson and Katie Rollings were first home in the men's and women's 15km runs.

Alex Whimster from Tauranga Ramblers won the 15km walk ahead of Kevin List, in difficult terrain for the walkers after the heavy overnight rainfall.