Marathon: Runner sends records tumbling

Ruby Muir.

Only five years after taking up the sport, Napier runner Ruby Muir is rewriting the record books.

While she always knew she was a reasonable runner, once committing to the discipline she has proven she is world class. Muir currently holds the record for the Tarawera Ultra Marathon and placed first in the Wellington Marathon at the weekend.

Muir blitzed the competition in both events.

In Tarawera, she won the women's 100km race in a little more than nine hours. A former winner, she shaved more than an hour off the old record.

She completed the Wellington Marathon last Saturday in 2hrs 49m 08s. Her time was 28 seconds off the course record and she finished at least 10 minutes ahead of her nearest rival.

Ever the competitor, Muir was aiming to set a new course record but fell agonisingly short.

"I wasn't too sure how realistic my goal was," she said. Her next challenge is the Auckland marathon.

"I want to have a good crack at Auckland in October. I will need a much better time than Wellington," Muir said.

After dabbling in soccer and surfing as a youngster, the talented 24-year-old found her calling in long distance running.

"I started really committing just after high school. It's really addictive and good therapy," said Muir, who feels happy, positive and healthy when running.

Muir grew up in the Coromandel and moved to Napier four years ago. Her fiance Kristian Day is also an accomplished runner.

"It's great to have him to train with. With the amount of running we do, it's a big part of our lives. He understands how demanding it can be."

She does not have a coach but is constantly bouncing ideas off Day. "He is my greatest mentor."

Muir has a promising career in front of her.

"I always want to get better but I'll just be taking it as it comes," she said.