Linford, McKenzie likely to lead Northland charge

Harry Linford will be one to keep an eye on during the ASB Kerikeri Half-Marathon. PHOTO/TANIA WHYTE

Known as one of New Zealand's most beautiful races, the 28th ASB Kerikeri Half Marathon will take place this weekend.

The race will also double as this year's New Zealand Half Marathon Championships, where more than 120 of New Zealand's fastest runners will race to become New Zealand's newest half marathon champions.

Harry Linford shapes as Northland's biggest hope as he looks to return to his 2015 form where he took out the Kerikeri race while Ady McKenzie will be in the reckoning in the women's masters division.

The 21.1km course kicks off in Okaihau and follows the scenic route into Kerikeri, through the countryside passing the Kerikeri Airport and local attraction Makana Confections before hitting the Kerikeri township and finishing at the Kerikeri Domain.

Key runners to look out for on course at this year's ASB Kerikeri Half Marathon include current (2016) female NZ half marathon champ and recent Auckland half marathon winner Olivia Burne.

With a half marathon personal best time of 1:15:29, Olivia is one to watch on Saturday. Penny Heskett (personal best 1:18:03) and Sally Gibbs (personal best 1:18:30) are also looking to make their mark on the Kerikeri course this weekend.

Oska Baynes current (2016) male NZ half marathon champ will also make an appearance at Kerikeri. This will be alongside 2016 ASB Kerikeri Half Marathon winner Jono Jackson, who placed fourth at the Auckland Half Marathon in October.

In winning the title last year in Christchurch, Burne recorded her best time of 1:15:29. The national road champion won the Auckland half marathon last month in 1:15:48 and earlier this year won the half marathon in Huntly and Rotorua and was third in Christchurch. With this form Burne will be hard to peg back.

Penny Peskett with a best of 1:18:03 and Sally Gibbs 2014 national half champion with a best of 1:17:03 are both expected to feature in the top women placings.

Michael Wray, Rick Tombling, Luiten, Simon Yarrow, Adam Berry and Nick Pannett and in the women Gibbs, Peskett, Fiona Love, Bridget Ray and Paula Canning are the leading masters entered.

It is the second time the championships have been based on the Kerikeri event, Kim Hogarth won in 2008 in 1:08:16.

The course is from Okaihau to the Kerikeri Domain and the race starts at 7.30am.

The first New Zealand half marathon championship was held in 1991, staged at Pakuranga with Kerry Rodger and Maree Turner the inaugural champions.