Running: Goodwin, Akkeson take line honours at Beach 2 Basin

Maria Akkeson of Kerikeri the first woman home in the 10km race with second place getter Katie McVerry. Photo / Tania Whyte

Driving rain wasn't enough to deter committed runners in the 41st Chilltech Beach 2 Basin event.

Whangarei's Tim Goodwin and Waipapa's Maria Akkeson were the big winners as the race somewhat avoided the heavier showers.

Akkeson was in sublime form in the race, going one place better in the 10km women's race than in the 2017 edition.

The 2017 Sport Northland Run/Walk Series champion battled with Katie McVerry, who was third last year, in a tight race.

However Akkeson pulled away and was too strong for Onerahi's McVerry, beating her by 28 seconds in a time of 42m 35s.

Kamo's Janice Powell was third in 45m 50s to complete the podium.

Meanwhile Goodwin was a cut above his opponents in the men's 10km run.

The Whangarei runner ran a very strong race, keeping his distance from challengers Ryan Smith and William Allen.

Goodwin ended with a time of 38m, easily winning over Whangarei's Smith (39m 45s) and William Allen (40m).

Sport Northland's Azelia Parkinson said the weather didn't really impact the runners but it did once again curtail the post-race proceedings for a second straight year.

"The weather was actually quite ideal for runners and walkers however at around 10am started consistently raining which was a shame as we had to cancel prizegiving for the second year in a row," she said.

"The winner of the Daikin Heatpump will be called live on radio Monday 5 March 7.45am on More FM Northland 91.6 and all other spot prize winners will be informed via the Sport Northland Events Facebook page and email."

Meanwhile in the two 6.8km divisions, Levi Cohen and Alexus Gorrie-Brown dominated their peers.

Whangarei's Cohen showcased his talents as he easily took out the men's race.

He finished in 26m 15s, 1.5m quicker than his closest rival.

Poroti's Jack Bacon and Glenbervie's Will Tattersfield found themselves in a battle for second place but it was the former who clinched the spot, running the distance in 28m 11s.

Tattersfield finished in 28m 42s.

Kamo's Gorrie-Brown was even more convincing in her win on the short course.

She pulled away early and her opponents were unable to keep up.

Gorrie-Brown finished in 29m 28s, 2m and 19s ahead of Glenbervie's Teresa Tattersfield.

Parihaka's Elise Pickford finished third in 33m.

The next race of the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series is the Hotprintz Mangawhai 4.5km and 8.5km on March 25.