Masterton put on strong show at cape challenge

Harriers

Athletics and Cycling Masterton were strongly represented, both in quantity and quality, in the Cape Kidnappers Challenge last weekend.

The course mainly took in private property on Clifton Station, including a beach section, with the finish being at the popular cafe at Clifton, just outside of Hastings.

The full cross-country course was 32km, with athletes either competing in teams of three - each of whom had to run from 10km to 12km - or as individuals. Team entries totalled 140 and there were 450 individuals.

Weather conditions were warm and dry, although the compulsory river crossings that were part of the third stage saw the runners chest deep in water at one point.

The first 8km of the course involved a run along the beach to the famous gannet colony at the cape, before heading up into the station.

Overall, a dozen Masterton harriers participated, with outstanding individual results being achieved by Graeme Butcher and Annie Hawkes.

National ultra-marathon representative Butcher was returning from a long injury break and claimed third place overall in 2hr 57min. He also won the classic grade title.

Hawkes, in her first year back on the competitive scene after several years away from the sport, was third fastest women vet and 19th fastest women overall, finishing in 4hr 7min.

The full list of Masterton results:

Individual: Annie Hawkes, 19th overall female, 3rd female vet, 4:7; Claudia Baechie, 48th overall female, 5:24; Graeme Butcher, 3rd overall male, 1st male classic grade, 2:57; Roger Jones, 41st overall male, 3:44; Conrad McCaffrey, 48th overall male, 3:39; Neil Cameron 52nd overall male, 3:53; Ray Haste, 70th overall male, 4:7; Greg Baillie, 96th overall male, 4:48.

Teams: Tui Girls Yeah Right (Rowan Williamson, Helene Dore, Gail Edwards) third female team, 3:37.