Wallis revels in his home turf' event

Club founder Ray Wallis made his presence felt when the Ruamahanga Ramblers held an event over the track and trails in Masterton's Lansdowne area on Saturday.

The mixture of lime paths through bush and paddocks and some road running as well was enjoyed by all participants, although the very steep hill in the middle of the course tested stamina, especially for the three-lappers who had to make that climb on three occasions.

Fresh from his victory in the 70-75 years age group at the Wellington Masters road race, Wallis did the three-lapper on what he considers to be his "home turf" and his 60-plus years of training and competing allowed him to keep in touch with most of the younger athletes.

There was a battle royal between Malcolm MacDonald and Paul Furkert at the front of the 7.8km field with Furkert tending to pull away on the flat and MacDonald reeling him in on the hills. On the final lap it was MacDonald who had more in reserve and he beat his rival by over a minute.

Fastest time over the 7.8km was, as usual, returned by Damian Christofis but he actually finished last because he started 30 minutes late due to work commitments.

Times were:

2.6km: Michael Hyman 11.42, Jack Britland 11.46, Andrew Hyman 12.44, Lucas Megaw 13.12, Zak Vainu 13.12, Samantha Duthie 15.19, Alex Megaw 33.28, Jessica Duthie 34.49. Lucy Britland 34.49.

5.2km: Matthew Furkert 27.08, Michael Scott 29.35, Jane Hyman 30.29, Lee Tanner 32.52, Lisa Gray 47.20, Melanie Megaw 47.20, Maxine Bird 56.59.

7.8km: Damian Christofis 33.57, Malcolm MacDonald 35.26, Paul Furkert 36.43, Ray Haste 38.19. Steve Britland 38.25, Craig Bird 39.49, Greg Baillie 41.51, Chris Megaw 45.13, Ray Wallis 46.56, Michael Duthie 48.37, Greg Lang 48.55, Ali Lang 63.55.

Next Saturday's race will be interesting mix of tarseal and gravel roads, starting at Paul Furkert's Woodend Rd farm.