Rotorua Marathon: Costley on mission to match his sister

EVERGREEN: Phil Costley, of Nelson, is searching for his fourth victory at the Rotorua Marathon today. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

When Nelson teacher Phil Costley takes his first few strides up Queen's Drive this morning, he may well consider his sister's record at the Rotorua Marathon.

The Costley siblings, Phil and Jillian, have become synonymous with the Rotorua Marathon during the past three decades.

The brother-and-sister duo have won seven titles between them at the historic event.

Phil today will try and match his sister's record of four wins at the Rotorua Marathon and add to the victories he achieved in 1997, 2000 and 2012.

It would be an incredible feat for the 45-year-old, who is among the top elite runners taking part today.

Among the other elites competing include Ben Ruthe (Tauranga), Chris Sanson (Palmerston North), Jonathan Jackson (Auckland) and Liam Scopes (Auckland).

Phil has recorded a brilliant legacy during his running days in New Zealand, with 31 national endurance titles next to his name in a range of disciplines including track, road, cross country and mountain running.

Those titles have also ranged from 3000m to the marathon.

But he will no doubt have his eyes on at least one more title, to try to match his sister's record in Rotorua.

Meanwhile, among the top women competing are Jess Ruthe (Tauranga), Naoko Tsuchiya (Japan) and Erin Furness (Hamilton).

-The runners in the Rotorua Marathon start at 8.20am, next to the Energy Events Centre.

The finish line is also next to the centre.