Ultramarathon: American Canaday wins back-to-back titles at Tarawera Ultra

American Sage Canaday has won his second Tarawera Ultramarathon title in as many years during a shortened race today. PHOTO: BEN FRASER

American Sage Canaday has won his second Tarawera Ultramarathon title in as many years during a shortened race today.

The Tarawera Ultra was staged in terrible conditions near Rotorua today, as a result of Cyclone Lusi.

Organisers decided to shorten the race for safety reasons from a 60km, 85km and 100km event to a 60km and 70km race.

In the main 70km race, Canaday managed to pull away about the halfway mark before extending his lead during the second half of the race.

He finished almost 19 minutes in front of second-placed Yun Yangqiao (China) and 24 minutes ahead of Vajin Armstrong (Christchurch), in third.

It was the fourth time in five years Armstrong has finished on the podium at the event.

Meanwhile, Kapiti's Jo Johansen has made her mark at the event, after winning the women's 70km race.

Johannsen ran her first half marathon last year and has since fallen in love with long-distance running events.

She stormed home today winning the women's race nine minutes ahead of Claire Walton (Great Britain) and 13 minutes ahead of Dawn Tuffery (Hamilton).