Athletics: Bunce picks up title

By MURRAY McKINNON

Alan Bunce of North Harbour Bays added the New Zealand 4000m cross-country title to the half-marathon title won two weeks earlier, with a polished display around Hagley Park in Christchurch.

Shaun Farrell set the pace in the inaugural national championship event, spurring Bunce to bolt to the lead. The 1996 national 1500m champion established control, leaving the rest to battle it out for second.

Bunce recorded 11m 38s, with Richard Potts, after a slow start, moving through to second in 11m 47s, four seconds ahead of Hastings clubmate Hamish Christensen.

"Shaun gave me a bit of stick at the start, which got me going," said Bunce. "I felt strong, but not fast, so I put my foot down because it was do or die for the short distance."

Bunce added the Olympic Games are still in the back of the mind.

He will attempt the Sydney Olympics 5000m track time over the next two months in Australia.

Sonia Barry, of Counties Manukau, enjoyed her win in the women's 4000m championship. Barry, the 1996 New Zealand road champion, gained a break midway through the race and held on to beat the North Canterbury pair of Natasha Buckley and Kelly Humphreys.

"I came down here to enjoy the run, and it is great to have a positive comeback," said Barry.