Athletics: Macdonald takes out Lydiard marathon

Iain Macdonald led from 8km and went on to finish more than nine minutes ahead of Jono Jackson. Photo / APN

Iain Macdonald conquered the famous training circuit of Arthur Lydiard through the Waitakere Ranges by winning the annual Lydiard Legends marathon on Saturday.

The 28-year-old, from Tauranga, led from 8km and went on to finish in 2h 37m 14s, more than nine minutes ahead of Jono Jackson.

Macdonald was second to Dale Warrander two years ago, in 2h 35m 21s.

"I ran with Jono over the first seven kilometres and we had a bit of a chat and catch up, but I wanted to get away before the hills. I got a gap at 8km and extended it going up the hill," said Macdonald.

Jackson, who was second to Scot Winton last year, said the event was more of a training run. "Iain had his game pace on and I was just going for a training run because I've been sick all week so I let him go and I didn't see him for the rest of the time."

It was a good, testing course.

"It is always good to get one in just as a mental game more than anything."

Daniel Maxwell, fourth last year, improved to third in 3h 0m 12s. Former Olympian race walker Craig Barrett, who has race walked the distance in 3h 8m, ran 3h 10m to finish seventh.

Lesley Turner Hall, who has run every year since the inaugural race in 2005, finally won the women's marathon in 3h 19m 7s. Turner Hall, 40, has had a string of fourth and third placings and came back from being off the pace last year in tenth.

"I've finally won; it's really a nice feeling. I'm in my eighth year of doing this and if that's how long it takes to cross that finish line first, I'm happy."

Cycling legend Sarah Ulmer showed there was still plenty of sting in her legs, after winning the women's section of the Arthur's half marathon.

The 2004 Athens Olympic Games gold medallist recorded 1h 30m 20s to finish more than a minute ahead of Katrin Gottschalk.

Ulmer said it was great and really cool, competing on a lovely course and in a well organised event.

"I just ran to finish, I'm just enjoying running. I've got two kids now so running is the only thing I can do to keep marginally fit," said Ulmer.

The 36-year-old said, "I actually enjoy going for a run without pushing two kids in a buggy and a dog, so it's a bonus to run on my own and good fun to win as well."

Kenyan Edwin Kaitany notched up yet another win since arriving in New Zealand earlier this year, winning the half marathon in a race record of 1h 10m 3s. He clipped 28 seconds off Sam Dobson's 2009 record.

The 21-year-old, who had a best time of 1h 4m 33s in Nairobi last November, said, "It was really hard because I'm used to flat courses. I was tired and I just wanted to finish."

Kaitany has won half marathons in Wellington, Rotorua, Huntly and Christchurch and aims to add the Auckland half marathon next month.