Triathlon: Winton aims for fifth triumph at Waiheke

Scott Winton in action. Photo / Greg Bowker

It's a race Scott Winton looks forward to all year and it is always on his mind when he is training on Waiheke Island.

The 26-year-old New Zealand rep is a running celebrity on Waiheke, after living there for two years, and runs the arduous hills with the Waiheke Wharf to Wharf in mind.

He is the hot favourite this morning to defend his title.

"I love this run because the people and the place mean so much to me," said Winton, who has won the Wharf to Wharf all four times he has entered.

"I know the course really well and seeing all my mates coming out to support me is great - it is not the biggest event but it has special significance for me."

Winton won the demanding 25km event last year (1:35.49), beating Colin Earwaker (1:40.37), and pointed out that many greats such as Dale Warrander and Anne Audain have run it.

"The hills are all at the start so hurt yourself early and then you realise there is a long way to go. It is only 25km but it feels more like 35km or a marathon distance because of how demanding the hills are.

"It's a good test and sets you up really nicely for a good year if you run it well."

Winton, who famously beat Steven O'Callaghan in a sprint finish to win the Rotorua Marathon in 2009, believes he is maturing nicely as a runner.

"I feel like I am building," said Winton, who has targeted the Rotorua Marathon in April. "I am excited about making 2011 a big season."

Winton is not alone in his praise for the Waiheke Wharf to Wharf, which has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 1992.

More than 900 athletes competed last year and the organisers expect more than 1000 today.

"It has grown in its reputation and become something the whole Waiheke community can be really proud of," said Ann Tidey, a volunteer member of the organising committee.

There are four distances available to run or walk, the 7km (Kennedy Pt to Matiatia), 12km (Onetangi to Matiatia), 13km (Orapiu to Onetangi) and the main event, the 25km (Orapiu to Matiatia).

The 25km run remains the signature race with many serious walkers competing on the same course.

"Many elite athletes like Scott have used this race to get ready for bigger things like trying to qualify for the Olympics," said Tidey. "He is a bit of a celebrity here on Waiheke and the locals follow his results closely."