AUCKLAND
Lydiard Legend Marathon and Arthur’s Half Marathon, New Lynn – 17 September 2011
Lydiard Legend 2011
Scott Winton won his second major marathon within a month with a convincing victory in the Lydiard Legend Marathon around the Waitakere Ranges.
The 36 year old was totally in control over the final 10km and he cruised in to record a modest time of 2h 37m 55s, five minutes ahead of marathon rookie Jono Jackson.
Winton won the New Caledonia marathon four weeks ago in 2h 29m 10s. He now has his sights set on the Kepler Challenge in early December and he has in the back of his mind the possibility of making it to the London Olympics. Winton won the Lydiard marathon in 2008 in 2h 24m 23s and in 2009 was second to Sam Wreford.
“Once I knew I had a bit of a gap I was able to relax and I finished fairly comfortably. Not my best runs of all time, but just nice to get a win,” said Winton.
Jackson (20), who recorded 2h 43m 7s, said it was a tough one to start his marathon racing with.
“I felt alright at the end, so hopefully there’s a faster time on a flat course later on,” he said.
Melissa Norris, the 2009 Arthur’s half marathon winner, won the full marathon in 3h 4m 56s. Norris, who was second in the Canberra Marathon in April, finished over three minutes ahead of 2005 Rotorua marathon winner, Mikki Williden. It was Norris’ first marathon victory.
“I’m pretty emotional; I’ve never won a marathon before. It’s one of those days when it just comes together. It feels fantastic and makes all the hard work worth it,” said Norris.
National 10km track and 10km road champion Stephen Lett won the associated half marathon for the second year in a row in 1h 12m 58s, while Kerikeri half marathon champion Tara La Grange (20) was the first woman home in the half in 1h 24m 32s, beating last year’s marathon winner Shireen Crumpton of Dunedin by less than a minute. Crumpton said that she was just happy to finish.
“I’ve been sick all week. It’s really good to see Tara coming through, someone young should be beating an oldie like me – but I still don’t like to be beaten,” said Crumpton.
Crumpton will now train towards the full Auckland marathon at the end of October and then she will compete in the Kepler Challenge.
Speak Your Mind