Arrowtown.com Miner’s Trail winners break course records

After heavy overnight rain the weather came to the party for the start of this year’s Arrowtown.com 15km Miner’s Trail, one of five events in the Motatapu Off-Road Sporting event today (Saturday March 8).

First male runner home was Alun Williams from Queenstown in a time of 1hour 16mins 29 secs , setting a new course record , and first female was Louisa Andrew from Dunedin who also broke her own course record in 1hr 28mins 46sec.

Over 650 competitors took part in this year’s event - an increase in numbers year-on-year -and all were cheered on by a large crowd of friends, family and spectators.

After a chilly start to the day the swarm left Butler’s Green Arrowtown with a woop and a cheer as the congregated stall holders, sponsors, volunteers and friends clapped them on their way.

Winner Alun, a first-time competitor in the event, said he had hugely enjoyed his run, despite describing himself as “absolutely knackered” after he crossed the finish line.

“It was really painful towards the end especially after crossing the river when its hard to keep your momentum going.”

Second place-getter Geoff Williamson of Dunedin, also a Motatapu first-timer, described the course as “fantastic”.

“I’m still recovering from Challenge Wanaka so the shorter distance was fantastic,” he said. “It’s a tough course but that’s what I like about it.”

Louisa, the previous course record-holder who has run the event four times, said she “felt good” after having 30 seconds to recover.

“I ran it well and I keep coming back because it’s a good grunty little course which makes for a fun race.”

Second female home was Bronwyn Humphrys from Australia, who came to New Zealand especially to compete in the event.

“I’m more of a mountain runner so I struggled on the downhill. I’m hoping to go to the World Mountain Running Champs so I’ve been doing more hill training.”

Max McDermid from Arrowtown was the oldest competitor in the entire Motatapu event at 85 years of age. Max walked the event with friend Councillor Lex Perkins.

Starting and finishing at Butler’s Green in Arrowtown, the stunning 15km course followed a spectacular loop from Arrowtown, ascending historic Tobin's Track up onto the Crown Terrace before entering the magnificent Glencoe Station.

ENDS

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