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Sunday 2 May - 2010 - Results


2010 Race Report:
Two of NZ's finest distance runners, both with big plans ahead in half marathons in the next few weeks, took the titles at the New Balance 15k race held in Tai Tapu on Sunday.

After finishing second to Matt Smith for the past two years in the men's race, Rowan Hooper finally stood at the top of the podium for 2010, taking line honours from a top class field including Smith, who finished third. Hooper led strongly from the start, and as the field looped back past the Rhodes Memorial Gates at the 4km mark, he and 2007 champion Mark Bailey were already well clear of a bunch of four containing Smith, host club Olympic's Carsten Joergensen, Jason Lawrence, and Luke Hurring. Hooper continued to push clear and won by 12 seconds, but was pushed the whole way by Bailey who kept fighting to the finish at the Tai Tapu Domain.

Hooper was pleased with his run, and will be looking for a strong performance at the SBS Half Marathon in Christchurch at Queen's Birthday Weekend, before heading to Queensland in early July where he is looking to break the 2hr20 barrier in the Gold Coast Marathon.

NZ distance running legend Nyla Carroll had a decisive victory in the women's race, finishing over half a minute clear of local favourite Kellie Palmer. Carroll, now based in Wellington and running in the distinctive yellow strip of the Scottish Harriers club, travelled to Christchurch to use this race as a lead-in to the Huntly Half Marathon in three weeks time. Carroll, a former women's winner of the SBS Half Marathon, didn't rule out returning to the Garden City after that but said she was focussed on Huntly at this stage.

Welcome ...

to the New Balance 15km Road Race and 10km Social Walk proudly presented to you by the Olympic Harrier and Athletic Club.

This event has grown in recent years to become one of Christchurch’s largest and most scenic open road running events.

The quaint old country setting of the fast flat course incorporates the beautiful Otahuna Valley and the Old Tai Tapu Road, before returning to finish in the Rhodes Domain.

The event is suited for all grades of runners, from the elite athlete looking to compete at top class level, through to social runners aiming for personal best times or goals. This year we are again including the 1 mile kids' run for children 12 years and under.

With the race being held in May it fits in closely with other road running events held in the city and is timed as a stepping stone between the City to Surf and the SBS Christchurch Marathon and Half Marathon in June.




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