Loop the Lake

Story by: - Photo by: Evan Barnes

Fleur Lattimore is the new Women’s course record holder of the Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake after lapping around Lake Rotoiti on Saturday in 1.54.50. Carline McDonald (Wellington) went quicker when she circuited the shores in 1.53.38 however that 2004 event started from the DOC Centre while the course now begins on the lake front.

Perennial placegetter and former winner, Tania Cooper held the time to beat and Lattimore was zoned all the way around, stopping the clock one second ahead of Cooper’s old mark. At the head of the lake, the halfway point, Lattimore held a healthy advantage from Cooper and Klaartje van Schie with the latter having the stronger legs home from Lakehead Hut to finish is second place.

The Men’s race was all Graeme Taylor’s as he continued his impressive trailrunning form, ‘shaving’ over six minutes off his last years’ time. Crossing the Travers River, Adam Gausel, was under a minute behind but could only watch as Taylor, confident enough to be wearing a yellow shirt, disappeared into the distance. Gausel has a penchant for this race and being on the podium again – finishing all alone as runner-up with Gary Melhuish (Chch) enjoying his third place experience.

First Trailwalker, was Wellingtonian James Hurring, taking just over three hours.

Results.
Men: Graeme Taylor, Nelson, 1.41.52, 1; Adam Gausel, Nelson, 1.45.53, 2; Gary Melhuish, Chch, 1.49.20, 3.
Women: Fleur Lattimore, Nelson, 1.54.50, 1; Klaartje van Schie, Nelson, 2.02.20, 2; Tania Cooper, Chch, 2.04.21, 3.
Trailwalkers.
Men: James Hurring, Wtgn, 3.01.33, 1; Jimmy Johnston, Blenheim, 3.07.49, 2; Alan West, Nelson, 3.39.41, 3.
Women: Jan Robertson, Hokitika, 3.40.46, 1; Sara Scott, Greymouth, 3.47.08, 2; Marie Tucker, Greymouth, 3.47.47, 3.

Age Groups.
Men. Under 40: Gausel, 1; Melhuish, 2; Billy Hebberd, Blenheim, 1.50.33, 3.
40-49: Taylor, 1; Ian Thomas, Blenheim, 1.53.05, 2; Stu Cottam, Nelson, 1.53.54, 3.
50-59: John van Polanen, Ashburton, 2.12.35, 1; Kevin Ellis, Havelock, 2.15.30, 2; Bruce Patrick, Nelson, 2.15.31, 1.
60+: Merv Gilbert, Ashburton, 2.38.05, 1; Wayne Eggers, Nelson, 3.28.13, 2.
Women. Under 40: Lattimore, 1; van Schie, 2; Cooper, Chch, 3.
40-49: Cheryl Young, Nelson, 2.20.44, 1; Lisa MacDonald, Chch, 2.24.47, 2; Deborah Wilson, Chch, 2.28.38, 3.
50-59: Glenda Robinson, Nelson, 2.30.02, 1; Rebecca MacFie, Chch, 2.38.03, 2; Yvonne West, Nelson, 2.51.28, 3.
60+: Linda Sillery, Nelson, 2.57.06, 1; Mary Eggers, Nelson, 3.28.15, 2.

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