Throughout the 106-year history of the Port Chalmers to
Dunedin Road Race, many athletes have either conquered or
burned, and today's race will be no different.
The annual handicapped event begins with the field facing the
starter in Port Chalmers at 1pm, then following a course over
the old road back to the finish at Logan Park.
The race's distinguishing feature is the three major hill
climbs in the first 5km, which subsequently makes the second
half of the course a test of stamina.
Although the record for the 12km course of 37min 40sec, set
by Alan (AJ) Moir (Ariki) in 1974, does not appear to be
under threat, the competition for fastest time today appears
likely to be contested keenly by Ariki athletes Callan Moody,
Matt Lambert and Simon Rodgers.
Moir along with Tony O'Brien (Mornington) in 1975, are the
only athletes to have broken the 38min barrier, but neither
have won the annual handicapped event outright.
Only two athletes have had the distinction of winning
outright on two occasions - Archie Kirkwood (Otago
University) in 1941 and 1943 and Frank Perry (Leith) in 1950
and 1989.
There are a number of previous winners in the field today
with Ray Knox (Leith), Bruce Cowan (Hill City) and Grant
McDougall (Leith), all of whom are capable of making the most
of their chances in such a race.
With the event opened up to women in 1982, only two have
claimed outright honours - Sue O'Sullivan (Hill City) in 1983
and Ros Dowland (Caversham) in 1985.
The Hill City pair of Helen Chignell and Sue Nicol are just
two who could add their names to this short list today.
Following the open race, age group races will be held for
junior athletes on a course encompassing the surrounds of
Logan Park.
Luke Hurring (Ariki), Sam Kidd (Otago University) and Shireen
Crumpton (Hill City) head the Otago team to contest the
national road championships in Hamilton today.
Other members of the team are Stuart Paul (Ariki), Lyndon
Brown (Caversham), Tony Payne (Caversham), John Winsbury
(Leith), James List (Ariki), Richard Hendry (Leith), Erin
Whitla (Otago University) and Sue Cuthbert (Leith).
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