The Edmond Cup
steeplechase has been a feature event among harrier clubs in
Otago and, at times, the entire South Island since 1907.
The demands of the course at Wingatui, featuring its often
cursed water jump, have often been a gauge on the strengths
of individual athletes and clubs alike.
Two athletes returning to compete in today's race this year
are Stafford Thompson (Ariki), and Shireen Crumpton (Hill
City).
Thompson (28) was the winner of the 2006 open men's title
after finishing runner-up in 2004 and 2005, and Crumpton is a
three-times winner of the open women's title in 1999, 2002
and 2004.
Following a two-year break from the sport, Crumpton's recent
form indicates she is fast regaining top fitness. She ran toe
to toe over the first 17km with Olympic marathon
representative Nina Rillstone in the half marathon section of
the Christchurch Marathon at Queen's Birthday Weekend,
eventually finishing just 25sec behind in second, in a
respectable 1hr 14min 49sec.
Rillstone won the
open women's title in 1997 and set the Otago University club
up for the team honours.
Heading Otago University's chances this year is Erin Whitla,
who finished third in the 10km road race section of the
Christchurch Marathon, in a personal- best 38min 12sec.
Thompson heads a strong Ariki squad in the open men's race,
with Callan Moody and James List also expected to be
prominent.
The race for team honours could again be fought out between
Ariki and Leith.
Leith is headed by defending champion Neale McLanachan, with
Andrew Lonie and John Winsbury both expected to put in a
strong challenge.
Sam Kidd (Otago University), following his victory last
weekend in the Chingford Challenge, could be join a
prestigious group from the University club with Andrew
Davidson (2005), Stuart Melville (1973), Peter Walsh (1966,
1968) and Jack Lovelock (1930) all past winners of the open
men's race.
Junior grades start racing at 1.15pm, with the open women's
race at 1.30pm and the open men at 2.30pm.
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