A field of 54 runners starts the 48th Kelly’s Canter, which takes competitors from the Palmerston railway station to the 393m summit of Puketapu and back again. Photos: Bill Campbell
Nicholas Cruden (14), a great-grandson of Constable Bert Kelly of Palmerston, whose World War II running feats up and down Puketapu led to the race, was second in the event, in a time of 27min 30sec.

Fifty-four runners took part in the annual Kelly’s Canter  in sunny but slightly slippery running conditions with a light wind.

The winner and first man home, Stafford Thompson of Dunedin, had a time of 25min 54sec, 5min 13sec behind his winning time last year.

The first woman home was Orlaith  Heron of Dunedin  in 28min 54sec. Runner numbers were down from last year’s 67.

Veteran runner Russell Hurring, of Dunedin, said  several other running events clashed with Kelly’s Canter event this year.

The event was nevertheless an excellent event to introduce younger runners to a competitive event.