Kidd (21), a physiotherapy student, ran the 8800m cross-country race at Wingatui racecourse with a price on his head, after List had made a $50 bet that he would beat Kidd.
But Kidd, who became just the fifth Otago University representative to win the 101 year-old race, had only Michael Wakelin to contend with over the fourth and final lap.
The soon-to-be not-a-betting-man List drifted to finish 12th.
The build-up to the race had been less than ideal for Kidd, with university exams on Friday and Saturday morning.
He left the examination room to head straight to Wingatui. "You might say I was running on relief, as the final exam was this morning and I am now on holiday," Kidd said.
He was aware of the historic significance of his victory for the University club, only four members of which had won the title before: 1936 Olympic 1500m champion Jack Lovelock (1930); 1966 Commonwealth Games steeplechase gold medallist Peter Walsh (1966 and 1968); five-time national track champion Stuart Melville (1973); and the winner of this year's 10km road race at the Christchurch Marathon, Andrew Davidson (2005).
Kidd was appreciative of the crowd support throughout the race. "I felt myself drifting a little on the third lap, then I heard all the cheering and calls from around the course.
It just picked me up."
A quick glance over his shoulder on the fourth lap had him searching deep within himself for that little extra, as Wakelin was beginning to challenge.
"It was just a matter of pushing through the pain and holding on," Kidd said.
"I kicked as hard as I could down the straight."
But as he crossed the line and dropped exhausted to the ground, Otago distance champion Sarah Chisnall, who was officiating, was not wholly complimentary.
"What an effort, Sam.
But you have to keep your carcass moving though.
There are other runners coming."
Kidd completed the course in 35min 6sec, with Wakelin second in 35min 15sec.
Callan Moody (Ariki) was third in 35min 49sec.
Three-time champion Shireen Crumpton dominated the open women's race over the 4400m course.
Crumpton, who felt "jet lagged" after finishing a hospital shift at 2.30am, recorded 18min 11sec, and finished 53sec clear of defending champion Kirsty Morris (Leith), in second place.
Another University representative straight from the examination room, Erin Whitla, was third in 20min 21sec.
There was an upset of sorts in the junior men's race when pre-race favourite Campbell Garry (Hill City) was overtaken in the finishing straight by 800m specialist Simon Rogers (Ariki).
Rogers, the son of 1984 Olympic 1500m finalist Tony, completed the 4400m course in 16min 23sec, with Garry second in 16min 28sec.
Bryce Morgan (Ariki) was third in 16min 59sec.
Romana Salis (Hill City) won the junior women's title in 21min 13sec, from Claire Hodge (Wellington Scottish) 22min 10sec and Susanna Greaves (Ariki) third in 22min 57sec.
