Competing from a handicap of 1min 30sec in the annual 5km event, Fahey (Caversham) wasted no time in making his presence felt, overcoming all the front-markers to hold a 5sec lead at the end of the first of four laps.
Over the second lap he extended this to 21sec. He was still in front with 800m to go, and had to dig deep into his reserves to hold out a fast-finishing Alan Williment (Ariki), David Cross (Hill City), James MacDonell and Phil Napper (both Ariki) to secure his first Otago individual title.
"I thought with 150m to go, the time to do it was now as the handicapper always aims for a blanket finish," he said.
With Williment, a past champion on the course, appearing to gain with every stride 200m out, Fahey found another gear and appeared to be running away from the threatening Williment over the final 100m, crossing the finish line 12sec clear in 22min 53sec, with Williment 14sec clear of third-placed Cross.
Before the start, Fahey was unaware he had any chance of winning from his handicap.
"People were telling me I had a chance, but I didn't know," he said afterwards.
"Its pleasing to finally get an individual title. I think everyone aspires to that," he said of his 31 years of running as a member of the Caversham club.
Fahey, a manager with St Vincent de Paul, was full of praise for the coaching advice from Dave Stinson over the past 12 months.
"Its modified my training and put balance in my running ability."
Fahey (60) had only tasted victory twice before in his running career, both times as a member of winning Peninsula Relay teams for Caversham. His first was in 1983 and his second last year.
He had never worn the blue and gold vest of Otago until given the opportunity in age-group competition in last year's national road championships in Christchurch.
However, he was denied by the earthquake that struck in the early hours the day of the race. It devastated the course and forced the cancellation of the race.
"I ran today as part of my build-up to hopefully getting selected for the national cross-country team.""Hopefully, lightning won't strike twice and I'll get my chance."
The fastest time was achieved by Fahey's Caversham club-mate, Daniel Balchin, who clocked 16min 24sec.
The racing pedigree of Emma Lloyd (Hill City) was to the fore when she won the open women's race from a handicap of 2min 45sec.
Lloyd had raced up to sixth at the end of the first of three laps, and still had a lot of work to do in order to break clear of the competition around her. She took the lead near the end of the second lap and maintained her momentum to hold out the threats behind her in a time of 19min 8sec, with Hill City club-mate Clare Hodge 7sec away in second and Julie Wilson (Ariki) third.
Lloyd's mother, Debbie, was a noted distance runner, having contested the London Marathon and her father, Jim, was a talented junior age-group runner.
Her uncle, Robert Sadler, was a Commonwealth Games representative.
Emma (16) has been running since joining children's athletics aged 8, and transferring to senior grades at 13.
"I really just want to run for the enjoyment," the year 12 student at Columba College said, despite feeling the occasional competitive nudge.
Hill City club-mate Rebekah Greene recorded the fastest time of 13min 59sec.
Junior titles were won by Ben Rowley (Caversham) in the junior men and Francesca Chignell (Hill City) in the junior women.
In the future champions one-lap event, titles were won by Bruce Knox (Leith) and Anaia Wiparata (Leith).
