Runners and walkers setting off from Kettle Park had the benefit of firm ground conditions for the competition.
Caversham Harrier & Athletic Club’s Nicholas Duncan sped around the 1.25km loop in 5min 22sec to top the boys under-10 grade, while Hill City-University’s Stella Hawken won the girls under-10 in 5min 47sec.
Perry Saker (Caversham) claimed the boys under-12 honours in 4min 54sec and Genevieve Hodgson (Hill City-University) headed the girls under-12 in 5min 12sec.
In the two laps (2.5 km) category, Hill City-University pair Luie Broom (9min 50sec) and Penelope Hodgson (10min 38sec) secured the boys and girls under-14 titles respectively.
Will Bolter (Hill City-University) was the day’s quickest under-16, clocking 8min 16sec, with Caversham’s Eve Kelleher taking the girls under-16 in a sharp 9min 30sec.
Eight competitors lined up for the 5km walk. Veteran Phil Coakes (Caversham) won the men’s 75-79 category in 47min 24sec and Glenda Norris (Leith) won the women’s 70-74 category at 35min 43sec. Age-group victories in the women’s walk went to Lara Findlater (50-54, 38min 50sec), Sharyn Bungard (55-59, 38min 29sec) and Jo Little (60-64, 38min 15sec).
The largest field tackled the 5km run, where Hill City-University’s Jake Owen set the day’s benchmark of 15min 49sec in the men 20-24 category. Caversham’s Becky De La Harpe was the fastest woman, finishing in 18min 2sec in the 20-34 category.
Other age-group winners included Oliver O’Sullivan (men 35-39, 16min 30sec), Hamish Dobson (men 40-44, 18min 28sec), Jonathan Ryan (men 45-49, 18min 21sec), Kristy Eyles (women 40-44, 19min 32sec) and Jade Lee (women 50-54, 27min 2sec).
Leith Harrier & Athletic Club president Chris Sole was the first athlete to cross the finish line in the 5km run, clocking an actual time of 26min 10sec after his nine-minute handicap start.
Sole said alterations to the course at this year’s event, including reversing the direction and eliminating two short connecting tracks, made for a better course which included a "fun" short sharp hill climb.
The conditions made for a "perfect day" for the rejigged race.
"Taking a risk, participating in events, supporting one another, may evoke a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that is personally uplifting, possibly enjoyable and fun."
This had the effect of having far-reaching positive impact on the wider training group and families, he said.
"This impact cannot be measured. You win, we all win."
