A bit of history before you head out on the track on 5th January 2013.
The event was first held in 1977 as the King of the Withers and contested by male runners only. In 1992 it was opened up to female runners and renamed the King and Queen of the Withers. Originally the course started in the CBD by the Post Office, went into the Wither Hills up Redwood Street and then returned to town down Scott Street. Increased traffic and housing developments meant several changes have had to be made to the course so since 2004 it has run totally within the Wither Hills Farm Park area. Further innovations saw separate male, female and walkers’ events introduced in 2003, a hybrid (walk/run) section introduced in 2009, plus business house and married couples’ teams sections.
Because of the course changes our records start at 2004.
Ian Columbus and Bob Fox organized the event from 1977 for the next 20 years. Ian confirms Dennis Patchett won the first race. It was Dennis who sowed the seed for this run while a few of the Harriers were running on the Withers for their Sunday training run of approximately 20 kms. They decided at Dennis’ insistance to cut the course in half and make it competitive open to the public.
The results with records are recorded on our website under events, King and Queen of the Withers then scroll down until you get to “previous winners and records” tab. All in there.
Overall winner 2004 was Senior Men Jason Watts 45.45, Senior Women Suzie Aviss 49.53, Vet Men Kevin Ellis 45.01 and Vet Women Firth Brown 54.46. Walker men Barry Neal 1.06.15, Women Barbara McGuire 1.27.55.
Current record holders:
Junior men Sam Hansby set 2007 48.13.
Junior Women Megan Craig set 2010 53.53.
Senior Men Daniel Hopeta set 2007 40.33.
Senior Women Andrea Hewitt set 2009 45.28.
Vet Men Phil Costley set 2012 38.55.
Vet Women Suzie Aviss set 2008 48.43.
Men walker Barry Neal set 2006 47.41.
Women walker Barbara McGuire set 2006 1.14.10.
Some very impressive names indeed.
Archives for December 2012
Happy holidays and next event
Marlborough Harrier Club wish all its members, friends and Associates a Merry Christmas with family and friends and may 2013 bring you all good health and a succesful running and/or walking year.
King and Queen of the Withers: 5th January 2013. Look at the course description on the events tab and take a virtual tour of the course. There is a link on this website that you will be able to print off an entry form. Complete it and bring with you on the day. See you there!
Marlborough Marathon 2012
Well after all your training, hard slog and sweat, it is done. Congratulations to all competitors no matter what distance or result. Just letting yourself do it is a big ask. Thanks to all our volunteers that assisted the organizers and getting the Marlborough Harrier Club name out there. Next project: King and Queen of The Withers? The Buller? By now you have got over the pain of Saturday saying ‘never again’ Of course you will! Some great results and close finishes in all events:
| Marathon | ||
| Philip Sim | 3:24:25 | 1st Male 50-59 |
| Paul Gunningham | 3:25:12 | 2nd Male 50-59 |
| Nicky Cameron-Dunn | 3:40:55 | 1st Female 40-49 |
| Michelle Harris | 3:58:45 | 3rd Female 40-49 |
| Cara Shirley* | 5:32:39 | 6th Female 30-39 |
*Limped through the pain of knee injury to complete her first marathon, well done Cara.
| Half Marathon Run | ||
| Robbie Barnes | 1:20:09 | 1st Male 40-49 (5th overall) |
| Ian Thomas | 1:20:09 | 2nd Male 40-49 (6th overall) |
| Tom Burgess | 1:34:33 | 9th Male 30-39 |
| Alistair Leach | 1:40:31 | 8th Male 50-59 |
| Brent McKay | 1:41:55 | 16th Male 30-39 |
| Michelle Fox | 1:54:38 | 4th Female 40-49 |
| 10k Run | ||
| Dale Smit | 38:42 | 1st Male 20-29 (1st overall) |
| 5k Run | ||
| Jess Barnes | 23:01 | 1st Female 19 and Under (3rd Overall) |
| Simon Ridder | 28:07 | 2nd Male 20-29 |
| Anna Barnes | 30:35 | 3rd Female 19 and Under |
| 10k Walk | ||
| Leanne Barnes | 1:16:21 | 2nd Female 40-49 (5th Overall) |
Full results Emily’s photos David’s photos Official photos ($$)