Costley on Half Marathon mission

Story by: Sportzhub.co.nz - Photo by: Chris Symes

Simon Mardon and 60 odd other runners and walkers have had the Maitai Valley Road to themselves over the last couple of weeks in the Sprig and Fern NBS Nelson Striders Summer Series.  But in last night's 5km all said ‘hello' to Phil Costley and as he swept past it was a super quick ‘goodbye'.

Costley is on a mission - the Buller Gorge Half Marathon on February 11th awaits.  Most will be aiming for the finish and a 30th Anniversary medal around their necks will be achievement enough but for Costley the Masters 40-49 record is the target.  Last year Kerry Fass (Canterbury) ‘relegated' him to second when he ran 1 hour 7 minutes 54 seconds but quicker back in 1985 was Runanga legend Eddie Gray when he surged  into Victoria Park in 1.07.04.  Not many records stand the test of time for this long and for Costley to make it his will take a superb effort.

Costley reached Branford Park in 14.47 chased by Mardon (15.21) and Adam Gausel in 16minutes flat, all giving it everything in the ideal conditions.  Klaartje van Schie's 18.26 has her hopes of a 3.15 Buller Marathon target looking promising while Collette Read and Katie Fitzgerald both broke 20 minutes giving them solid bases for good performances at either Buller or March's Kaiteriteri Gold.  Ross Mitchell and Cec Lineham led the walkers with Lyn Smith shadowing Lineham until the final few metres.

All focus now turns to next Tuesday's 10km.  Walkers starting at 5.55pm and runners at 6.15pm at Branford Park.

Results.

Men: Phil Costley, 14.47, 1; Simon Mardon, 15.21, 2; Adam Gausel, 16.00, 3; Brian Kemp, 16.48, 4; Braeden Botica, 16.50, 5.  Women: Klaartje van Schie, 18.26, 1; Collette Read, 19.22, 2; Katie Fitzgerald, 19.58, 3; Nicola Mercer, 20.16, 4; Toni Mockler, 20.51, 5.  Walkers: Ross Mitchell, 30.58, 1; Cec Lineham, 33.18, 2; Lyn Smith, 33.34, 3; Melanie Barr, 36.01, 4; Pam Barker, 36.20, 5.

Full results on www.nelsonevents.co.nz