A stunning Saturday morning welcomed runners at the start line of the Hydro Half Marathon race at the Kepler Farm, the location of the former Hydro Village near Manapouri yesterday.

It was cool, calm and clear - perfect running weather, according to local running legend, Gail Kirkman, whose husband Garry and daughter Zoe were among the race participants.

Organised by the Fiordland Trails Trust as a fundraiser, the event attracted 299 entries, of which 276 turned up at the starting line. This was nearly double the numbers at last year’s inaugural Hydro Half Marathon which had 148 participants. This year’s competitors came mostly from across the lower South Island including Queenstown, Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch and Central Otago. However, keen runners from Whangarei, Tauranga and Palmerston North were also part of the field.

Winner Thijs Hubber from Queenstown finished with a time of 1 hour 19 min 18 sec, Kelvin Meade from Invercargill was second, only 15 seconds behind, and Barney Hoskins from Timaru came in 3rd.

The first female home was Angie Waters from Queenstown with a time of 1 hour 31 min 11 seconds, followed closely by Meg Mckay from Dunedin just 11 seconds later. Queenstown’s Rebecca Sheffield, who was second overall last year, was the third best woman this time. 

The first local at the finishing line was Geoff Barnes, placing 11th overall with the time 1:30:04. His mother, Irene Barnes, another famous local personality was handing medals to the runners as they crossed the finish line - a job she’s been doing for many years for the Kepler Challenge race, run annually in Te Anau since 1988. Along with the medal, Geoff got a big hug and a kiss from his mum on completing the race. Asked about his impressions of the event, Mr Barnes said that he enjoyed it, although he thought the route was quite challenging.

The best three female competitors Angie Waters (centre), Meg Mckay (right) and Rebecca Sheffield, with their prize money. PHOTO: Chris Watson / ProFocus Photography

“I’m just happy that this time I wasn’t beaten by a woman,” he said referring to last year’s race having women in top two placings – the winner was Crystal Brindle of Te Anau and Rebecca Sheffield was in second position.  

Committee member Sharon Salmons said that due to COVID-19 the organising committee were not sure if the event would be allowed to run, and put opening entries on hold until May 2020. 

“The $95 registration only went live shortly after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted and the committee pulled the event together at short notice,” she said. 

Despite late opening of registrations Mrs Salmons said the committee was very pleased with the numbers this year and that next year they are hoping to get 500 participants.

Te Anau doctor James MacMillan Armstrong receiving a medal and a handshake from Irene Barnes. PHOTO: Alina Suchanski

The event ran smoothly thanks to 45 volunteers engaged as field marshals, aid stations personnel and helpers at the start and finish lines.

During the closing ceremony held at the Marakura Yacht Club, Fiordland Trails Trust chairman Stephen Hoskin thanked Meridian the main sponsor and said “Meridian came on board at the inception for our inaugural Half Marathon event last year. When we chose the route, it seemed appropriate that we start the race from Kepler Farm on the Manapouri highway. It was here 50 years ago there was a small village constructed solely for the Manapouri hydro power station. Now long gone, the only visible signs of the village are the trees once planted in gardens and the sealed road.”

At the prize giving Stephen Hoskin acknowledged other sponsors, including Te Anau Four Square, OSM and Good Buzz who donated products for the athletes.

He also added a huge thanks to local Te Anau company, Tracknet, as they donated bus transport to the start of the race raising over $2000 for the Trust. 

Runners lined up at the start line of the Hydro Half Marathon. PHOTO: Alina Suchanski

”We have set 7th Aug 2021 as the date for next year. It’s a great fundraiser for the Trust to fund trail maintenance and one day realise our dream to extend the trail network and hold an event all the way to Te Anau Downs,” Dr Hoskin said.

The full results and video footage from the event can be viewed HERE.