A combination of youth and experience took out the top spots in Hamilton's Round the Bridges event yesterday.
About 4300 people – and their pets – made the most of sunny weather for the annual 2km, 6km and 12km races, which attracted people aged from 2 1/2to 85 this year.
The turnout – slightly up on last year's 4200 – pleased event organisers.
Hamilton Boys' High School students took out the top four spots in the men's 6km run, with 14-year-old Jacob Priddey beating last year's winner Theuns Pieters, 16, in a time of 22.27s.
Jacob said he enjoyed the run and will be up to defend his title next year, but before then he's got the World Cross Country Champs in Malta to contest in April next year.
As for why he loves running so much?
"Because I'm good at it," he said.
Waikato Diocesan School student Olivia Ritchie, 17, was the first female home in 24.50s – her fourth win over the past four years.
But it was Wellingtonians who stole the 12km events.
Stefan Smith, 23, a Hawkes Bay-raised Wellingtonian, was the first man home in a time of 38.36.
It was his first time in the race and he entered after hearing good things about the event from fellow runners.
"I've always wanted to do this race, it's got a bit of history and I heard it was a nice course and it is really beautiful."
Self-confessed "old girl" Gabrielle O'Rourke clocked up her fourth win in the women's 12km race in 43m and 50s.
The Scots College teacher said she "wouldn't miss (the race) for anything".
"I've done it heaps, I love the course, love the people and it's always a well run event."
Ms O'Rourke sat in fifth place until about the 10km mark before leading the pack and taking away a closely fought win.
Event manager Kevin Endres said the day went without any major hiccups.
Seventy per cent of participants were from Hamilton, while 90 per cent were from the greater Waikato.
It was also female-dominated, with women making up 65 per cent entries.
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== Reported by Belinda Feek of The Waikato Times
