
Three countries and three very different types of racing going on this weekend. We start the journey over in Hong Kong, where the 9 Dragons Ultra(s) took place. There’s a choice of three races here, the 50 miler, the 50kms or both and with the Aussie crowd performing very well across all three. The main event, which sees runners take on a 50 miler followed by a 50km the next day saw Hong Kong-based Aussie, John Ellis take the overall win in a combined time of 18:06:37, closely followed by two Japanese runners in Kazufumi Ose (18:18:30) and Keita Kobayashi (18:29:57).
In the ladies event, it was a very closely fought battle with Us runner, Corinne Williams taking the over win in a time of 21:14:05. French runner, Elsa Jeandedieu was second in an overall time of 22:14:33 – read our race preview interview with her here, fascinating lady. Australia’s Kellie Emmerson was third overall in a time of 22:42:57. Kellie placed third in the 50 miler and then second in the 50km event yesterday – a solid performance.
In the 50km event, Ben Duffus finished in third place in a time of 6:58:44 and in the 50 miler, the UK’s Harry Jones won overall in a time of 10:41:22 – read our pre race interview with him here. Special mention also to our man on the ground, David Longo, who finished ninth male in the 50 miler / 50km double.
Over the ditch in New Zealand, the Old Ghost Ultra (85kms) took place this weekend too with some familiar faces on the winners board. Vajin Armstrong took out the win for the men in a time of 7 hours dead, with Robert Rawles second in 7:17 and Martin Kern third in a time of 7:33.
Kiwi-based Italian runner, Cecilia Flori smashed up the female course record by 13 minutes in a time 7:39, which was also the fourth fastest time of the day. Mel Atkin was second in a time of 8:21 and Becky Nixon third in 9:30.
Finally, back in the homeland and down to Victoria, the Rollercoaster run (43km) was on down at Mount Dandenong. Joel Claxton took out the win for the men in a time of 4:13:21, with Rhys Whittaker second in 4:20:16 and Paul Todd third in 4:32:20. In the ladies race, Jo Noesgaard took out the win in 5:13:15 with Martine Nield second in 5:22:41 and Anindita Samsu third in 5:25:46.