18.05.2009

Local hope wins Canberra Half

Almost 900 runners lined up in the 40th annual Canberra Half Marathon yesterday in perfect race conditions.
 
Guest starter Julian Scott, the first winner of the event in 1970, was joined at the start line by the founder of the Canberra Half Marathon Jack Pennington and six runners who participated in that first event: Dave McInnes, Dennis Smith, Graeme Small, Alan Wilson and Geoff Moore. 
 
First across the line in yesterday's event was North Canberra's Erwin McRae, who after an early tussle with clubmate and past winner Scott McTaggart pulled clear to win in 66.04.

McTaggart went on to cross the line in 70.28 to claim second place with 22-year-old Michael Chapman third in 71.30.
 
Twenty-five-year-old Queanbeyan athlete Andrea Ilakovac clinched her maiden half marathon victory in 82.08 followed by Sally Parker (84.17), with Hannah Flannery in 84.28.
 
Top five male/female finishers:
 
1. Erwin McRae 66.04
2. Scott McTaggart 70.28
3. Michael Chapman 71.30
4. Nick Walshe 74.33
5. Matt Riches 74.40.
 
1. Andrea Ilakovac 82.08
2. Sally Parker 84.17
3. Hannah Flannery 84.28
4. Ana Duncan 86.59
5. Sara Burgess 87.54