The Bay Trail Run continues to build its reputation as a must-do event for ultra runners, with strong entries in the longer distances and a day marked by fast times across all categories.
Organisers were buoyed by higher numbers in the longer events, a sign the Bay is increasingly appealing to seasoned endurance athletes chasing testing courses and competitive fields. That depth showed on the stopwatch, with many runners bettering previous marks. On offer was a 50km, 35km, 25km, and 11km race.
The 50km men’s race was won by Aditya Kesarcodi-Watson, who made it three wins from three starts at the Bay. His time of 5:15:59 was 10 minutes quicker than his winning effort last year, a remarkable result just seven days after racing Australia’s premier 100km ultra, the UTA100, where he placed 50th.
In the women’s 50km event, Naomi Brand took the win in 6:07:41, continuing the trend of sharp performances at the front of the field.
Event organiser Pete Marshall was delighted with how the day unfolded.
“Each year we learn something and make the day run a little bit smoother, I’m really happy with how it’s gone today and we’ve had a great turnout,” Pete says. “Thank you to the whole team of 70+ volunteers who make the event happen and special thanks to Bruce Harvey, one of the landowners who also completed the 50km race!”
The Bay Trail run is proudly sponsored by Gearshop as the major sponsor and Four Square Atawhai ensured finishers were fed out on the course and as they crossed the line.
With strong participation, quick times, and a growing ultra pedigree, the Bay Trail Run is fast becoming a fixture on Nelson’s running calendar. All profits from the event are distributed into projects in the Cable Bay natural environment.
