28 May 06: Fine Start to Auckland Half Marathon Winter Series

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27 year old Aucklander Alan O'Keefe won the Half-Marathon race in 1:19:27 (Race Record) from Brian Cullen (1:22:26) and Cameron Webster (1:27:14). Takeshi Sugiyama was first in the men (50-59) division while Peter Baillie (57) from Plimmerton race walked the Half-Marathon in a fine 2:04:10.

Nyla Carroll, winner of the prestigous Huntly Half Marathon the previous weekend (in 1:15), won the women's Half-Marathon in a comfortable 1:21:39 ... from Tania Sangster (1:50;58) and Anna Longdill (1:52:56).

Alan O'Keefe ... Winner Half Marathon ... 1:19:27	Nyla Carroll ... Winner Women's Half Marathon ... 1:21:39
Brian Cullen ... 2nd Half Marathon ... 1:22:26	Takeshi Sugiyama ... 1st Man (50-59) Half Marathon ... 1:35:20

Talented 22 year old Ethiopian born runner Wondwosen Negash dominated the 11.1 km race. Wondwosen, whose appearance and effortless running style are strikingly similar to Kenenisa Bekele, flew past the 3 km mark in 9:25 and cruised to a comfortable victory in 37:52. He was followed by Carl Driessen in 44:20 and Hayk Bayanduryan in 47:40.

Women's 11.1 km winner Nathalie Berrard finished in 49:56 ... just 1 second ahead of runner up Pamela Minett in 49:57 ... followed by Anna Hoggard (55:28).

Valma James (79 years young) finished in 1:40:54.

Hayk Bayanduryan ... 3rd 11.1km Race ... 47:40	Wondwosen Negash ... 1st 11.1 km Race ... 37:52