Benson Hunt and Khalida Cox win South Coast 12 km

South Coast runners - L-R from the top: Keleni, Clare Magloire, Kolio Manuleleua, Andy Boakes, Lautusi Talaimanu, Khalida Cox,
​Anusil  Pillay, Jay Krishna, Jake Henshaw. Front row: Monita Krishna, Benson Hunt, Thomas Fania and Geri Furness. 

As races go, the South Coast Run was an honest one. It looked friendly but with a sting in the tail. The friendly part was the first half of the race, heading away from the sun and more downhill than up.

Then as the runners turned around to head back to the venue at Maninoa, the sun shone full and bright on already hot brows. There was no escaping it, nor the heat bouncing off the black tar. Getting to the finish fast was the only way to deal with the sauna-like conditions.

It was particularly hot everywhere in the country today.

Add the 500m climb to the finish meant the runners knew they were in a real run to look back on with satisfaction.

Thirteen runners turned up for the first race of the series. This was a good outcome; we were expecting fewer.

In the main race, five Tanoa Hotel Sāmoa runners contested the 12 km distance. Khalida Cox was the sole woman runner. She gave a great account of herself, finishing second overall and ahead of four male runners.

Benson Hunt of team Tanoa was first across the line. Tanoa General Manager Jay Krishna was also in the 12 km line-up where he finished fourth.

In the 6 km race, Thomas Fania was first across the line. Jake Henshaw and Geri Furness of the Australian High Commission were happy to run the 4 km distance. Joining them was Monita Krishna of team Tanoa.

Khalida Cox is preparing for the full marathon race in July. Today’s run was good preps for that race

The next run in the series is on 15 June at Falefā Falls. Distances on offer are 10 km, 6 km and 4 km.

END

South Coast full results