Payne (26), admitted he struggled somewhat over the first half of the half marathon course in the blustery conditions and gave up on running a good time because of the battle he had getting some rhythm going.
He noticed it most running up the on ramp by the Chinese Garden for the run around the industrial area of the waterfront. But it was in this area that Payne began to get his stride going and he felt strong over the second half of the course.
Growing up in Dunedin, Payne had contested the half marathon section several times and remembers always having a headwind so ''enjoyed having a tail for the first time''.
Although a double champion in the marathon section, Payne had never won the half marathon. And making yesterday's victory more memorable was the fact he clocked a personal best time for the distance of 1hr 8min 25sec, 1min 23sec ahead of his previous best.
In recent years Payne had used the full marathon as part of his build up for the Auckland event.
''You have to take the wind into consideration,'' Payne said of running a personal best time.
''But you take it.''
The last time Payne contested the half marathon was when it incorporated areas of the foreshore, but he praised the current course through the Botanic Garden and university areas.
He said the completion of the cycleway would only enhance the course and make it faster. He said yesterday's win would be a highlight of the year for him along with recording a personal best time in the Rotterdam Marathon of 2hr 24min 55sec.
''It's always good to come back and support this event,'' he said.
''I'll always come back and run this event, no matter where I am.''
Second was Thijs Hubber in 1hr 12min 7sec and Neale McLanachan was third in 1hr 12min 58sec.
Another returning to Dunedin for the event and tasting success was Rachel Kingsford, now based in Christchurch.
Kingsford (27), a respiratory scientist, finished ninth overall in just her second half marathon. Her first was in Christchurch at Queens Birthday Weekend, when she clocked an impressive 1hr 14min 55sec.
After a disastrous run in the national road championships last weekend and knowing the course was going to be tough yesterday, Kingsford was happy with her time of 1hr 19min 30sec.
A three time Otago cross country champion while in Dunedin, Kingsford's main objective yesterday was for a steady run with the goal of winning and getting her running back on track.
''It was good to come out today and have a really good run and run an OK time as well,'' she said afterwards.
Second in the open women's section was Shireen Crumpton in 1hr 24min and Sabrina Grogan was third in 1hr 26min 17sec.
