Morris (68) said he was inspired to give his all in memory of his nephew, Flynn Morris-Clarke, who died of a brain tumour earlier this month.
Morris-Clarke (35) was a successful runner when he was younger, representing New Zealand in middle-distance events.
He was diagnosed with a brain tumour about two years ago.
Morris said he was thinking of his nephew when running yesterday and when he was out training.
It was easy to work hard and get through some tough training considering what his nephew had gone through. He dedicated the victory to Flynn.
Morris, a former Otago medium-fast bowler, was pleased with his time of 24min 34sec, in the handicapped event.
He was 19sec clear of Knox at the finish line.
The men’s course was just under 5km while the women’s course was about 3.75km.
The quickest time went to Logan Slee, who covered the course in 17min 20sec.
Russell Green was 20sec slower, followed by Jonah Smith on 17min 46sec and Nathan Shanks on 18min 13sec.
The open women’s race was won by Dunedin youngster Zara Geddes. She won the under-16 title at the South Island cross-country championships last week and has had a good couple of weeks.
Geddes (14), a year 10 pupil at St Hilda’s Collegiate School, recorded the quickest time and was also first home in the handicapped event.
Her time was 14min 41sec.
Second home in the handicapped event was Rosemary Connolly, while Catherine Lund was third home. Maya Irving recorded the second-fastest time, just 3sec behind Gedde. Lund was third-fastest.
