The monthly time-trial run, or walk, started on June 20, 2019 when organisers would have been lucky if more than 50 people showed up.
But as the Leith Harbour Free marked its 60th event yesterday, it attracted its largest field yet with 103 athletes — surpassing the tally of 87 at May’s event — taking to Te Aka Otakaou shared path.
Nine records were set yesterday, including that by Stephen Johnson, who set a new mark of 16 minutes 13 seconds in winning the 5km event.
Sandor Toth was hot on his heels in 16min 29sec, also coming in under the previous record.
Taryn McLean was the first woman home in 18min 42sec, a record for the masters women 40-44 category.
Jason Van Kempen won the 10km event in 35min 37sec.
Mel Aitken was the first woman home in 40min 49sec and rising junior runner Jesika Sebelin finished in 43min 40sec to set a women’s 15-19 category 10km record.
Wayne Porteous even broke a record of his own — completing his 55th event and notching up the most Leith Harbour Frees of any athlete.
Leith Harbour Free alternates between Sunday and Thursday each month and routes as well.
The event either heads towards Vauxhall — as they did for yesterday’s race — and towards St Leonards, and has become a community running staple.
