Gisborne man Simon Bousfield has done it again – winning his second First Light Marathon on Saturday as over 350 people from New Zealand and overseas enjoyed the stunningly scenic race.
Bousfield was first across the line for the 42.2-kilometre distance in a net time of 3 hours 51 minutes and 33 seconds.
Despite it being seven minutes slower than his winning time last year, Bousfield was thrilled with the result.
“I think my training was better this year and it was a slightly cooler day. It felt good all the way,” the Gisborne real estate agent said.
Bousfield fits his training in before the family wake up and mainly bikes and does home workouts. He also tries to do one decent 25km run a week.
The climb up the Te Kuri walkway about 30 kilometres into the course was particularly challenging but he managed to push through the pain barrier.
“This year my pre-race prep and fuelling during the race was better, too.”
Bousfield has competed in all three First Light marathons. In 2023 he was third overall in the inaugural event – won by Gisborne’s Doug Moore – and it has become known for its challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery.
Bousfield’s next event is the Mototapu Trail Run, a 55km race from Arrowtown to Wānaka being held at the end of February.
This year, 110 people – 55 male, 55 female – took on the full-length First Light Marathon.
Christian Flojgaard was second in 4hrs 4mins 27secs.
Anne Sehested was the first woman across the finish line, just one second behind Flojgaard.
She was followed by Zeke Ingram in 4hrs 13min 21 secs and Emma Pescini – the second woman home – was fifth overall in 4hrs 20mins 16secs.
First Light Marathon race director Justin Bell thanked the landowners, marshals and volunteers who helped make the event such a success.
He also acknowledged the Trust Tairāwhiti, Thelma Karaitiana and Charlotte Gibson for their input.
The First Light Marathon is run by Denmark-based Albatros Adventure Marathons.
Runners had the option of doing a full marathon, a half-marathon or a 6km fun run.
A group of 72 international runners did the full tourism package, which included staying in Gisborne for five days and doing additional tourist activities.