Endurance Crowns Awarded at New Zealand 50km and 100km Championships

New Zealand’s top ultra-runners gathered at Hagley Park for the 2024 Athletics New Zealand 100 km & 50 km Championships, hosted as part of the 17th Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 100 km & 50 km by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. The event, held on a 2.5 km AIMS certified loop, featured strong performances across both distances. The 100km and 50km kicked off at 7:00 am on a mild and sunny Christchurch morning.

In the 100 km women’s race, Mel Atkin (Leith Harriers, Dunedin) claimed the national title with an impressive time of 8:34:20, followed by Carol Robertson (8:58:21) and Vivian Cheng (10.40.26). In the men’s 100 km, Xye Doyle (Run Timaru) won with a time of 9:28:57, while Clark Fountain (9:46:43) and Jayden Anker (9:56:32) completed the podium.

The 50 km races also delivered standout performances. Hayden Zervos (New Brighton Olympic) won the men’s title in 3:17:45 followed in by Tom Kissel in 3.27.59 and Scott Cranfield close behind for third in 3.32.41. Jennifer Rankin took the women’s title in 5:05:40, with seasoned ultra-runner Valerie Muskett finishing second in 5:19:31 and Shirley Rolston in third in 7.33.02.

John McBrearty (Athletics NZ Official) and Kevin Prendergast (Athletics NZ Selector) awarded medals to the top Kiwi finishers, celebrating an inspiring day of endurance that showcased the strength and spirit of New Zealand’s ultra-running community.

100k
Mens
1 Xye Doyle RUN TIMARU 9.28.57
2 Clark Fountain ANZ ONE DAY 9.46.4
3Jayden Anker ANZ ONE DAY 9.56.32

Womens
1 Mel Aitken LEITH HARRIERS 8.34.20
2 Carol Robertson HAMILTON CITY HAWKES 8.58.
3 Vivian Cheng WELLINTON HARRIERS 10.40.26

50k
Mens
1 Hayden Zervos NEW BRIGHTON OLYMPIC 3.17.45
2 Tom Kissel ANZ ONE DAY 3.27.59
3 Scott Cranfield ANZ ONE DAY 3.32.41

Womens
1 Jennifer Rankin ANZ ONE DAY 5.05.40
2 Valerie Muskett ANZ ONE DAY 5.19.31
3 Shirley Rolston PORT HILLS ATHLETIC 7.33.02

View the full results here