Tony Price. PHOTO/FILE
Achievements of a long distance runner
ATHLETICS
CHRIS COGDALE
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Veteran Masterton athlete Tony ‘Bones’ Price overcame horrendous weather to add the National Marathon Championship to his already glittering trophy cabinet.
Price took three hours, 23 minutes and 36 seconds to win the 60-64 age group championship, which was held in conjunction with the Christchurch Marathon on the Sunday of Queen’s Birthday Weekend.
Price was almost five minutes clear of his nearest rival but said the time was slow and the victory didn’t come easy.
“The weather was shocking. It was really cold.
“There was a southerly with icy rain and there was surface flooding around the back of the course so we had to dodge the puddles.
“The cold got to me. They were among the worst conditions I’ve ever raced in,” the 63-year-old said.
“I couldn’t walk after the finish – I just sat there in my wet clothes.
“It would have to be one of the toughest races I’ve ever done – even harder than when I got hypothermia during one of the Wairarapa marathons.”
The win completes a series of successes in four different events for Price in Christchurch.
He has previously won the national cross-country crowns in the 50-54 age group, the national road racing championships over 10km in the 60-64 age group, and has twice won the national half-marathon championship.
Price had intended that the race would be his last marathon but he said he might be inspired to carry on by some of his rivals, including old friend, Gavin Stevens, from Auckland.
“Gavin missed the marathon because he had knee surgery and opted to run the half-marathon. He probably wants me to continue so he can beat me again.”
Price has a proud record over the 42.2km, including winning the Wairarapa Country Marathon on a remarkable 10 occasions.
