The Sun
sport
Wednesday January 25, 2017
Weather no deterrent in 50th Hipkins Cup swim The 50th annual Hipkins Cup swim ‘went off without a hitch’ despite forecasts of a ‘weather bomb’ looking likely to hit just as the race started, organisers say. Organiser Brendon Ferguson says the race last Sunday started off with flat water, although closer to the start time, the wind and rain made visibility a factor as the first turning buoy went in and out of view. “At 12 o’clock the 15 keen swimmers lined up on the beach and were all set to tackle the race. “As they hit the water, the conditions stayed pretty even with a small amount of chop in the water caused by the wind but as mentioned the rain created some issues with visibility resulting in times being about 4 or 5 minutes slower than last year’s swim.” Brendon says although the conditions were testing, the trophies were hotly contested. Regular event swimmer Paul Sell managed to claim victory again, he says, getting his name on the trophy for yet another year. Youngster Jacob Babb kept him on his toes the entire way but Sell’s experience came through as they entered Whites Bay and he pulled away to win comfortably by three minutes. “The First Lady home went to
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inbrief
The Sun
Fun when running The Marlborough Harrier Club Summer Runners is inviting people to come and have a bit of fun on Thursday January 26, a relay from Ching Park, Endeavour Street. Be there by 5.45pm to get into a team and be ready to run or walk at 6pm.
Iconic marathon around the corner The Buller Marathon and Half Marathon are set for Saturday February 11. It is a popular and iconic race event, attracting many entries from Marlborough.
Muddy Buddy
Hipkins Cup winners - youngest swimmer Molly Norton, first male and overall winner Paul Sell, first female Jodie Lovell, and oldest swimmer Peter Colbert.
another regular Jodie Lovell who managed a respectable 4th place and gets to keep her hands on the Trophy for another year. “The youngest swimmer was first timer Molly Norton who entered the race with her older sister and father Hannah and Richard Norton who swam most of the race as family. “Peter Colbert who has been a
competitor in the event for a long time now managed to use his knowledge and experience of the course to his advantage finishing only seconds behind Lovell in 5th place which is huge effort for the oldest competitor.” Brendon says a special mention must go out to all the past swimmers who came along and showed their support and shared stories
Tragic crash prompts heartfelt statement Following the tragic race at the Monte Carlo WRC rally event in Monaco last Friday, where a spectator died after Hayden Paddon and Blenheim’s John Kennard crashed, Hayden has released a statement. “Upon reflection, I wanted to issue a small statement about the events. “Firstly, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the spectator involved. No matter the circumstances, this is never something we want to see. Secondly, John and I are humbled by all the messages of support at this time. Obviously, my thoughts are with the family and that is my only concern at the moment. Not being able to return home to New Zealand does make it a little tougher but it is important we stay strong. I do want to take this chance to ask people not to speculate. Irrespective of how and why the accident happened, finger pointing will not change anything. The most important is that we learn from this and I am committed to work with the FIA and rally organisers relentlessly to ensure this does not happen again. I will take this chance to ask spectators at rallies to please be considerate where you stand and to respect the instructions of the marshals. We all want to enjoy a good show and go home to the family afterwards. I also ask each and every rally fan at the events, if you see someone in a dangerous position to request they move
Hayden Paddon has released a statement about the tragic crash last Friday at the Monte Carlo WRC rally event in Monaco last Friday, where a spectator died.
for everyone’s best interest. As a community, we can collectively work together to prevent this from happening again. We made the decision to not continue this weekend out of respect, but will be back in Sweden where we will pay tribute. Thank you again for everyone’s support and for the support of the team – it really does mean a lot.”
while presenting the trophies to this year’s winners. “Next year’s race will be decided later in the year so keep an eye out for the date as we would love to see an increase in numbers.” Final thanks go to this years major sponsors; Macpac Blenheim, Giesen Wines Cellar Door, and Meaters of Marlborough, he says.
Sport Tasman is calling for entries in the Havelock Muddy Buddy contest on February 25. The race along the Havelock estuary tests people’s skills in the thick mud. Teams can register online or contact Sport Tasman’s Jane Miles on 03 923 2317.
Waitaria Bay Tri The ninth consecutive Waitaria Bay Tri is on Saturday January 28, and organisers John and Dianne Dixon expect it to be just as good as all of the others. Participants can get a special rate on the Pelorus Mailboat with a great day out in the Sounds for daytrippers from Havelock at a special rate for our Tri of $10 return (adults) and $5 return (child). They will also transport kayaks or bikes.Enter on http://wbtriplusz.wix. com/waitaria-bay-tri