Running: Tauranga’s Luke Williams wins Barrett Homes - We Run the Night

​Over 1400 runners and walkers took on Barrett Homes - We Run the Night in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, where Luke Williams finished the 21 km in first place.

Williams finished with a time of 1:20:52, eight minutes faster than his second place time in 2019. It was his third time finishing the event.

He said it was a great event with plenty of people out having fun.

“I had a young guy on my tail all the way so it made me work hard, but it's always good to get a win and it was beautiful conditions.”

He said he felt he was consistent throughout the 21km.

“I'm a triathlete usually, but I run for training and thought I’d run tonight because it's a nice night.”

Fraser Mills was not far behind with a time of 01:22:03, while Matthew Stokes finished in third place with a time of 01:26:10.

Andy Gifford was the first 21 km female with a time of 01:27:08, Brenda Poutawera finished in second place with a time of 01:40:53, and Xanthe Johnston finished third with a time of 01:42:36.

Tauranga’s Brenda Poutawera finished the event seven minutes ahead of her third place time in 2019.

She said it was her fourth time running in the event. 

“It was very exciting because of my age. It's always my goal to be in the top 10 overall and win my age bracket which is getting harder as I get older. Now that I am 48, I’m at the top end of my age group.”

She said she liked the three laps course as she was able to see where she was at.

“I always like to have podium goals and to pull it off, I was thrilled. I knew I couldn't catch the first, she was too far ahead but I was so pleased to show that age doesn't have to be a barrier.”

Poutawera said she ran the New York Marathon in November.

“I haven't been running as fast as normal because I had to learn to run slow and long so this was a bit of a tester to see where I am at.”

“It was lovely to see the Mount on a Saturday night in such a positive way with people of all age groups, body shapes and sizes giving it a go and having fun. That's the best thing about it. Plus there's something magical about running on the road at night.”

Event Director Tim Farmer said it was great to see so many people out achieving their fitness goals and enjoying the social aspect of the event too.

“I thank the local residents for their support along the course. It was great to see them out supporting the participants,” he said.
​
The event had a range of course options including the 2.5km kids dash, 7km, 14km and 21km.