Five-peat for trail-running specialist

How fitting that Richmond trail runner Liz Coke ran away with the “vintage women’s” division in the 10th annual Lochmara Lodge Half Marathon.

Liz was runner-up as a “classic woman” in the inaugural event in 2015, where she broke the two hour mark and, since graduating to the 60+ class, she has won all five times she has entered.

A knee injury sidelined her last year, and after a September-October holiday in her native Canada the 66-year-old wasn’t sure she had sufficient training to make a winning return.

But the former physiotherapist made light work of her rivals again in the 21-kilometre trail run from Tiromana to Lochmara.

“It is just such a beautiful place to be. The trail is stunning. It was a little bit mucky in places this year but that’s all part of the fun. The grippy shoes helped,” says Liz, who was born in Winnipeg and then moved from Vancouver to Nelson in 1991.

Another highlight for the Waimea Harriers Club member was the boat ride to Anakiwa and the short scenic walk to the start line. Her race preparation usually involves at least one two-hour run a week.

“I love going up to the top of the Richmond lookout and Friday morning group runs in the Grampians. I feel very fortunate to still be able to run,” declares Liz.
Being a physio has helped too.

“My advantage is knowing healing time frames when dealing  with injuries.”

Another advantage is, since selling her Richmond business last year, Liz doesn’t have to train in the dark anymore.

“Mind you, it was a great way to problem solve. It is very soothing. A great sport for introverts,” she insists.

The trail-running specialist isn’t resting on her laurels with two other trail runs coming up before the end of the year. She is dropping back in distance for the 13km option of the TeeTotal Traverse at Nelson Lakes this weekend and then tackling the inaugural Spectacle.

“I will be competing in the half marathon trail run and hoping to beat home a few of the younger brigade.”