It was a fourth year running for Richard Ford when he crossed the finish line in first place in the Shoe Clinic 15km run section of the MLT Moonshine Trail on Saturday.

Ford, of Bannockburn, has competed in the event four times, and has won his section every time.

Praising the course, which takes in the picturesque Hokonui hills near Dolamore Park, Ford said he was pretty happy with his run, which took him just over an hour, and he loved the "technical" trail.

"This course is amazing...it's nice and technical...it's pretty special"

Ford was one of 393 competitors to line up for the Sport Southland-run event.

The event included a range of options, including the CrossRoad Cycles 50km mountainbike, the Southland Isuzu 39km mountainbike, Ewan Allan Honda 30km mountainbike, Macpac Duathlon, Mataura Licensing Trust 5km run/walk, and an E-bike section.

Sport Southland events manager Matt Sillars said this year's event had been a great success, with fantastic weather and a great number of competitors combining to make it a memorable day.

"It's been a stunning day, we've had a great turnout, everyone's given it their all, it's been fantastic," he said.

The event wouldn't be possible without the support of excellent sponsors, including the Mataura Licensing Trust, Ewan Allan Honda, CrossRoad Cycles, Pure Sports Nutrition, Macpac, Southland Isuzu, Heartland Hotels, and Shoe Clinic.

The Gore District Council had also been extremely supportive, he said.

Results: (full results will be posted this week)

CrossRoad Cycles 50km MTB

1^st Male: Tim O’Leary

1^st Female: Ronel Cook

Southland Isuzu 39km MTB

1^st Male: Brett Strachan

1^st Female: Tania McClean

EWAN ALLAN HONDA  30km MTB

1^st Male: Xander Marsh

1^st Female: Ann Grant

Macpac Duathlon

1^st Male:  Austin Leith

1^st Female: M Affleck

Shoe Clinic  15km Run

1^st Male:  Richard Ford

1^st Female: Donna Rutherford

MLT 5km Run/Walk

1^st Male:  Conall Mclean

1^st Female:  Kimberley Iversen

Article added: Monday 11 February 2019