14-May-13
Following a frosty start to the day, the Marlborough sun shone down on 2,500 competitors and their many supporters, at the seventh Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon held on Saturday 11 May.
Following a frosty start to the day, the Marlborough sun shone down on 2,500 competitors and their many supporters at the seventh Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon held on Saturday 11 May.
Saint Clair Family Estate is proud to have been the major sponsor of the annual Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon since its inception in 2006. This is the seventh year of the event and true to tradition each competitor was rewarded with a celebratory trophy wine for their efforts. Some competitors commented it was the thought of the Saint Clair Vicar’s Choice Sauvignon Blanc Bubbles that got them over the finish line.
The company is a family business with the next generation also involved. Family members participate in the event each year. This year Managing Director Neal Ibbotson started the race with a short inspirational speech and the ringing of the Saint Clair bell and watched his wife Judy commence her 21km vineyard run for the seventh time. Daughter and Saint Clair Marketing Manager Sarina participated and ran a personal best time and son in-law Dave also had a speedy race finishing 12th. Neal and Judy’s grandchildren surrounded the finish line with great excitement as they watched everyone complete the race.
The event is a unique Marlborough wine journey, where participants run and/or walk, through the spectacular scenery of Marlborough’s famous vineyards displaying their vivid colours of autumn. A relaxed festival atmosphere surrounded the finish line where supporters and participants lingered at the Saint Clair Cellar Door Café, celebrating achievements, whilst refuelling on delicacies such as King Salmon, Renaissance beer and Saint Clair wine, while enjoying award winning songstress Mel Parsons.
Congratulations to all those that completed the challenging event. The winning male Matt Harris of Wellington ran a quick 1 hour 13 minutes while the winning Female Annabelle Latz of Blenheim ran an incredible 1 hour 29 minutes.
The Ibbotson family is energetic and motivated. These qualities encourage participation and enjoyment of sporting events, as well as the drive to constantly improve Saint Clair Family Estate as a leading New Zealand wine producer.
Participants for next years event which will be held on 10 May 2014 are encourage to sign up quickly when tickets are released later in the year. See http://vineyardhalf.com for details.
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