Home

Denmark Half Marathon runners brave treacherous conditions for tough running race at Lights Beach on Sunday

Headshot of Amy Towers
Amy TowersAlbany Advertiser
Eager runners brave the weather conditions for Denmark's half marathon.
Camera IconEager runners brave the weather conditions for Denmark's half marathon. Credit: Denmark Running Club

Treacherous weather failed to deter more than 100 runners from taking on the challenge of the Denmark Half Marathon course on Sunday.

The event began and finished at Lights Beach, with competitors setting off at 7.30am to tackle the 21.1km half marathon, the 10km race or the 2km course.

The demanding course, which runs via the Wilderness Ocean Walk Trail and Mundabiddi Trail, and difficult weather conditions made for a challenging morning but those who lined up pushed to the finish.

Joel Grey claimed the men’s half marathon title in 1:26.56, finishing ahead of Ciaran O’Kane in 1:32.26 and Jacob Smith in 1:33.30.

Kirsty Pedro comes third in the women's 10km race.
Camera IconKirsty Pedro comes third in the women's 10km race. Credit: Denmark Running Club

Toni Heinemann was the first woman to cross the line in 1:32.37, with Bridget Murdoch second in 1:42.17 and Chelsea Sharp close behind in third at 1:44.15.

The men’s 10km was won by Nikil Redipali in 39min. and 20sec., followed by Caleb Benson in 40:39 and Adrien Lahille in 42:50.

Rebecca Lewis took out the women’s 10km in 50:11, narrowly finishing ahead of Rita Quayle in 50:15, while Kirsty Pedro was third in 55:20.

Phoebe Miller and Elliot Rowe won the 2km event.

Denmark Running Club secretary Belinda Ross said it was great to see so many people brave the weather to take part in the event.

“The weather was absolutely atrocious,” she said.

“I think we had 156 signed up and we had about 115 who turned up on the day — I think the remainders pulled out because of the weather.

“The people that went were true runners.

Denmark half marathon female champion Toni Heinemann.
Camera IconDenmark half marathon female champion Toni Heinemann. Credit: Denmark Running Club

“It’s a pretty difficult course so you have to be pretty fit to attempt it, so they are the runners that didn’t mind the weather conditions.”

Ross said despite the conditions, people still had a smile on their face.

“Everyone who came battled with the condition and had a great time,” she said.

“It was pretty treacherous but they were tough and seemed to enjoy it.”

2km winners Phoebe Miller and Elliot Rowe.
Camera Icon2km winners Phoebe Miller and Elliot Rowe. Credit: Denmark Running Club
Octogenarian Bill Thompson runs in the 10km.
Camera IconOctogenarian Bill Thompson runs in the 10km. Credit: Denmark Running Club
Paricipants gather for the Denmark half marathon event.
Camera IconParicipants gather for the Denmark half marathon event. Credit: Denmark Running Club
Runners beginning their race.
Camera IconRunners beginning their race. Credit: Denmark Running Club
Paricipants gather for the Denmark half marathon event.
Camera IconParicipants gather for the Denmark half marathon event. Credit: Denmark Running Club
Runners begin the challenging course.
Camera IconRunners begin the challenging course. Credit: Denmark Running Club
The 10km women's race ended in a sprint between Rita Quayle and Rebecca Lewis.
Camera IconThe 10km women's race ended in a sprint between Rita Quayle and Rebecca Lewis. Credit: Denmark Running Club
Runners beginning their race.
Camera IconRunners beginning their race. Credit: Denmark Running Club/Denmark Running Club
Nikil Redipali wins the men's 10km race.
Camera IconNikil Redipali wins the men's 10km race. Credit: Denmark Running Club
Lucy Shardlow completes the half marathon.
Camera IconLucy Shardlow completes the half marathon. Credit: Denmark Running Club
Phoebe Miller finishes the 2km source.
Camera IconPhoebe Miller finishes the 2km source. Credit: Denmark Running Club
The winner of the half marathon, Joel Gray.
Camera IconThe winner of the half marathon, Joel Gray. Credit: Denmark Running Club

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails