Maiden Midmar victory for Durban North resident
It was Connor Buck's first Midmar Mile title.
DURBAN North resident Connor Buck won his first aQuellé Midmar Mile on Sunday.
Buck, a member of the Action Swim Academy, reached the finish in a time 18:18, one minute and 20 seconds ahead of his nearest rival.
The race saw two-time defending champion and Glenhills resident, Michael McGlynn finish in second place and 16-year-old Ross Paterson finish in third.
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Speaking on his maiden title, Buck said he was thrilled with the win.
“I didn’t expect that at all,” admitted Buck afterwards. “Obviously to take the win I knew I would have to build up a bit of a lead in the beginning. I had a good start, I knew I had a lead so I just didn’t look back. I had no idea the lead had built up to that much. If you told me 10 years ago when I did my first Midmar that one day I would be standing here as a champion, I definitely wouldn’t have believed you.”
McGlynn, who has recently recovered from Covid and a chest injury and wasn’t able to train as planned, was full of praise for Buck.
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“I wasn’t sure what to expect,” he said. “I know what I can do when I’m in shape. Obviously I would have loved to win, but it’s the first time I’m not disappointed with second. I’m okay with that. Today second was the best that I could do so I’m happy. I got out in front in the beginning but Connor was just better prepared than me so well done to him.”
In the women’s race, Stephanie Houtman also claimed her maiden victory at the Midmar Mile.
Another local to clinch a top 10 spot was Robyn Kinghorn, who finished in eighth place.
Our Lady of Fatima learner and La Lucia resident, Mykae Forrest finished in third place, improving on her sixth place finish last year. Younger sister, Bailey also impressed finishing ninth in the elite women’s category.
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