2 Mar 2010

Smith breaks New Zealand half marathon record

11:13 am on 2 March 2010

Local runner Kim Smith has broken her own New Zealand half marathon record after finishing second in the New Orleans Mardi Gras Half Marathon in 1 hour and 7 minutes

Smith set the pace early on as she attempted to break away from the eventual winner Berhane Adere of Ethiopia.

The pair stayed together with Smith leading almost the entire distance, but Adere's break was well-timed and she crossed the line three seconds ahead of the New Zealander.

The previous record of 1 hour and nine seconds at was set by Smith in Birmingham last year and she remains the only New Zealand woman to have run under the 70 minute barrier.