Fernleigh 15 runners on track for a record turn-out on Sunday

FADING FAST: Hundreds of runners pounded the pavement in Sunday's Fernleigh 15, which organisers said attracted a record field of competitors. Picture: Marina Neil

THE annual Fernleigh 15 gallop from Adamstown to Belmont drew a record field on Sunday, with more than 1500 runners lacing up the runners for the event's eighth year.

Guy Walters took line honours with a 47-minute 14-second bolt that was only one minute off a record pace.

Walters finished second in the Newcastle International Half Marathon earlier this month and will tackle the 10,000 metre Zatopek Classic in December as an Olympic Games trial.

Last year's winner Hamish Wallace finished second with 47 minutes 55 seconds while Connor Stevenson claimed third place.

Pictures: Marina Neil

Newcastle's Rose Davies, 19, took out the women's section with a time of 54 minutes and 22 seconds that put her more than three minutes ahead of runner-up Joasia Zakrzewski.

Paralympian Christie Dawes retained the honours in the wheelchair race over runner-up Jonathan Tan.

The event's relay attracted 75 teams this year.