The 2025 Oceania Orienteering Championships are well underway in New Zealand, where the host nation has performed well in the first two races.
Friday’s Sprint at Massey University was won by the defending Oceania champions, Lizzie Ingham and Joseph Lynch (both NZL).
Ingham took the Oceanic gold with an impressive 44 second win ahead of Kaia Joergensen (NZL), while Grace Crane secured an Australian spot on the podium in third place.
Lizzie Ingham on the way to the gold. Photo: Joolz Moore
Several non-Oceanic runners joined the top race, with Hanne Hilo (FIN) best placed in the second fastest time.
Joseph Lynch’s win in the men’s class was also impressive. A full 31 seconds was the lead in the finish to fellow countryman Matt Ogden. Again an Australian ran into third place – Angus Haines, who was 1:04 minutes behind Lynch.
Joseph Lynch almost flying into the finish. Photo: Joolz Moore
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Saturday offered a hot race in the dunes at the coastal terrains on the west coast of New Zealand’s lower North Island for the middle distance.
And again Lizzie Ingham was best among the women and was able to defend her title from the championships in Tasmania two years ago, and again there was silver to Kaia Joergensen (43 seconds behind) and bronze to Grace Crane (AUS).
Women’s podium at the OOC Middle distance. Photo: Joolz Moore
In the men’s race, Friday’s winner, Joseph Lynch, had to settle for second place, as Zefa Fa’avae won by just three seconds after a close race, where Lynch lost time at the beginning but came stumbling close at the end.
Leith Soden (AUS) was 1:07 minutes behind the winner, but still took home another bronze medal for Australia.
Men’s podium at the OOC Middle distance. Photo: Joolz Moore
The championships continue in the coastal terrains with long distance on Sunday and relay on Monday.