Paul Ballinger NZ Distance Champion

Paul Ballinger was one of New Zealand's great distance runners during the 1970s. He was respected for his consistency and tough racing. A Taranaki chicken farmer, he was a multiple New Zealand cross-country and marathon representative who did most of his running on his favourite trails in the beautiful Taranaki countryside, well away from other elite runners in the bigger cities. Paul is most known for winning the Fukuoka marathon in 1982, beating a world-class field in 2hr, 10 min,15s, which was the fastest marathon run by a New Zealander at that time. Paul was also personally coached by the great Arthur Lydiard for a number of years. These days, Paul still keeps in good shape by cycling.

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You’re a legend Paul, a humble man a privilege to have run with you,always in awe of your talent go well friend Dale Kirk