Ben Ruthe was unable to match the strength of Australian runner Collis Birmingham in the Sir Barry Curtis 10km road race in Pakuranga yesterday, having to settle for second.
Birmingham took the lead at the 5km and held a solid pace through to the finish at Lloyd Elsmore Park, recording 30m 44s.

From the start at a wind swept Musick Point, Nick Pannett set a fast pace, determined to win the cash for being first through 2.5km. Race record holder and winner for the past four years Dale Warrander surged at the 5km to win that cash incentive, before Birmingham took control.
Ruthe chased Birmingham hard over the final 3km, but Birmingham's break was decisive. Mark Tucker from Melbourne edged out Iain MacDonald from Tauranga for third. Warrander was fifth with Sam Dobson sixth.
Birmingham said that he was tired near the end.
"It was hurting, but after Dale surged at 5km and then slowed down, I went for it thinking I've done it now, I have to go for it," said Birmingham.
The 22 year old is aiming to qualify for the Beijing Olympic Games in the 5000m.

Ruthe said that he was banking on Birmingham taking the lead too soon.
"I thought there maybe a chance that he might blow up, I closed in on him a little, and if I had been within four or five seconds of him, I might have had a go," said Ruthe. He was full of praise for his training companion Iain MacDonald's performance.
Warrander admitted to being not quite fit enough.
"I have trained hard this week, as I am aiming for a marathon in January/February," said Warrander.
"I've stepped the fitness up a fraction, and should be OK for a crack at the Auckland half marathon in two weeks time," he added.

Nina Rillstone easily won the women's section, two minutes clear of Dunedin's Kellie Palmer in 34m 2s.
Rillstone was just pipped by Palmer at the 2.5km, but had a good lead at 5km passed in 17m 14s.
Rillstone said that the conditions were far from ideal.
"It was windy like last week at the road relays, the conditions were unpleasant," she said.
"My proper training starts next week in Wanaka," added Rillstone who is aiming for the Osaka women's marathon in late January.
Sally Ward was third in 37m 28s. Gracie Keown was impressive in fifth place in 38m 15s to easily win the under 20 division.
In his first race since the Osaka world championships, Tony Sargisson came within four seconds his own race record in the walking division completing the distance in 44m 43s.
"It was a bit windy out there today," said Sargisson who is now back into full training following his disappointment in Osaka.
"I'm getting the miles back up, I'm aiming for an Olympic qualifier in early March, probably in Christchurch," he added.
Sargisson said that the standard for Beijing of 3h 57m for the 50km walk is a fair call.