Former New Zealand marathon and steeplechase representative Sean Wade was the first master in Sunday's Houston marathon.

The 40 year old finished 14th overall in 2h 20m 30s, after covering the first half in 1h 9m 49s.

Wade became the first male to win both the open and masters title, having won the race outright in 2003 in 2h 24m 43s.

His latest effort has secured him a spot in the 2008 Olympics marathon qualifier, to be held in conjunction with the New York marathon in November.
The race was won by Feyisa Tusse from Pennsylvania in 2h 11m 39s.

The Houston based former Wellington runner competed in the marathon at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and in the 3000m steeplechase at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games.