Perfect Conditions for Off-road in Kinloch
Nearly 900 runners and walkers hit the off-road track in perfect conditions for the 3rd annual Mizuno Off-road Half and Quarter Marathon in Kinloch today.
Event Director Wayne Reardon said it was a relief to have a nice day after the cold and wet weather at the Taupo on-road last month. “It was fantastic to have another beautiful day in Kinloch for the hundreds of runners and walkers who took on the Mizuno off-road.”
“It is a unique event with the challenging and scenic W2K and Whangamata Stream tracks and runners and walkers enjoy the undulating and varied course.”
In the half marathon Matthew Jarvis from Taumarunui was the first man in with a time of 1 hr 25
mins 11 secs and Sonia Hine from Taupo was the first women in with a time of 1 hr 41 mins 44 secs.
In the quarter marathon Taupo’s Alex Roberts was the first man in with a time of 40 mins, 53 secs and Melissa Thorne from Fielding was the first women in with a time of 49 mins, 29 secs.
240 runners and walkers completed this year’s 63.3 challenge – three Taupo halves in three months. This included the Saucony Half Marathon in July, the Mizuno On-road Half Marathon in August and today’s Mizuno Off-road Half Marathon with those completing the three receiving a free 63.3 Challenge t-shirt. This year local MP Louise Upston was one of the successful participants in the 63.3 Challenge, completing all three events.
82 year old Barb Wilson from Morrinsville was the oldest competitor in today’s off-road event, completing the quarter marathon. “It is a lovely course and I did enjoy it although I fell over which wasn’t pleasant – I wasn’t watching where I was going! I do love coming to Taupo to walk the half marathon events, I come every year,” she said.
A group of Taupo ladies called the ‘Pink Pilates Team’ managed to fundraise $4,600 leading up to the off-road event today. A spokesperson for the group said the funds would be put towards helping local women re-cooperate after having treatment for cancer.
At the prize giving runner Justine Conventry took away the major spot prize – two nights at the Hilton Lake Taupo in a luxury apartment including cooked breakfasts, a three course dinner inspired by Master Chef Simon Gault at Bistro Lago, a bottle of wine, a round of golf at Wairakei International Golf Course and therapeutic massages at Taupo DeBretts Living Waters Spa.
The proceeds from the Mizuno Off-road Half and Quarter Marathon go back into the local community. A donation is made to Bike Taupo and the Kinloch Community Association to assist with maintaining the W2K and Whangamata Stream tracks and local volunteers that help deliver the event receive funding towards their community groups.
Mr Reardon acknowledged the significant contribution of event sponsors and volunteers. “Thank you to our event sponsors Mizuno, Hilton Lake Taupo, Taupo DeBretts, Events Capital, GU Energy Gel, MoreFM, Rejuva, Traff1k, and Mole & Chicken and to our volunteers who do a fabulous job.”
The date for next year’s event has been booked in for Saturday 1 September 2012.