The Legend Lives On
A record number of entrants have already signed up to pay tribute to one of New Zealand’s great legends this Saturday 19th September.
The fifth annual Lydiard Legend Marathon and Arthur’s Half Marathon cover the famous training roads of the Waitakere Ranges and will take place in honour of the great Arthur Lydiard.
Among the over 400 starters will be some of New Zealand’s best marathon runners, including; Scott Winton, Craig Kirkwood and Ady Ngawati.
Winton lines up as the reigning champion and also 2009 Rotorua Marathon Champion, he is looking forward to coming back to defend his title.
“This event is really special to me – I was coached by Arthur for quite a few years as a young fella growing up in Beachlands there were a group of us that would train with him every week. He was a great man and I enjoyed keeping in touch with him and learning off him.”
“It is a great run too, a real runners-run and an event that is well supported by people Arthur has influenced in his life.”
While Winton is the favorite to take out the men’s marathon title, Kirkwood is the favourite to take out Arthur’s Half and is pleased he is finally able to line up for this event.
“I have wanted to do this event in previous years but it just hasn’t suited my schedule – this year it is a perfect build up for the Kona Ironman next month.”
His reasons for doing the event mirror those of many entrants;
“I grew up reading Arthur's books and putting his theories into my own training – the event is a great way to thank him for what he has gave the running community not only in New Zealand but around the world.”
Heading up the women’s field is Northland athlete, Ady Ngawati who’s build up hasn’t been quite as smooth as she would have liked.
“During a training run last week I was on a track near my house when I ran straight into a cyclist coming the other way. It was a blind corner and neither of us knew what was happening until we were on top of each other. My face took the main brunt of the impact and along with two bruised eyes I have a broken nose!”
Don’t expect that to slow this talented athlete down though, she is excited about taking part in this event for the first time and experiencing the hills of the Waitakere Ranges.
“I have just come off a big strength training phase so am feeling strong, my goal is to be fast in December for the XTERRA World Trail Running Champs in Hawaii but hopefully the good strength base I have will see me through the Legend Marathon ok.”
Ngawati will be challenged by established marathon runner and The Legend 2008 third place-getter Lesley Turner-Hall.
The focus of The Legend event is to celebrate, enjoy and experience the now famous Lydiard training route within a structured race environment. Given Arthur's passing in December 2004, the event now takes on an even greater significance
Contact was made with Lydiard to seek permission to organise an event in his name, on the route he had used. Lydiard subsequently gave his blessing and written permission.