North Shore City Coastal Challenge Attracts Record Crowd

A record crowd hit the North Shore coastline today (Saturday 27 February) to participate in an annual Kiwi classic - the North Shore City Coastal Challenge.

More than 800 participants took on varying distances – from the legendary 33km ‘Full Monty’ run starting at Arkles Bay in Whangaparaoa, down to a scenic 6km run or walk starting at Takapuna Beach – all crossing the finish line in Devonport.

Winning the ‘Full Monty’ challenge and taking home the New Zealand Coastal Running Champion men’s title in 2010 was Aucklander Michael Adams with a finishing time and race record of 2:36:10.

In the women’s division, the ‘Full Monty’ was won by Whitianga resident Ruby Muir, who claimed the women’s NZ Coastal Running Campion title with a finishing time of 3:02:58.

Total Sport event manager Luke Garea says there was a marked increase in the number of participants this year – from just over 600 last year to 800 in 2010. He believes this is likely due to the increasing popularity of coastal sporting events.

“It’s definitely a completely different experience from your typical long distance running event. The Coastal Challenge is, as the name suggests, more challenging in many ways and always ready with a surprise or two,” says Mr Garea.

“There’s the water interaction element which requires considered planning and problem solving, and the rock hopping on the longer courses requires a level of agility and balance not called for when running on tarseal.

“It’s unique, it’s fun and the stunning North Shore coastline is pretty difficult to beat in terms of scenery – I think it would inspire even the most exhausted competitor,” he says.

The event also included a secondary schools team competition over the 33km trail. Twenty teams of between two and four runners, from five secondary schools, entered the event. They were battling for the title defended by 2009 champions Rosmini College.

In the end, Team Rosmini One – including Travers Rinkin, Matt Vellekoop, Chris Thomas and Sam Poulter - retained the title for their school in a time of 3:04:56.

North Shore City Council has been a sponsor of the North Shore City Coastal Challenge since its inception in 2003. The council cemented its commitment to the event by becoming naming rights sponsor in 2007.

North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams says the challenge has become very popular across the region and effectively showcases the North Shore coastline.

“This important sporting fixture is always a highlight on North Shore City’s event calendar. This year Mayoress Jane and I had the added pleasure of watching the challenge in support of our fit 23 year old son Sam, who took on the ‘Full Monty’ 33km run from Arkles Bay.”

“All those who took on the North Shore City Coastal Challenge can be proud of their endeavours,” says Mayor Williams.

A full list of winners can be found at www.totalsport.co.nz