Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Art & Entertainment | Book Reviews | Education | Entertainment Video | Health | Lifestyle | Sport | Sport Video | Search

 

Wet weather did not deter competitors in Waitomo Trail Run

Wet weather did not deter competitors in Waitomo Trail Run

Nearly 3500 participants took part in the event on Saturday 29 April – including young families and celebrities, alongside elite runners. With routes of 6km, 11km, 22km and 33km, participants faced a challenging karst-studded landscape not normally accessible to the public. Wet weather presented extra challenges on the already adventure packed course.

Rhys Johnson, first finisher of the 35km course from Auckland was competing for the second time. Johnson says:

“It was slippery, I had two big spills, but it was a beautiful course out there.”

Only in its second year, the Waitomo Trail Run is already the largest of its kind in New Zealand, with competitor numbers up by 1900 from last year. Participants included well known elite runner Lydia O’Donnell, and the odd celebrity face. Newshub’s Mike McRoberts and Samantha Hayes competed in the 22km and 11km respectively, along with eliminated Season 3 Bachelorette Sophie Russo who completed the 22km course.

Says Samantha Hayes:

"The course was tough, but scenery made the hard slog worthwhile. Native bush, rocky ridges, muddy clay paths - I loved it especially the slip sliding downhill!"

Her co-host, Mike McRoberts added:

"It was the best mix of challenging course and amazing terrain I've run. River crossings, cave tunnels and farmland - it was a real test. The family vibe was great - my own kids Ben and Maia did the 11k and had a ball! What a wonderful part of New Zealand Waitomo is."

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Runners came from both New Zealand and around the world. More than 100 international runners were registered from Australia, the USA, United Kingdom, Finland, Spain, France, Brazil and Singapore.

Says Paul Charteris:

“Some runners appear to be here for the World Masters and added the run on to their New Zealand holiday. No doubt, the unique Waitomo landscape is what has attracted them. It’s spectacular and we’re really pleased to be able to showcase it in this way.”

The Waitomo Trail Run is the first event of its scale to be held in Waitomo, made possible by the input and support from a number of community groups.

The event was a success in terms of sustainability also. Working in partnership with DOC, the Waitomo Trail Run was a ‘cupless’ event – saving an estimated 12,500 cups in the process.

- Ends -


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.