Rain Can’t Dampen Spirits of 3,000 Women on Auckland Water Front
Overcast skies and the odd light shower couldn’t dampen the spirits of 3,000 participants at the inaugural Women’s Sculpt 6k at Britomart in Auckland today, as women of all ages, backgrounds and abilities ran, jogged and walked their way around the two lap water front circuit.

Smiles and shouts of encouragement were the order of the day as timing chips were made redundant in an event that was less about how quickly you could complete the course but more about how much fun you had doing it, and going on the post race smiles and cheerful faces, there was fun aplenty.

Event Ambassador Jay-Jay Feeney had a ball, even if the Edge breakfast host was upstaged a little by her partner Dom – a rather tall man dressed in a bright yellow dress and blonde wig will tend to do that to any woman.

“It was quite exhausting but good fun with all the spectators along the way,” said Feeney. “It was an easy course though so it was good. You just get excited near the finish line knowing that the end is right there, it is a relatively short run I guess if you are a runner but I am not a runner so the last kilometre was a bit tough!

“I was running with Dom who is dressed as a lady today so he is a bit of a beacon today, he was getting a few hollers from a few of the men folk out there watching and a few kids were giggling hysterically looking at him, it was all great fun.”

Former elite runner Lesley Ryan (nee Morton) was first across the line; the former marathon champion is these days running for fun, proudly wearing her Takapuna Athletics singlet where she is a life member.

“It was good, I was pushed along which was good. It was amazing though seeing all the ladies out there today so it was great, a good fun event. I just need to keep myself motivated and running along and this was perfect.”

Friends Jackie, Cecelia and Dhahara added to the fun of the day, each wearing a pink tutu over their jogging gear and doing the event side by side.

“The tutus were just to keep us going on the run and make things interesting,” said Cecelia.

“For us it was just finishing the race, we have been training for this for quite a couple of months now,” said Jackie.

Dhahara admitted she is no runner but enjoyed the day.

“Today was really cool, running is not really our thing but this was fun, we will definitely be back next time and yes, we will be pulling out the pink tutus again for that one.”

Mothers and daughters were a common sight, again participating alongside each other rather than against each other, many crossing the finish line hand in hand to cheers of support from family members watching.

Naomi Letica travelled from Botany with daughters Olivia and Lara (pre-school), with Lara enjoying most of the 6km from the comfort of her stroller while Olivia ran with mum.

“It was fantastic,” said Naomi. “I think Olivia wanted to beat me today, she always seemed to keep 100m in front of me so it was good. I thought it would be a lovely bonding opportunity for me and my daughter and we brought my little one along as well.

“We always try to do something as a family and obviously Olivia enjoyed it today as well also being able to his and have this occasion so women can participate together is just fantastic. ”

Event spokesperson De-arna Gardiner said the day had been hugely successful, and incredibly fulfilling as an event organiser.

“The weather hasn’t been kind to us but these women and girls out here today are wonderful, they certainly aren’t about to let a little bit of rain spoil their day. Each participant had their reasons for taking part, each had their goals and objectives and it was just so rewarding to see the excitement at the start bettered only by the delight as they crossed the finish line.

“The 6km distance is a very achievable one for good reason. We are not about elite athletes or world records, the Sculpt 6k is here as a realistic goal for women of all ages and backgrounds. We encourage walkers, joggers and those that want to run with the stop watch ticking. The energy and camaraderie around Britomart before and after the race was something to behold and a testament to each and every one of our participants today who have done themselves proud.”

The day was capped off with a prize giving that was less about podiums and more about fun and spot prizes, the biggest of which was the handing over of the keys to a brand new Mazda2 as the rain started to fall a little more heavily, participants waited expectantly for the big moment.

The lucky recipient was a rather speechless Nicole O’Hanlon who came through a quiz format against two other participants drawn from the entry list.

“Oh my God! I can’t believe this, this is amazing. You should see the car I have at home. This just doesn’t happen; I can’t believe it, thank you so much!”

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