Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Keen runners raise funds
Even those who find running a chore would not quibble at pounding a few kilometres for a good cause.
That’s why several hundred good sports will be shedding some perspiration and burning some calories as they scamper over one of three courses in the annual Seddon School Tussock Run on Sunday, August 27.
The Tussock Run represents the school’s main fund-raising activity of the year and the sixth edition of this popular event will have as its focus a structure that was especially close to the school’s heart.
When a destructive earthquake rumbled beneath the region on November 14 last year, it wrecked the bespoke artwork that formed the entrance to the school.
Money raised from the Tussock Run will be directed towards the resurrection of that cherished landmark.
Last year, more than 500 turned up for the iconic event, the largest assembly of running shoes to gather at the start. The organisers are hoping the weather will be favourable so that total will be eclipsed this year.
Participants will choose between three courses of varying distances – five kilometres, 10.5 kilometres (or quarter marathon) and 15 kilometres.
Each has its own pleasures to recommend it.
The 5km course is an enjoyable loop that is suitable for family groups, beginners or children.
The 10.5km course follows Marama Rd south of Seddon before heading to the vineyard-covered river terraces. Runners will enjoy stunning views of the Awatere River Valley.
The 15km course meanders along Marama Rd for about 1.5km before climbing up Star Hill. From the trig station at the top of Star Hill, runners have before them 360-degree panoramic views of the Awatere Valley, Cape Campbell and Mt Tapuaeo-Uenuku. They will cross farmland before joining the 10.5km course and traversing vineyards on the banks of the Awatere River en route to Seddon School.
Those who forego the active elements will still find much to engage their attentions while they await the runners’ (or walkers’) return.
If three courses cannot persuade them to move their feet, a live band may certainly do so. There will be food stalls aplenty and a market stall stocked with craft items made by Seddon School pupils throughout their school year. A bouncy castle will keep younger children amused and a lot of valuable spot prizes donated by sponsors will be well worth winning.
Robbie Barnes, a local runner who was involved in the event’s conception, is back from Australia where he ran three marathons in three days. He has not missed participating in the Tussock Run since it was first held and he contributes greatly to the event. Robbie is a stalwart of long-distance running in the Awatere Valley.
Registration to participate in the Seddon School Tussock Run will be conducted between 8am and 9am with briefings and starts to follow intermittently between 9.15am and 10.15am. Prizegiving will be held at 12.45pm.
Entry costs are: adults $30, youth $10, 5km Flyer $30 (1 adult and 1 child); family $75 (2 adults and up to 3 children). Online entries at website tussockrun.co.nz close at 6pm, Thursday, August 24.