Off-road running fun in the sun
Taranaki’s annual off-road running and walking event attracted more than 500 entrants from around the country.
The Good Home Taranaki Off Road Half Marathon was held on Saturday, using forest tracks, walking tracks, bridle tracks, mountain bike tracks, and gravel roads around Lake Mangamahoe, outside New Plymouth.
The event, organised by Cut A Trail Events, also included 5km and 10km options and all three were available for walkers and runners, event director Matt Cleaver said.
‘‘It was a little bit down on last year’s record numbers, but it was still a really good turnout. We’re really pleased with it. We had just a tick over 600 entered last year, but not everyone turned up on the day.’’
Ages ranged from, eight to 70, with an average age of 37, Cleaver said.
The majority of participants were from Taranaki, but 120 had travelled from other parts of the country and people visiting from Germany, Switzerland and Canada also took part.
‘‘It was a hot day, which made running conditions tough, but that’s part and parcel of an event like that. It was a beautiful day,’’ Cleaver said. ‘‘We were very lucky and the mountain was out for most of the day, which our competitors loved.’’
The male winner of the halfmarathon run was Nathan Coombes from New Plymouth, Cleaver said.
‘‘He is preparing for a marathon in a few weeks time. He did really well. The female winner was Cecilia Flori who is from Hamilton. She’s actually a top international runner. She’s been three years in a row now. She loves our event. She competes all around the on the ultra scene. She’s had some world top 10 finishes.’’
Cleaver said Cut A Trail Events was made up of two schoolteachers who run events in the school holidays.
‘‘It’s a hobby. I’m proud of us.’’