Round the Bays returns
They came, they saw, they conquered. After a two-year hiatus, more than 20,000 people created a sea of colour along the Waitematā Harbour’s stunning bays, taking part in New Zealand’s largest fun run – Southern Cross Round the Bays.
The Covid pandemic forced the iconic event to cancel hours before the start in 2021, and again in last yeaer – so the crowds loved being back on Tāmaki Drive on Sunday, March 5.
From babies in prams to people in their 90s, famous sportspeople, tutus and even an over-sized squirrel – the energy on the course was electric, says Round the Bays event and sponsorship director Henry McLernon.
‘‘It was fantastic to see Southern Cross Round the Bays back in-person for our 51st year. It’s a highly-anticipated event, so we were thrilled to be able to watch thousands of people pounding the pavement and getting out and being active.’’
While most of the participants are there for the fun, those who take part for the run were competing in the first-ever Under Armour Elite category. The first man across the finish line was Jacob Priddey, who set a new course record of 24:48 in his first time competing in the Round the Bays. All three of the first men to finish were faster than the 2015 record of 25:09.
Taking out the top time for women was Clara Lachurie, with a time of 30:36, and wheelchair competitor Lee Warn – wearing his trademark squirrel suit – completed the 8.4km course in 31.06 – beating his 2020 result by more than 5min.
Among the celebrities handing out finisher’s medals were Dame Sophie Pascoe, Dame
Lisa Carrington, and para canoeist Scott Martlew.
The high-achievers were across the finish line before most participants – joggers and walkers – had even started in Auckland’s CBD, such is the size of the ever-popular event.
Southern Cross Healthcare chief executive Chris White said: ‘‘We are enormously proud to support Southern Cross Round the Bays, a great event that encourages thousands of people to get together, be active, and have fun. The Southern Cross group has a vision of healthier years for more New Zealanders, and ... event that attracts such a wide range of participants is a great example of how we can achieve that.’’