Fourth year of O¯ mokoroa challenge
The 2018 BaseUp O¯ mokoroa Coastal Challenge attracted more than 500 entrants to the fourth annual event, enabling the organisers to donate $4000 to two Bay of Plenty services — Waihi Beach Surf Life Saving Club and the Tauranga Community Foodbank.
Once again the sun shone on Omokoroa ¯ for the November 11 event showcasing the walkways, cycleways and beaches which formed the event routes.
Catherine McDonald, who is on the organising team said this year’s competition was their best yet.
The running events were fierce with some experienced runners competing for the top spots, she said.
“The 2km Kids Run/walk was a mad dash around the field.
“It is always hugely satisfying to see the young children out there giving it a go with big smiles on their faces.”
A separate prize category was added this year to the 5km run for those 13 years and under to recognise the huge effort these young people put in to compete in this distance, she said.
The organisers said it was great to see some of them out training and really challenging themselves.
Once again there was a large contingent of walkers in both the 5km and 10km events with many groups of friends and family out enjoying the scenery together.
“We were really pleased to see so many local faces this year and are always impressed to see how far others travel to join in, including Napier, Auckland, Cambridge, Tirau, Whakata¯ ne, and more.”
To give some of the proceeds directly to the O¯ mokoroa community, the organisers made donations of $830 on behalf of the marshalls to three community groups — the O¯ mokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade and First Responders, the O¯ mokoroa Playcentre and the O¯ mokoroa Sea Scouts.
“This was a fantastic way of recruiting event marshalls and we want to thank them all for giving up their Sunday morning to help us.
“We also have the Omokoroa ¯ First Responders in attendance at the event for which we make a donation.”
The 2018 event team members Tammy Bruce, Simone Rose, Melissa Van Heerden, Ron Peers and Catherine McDonald thanked the event’s major sponsors — BaseUp, Tremains, Classic Builders, Health Quarters and Fresh Choice.
“Their support means we are able to keep the entry fees much lower than many events of this kind.”
The team also thanked Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller for presenting the prizes and to the O¯ mokoroa Sport and Recreation Society for running a food stall with all the proceeds going to the new O¯ mokoroa Sports Pavilion.
They also thanked Lynley Park, Omokoroa ¯ General Carriers and the O¯ mokoroa Boat Club for sponsorship of place prizes which were appreciated by those who made it onto the podium.
The team says the event has had a lot of positive feedback so will definitely be back next year.