Popular run resurrected

The resurrection of a half-marathon that succumbed to the pandemic is under way in Marlborough’s autumnal vineyards.

The Saint Clair Vineyard Half has been a major event on the region’s calendar for more than a decade, drawing thousands each year nationwide and overseas for the picturesque race.

But last year’s event had to be cancelled as the country was still in alert level 3, with restrictions on public gatherings. The event company, trading as The Grape Run, went into liquidation, having spent ‘‘a tonne of money’’ over the year and unable to give a full refund on tickets.

With the half-marathon’s future in the balance this time last year, new owner Sheree Stevens is now reflecting on her spontaneous decision to salvage one of her favourite events. ‘‘My husband thought I was crazy,’’ she said.

Crews were back on site at Saint Clair Family Estate this week getting the course set up for today, including a new 12-kilometre route with a separate start point.

Stevens said 900 people had entered the new shorter race, with another 1600 in the half-marathon. Of the total 2500 tickets sold, more than 800 were coming from the North Island, 300 of those from Auckland, she said.