Gutbuster organiser forced to give up
After more than 30 years the Rotorangi Gutbuster has been canned - unless a new organiser can be found.
This year would have been the 33rd Gutbuster, but due to the illness of organiser Graham Campbell, it will not take place.
The 70-year-old has been running the event for the past decade ‘‘or so’’ but recently underwent cancer treatment and his family do not want him to take it on again.
‘‘Everyone’s told me I have to give it up this year,’’ he said.
‘‘I will admit it does take a lot of time and a lot of organising.’’
The Gutbuster is a race that involves a 14 kilometre flat water kayak on Lake Rotorangi, a 12km cross country run, and a 46km road ride that finishes at the Hawera Soccer Club.
Campbell has called around the groups to find someone to fill his shoes, offering to help whoever it may be, but has had no luck.
‘‘It’s a shame about this year, but like I said, I’ve tried,’’ he said.
Campbell had organised everything with the help of what he calls ‘‘personal’’ sponsors.
A lot of the more than 35 sponsors appear to have been helping Campbell more than they have been helping the event.
He is involved in many committees and helps out the community when he can, even during his treatment.
‘‘I’m still doing anything and everything, I haven’t stopped,’’ Campbell said.
Vice President of the Hawera Road Cycling Club Paul Plumtree said there were people in the community who were willing to organise the event, but it was ‘‘almost Graham’s event now’’.
‘‘There’s a few people around who wouldn’t mind having a crack at it, but they are a bit petrified of trying to take over from Graham Campbell, he’s a pretty hard act to follow.’’
Plumtree said he was keen to see the ‘‘iconic event’’ back in 2018, if this year was given a miss.