Gutsell chases four in row at Papatowai

ATHLETICS

Logan Savory Southland running legend Ricky Gutsell could become the first person to win four successive titles in his age group at the annual Papatowai Challenge event if all goes to plan on February 25.

The 15.5km race over varied terrain, including the beach, was started in 1992 by Dunedin’s Wayne Allen and in the first year just 30 runners took part.

The event has grown immensely and in 1997 Allen opened it up to all the public, and 400-500 people are expected to converge on this year’s running of the event.

Given Papatowai borders on both Otago and Southland it was an ideal way to bring in interested entrants from both provinces.

Allen said Gutsell was ‘‘a legend of Southland running’’ and to have the 48-year-old line up for a shot at winning his fourth consecutive title in the 40-50 age-group was great for the race.

Gutsell recently won gold medals in the 5km, 10km and half marathon at the New Zealand Masters in Dunedin.

Defending overall champion Dougal Thorburn will again compete and will eye his race record of 53min 2sec.

While the likes of Gutsell and Thorburn’s entries added to the event, it was just as much about the everyday competitors.

Allen said there has been a tradition built up where several members of the Foundation of the Blind take on the event.

All proceeds from the Papatowai Challenge go back to the local community.

Adding to the festival-type nature of the event, 1000 pikelets are distributed at the finish, topped with raspberry jam made by event founder Allen himself.