I run for the textures under my feet. Roger Robinson

Something for everyone

By Roger Childs

More than 3000 people took part in events from 5km to the marathon in the Waitarere Forest at the weekend.

The annual event started in 1997 when just 150 or so people ran or walked in the northern part of the Forest.

The success of the event — which is for all ages — lies in the off-road courses and the superb organisation.

Competitors enjoy being away from traffic and they like the varied surface textures, which range from shingle roads, sandy paths and clay tracks, to open forest roads, tree debris and gentle grassy slopes.

This year there were scores of people from the Kapiti Coast and competitors from the Kapiti Running and Tri Club, and the Kapiti Joggers and Walkers, picked up at least 14 placings.

Impressive performances

Renae Creser produced the outstanding Kapiti result of the day coming first in the 10km women’s section. Also from the Running and Tri Club, Stefan Przychodzko came third in the 10km in 35.19 and Luke Anderson was third in the 5km.

The 16 Joggers and Walkers had a great day with members aged 9 to the mid 70s involved in the 10km and half marathon races.

First placings in their age groups went to David Thorburn, Sally Ashley, Jack McAllister, Tony Farmer, Sandra Smith Roger Childs and Andrew Li. Among the silver medal winners were Maureen Farmer, Pam Childs, Jerry Li and John Granville.

All this exertion needed some rehydration and recovery food, so a number of the participants enjoyed lunch at the Te Horo Cafe on the way home!