2000 runners here Saturday

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 408, 15 October 1991, Page 1

2000 runners here Saturday

BY.

JOANNA

SAUNDERS

The Waimarino area will host over 2,000 people taking part in the DB Draught/NZ Army Around the Mountain Relay (ATMR 91) this Saturday. While the competitive atmosphere and rivalry will still be present, organisers hope everyone will keep in mind that the ATMR is a fun run. To this end they have altered some of the race grades. The youth grade (under 16) has been dropped and replaced by the so-

cial grade where each team can consist of a minimum of ten runners. They can be of any age and sex. Prizes in the social grade are awarded at random. This minor but significant change was made for two reasons. Most teams entering were only interested in a fun run and the youth grade would have required a proliferation of new rules to cater for all probable entries. The ultra grades, one person running the entire ATMR course, two people running 50 miles

and four people running 25 miles each, have all been dropped. This major change was made for two reasons. Firstly, safety to the runners concerned who could begin running up to four hours before the official starting time, thereby missing the safety arrangements for the event. There was also limited interest shown with only 15 out of 1,850 entries being in the ultra grades last year.

motor bike. If caught the team will be disqualified. The team may however travel around the course stopping at intervals to support their runners. Vehicles may park around the course provided they do not interfere with any runners and they may park at least two metres off the left hand edge of the road. No vehicle may park within 50 metres of a

change-over point. • Runners themselves who run during the dark hours must wear reflective clothing or be disqualified. While most of these safety rules are common sense it is important that teams know exactly where they stand, say ATMR organisers. To improve the safety of the event newsclips Turnpage2

2000 runners here Saturday

From page 1 will be aired on Radio New Zealand and TV3 prior to the relay in an attempt to inform the travelling public, also the local Citizen Band

club will again be involved providing an important radio link with commercial users of the road. There will be a large Police and mot presence with about 45

involved. The safety measures will operate from approximately 2am. The relay has been a part of the Waimarino area for 20 years with the public being involved for 15 years. Each year changes are made to the rules to make the ATMR safer

and more enjoyable. Entry for teams closed in August and up until then over 200 teams had applied, the first 180 being accepted. The Waimarino area has entered 25 teams. Two teams are coming from Australia and two from the South Island. Seventy percent of all

teams have entered the social grade. The ATMR is used by local groups for fundraising purposes with the Waiouru based "Klansmen" raising funds' for the Waiouru Primary School and a similar group running to raise funds for the Ruapehu College.