Focus on fun for Mtns run

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 409, 22 October 1991, Page 1

Focus on fun for Mtns run

BY

JO

HOWIE

Over two thousand people ran in the Around the Mountain relay last Saturday, in 160 civilian and 34 army teams. Of these 130 teams were in the social grade. One of the organisers, Dereck Tunui, said the focus is on fun which is reflected in 70% of the entries being in the social grade. The starting gun went at three in the moming for the social grade and other grades then followed at half hourly intervals in the following order: women's, veterans, composite, men's and open grade. Most runners had reflective clothing i as the new rules had stipulated, and also wore hats and gloves for the cool mountain air. As daylight came so did the sunshine, and off came the layers of clothing to enjoy a beautiful day. The chief marshal, Eru Brown said the whole day was very enjoyable and no major problems were experienced. He said there was still some congestiQn of vehicles at the change-over points which is hard to avoid. CB radio operators were able to warn heavy trucks on the traffic situation to help make the roads safe. He said the mountain relay is good for morale, especially with the present army cutbacks. Captain Jim O'Carroll, a race organiser, said he was pleased with the event. "The only problems were the skiers heading for the mountain. They lacked consideration for the runners," Jim said. Spot prizes and prize money totalling $3,000 was given out for the social grade, $1,000 for the open grade, and $500 for other grades. The entry fee this year was $35 per runner, $30 per manager and supporter, which included Turnpage 2

Focus on fun in Mountains run

From page 1 cluded two nights accommodation, meals, the pleasure of participating in the race, and a ticket to Saturday night's function. said Dereck Tunui. Most participants slept in the Armoured Group hangars and in the old gym. Some arranged private accommodation and a quarter decided to bring their own caravans

and tents. They camped on the rugby grounds and used the Rugby Club bathroom facilities. More people decided to camp this year. The all-female teams were offered separate barrack accommodation. Tasks for the race were put out for tender this year. Mr Tunui said last year the organising committee relied on units and organisations

to volunteer and they were then given a grant. He said this year there was a lot more enthusiasm by offering tenders. The School of Signals provided safety and communications, Catering Troop assisted with meals, workshops provided the venue for the Saturday night function and the School of Regimental Training were the race marshals. Profits made from the event are usually distributed among commu-

nity organisations at the discretion of the Camp Commander. The record time for around the mountain still stands at 9 hours and 21 minutes. This was set in 1988 by the Wellington Harriers Social Team. This years results were: Men's grade winners; Olympic Harriers Club in 10 hrs 36 mins; second 2/1 RMZIR in 10 hrs 44 mins; Women's grade winners; Women On The

Move in 14 hrs 37 mins; second Papakura Tussock Teasers 15 hrs 8 mins; Veterans grade winners Silver Fox and Comp in 10 hrs and 33 mins; Composite winners were Flying Jugs in 10 hrs and 15 mins. Open grade winners were Rebel Squad in 9 hrs and 47 mins. The main sponsor was DB Draught. Other sponsorship came from the NZ Apple and Pear Marketing Co, and Shell Garage in Waiouru.