ATMR set to break records, again

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 563, 22 November 1994, Page 7

ATMR set to break records, again

The 24th annual New Zealand Army Around The Mountains Relay (ATMR) is on this weekend, Saturday 26 November. The first Relay resulted from a challenge between two Sub-Units within the Waiouru Military Camp and since then it has grown to be one of the largest events on any sporting calendar. While the event is competitive, the atmosphere and rivalry is more that of a "fun run". The relay course is 150 Kilometres long around Mts Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. It is divided into 10 legs of approximately 15 kms which are further divided into two legs of 7 or 8 kms. The Relay starts in Waiouru Military Camp, then proceeds north along the Desert Road to the Rangipo tum-off at Highway 47 A, East along 47A to Highway 47, then south east to National Park, south along Highway 4 to Tohunga Junction then west along Highway 49 through Ohakune and on to Waiouru Camp. Each team consists of 10-12 runners, depending on the Grade entered, and a manager and supporters. Each team member runs either one 1 5 km leg or two 7-8 km legs then changes over to a new runner until the course is completed. The first teams leave Waiouru at 2.00am and all teams are off the road by 6.00pm Saturday evening. The average time for teams is 1 2- 1 3 hours. Numbers of teams per grade entered for 1994 are: Social^rade 204, Ladies Grade 7, Composite Grade 25, Veterans Grade 8, and Open Grade 13.

Some 600 entry forms were sent out on 30 July and by 30 August 210 teams had entered. By 1 November 257 teams had been confirmed making it the biggest turnout yet. MP's on the run Some teams that may be of interest are: a team of Members of Parliament including Don McKinnon, Warren Cooper, Paul East, John Banks, John Falloon and Michael Laws; a team of two (running 75kms each), and a team from Australia. The general format of the event is: teams arrive and register at Waiouru on Friday night; Relay start times are 2.00am and 3.00am for Social Grades, and 3.30am and 4.00am for the Competitive Grades; each team completes the course finishing by 6.00pm.In the evening some 3200 participants will attend a function and barbecue/haangi ; all leave for home on Sunday 27 November, to homes as far away as Australia and throughout New Zealand. Over the years ATMR has become an increasingly popular event, so much so that many teams are tumed away each year. Next year is the 25th anniversary of this. event. A mailing list for next year's entry form has already been established with interested parties forwarding their names and addresses to "ATMR, Headquarters, 4Logistics Company, Army Training Group, Private Bag 1702, Waiouru