Mountains relay

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 653, 10 September 1996, Page 13

Mountains relay

The New Zealand Army Around the Mountains Relay, an annual event that people from all over New Zealand have been attending for the last 24 years, is on again, starting Friday 22 NoVember. This year in excess of 3,000 people are expected. The popular relay caters for the novice, the social and the competitive runner. Teams of 10 to 12 runners complete a circuit along the state highways by running 7.5 or 15 kilometre legs around the North Island' s trio of mountains, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe — a total of 150 kilometres. The first teams start at 2.00 am on Saturday morning, from the Army camp in Waiouru and will be back in Waiouru some 12 hours later. It is predominantly a social occasion and a fun run with an element of team rivalry and competitiveness. A large function and prize ceremony will be conducted that evening, including a buffet meal and a live band supporting the after-function festivities. 1996 will be the 25th year of the event and it is expected to draw a large number of entries. There will be a special Silver Jubilee Medallion for each competitor, as well as first past the post prizes, random prizes and giveaways in excess of $10,000. Last year's event was cancelled due to the uncertainty of the state of the Ruapehu volcano.