Taumarunui Ironman

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 34, 10 February 1987, Page 16

Taumarunui Ironman

Plans are well under way for the staging of Taumarunui^ 2nd "Ironman Marathon"to be run over 42.2kms of local roads and rivers. Organised by the Taumarunui Harriers the event will take place on Sunday March 1 st at 9.30am and is made up of 6 sections, each of which will test -the competitors fitness. Stage 1 is a one kilometer run from the start outside the Taumarunui Rugby Football Club carpark, Cherry Grove to a point 400 metres north of the Ongarue River Bridge. The 2nd section is a 700 metre swim back to the football clubrooms and the survivors will then cycle Stage 3 to Te Maire Bridge via River Road. Stage 4 is a hilly run around the Te Maire Bush Trackand is followed by the 5th Stage cycle back to Cherry Grove. The last section is a rugged run along what is left of the riverbank track to the rear of Matapuna School where the river is crossed. A road run back to the start/finish line completes the 42.2km event. Last year's trial run saw a small field of 1 1 take part with Peter Winstanley from Taupo 1st home in 2hrs 32mins 44secs with Taumarunui^ Ron Lock 34

seconds behind. The only woman entrant Sharrynne Cooke claimed 8th place while 1st veteran spot went to James Stone in 2.59.17. The organisers are expecting a field of around 30 for this year's event and entry forms are obtainable from the Waimarino Bulletin office, The Taumarunui Gazette office and Taumarunui and Turangi information centres.