Early start for Mountains relay run

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 21, 20 October 1987, Page 20

Early start for Mountains relay run

At around 3am on Saturday 7 November, when the average New Zealander will still be 'recharging their batteries* for the coming day, a number of teams, comprised of women and children, will be just starting the first leg of a 100 mile run, in the eleventh annual Around-the-Mountains run. At half-hour intervals from then teams including veterans, composite and mens will leave the start line. Finally the open section runners leave Waiouru at 5.30am, not to return until late in the afternoon. So far a total of 42 teams of 10 runners have registered for the run which will receive full television and radio coverage for the first time in its 10 year history. There have been 164 team enquiries to date, as yet unconfirmed, which is the most interest ever shown in the event, according to race chairman Captain Keith Bastion of ATG, Waiouru. This year's run will be sponsored primarily by Dominion Breweries and to a lesser extent by the Apple and Pear Board, Pepsi and Nestles companies. Another two events are plannea for 1987 - a two by 50 mile relay and a 100 mile race, where competitors will be out to beat the existing record. Much interest has been shown by overseas long distance runners and there are already eight confirmed starters for the event, in-

cluding New Zealanders Richard Tout and Gary Regtien. The winner will receive a $1,500 training grant to further their running career. Last year's winning team 'Customs' of Auckland, who covered the distance in just over 10 hours, ® starters this year and niil be out to better their timi. The Around-the-Moun-tains Run boasts of being New Zealand's biggest road relay. Around 45 percent of the teams and individuals entered being Army personnel. The remainder consists of Navy, Air and Police forces, business teams, running clubs, school, clubs and running enthusiasts. The 100 miles takes runners from Waiouru 35 miles along the Desert Road past the peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro; past National Park and Horopito; through Ohakune township and then back to Waiouru Camp for the prize-giving and evening function. The Army's catering wing is responsible once again for providing cut lunches and the preparation of the buffet tea, the cost of which is covered in the $100 entry fee for each team (closing date 23 October.)