Mission Bay
This year the event was the premiere of a production by the new organisation headed by Keryn McCutcheon and the team.
Russell Wilcocks coached from the sidelines as he had taken the view that the increased popularity of the run had necessitated a move from a one man, small team approach to a semi professional production with a permanent flavour.
The weather played an important part in the success of the day and we were not disappointed. High temperatures and an increase in the numbers of runners from last year put huge strains on the water supplies and you had to feel sorry for Doug Hanna who raced backwards and forwards keeping up with demand.
The registration tent only just coped with the entries on the day and a final competitor count reached 1615 entrants with 725 entered in the 21K with a further 617 registered as 10K runners and a whopping 273 either walking, jogging or being pushed in the 5K.
A suggestion from event administrator Sherelle Torrey for the next year ADRA Charity Run would be to alter the finish line procedure to allow the runners to take a drink, collapse, smile at the cameras or accept a medal and then queue for the prizes or food supplies.
The award for the most enthusiastic marshal would be to Peter Withers who singlehandedly held up an arrow sign at the entry to the Mission Bay park and was forced to change directions for each different coloured runner’s bib resulting in dizziness and loss of orientation probably leading to an increase of our accident compensation levies.
While the amount raised was an impressive $46,000.00 the effect of these funds is substantially increased with the additional government funding agencies contribution swelling the “workable” amount by a factor of four.
This means that the Adventist Development and Relief Agency is able to reach even more people who are disadvantaged by poverty, poor education, natural disasters and basic humanitarian needs from countries within our area of responsibility as well as our local New Zealand projects.
From the time that Nikki Kaye, the new member of parliament for Auckland Central, pulled the trigger of the start gun, until the time the last runner finished the course, there was a constant stream of runners heading along the waterfront in both directions and crowds of supporters locked in a social atmosphere under the trees or in front of the famous pancake tent.
Adventist churches were well represented with teams from all over the North Island but a particular mention should be made of the efforts of the Taupo church with a membership of only 30 and still managing to field a team of 17.
ADRA would like to sincerely thank all the helpers who worked hard to make the day happen as well as the sponsors who donated money and products for inclusion in runner’s entry bags.
A special mention of our major sponsors would have to include “Lisa’s” and “Bean Supreme” for their supply of product for the food tent as well as the $2500.00 travel voucher for the spot prize and where would events like this be without the assistance of “Weetbix” and their marketing materials.
Race Results: res.championchip.co.nz/default.asp?id=1355
Photos: www.supersportimages.com
