Rotorua Marathon.
The day before the marathon, we drove around the lake on
the route we would be running. It was a bit disconcerting to see a large section of
the hill at about half-way was undergoing major resurfacing work; this served to
reinforce the intention to walk this part, as it went up for about 2k.
This was the 40th year of this event, but with a new start area
which was too narrow for comfort. The large number of participants included many
non-runners who entered the marathon intending to walk the whole way (about 40% we
were told), causing bottle-necks for the runners.
Walking a race seems to be popular here; you are as likely to find events
advertised in a walking magazine as a running one.
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Race morning actually started dry, but we should have realised it was too good to
last, and the rain set in again after only 5k. Luckily the new Nike shoes squelched
along quite happily. |
| From Rotorua town, the single circuit of lake Rotorua was just made for the
42k marathon distance. The first and last 15k were along a coned-off lane on main
roads, but the middle section was narrow and winding, so was closed to through
traffic (though we still had to watch out for the locals cutting corners).
This part also included the 2 major hills. But after we turned south again at
about 25k the road was easier and the wind was behind us, though the last 10k
seemed very tough,with long gradual inclines to sap the last of our strength.
The finish was back through the town, and it was a shame we were too cold and wet to
enjoy the atmosphere at the end. We hurried back to the hotel for a hot spa-bath.
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The record of our marathon achievements!
