The Buller Gorge Marathon was one of the most beautiful scenic courses in the world. There were thousands waiting to start the Half Marathon with the Marathon number much smaller and a number of people participating in a four team relay. This proved to be a great initiative with the relay runners and the support crew providing a little colour and extra motivtion.
With the race starting on the mountain I headed out of the gates way too fast after the start call was issued only a minute after joining the fellow runners on the line. The first 10km was way too fast completed in 43 mins and this set the tune for a tough race ahead with the temperatures increasing and no protection from the sun I continued to pick up a water bottle and sponge at every opportunity and only stretched out to run free in the final 2km to the line in Westport. There were times that I felt a little light headed due to the heat and the fast start so I was conscious to pace myself through this and come home as strong as possible.
In the end I managed a credible time of 4:03:53 with the course proving to be quite challenging with a number of inclines throughout. After congratulating a number of fellow runners across the line I was greeted by a reporter to be interviewed for a article with the race sponsors and then a live radio interview broadcast on Coast FM!
Following a quick shower, I headed out for the return four hour drive across the scenic Lewis Pass to Christchurch to find a motel and relax to watch the first Super 14 Rugby game of the season with the Waratahs defeating the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Buller Gorge Marathon Preview
The next marathon event will see the Marathon Man once again continue the international adventures this time for the first time in New Zealand with the Buller Gorge Marathon.
Taking place on Valentines Day Saturday 14th February the Buller Gorge Marathon will be a great adventure with the drive across from Christchurch apparently some of the most incredible scenery in the world.
Wish me luck :-)
Taking place on Valentines Day Saturday 14th February the Buller Gorge Marathon will be a great adventure with the drive across from Christchurch apparently some of the most incredible scenery in the world.
Wish me luck :-)
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