Sun shone for annual quarter marathon

And they’re off . . . Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti mascot Scooter leads the way as the field starts in the 2023 Gisborne Herald Quarter Marathon and 5.6km Fun Run at the city end of Stout Street on Sunday. Among them are Mike Robinson (centre in red, white and blue hat) and Sylvia Allen (far right, No.549). Robinson was first across the line in the 10.5km run in a sharp time of 35 minutes 41 seconds — seven minutes clear of the field — while Allen, fresh from a medal-winning cross-country performance at the AIMS Games in Tauranga, was fastest in the 5.6km fun run/walk in 23min 50sec. Around 385 took part in the annual event which raised money for Gisborne Tairawhiti Alzheimers Society. Picture by Paul Rickard

From elite runners to social power walkers, people of all ages and levels of fitness turned out to run or walk the 5.6-kilometre or 10km courses at The Gisborne Herald Quarter Marathon and Fun Run/Walk on Sunday.

A total of 385 people took part in the 39th running of the event held on a windy but warm and sunny day.

Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti community events adviser Debbie Hutchings said they were happy with how it had gone.

“Although numbers were down on previous years, the event ran smoothly and participants were all happy,” she said. “We want to acknowledge the ongoing support from The Gisborne Herald for continuing to be the naming sponsors.”

Runners and walkers could choose from two distances — 199 did the 5.6km option while 186 did the quarter marathon (10.5 km).

The fastest man in the quarter marathon was Mike Robinson with a time of 35 minutes 41 seconds, followed by Daniel Robinson (42.49), and Tim Gander (43.09), who was fastest in the 40-49yrs male age group.

Michelle Rennie was the fastest woman (44.41), followed by Michelle Barker (51.17) and Ali Curtis (53.01).  Rennie’s Cardio Coach fitness business had the largest group of participants — 61.

The oldest entrant was Bob Hughes at 91 years while  wife Annette (89) also took part.  Bob has competed in every Herald quarter marathon since 2002.

“I always enjoy it. The atmosphere is great. I was also very impressed with the prizes — especially the bike,” he said.

Bob keeps fit by riding his bike and is a full-time carer for his wife, who has dementia.

Alzheimers Gisborne/Tairāwhiti provided more than 20 volunteers to help at the event and will receive a donation of $1000.

Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti staff and members of Tairāwhiti Rising Legends also supported the event delivery on the day.