Whanganui super dogs and champions take on the bridges challenge

Emmett Bunn 3, races his dad Toby to the finish line at the Property Brokers Round the Bridges fun run in Whanganui. Photo/Bevan Conley.

The sun smiled down on runners and walkers for 41st Property Brokers Round the Bridges fun run on Sunday morning.

The first event of the day was the Sport Whanganui Kids Course - a 1km run or walk around Kowhai Park.

First home was Alex Payne 7, followed by 9 year-olds Joseph Dudson and Phoebe Tripe.

Because it was a fun run no medals were awarded but all the young competitors earned prizes.

While most participants were there for enjoyment and to support charity Alzheimers Whanganui, some seized the opportunity to practise for serious competition.

Peter Monrad of Wanganui Harriers Club beat the field home in the 10km long walk closely followed by Marie O'Leary.

Year 10 Wanganui Collegiate student George Lambert was first home in the 10km run and his sister Sarah Lambert was the first female runner to make the finish line.

Collegiate student Zac Bellamy (year 11) made it home first in the 5km short course run.
All the students are training for the upcoming North Island cross country championships.

Marie O'Leary arrived back at Kowhai Park ahead of all the other 10km long course walkers.

St George's students Jack and Ella Carver-Vitens with their dogs Lexie and Bitzi dressed as superhero family The X team although rottweiler Lexie let the side down by getting her tutu skirt muddy.

"She can be a bit of a doofus," said Ella.

Shema, a 13-year-old Basenji kept her leopard print costume immaculate as she accompanied her owner Maggie Moss on the 5km walking event.

"Basenji are African hunting dogs so I thought the pattern was appropriate and I modified an old rug," said Maggie.

Organiser Gene Toyne said it was great to see the sun out as it was wet and cold for the 2017 event.

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