Fun runners go the extra mile
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LADY Ga-Ga lookalikes, Batman, brides and all manner of costumed weekend athletes turned Tamaki Dr into a sea of colour on Sunday for the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays.
Wheelchair athlete Lee Warn streaked along the course in his Batman suit to be first home, but he was the only one competing in the elite class.
"When I realised I was the only one turning out this year, I was quietly confident of coming in first," he said.
Prime Minister John Key spent a lot of time talking to participants at the start line and was quite taken by Warn's chair, specifically designed for racing.
"It was just as well I brought along the racing chair, because obviously I was going to bring the Batchair," Warn said.
First runner home was Nicholas Buck, of Ponsonby, finishing in 26min 6sec. "It was a very still day and not too windy. Good running conditions," he said.
The first woman home was Sarah Devoy, who also won the event last year, in 31min 49sec.
But the day was more about participation and the smiles on the faces of the finishers went from ear to ear. Some were still as fresh as daisies, while others swore they were never coming back.
The majority were delighted to complete the course and head off to the tents and marquees spread around Glover Park and Madills Farm to enjoy some refreshments.
Save Animals From Exploitation members completed the course wearing chicken suits, but in a strange twist could not claim to be the first birds home, since 18-year-old Ryan Goodin, from Mt Roskill, beat them across the finish line while wearing a penguin suit.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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