Golden change for 20th event

Back in 1991, the birth of the Riwaka Half Marathon signalled the ultimate test around a loop course through Kaiteriteri Beach.

Twenty years on, nothing much has changed. The course is still tough, challenging and scenic.

One notable change has occurred in that time – moving the start and finish line from Riwaka to the golden sands of Kaiteriteri Beach.

The event has been rebranded for its 20th anniversary on March 20, as the Kaiteriteri Gold, and after the addition of a 10km in 2009, Nelson Events is expecting to exceed the record for the number of runners and walkers – 205, set last year.

All who enter by February 16 will go into an early bird draw for a double Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle return cruise and a $50 Shoreline Cafe-Restaurant voucher to spend when they return.

An honours board listing all half marathoners who have eclipsed 1hr 20min (men), 1hr 32min (women) and 2hr 20min (walkers) has been established. Surprisingly, not many athletes have achieved these marks in the past five years.

Jonathan Wyatt's 1hr 15min 32sec in 2008 stands out, along with Stephen Farquhar's 2hr 11min 39sec walk the same year. Anyone adding their name to the board next month will get complimentary entry for the 2011 event.

With the Buller Half Marathon in two weeks, many will need their next challenge to focus on, and the Kaiteriteri Gold offers that for both competitive athletes and weekend warriors.

Full details, including online entry, are available at nelsonevents.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News