Shortly before the start.

Some participants in singlets and others in three layers. Okey, maybe just myself in three layers.

Briefing by the Race Director.

Gloomy weather.

The buildings provided some welcome protection against the worst winds as we ran through the industrial areas of Lower Hutt.

A nice surprise for us out-of-towners not knowing what the course looks like. A small section on a walkway in the sea.

Still going strong in the suburbs.

Crossing the Melling link railway tracks.

Gerry on the bridge.

From about the 5km mark we ran on the pathway next to the Hutt River.

A little downhill passing under the bridge for the 21.1km runners. From here the half marathon runners did an out-and-back stretch next to the river to make up the extra distance.

Nice to see an HHH in the club, doing the signage. 🙂

Lovely scenery next to the river.

The route is a combination of on-road and off-road sections. This is shortly after the 8km mark, as the front runner came screaming back past us towards the finish.

Not far to go to the turn-around point at 11km.

A friendly wave for the photographer.

Finally on our way back.

The wind got progressively worse on the return-leg next to the river. Maybe I could fly back?

We spotted another Manawatu Strider on the course.

Only one kilometre to go. I was knackered and gutted when I realised I was yet again going to miss the elusive 2hr target.

Festive looking prize-giving.

This has got to be our race of almosts. Firstly I yet again missed the two hours mark with less than a minute (39 seconds, to be exact – too many photo breaks, perhaps?). Secondly Gerry’s name was drawn as “first back-up” to the winners of the major spot-prize (7 days’ accommodation at Rarotonga), meaning that, unless one of the actual winners decided not to take up their prize, we only just missed out on a great island holiday. So close. On the plus side, if any of the actual winners decides not to use their prize for whatever reason, we’re up for a cool holiday – fingers crossed! Continue reading →