Date: 10 April

Distance: 21.1km

Time: 2:22

Previous: 2014

Race briefing.

The marathon runners and walkers have started already. Next up are the half marathon guys and girls.

Walking to the start a few hundred metres from the race HQ. A colourful stream of participants ahead of us.

Gerry, Wouna and Cheryl at the start.

And a fairly long stream of runners behind us as well.

And away we go!

The first water point.

Cheryl, and me still in longs as the overcast morning chill started making way for a warm sunny day.

Fun signage for our entertainment.

Even some music at this water point.

Always great to run with no traffic worries.

Gerry going strong.

Lots if these bright mushrooms all around the forest.

A typical scene at this event.

Some muddy patches here and there.

About halfway at the Manawatu River.

A welcome water point in a clearing in the forest.

Lovely and warm in the open patches.

Signs of industrial activity.

The 10km participants linking up with the 21km course in the last few kilometres.

Some more entertainment at the start of the only “hill” on the course.

Happy at the finish, with Powerade, an apple and medals. It was the nicest, most welcome apple I’ve had in years.

A cute sign to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this great event.

Catching up with some mates at prize-giving.

The Neva Bean clan from Whanganui.

Each year thousands of participants make the trek to the Matariki forest at Waitarere Beach near Levin. And why won’t you if you live only a stone throw away? The Great Forest Events chose their name wisely. It remains a great event; with lots of participants, great atmosphere, good organisation and medals to boot. Continue reading →