Third Time’s A Charm For Fun Run Winner

Third Time’s A Charm For Fun Run Winner

Athletes, novices, colleagues, families and friends of all ages gathered together this morning for New Zealand’s largest fun run, the 38th annual Ports of Auckland Round the Bays 2010.

As Prime Minister John Key fired the starter gun at 9.30am, an estimated 70,000 walkers, runners and wheelchair athletes surged forward on their 8.4km journey from Quay Street to St Heliers Bay.

First to cross the finish line in 26 minutes and 6 seconds was Nick Buck (27), competing in his third Ports of Auckland Round the Bays. A former track runner who is originally from Wellington, Nick is a member of Auckland City Athletics and was happy with his win.

“I haven’t been doing that much running lately, I’ve been trying to get back into it. It was a good run with nice conditions,” says Nick.

He was followed closed by Jono Jackson (19) who completed the distance in 26 minutes and 18 seconds.

The first woman across the line in 31 minutes 49 seconds was Sarah Devoy (27), in her second consecutive women’s win in Ports of Auckland Round the Bays.

A cross country runner with Pakuranga Athletics Club, Sarah found the event more challenging this year as she vied with Grace Fursdon for first place in the women’s division.

“I was chasing her the whole way and managed to get out in front with about one kilometer to go,” says Sarah.

Grace crossed the finish line shortly after Sarah in 32 minutes and 21 seconds.

Leading the wheelchair division was “Batman”, otherwise known as Lee Warn, who finished in 29 minutes and 55 seconds dressed as the comic book hero.

Lee (35) has competed in the event several times before wearing various costumes, which have included a gorilla and a knight.

“The Batman cape was a challenge,” says Lee. “It kept catching in the wheels and slowed me down a bit!”

Nick, Sarah and Lee were some of the 40,000 individuals and team members who had officially registered to take part in the event.

Mild south-westerly winds and a light shower kept runners cool during the event.

Following the official prize-giving, thousands of hungry and thirsty participants met family and friends for celebratory barbeques, picnics and entertainment at Madills Farm and Glover Park.

The charities benefiting from the proceeds of this year’s event are Waitemata Harbour Clean-Up Trust, Ronald McDonald House, and Fairfax First Books.
Sponsors include Watercare, Coca-Cola Amatil (Pump water), Mobico, Radioworks, Liquorland, Austins, Novelli Apparell and Carlton Party Hire.

ENDS

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