Rotorua Marathon 2021 Results
Rotorua put on a bit of a dreary day for the Rotorua Marathon last Saturday, where a good number of Hawks attended – either competing or pacing in both the marathon and the half. Actually the weather despite being damp was quite warm and so ended up being pretty good conditions for a lap of the lake…or the forest…
Well done to those who competed and to those who once again selflessly gave up their time to pace other runners…I can tell you from experience, the pacers do a fantastic job and are responsible for may runners hitting PB’s… Thank you.
The male winner once again was local Rotorua boy Michael Voss backing up from his win last year in a time of 2:29:29, and the women’s race was won by Ingrid Cree in a time of 2:54:11.
Some nice runs by Hawks past and present with notable results being:
Anthony Hancy – 13th in 2:52:13 (PB)
Kovo McDonald – 4th female (again!) in 3:12:08
Dave Gunn – 57th in 3:15:39 (PB)
Kevin Knowles – 87th in 3:26:43 (despite suffering a bad cold this week)
Evan Primmer – Completing yet another marathon..!
Sue Hunter – perfectly pacing the 4:45 marathon time…
Check out the full results <<here>>
Rotorua Marathon Race Report
Report by Sandra Jensen
It’s not often my Saturdays consist of running with a man dressed as a “super turd” or yelling at Radio personality Mike Puru to “hurry up Mike” and have him scuttle in my direction uttering ” yes master” – but its also not unusual.
My 3rd time pacing the 2hr 20 min at Rotorua half started off damp, solo ( the other dude pulled out, possibly out of fear) and a bit speedy but it can take a couple km’s to settle into the slooooooowwww pace that i need to maintain.
I actually really like pacing and its definitely a feel good thing to do as you get sweaty hugs and thank yous afterwards from people who were aware that you sacrificed speeding on the down hills screaming “weeeeee” so they could achieve their own PB.
This time we didn’t quite get to the finish before the lead marathon runner but we made way for him, we slowed down so he wouldn’t feel bad, and clapped as only those of us who are slightly bitter and twisted about our lack of pace can do.
I finished near spot on time.
After getting a special fitting of a Spanish plaid vintage jacket from my personal costumier from Auckland whose husband ran the half, I trundled off to find some mid century German pottery and was back in time to see Sue come in bang on time pacing the 4:45 for the full.
10 out of 10 would re-offend.
P.S. I’m always down for a free hat and a Hell’s Pizza.
