Record numbers for the 70th anniversary of Round the Bridges   21 Nov 2014

Record numbers for the 70th anniversary of Round the Bridges

The weather held off for the fun run event on Sunday which attracted a record 6,241 adults and kids, 2000 more than last year.

The atmosphere out on-course was electric, with a mix of competitive and social runners and walkers setting off in various waves (based on speed) to enjoy the heart of the city of Hamilton; the river trail, the bridges right through to the Hamilton Gardens.

Out on-course was a vibrant display of dressed-up locals, groups gathered in their team t-shirts, parents with kids in prams and people out with their dogs.

More than 220 teams entered this year, more than doubling last year’s numbers. Once again, the Waikato District Health Board produced the largest team with 598 competitors.

The Grassroots Trust Sport Waikato schools section included 800 children.

The record was broken in the Legends’ 12km race by Aaron Pulford in his first appearance at the event, completing it in 37.30s.

"It was a really good race, with really hard conditions in the strong wind but I'm happy with the way I went," Pulford said.

"It was an absolutely amazing event. I thoroughly enjoyed it - just the support from the locals, the bands around the course, all the volunteers; it was such a good atmosphere. I loved it.”

Defending women’s champ, local Camille Buscomb narrowly edged out Annie Keown to retain her trophy finishing in 44.21s.

“We ran together right through until just before the top of Grantham St where I just managed to get away. I was just trying to hang on,” Camille said.

ThermoTech prize packs were awarded to the male and female age group winners of the 12km event with categories ranging from U20 to 60+.

Opus International took top spot in the Spark Business Hamilton Corporate Challenge, with last year’s champions Beca settling for second place, followed by New World Rototuna in third.

Local schools were well represented in the 6km Schools Secondary School race.

The boy’s race was won by St Paul’s Collegiate Sebastian Ellice in a time of 22.59s, closely followed by Sean Trowern (Hamilton Boys’ High School in 24.28s) and Riley Curry (Melville High School, 27.13s).

The girl’s race was won by Hillcrest High’s Kendra Peart-Anderson in a time of 28.11s, followed by Cambridge High School’s Alannah Mouat. Taking third place was Chnae Todd from Te Awamutu College.

The Secondary School Team Challenge, which is calculated from the fastest four placings of students at the same school competing in the 6km event, was won by Hamilton Boys’ High School.

The team of Sean Trowden, Keegan Hansen, Jayden Gozdz and Kadden Gibbons produced times that ranged from 24.28s to 27.51s.

Runner up went to Hillcrest High School with their team of two boys and girls; Josh Henderson, Kendra Peart-Anderson, Liam Newman and Megan Henderson and in third place was Tai Wananga ki Ruakura, Jackson Rolleston, Vince Te Temo, Rawiri Bishop and Stacy-Ria Te Kurapa-King.

As the charitable partner of the event, Parafed Waikato took the opportunity to increase awareness and promote the work it does locally, providing sport and recreation opportunities for people with physical disabilities and raised $2045.

Organiser U Leisure says a big thank you to their sponsors for making the event happen; The Hits, Waikato Times, Spark Business Hamilton, ThermoTech, Karhu, Dole Bananas, Powerade, SKYCITY Hamilton, Hamilton City Council and funding providers WEL Energy Trust, Grassroots Trust, Trust Waikato and Southern Trust.

About Round the Bridges 2014

Every year thousands of runners and walkers descend upon Hamilton’s City Centre for the Waikato’s most iconic fun-run event. Round the Bridges celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2014.

Established in 1945 by the Hamilton Harrier Club (now Hamilton Hawks), Round the Bridges started out as a road race that showcased NZ's top athletes including; Arthur Lydiard, Peter Snell, John Walker, Barry Magee, Dick Quax and Lorraine Moller.

Nowadays, it’s a popular fun-run that the whole community gets out to enjoy. Out on course are kids; students, mums with buggies, dads, grandparents, wheelchair participants and running legends who take part in the 2km (kids only), 6km or 12km course, running competitively or walking socially. Dogs also make an appearance too!

Participants enjoy dressing up, wearing race timing chips, experiencing on-course musical entertainment, spot prizes, kids play areas, post-event entertainment and a commemorative anniversary medal.

Parafed Waikato is the official event charity and provides sport and recreation opportunities for people with physical disabilities.

Visit www.roundthebridges.co.nz or www.facebook.com/roundthebridges

ENDS

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