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The Dual
Before I left for New Zealand, I promised to report on any interesting runs down under. "The Dual" (www.thedual.co.nz) was certainly interesting -- a 42km run on Rangitoto and Motutapu, two connected islands in the Auckland harbour. Rangitoto is an iconic backdrop to Auckland, a 260m volcanic cone formed some 600 years ago. It's mostly covered in native bush, with a rough "scoria" rock surface. Motutapu, in contrast, is all rolling hills and pasture. As well as the 100 marathoners, the event included a half-marathon option (with 600 competitors) and a 50km mountain bike (with another 600 riders).
The marathon started at a bay on the far side of Motutapu, with a stiff initial climb leading to 8km of rolling hills, giving some stunning views out over the harbour. Then it was over the causeway to Rangitoto, and up a steadily deteriorating trail to the summit. My downhill running in Scotland has clearly made a difference, and I picked up several places in the descent. The next 7km section was a tricky coastal track, and back to Motutapu for the second half of the run. This wound up and down along farm roads, with the exception of a short forest path section. With the heat starting to take its toll, the last 8km was hard going. I finished in 4:29 for 11th veteran male and 32nd overall. The winning time was 3:09.
Posted by John Hamer on Mon 30 Mar 2009 | 4 comments
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Comments
jd said...
well done John, sounds great. Venue for the 2010 Westies weekend??!!
Monday 30th March 2009 6.20pm
Johnston said...
Great to hear from you again John, and congrats on a super result!Any photos?
Monday 30th March 2009 7.56pm
John Hamer said...
There is a photo set (not mine) at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rengber/sets/72157615967421293/
Tuesday 31st March 2009 4.48am
Hamilton said...
Ah, yes that downhill training, you were just picking 'em off.Well done John.
Tuesday 31st March 2009 4.56pm