The Kirikiriroa Marathon

This day started for me at about 4 am as I woke up early in my little tent at the campsite in Hamilton.

So just got dressed and had my little breakfast before heading off to the Hamilton Gardens about 5 mins drive away.

I got there about 6 am as I needed to get my race pack, it was still dark and I wish I had brought my headlamp but that was ok, there was enough light to see.

Actually on the drive down to the carpark I did see a live possum, unusual as most I see are sunbathing on the side of the road.

Anyway, it’s about 6.30 am now and everyone is gathering by the start line for the race Briefing by Paula Klein. Then we had a Maori Challenge, Karakia and song.

 At 7 am, we all head off on our excursion north by the river. We had a small climb out of the gardens back up the main road where we joined the cobblestones on the riverside walk by the mighty Waikato River. We crossed the next bridge up and continued following the path.

It was very easy to see where to go as there was big chalk arrows with KM written by them, as well as small signs and the always helpful and encouraging Marshalls.

We had a small section running on the road as the river path was closed for repairs. There was also a section where we passed through the middle of a pony club. Was great to see the horses and they even stopped and waited for us to pass which was much appreciated.

Each aid station had exceptional volunteers who had plenty of water, tailwind, coke and even lollies. The added bonus of buckets with ice and water was an excellent idea especially when the day got hotter.

Also each aid station had a sign saying how far you had gone which was useful as I was able to check this information against my Garmin.

About 17 km we reached what I consider the hardest part especially for my trail running legs as the path from here up the turnaround point and back was all concrete as compared the cobblestones which were much easier to run on. The turnabout point at about 22km for was something to be grateful for especially with the three encouraging and supportive marshalls with their gummy worms. Only 20 km back to the start now!!

Since this a shared path we came across other walkers, runners and cyclists on the way up and down the course.

At about 30 km, I decided to be sensible and back off my pace as I was running to pace for a sub 5 hr marathon. I decided to do this for 2 reasons:  because I was starting to feel the effects of the section with the concrete and also I have The Dual two weeks after the event so want to be one piece for that.

The last 10 km I was walking at a good pace. One thing I have learnt from my previous 8 marathons and the various trail runs I have done is that walking is perfectly adequate as you can move quicker that way if your running stride is getting shorter.

It was great to run back across the final bridge and enter the Gardens again. Almost home now, time to think about my finish strategy which is always save some energy for the sprint to the finish and don’t forget the huge smile for the camera.

Just came around the last corner and it’s about 100 metres to go to the finish line and you hear your name been called and then it’s all over rover. Time for the medal and say I knocked this one off, roll on number 10!!

Find out more about the Kirkiriroa Marathon

All photos by Photos4Sale