The Kaikōura Whale Run has just completed its 18th year. It was bigger and better than ever before. It has taken off like never before with a record number of entrants and a record crowd. It was a family event for everyone with the oldest competitor from Christchurch being 94 years old and the youngest being a neighbour who was 2 years old. The day began cool and overcast, perfect conditions for walking and running. As the day wore on, the sun beat down warming the crowd up towards the end of the event.
The music was pumping with the support of MORE FM and the multiple shout outs they did for the sponsors. We had 44 sponsors, giving so much to our small school. Kaikōura Suburban School is grateful for the sponsorship they received from their local community and from regional businesses.
The course used was the same course as the last few years designed by Justine Schroder and Colette Dougerty. The course passes through the Schroders’ farm, with some on road, bush tracks and some off road. Competitors commented on the scenic nature of the route especially in the 12 and 21 km events. People have come back time and time again just to experience this well designed course.
The event would not be possible without the support of our generous community. There were about 60 volunteers involved in the organisation of the Whale Run. It is all down to the planning, preparation and commitment of the fabulous bunch of volunteers. The school would like to thank the community groups who helped out on the day like Downers, the Maori Wardens, the Lions, the Seaward Lionesses, Total Realty, Sports Tasman, Beach House Cafe, the Bike Club, Kaikōura Physiotherapy, Liquorland, Kaikōura Health Care staff and St John.
The event was supported by Biddy Harnett who volunteered her time to take photographs throughout the event with many of the photos in this article are credited to her.
Jacinta Riordan entertained the crowd for an hour providing the live entertainment to woo the crowd prior to the prize giving. The crowd loved her soulful singing last year, so it was wonderful the she could return to entertain them all again this year.
The Marafun was a popular event for the under 9 year olds. Harold the Giraffe led the way through slalom courses, under cargo nets, through tunnels, over ladders and up over hay bales. The 50 strong competitors all completed the race with huge smiles on their faces.
No event is successful without a strong and dedicated team. There was a team of 20 people who worked behind the scenes: meeting and planning to ensure the event’s success. Teams of people worked on the social media campaign, registrations, marketing, bib allocation, medals, stocktaking, prize giving, sponsorship, gazebo and BBQ set ups, banking, cooking, marshalling, course set up, first aid, traffic management, parking, menu planning and food preparation. The event organisers would like to sincerely thank all of those people who gave so willingly and generously of their time, the staff, the Home and School, the board and the parents. To you all, a massive thank you. The date for next year’s event is set for Saturday 6th September.
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A cool website, thanks to Nadia and Andrew.