24 test themselves for RRRR

Last Saturday morning in cool still cloudy conditions, 24 runners set off to test themselves in preparation for this year’s Round Rarotonga Road Race (RRRR) to be held on Saturday September 25.

Twenty three had registered to do the half marathon (21.1km), and one for the quarter (a distance of around 10.5 km), but after the first lap, three more decided that the one lap was enough.

Roland Neururer had competition from the same two that he has been racing against over the race series, but despite their good form, Roland’s Ironman training came through and he dominated the race after the first lap.

However, Scott Howley and Brian Toncray were dangerously close should Roland have faltered, and some bouts of cramp in the second lap probably had him worried.

His time of 1hr 29m 24sc could have been better without the cramps but it was still the best time he has done for this race.

Scott came in second around 2m 20sc later, having passed Brian in the second lap, who came in another minute later. Special mention must go to rookie Rhys Woodger who came in just 3m 30sc later for fourth place.

The rest of the men all had impressive runs, and especially the young ones Jacob Pynenburg and Edmund Tupuna.

The women’s race was led all the way by the experienced Vanessa Palmer, but first timer to this distance, Serena Hunter, put in a commendable dbut just under five minutes behind. Rebecca Washbourn came in for third place to lead in the remaining seven females, all of who, like the men, had impressive runs.

Well done to all of you, RRRR looks to be an exciting race amongst the local contenders.

The buildup series to the annual RRRR is reaching an end with another race this afternoon (Thursday) from outside Kafe Kokonati in Matavera at 5.15pm.

The distance this week will be 5km.

Nothing too strenuous for those recovering from the half marathon.