Fun lovers run Matutu Mile

The inaugural Matutu Mile fun run lived up to its name yesterday, the race wrapping up the week of triathlon events for 2011.

About 50 keen runners and walkers, including athletes, children, mothers with pushchairs and even one toddler on his bike, took to the start line at Tikioki.

Everyone then made their way to the Matutu Brewery where they drank a glass of fine Matutu beer or water before heading back to the tri site.

Some were super competitive, with Stephen Farrell coming first in a time of 4 minutes 43 seconds, but most people just did it for fun, with the emphasis on having a good time, dressing up and drinking good local beer.

The prize for the best dressed, which included a 6 pack of Matutu beer and Te Vaerua t-shirts, went to mother and daughter team Serena and Reva Hunter in their creative outfits. Mona Henderson came a close second, looking stunning in her pareu gear.

The Matutu Moment prize went to young Elliot Weir for running the whole mile backwards.

The young son of Gareth Clayton also got a prize for doing the event on his little bike.

All proceeds from the event went to support Te Vaerua Rehabilitation so they can continue to help the people of the Cook Islands with physical disabilities.

Special thanks to the sponsors of the event including Matutu Brewery for providing the beer at no cost, Prime Foods, Wigmores Superstore and Turoa Bakery for donating the supplies for the sausage sizzle that everyone enjoyed post run.