New format for annual running week

Due to the continued growth of the Punanga Nui markets the annual Round Rarotonga Road Race to be staged on Saturday, September 24 will start and finish at the vacant section opposite the Banana Court in Avarua.

Although the growth at the local markets is a positive sign the congestion there on race day has been one of the concerns highlighted by runners and walkers in the annual race.

The new start and finish venue allows ample space for competitors to go through their warm down process after the 31km run around the island and for organisers to officiate the end of the race.

Of course supporters and spectators are welcome to greet the runners home either at the Avarua start and finish line or anywhere along the main road around the island.

The start of the 10km race, also run on the same day as the main race, will be moved back to start at the Bahai centre instead of near the Sailing Club where it has started in past years.

But before racers stride out on Saturday, a fun run to begin the week of running will be held on Thursday, September 22, at a new venue.

The fun run will be held for the first time at the Avarua Harbour the home of race silver sponsor Trader Jacks.

The fun 5km run is an opportunity for runners and walkers to mix, mingle and pick up race packs.

The 5pm race will also be the final opportunity for local runners and walkers to register for the main race on Saturday, September 24.

Apart from these two minor venue changes all other running events that week will run as they have for the past 33 years.

Following the main race, the annual Hash House Harriers birthday run will be once again from the Edgewater Resort car park in Arorangi on Monday, September 26. An outrageous costume is the only prerequisite for runners and walkers.

On Tuesday, September 27, Rarotonga schoolchildren will flood the roads for the Round the Rock Relay which begins and ends at the Edgewater Resort.

The final event of the running week is the Nutters Cross Island Run which will take hardy racers from Wigmores waterfall through the Rarotonga bush across the island, ending with a downhill race through the Avatiu valley to the Punanga Nui markets.

Numbers for the races are yet to be confirmed 115 international runners and walkers are registered so far and events managers Destination Management Cook Islands are receiving more last minute registrations.

Although only 12 local runners are registered at this stage more are expected to register on the final day which is the fun run day on Thursday, September 22.