Wild dozen on loose

The Waitaria Wild dozen took Thursday afternoon’s fun run seriously when they turned up in florescent tights and bright coloured plastic ei.

The group of 12 runners and walkers from Waitaria Bay in the Marlborough Sounds are here for a good time running around Rarotonga.

The group, ranging in age from 47 to 70 have been preparing for the trip for more than six months and is led by former New Zealand cross-country and track running representative John Dixon.

Dixon, also a national coach, started up the Kenepuru Sound fitness group which the Waitaria Wild members belong to.

Dixon formed the group three years ago after being approached by a small group of residents who had never done any form of regular exercise.

“Now look here we are running in Rarotonga,” says Dixon.

Members of the fitness group joined for the sake of their health and many had never run before.

As well as the fitness group, Dixon also organises a triathlon in the south island town which he says doubles in number every year.

While none of the group will be running the full 31km race this morning – they will however be walking and running the shorter 10km race from Muri.

And if they dress in their fun run outfits again today – you won’t miss them on our roads!