Nearly 100 bikers, runners and walkers set off from Port Fitzroy Wharf from 7.30am on October 10 to race the 40.6km to Tryphena Wharf. The first half of the race is off road through the mature forest of the DoC estate and along the Te Ahumata (White Cliffs) track – quite a challenge considering the rain that had fallen in the preceding days. The rest of the race is on tar sealed road but the hills between the Claris Crossroads and Tryphena make this leg almost as challenging. 

Aaron Carter of total sport, described the course: “If on a dark and lonely night, the Waitakere Ranges, Colville (Coromandel), Waiheke Island, the 42 Traverse and Rotorua’s Redwood Forest met and set about on a night of unbridled group passion, and then 9 months later the “party kid” was born, it might look quite a bit like the Great Barrier Wharf to Wharf course.”

A mud splattered but very happy local resident Nathan Laven was the first biker over the line in a time of 2 hours 37 minutes and 19 seconds. Not far behind was the first runner, Matt Murphy, who took race honours in 3 hours 16 minutes and 15 seconds. First walker home was another Great Barrier Island local, Johnny Scott, who completed the race in 6 hours 7 minutes and 44 seconds.

The event was a fund-raiser for Kaitoke School so it was wonderful to see one of the school’s students, 12 year old biker Tyler Sykes, crossing the finish line amongst the adults in 3 hours 46 minutes and 12 seconds.

Race organisers will make the Wharf to Wharf a full marathon for next year’s race which will be held on October 9. Details will be posted on event websites and on www.greatbarrier.co.nz where you can also register your interest for 2010.

“So, for those of you (and I know there are plenty of you) looking for that incredibly unique and tough event challenge and experience, I would highly recommend popping it on the 2010 “must do” event list,” says Aaron.

Please contact Gendie Somerville-Ryan on 09 429 0270 or email gendiesr@hotmail.com for further information.