2500 runners and walkers for Taupo Half Marathon

Over two and a half thousand runners and walkers were keen to get underway Sunday morning for the 18th annual Mizuno Taupo Half Marathon, with a crisp start to the day.

However the chilly weather didn't impact on the atmosphere of the dedicated half marathon event with many teams this year dressing up for fun. Event Director Wayne Reardon was pleased with the turnout and says it was another great Taupo half marathon. "18 people completed their 18th Taupo Half Marathon yesterday - this indicates how passionate participants are about our event."

"Congratulations to all our runners and walkers - another Taupo Half Marathon ticked off! We look forward to seeing you back for 2012," he said.

Chris Sanson from Bunnythorpe was the first man in with a time of 1 hr 17 mins 12 secs and Rowan Marie Baird from Auckland was the first women in with a time of 1 hr 21 mins 12 secs.

The first Taupo man in was Brandon Lewis and the first Taupo women in was Sonia Hine.

Jason Nottage from Taupo took away the U19 men's division with Victoria Taylor from Wellington (ex Taupo) taking away the U19 women's division.

A health and fitness team from Pukekohe called 'Outlook for Life' were awarded the 'Most Visible Team' prize. The team of 24 wearing black and fluorescent green skirts are regular participants of the Taupo Half Marathon. "We love coming to Taupo for the half marathon. It is an excellent event and this year it was the perfect warm up for our big one next month - the Rarotonga Marathon," said the group's spokesperson. Runner Sue Sparrow took away the major spot prize - a trip for two to South Australia including flights, accommodation for four nights in Adelaide and four nights in the Barossa Valley, and a hire car.

Taupo's 75 year old Jean Scott competed in her first half marathon alongside the Curves Taupo team and was acknowledged at prize giving with a bunch of flowers, chocolates and a bottle of bubbles. "This is the first time I have done anything like this. It was hard work, but really rewarding," she said. "I think I'm getting a bit old for this caper!"

This year Taupo Fitness Suite Team provided some Les Mills dance moves for runners and walkers beforehand, which proved popular with participants to warm them up and get them motivated for the event.

Following up the Mizuno Taupo Half Marathon next month is the Mizuno Off-road Half and Quarter Marathon which starts and finishes in Kinloch and travels along the W2K track. Runners and walkers can register for this event at www.taupohalfmarathon.org.nz . This year the Quarter Marathon will make up one of the four events in a new challenge - TryTaupo4, a series for those wanting to get off the couch and get active. TryTaupo4 offers achievable distances in four different sporting events in the Taupo region over a six month period.

Rarotonga Beaches | South Pacific Blog

Rarotonga in the Cook Islands is one of the South Pacific’s premier vacation islands. Many visitors arrive on package tours from Australia and New Zealand but Rarotonga also has many smaller guest houses, motels, and rental houses catering to individual travelers and families. Backpackers will find a selection of hostels to meet their needs. Places to eat are numerous, and an island bus circles Rarotonga making getting around a breeze. Bicycle rentals are also popular but to drive a scooter or car you must purchase a local drivers license beforehand.

Few beaches are found along Rarotonga’s north coast where the business and administrative center, Avarua, is found. The west coast is better and offers spectacular sunsets. But the island’s finest beaches and snorkeling venues are along the southeast side of Rarotonga, especially sandy Muri Beach which is sheltered from the open ocean by uninhabited Koromiri Island. The tradewinds blow the mosquitoes away and this area is great for kayaking and wind surfing. Although the swimming here is hard to beat you’ll find much better snorkeling a little west at Titikaveka where the coral reefs and fish are protected in a marine sanctuary.

Quite a number of resorts line Muri Beach but they’re all lowrise affairs nestled among the coconut groves. The tourist density here isn’t anywhere as high as you’ll encounter at Surfers Paradise or Waikiki. However, sufficient visitors are present to support the sort of facilities you’ll be seeking, including restaurants, scooter and car rental outlets, internet cafes, and scuba operators. You won’t need to go into town for lunch. Adventurous travelers will find many activities available on Rarotonga, including an invigorating Cross Island Walk you can do on your own for free. It’s a slice of paradise.

Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

Asia & Pacific Review 2003/04, The Economic and Business Report

Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

Frommer's South Pacific

South Pacific handbook