Its that time of year when the excesses of Christmas are put to the sword by our New Year resolutions…or not.
It should be reasonably obvious to all but the most casual observer that we at the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon believe that running is a social sport, best undertaken with mates. Of course its great to be competitive and set goals but we love seeing people out running followed by a casual social drink and catch up…after all you’ve earned it!
That’s where the Vineyard Half Marathon and Avanti Plus Summer Running Series comes in. In 2012 there were over 200 folks that took part with a large number of kids and mothers/fathers with prams showing up every week. The atmosphere was distinctly casual with the rules pretty much “run to the chalk line and back”. The Marlborough Harrier Club provided human-power and timing machines with Lynne Haines of Avanti Plus organizing spot prizes to be awarded at Fairweather’s Pub. Saint Clair donated wine for spot prizes and there were t shirts, Peak Fuel and a host of items given away at the after match each week.
It was a truly pleasurable experience to run along the banks of the Taylor River on a balmy Tuesday night accompanied by kids on scooters, dogs, dogs with runners, mums with prams and parents with kids. The atmosphere was friendly and casual and the setting perfect.
So we are doing it again this year…beginning on Tuesday 15 Jan we will be repeating Blenheim’s original 5km running series, it will go for 12 weeks and finish on the 2nd of April. Meet by the fountain on the Taylor River. There is a $5 entry fee (kids under 16 gold coin) but when you hand your runners bib in at Fairweather’s on Scott St you will receive a complimentary drink and 10% off all meals. Funds from any bibs not redeemed will go to Women’s Refuge.
If you are not from Marlborough but like the idea, or are already doing a similar thing let us know…we love to hear those training stories and you never know, we may be able to drop a couple of spot prizes off to your group.
Happy Running
Chris