Marina 2 Marina

The 12th edition of Marina 2 Marina is set to take place on Saturday, September 27.

The event encapsulates the town of Picton with options from the 2km Kids Dash open to those five and older, all the way to the 24km Link Run starting in Anakiwa and following the Queen Charlotte Drive all the way to the finish in Picton.

Marina 2 Marina pulls in competitors from across New Zealand who want to be a part of this awesome event. With over 500 entrants across all categories the event is a fantastic chance to showcase the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds and profits are donated to the Picton and Waikawa communities.

Entries close on Thursday September 26 at 5pm and the registration page can be found on Marina 2 Marina’s website: Marina2marina.co.nz

Last year Alex Roberton took on the 24km course and had this to say:

“The day starts early with a 6:30am boat boarding in the Marina, sleepy eyes and shaky legs shuffle onboard and enjoy the beautifully scenic trip out to Anakiwa for the 8am start. We’re briefed on the route and as the day brightens we take to the start line. I toe the line at the front, feeling nervous about what’s to come but happy to be wearing some very fast shoes for the race ahead. The gun sounds and I crack into the race like a rocket, blasting off and trying to warm myself up as we funnel into the singletrack of Queen Charlotte Track and get into the race properly.

As the kilometres tick down the course undulates and twists through the Sounds, showcasing the stunning landscapes on offer here. Around halfway through the course we pass through Momorangi Bay and take on a big climb into the dense native bush. My lungs are on fire here and my legs heavy but I was leading so I continue pushing on. The undulating terrain eventually takes its toll and Sam Hansby breezes past me on a downhill section of the course. I try to hang on his tail but by this point my matches are spent and instead I focus on holding onto second and enjoying the spectacular track I’m lucky enough to be running on this glorious October day.

As I descend into Picton my tired legs carry me towards the Pavilion and spectators’ cheers lift my spirit all the way to the line. Food at the finish is donated by Picton Fresh Choice and I was grateful for the banana to alleviate my cramping legs,” said Alex.

Winner of the 11th Link Run last year was Rarangi resident Sam Hansby.

Sam completed the Link run in 1 hour 48 minutes 42 seconds with Blenheim’s Alex Roberton second in 1:52:47 and Jacob Stapleton third in 1:57:04. First female runner home was Ruth Delahunty from Picton in 2.14.34, second was Sophie Bonarius from Renwick 2:25:25 and third Amanda Harvey from Lower Shotover 2:26:10. The Link run attracted 136 competitors from across the country.

Organisers were thrilled with the success of the event, which they ensure is “eco” and environmentally-friendly.