Seaside Special
Taupo visitors Marise Goodwin, Claire Robinson and Heather Holly decided to dress up for "a lovely walk with friends" on Saturday at the Marina 2 Marina event. Photo: William Woodworth.
The 2025 edition of Marina 2 Marina was in picture-perfect spring conditions as everyone from hardy runners to walkers out for a fun day in the sun hit the trails and tarmac around Picton.
After competitors the 10km Marina 2 Marina course from Picton to Waikawa Marina and back through the Victoria Domain, to the longer Snout Run and the challenging 24km Link run from Anakiwa overlooking the Grove Arm, and the ever-popular Kids Dash, they were greeted by some of the region’s Volunteer Firefighters handing out medals before refueling either at the Foreshore festivities or throughout Picton.
While plenty of local faces entered, many out of towners took the opportunity to explore the region and walk with their friends and family or run serious races.
Blenheim runners were first across the line for the Link run, with Philip Taylor’s 1:54:14 and Megan Graham’s 2:00:33 winning their categories. Methven’s Stephen Blackwell was first to complete the 13km Snout run in 1:01:24, with Blenheimite Cat Manson the first woman in 1:07:50.
The event title 10km run was won by Picton local Alfredo Beneyto in 43:09, while Blenheim’s Ali Senior won the women’s category in 51:27.
The Kids’ Dash was taken home by two out of towners, with Basti Clare from Christchurch beating Linkwater’s Harrison Murdoch to the line while Nelsonite Cooper Healey-Furness was the first girl across the line.
Next year’s event has already been announced for October 7 2026.
