River Run series to use scenic walkways

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne Harrier Club’s popular River Run summer series will start on Tuesday and continue until the end of daylight saving at the end of March.

Again, 2.5 and five-kilometre races will be run weekly at 6pm from the Marina reserve, using the central city’s most scenic walkways.

Those taking part will have the chance not only to try to stay ahead of mates and whanau, but also to track their progress over a two-month period.

The course will have a slight adjustment because of the road works on the Gladstone Road Bridge, so detailed comparisons with last year’s times might not give accurate information on athletes’ progress or decline.

It will also take in the Derby Street footbridge, a short section of Stout Street and walking paths on both sides of the Turanganui and Taruheru Rivers.

The course is virtually traffic-free and safe for children.

“We will use the inland side footpath of the Gladstone Road bridge and have the course as close as possible to 2.5 kilometres,” club president Hans van Kregten said.

“We have run these races for a few years, and they have proven very popular with club members and others who enjoy the opportunity to test and improve fitness at the end of the working day.

“The format of the races is like that of the Saturday Park Run that started last April. More is good, and it is great that runners have so many options to enjoy our beautiful sport.”

Van Kregten said the River Run would also be used to promote the harrier club’s new offerings.

“We want to provide more training options and have engaged Olympic athlete Michelle Rennie to provide weekly coaching classes, seminars on running topics such as nutrition and goal-setting, and personal coaching support for runners who want this.

“Michelle’s activities will be complemented by at least two running events a month during winter. Most of the runs will be held on Sundays rather than Saturdays because of competition with other events and junior sport activities.

“The runs will take in many exciting trails around Gisborne and finish off with coffee and cake. We are also planning a series of trips.

“Our signature events, such as the Mud Run and Matokitoki Classic Half Marathon, will also feature this year.”