Community spirit shines at Kāpiti Half amid record participation

Competitors navigate the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve.

The Kāpiti Half has gone from strength to strength with a record-breaking number of people taking part in the recent event.

Participants, numbering 2135, could take part in four distances on November 10: the Kia Kāpiti Half Marathon, Run the Coast 10km, Elevation Homes 5km or the Coastlands Kids 2km.

A flooded Waikanae River took out half of the half marathon course forcing an adapted two-lap course that focused on local roads and the Waikanae Scientific Reserve Estuary.

Event director Bengy Barsanti was particularly pleased with the range of athletes and how they seamlessly adapted to the late changes.

“It’s never easy when you have to change courses at the last minute but the river trail we love to run on was completely underwater and unsafe.”

He said the Kāpiti Half had become a national event with a real community heart.

“The entire event brought out the competitive and fun spirit among local clubs, communities and businesses.

“Seeing participants of all ages and from different walks of life come together is what makes the Kāpiti Half Marathon truly special.

“We’re proud to foster a sense of health, wellbeing, and community cohesion.”

In three years it has grown from 700 participants to more than 2000 with athletes raising over $7000 for two local charities, Kaibosh and Waikanae Estuary Care group, via a mixture of donations, fundraising or choosing to plant a tree rather than receive a medal.

A competitor enjoys the Kāpiti Half.

Jeroen Mattheus, the winner of a tight-fought male category in the half marathon, said hearing people cheer him as he finished “gave me chills”.

“It was one of the highlights of my running career.”

Cath Braddock, a Paraparaumu College staff member, fresh off her second place in the Tāupo Ultramarathon 70km event went one better and won the female section of the half marathon.

One of the heartwarming highlights was from local youngster Mia Thompson, 12, who ran strategically in the Elevation Homes 5km event focusing solely on the Kia Kāpiti Dash for Cash winning the female race and taking home the $1000 prize money.

“It was great to have something really different as part of lots of different races,” Mia said. “I had a plan and knew if I got it right I had a chance.”

She managed the last kilometre in an incredible 3 minutes 19 seconds, which was 30 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor.

“I’m going to buy a new pair of spikes, put some towards getting to my next race and then the rest in some savings.”

The male Kia Dash for Cash was won by Eric Speakman, a Wellington runner who has represented New Zealand at multiple events, in 2:37.

“We don’t get many opportunities to get money in the running world,” he said.

“I am aiming to go to compete in the United States later in the year and it is all self-funded. This is going to go straight into that fund.”

In the Run the Coast 10km, breaking another record with 727 athletes taking part, Jonny Atkins, from Dannevirke, won the male field in 39m 07s.

Local girl Maggie Barke, 11, showed exceptional talent by finishing first woman overall — setting a new personal best of 46m 36s.

Barsanti was pleased with the young people stepping up into the 10km event.

“These young people not only show the level of talent locally but also prove we can all do it.”

A team called The Fast and the Finance won the Dark Horse Team Challenge for the largest team, bringing a mammoth 32 members, making it a day out to celebrate physical activity and mental health in the workplace.

“Their achievement reflects the strength and dedication of Kāpiti’s thriving running community,” Barsanti said.

In the Coastlands 2km race, 250 participants showed that family activity is alive and well showcasing youthful enthusiasm and potential.

Barsanti thanked all sponsors especially Howard & Co and Voyle and Co for coming on as the first-ever title sponsor of the event.