Mysterious lights in the bush at Tikipunga may have alarmed the locals on Saturday night but they were nothing sinister, merely a bunch of zany runners trying something new. The runners, all carrying torches or wearing headlights and reflective bands, set off from Reed Park and covered the 5km route toWhangarei Falls. The idea for the inaugural Whangarei Night Owl race came from overseas where night runs on bush and hill tracks are becoming popular. "These sorts of runs are all the rage overseas and Whangarei has plenty of ideal tracks and trails to host them," race organiser Jim Kettlewell said. Competitors had to battle the cold and rain and lack of light, which meant more hazards for the 30-odd Whangarei Athletics Club entrants. Most of the runners emerged from the blackness at the falls, exhausted but smiling. Mike Gowing, who was first home in 22 minutes, 40 seconds said it was an event he would gladly try again. "It was cool. Something like this is pretty unique, it was a bit of a test for your navigation not to mention keeping on your feet," he said. The oldest competitor was Ian Douglas, 70. The men's other place-getters were: 2. Brian Barach 23:30; 3. Jim Kettlewell 26:33; 4. Morris Gray 27:38. Women: 1. Robyn Allen 27:58; 2. Sue Shand, Estelle Tiller, Jackie Grant, Denise Limby, Pam Latter, 31:38.
