The first event in what will continue to be a sport on offer in the Manawatu was held at Massey University on Sunday alongside the Striders Half Marathon. The course had been laid out with the start line at the head of the playing fields. The course continued in a zigzag fashion around the outskirts of the playing fields before the riders disappeared between the shelter hedges after first having to negotiate their way over some obstacles. Next was the hill climb before the possibility of a slippery descent and the lap completed back at the head of the fields.
According to young Adam Francis the hardest part was the log obstacle and the best part for his race was passing Sasha going up the hill. All the riders had the same start time but completed a different numbers of laps according to their grading. Cameron Howell reported that the grass section was slow but overall the race was fun.
A fine tussle unfolded between the two Stannards that were competing in the 7 lap race with the patriarch finally taking the lead in the 5th lap.
Photo thanks to Owen Mills
Thanks to the people who set out the course and dismantled it at the end and to all others that helped and participated on the day.
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