February 1st
Back in 1991 the birth of the Riwaka Half Marathon signalled ‘the ultimate test’ around a loop course through beautiful Kaiteriteri Beach.

Twenty years on nothing much has changed – the course is still tough, still challenging and still very scenic – perhaps the most picturesque in the country. One very notable change has occurred in that time and that is the relocation of the start and finish line, from Riwaka to the golden sands of Kaiteriteri Beach.

The events been re-branded for it’s 20th anniversary on March 20th to Kaiteriteri Gold and with the addition of a 10km last year Nelson Events are targeting to exceed it’s record number of runners and walkers – 205 set in 2009.

All who enter by February 16 will go into the Early Bird Draw of a double Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle return cruise down the ‘Bay’ and upon their return will have a $50 Shoreline Café/Restaurant voucher to spend.

An honours board listing all half marathoners who have eclipsed 1 hour 20minutes (men), 1.32 (women) and 2.20 for the walk has been established. Surprisingly not many athletes feature in achieving these marks in the past five years. Jonathan Wyatt’s 1.15.32 in 2008 stands out along with Stephen Farquhar’s 2.11.39 walk in the same year.

Anyone adding their name to the Honours Board next month will get automatic 2011 complimentary entry fee.

With Buller in two weeks many will need their next challenge to focus on and Kaiteriteri Gold offers just that for the competitive athletes or the ‘weekend warriors’ just wanting to have a go.

January 31st
Thomas Ashley is the new NBS Nelson Lakes 90 recordholder after holding out Nick Batt in Saturday’s circuit around the St Arnaud area.

From the start of the race the peloton gradually decreased in size as small groups of riders were ‘spat’ as surges took place on the initial 37km stretch to Korere. After the turn, the climb up the Hope Saddle loomed and Nelson’s trio of teenage talent, Sean Hambrook, Joel MacMillan and Ashley applied some more pressure heading down the Glenhope Valley to Kawatiri and into a headwind.

Christchurch’s Craig Best and Batt rejoined allowing the quintet to work together until Kawatiri Junction. The tailwind back to the Lake was more than welcome with this bunch staying together until 5km to go when Ashley asked who was coming with him and Batt was the only rider within earshot! With 500m to go the young ‘up and comer’ decided it was his name that was to be etched into the events honours board and with it a 2 hours 22 minutes 23 seconds course record, two seconds ahead of Batt.

MacMillan rode clear of both Best and Hambrook to lead them home by 24 seconds for third.

Jeannie Kuhajek had it slightly ‘easier’ claiming women’s honours. She enjoyed the fast, fun ride from Top House down the valley until, like the rest of the field, had to use her ‘full gearbox’ on the uphill gradient of the Clark Valley. With Don Bartkowiak and Aaron Fitzgerald alongside, they worked together attempting to regain ground on the guys ahead but the eleven in front stayed there.

Eileen Searle had a great ride, hanging on to the bunch until the halfway inclines, then solo until a bunch including Alicja Maslowska regrouped. In the sprint she ‘suffered’ the same disease as Batt, the younger legs having their say on the day!

Tandem victory went to Aaron McGowan and Trudy Jones while Debbie Edwards and Tania Radman were first team.

Next up on Nelson Events Cycling Calendar is the Tussock Spirit of the Moutere on February 28th while the Toxic Maungatapu Gold Murderers Trail mountainbike is confirmed for it’s rescheduled May 8 date.

Men: Ashley, Nelson, (Under 40), 2.22.23, 1; Batt, Nelson, (40-49), 2.22.25, 2; MacMillan, Richmond, (U40), 2.23.14, 3; Best, Chch, (U40), 2.23.38, 4; Hambrook, Richmond, (U40), 2.23.39, 5; Henry Kersten, Nelson, (U40), 2.26.55, 6; Rob Searle, Nelson, (40-49), 2.26.55, 7; Dan Moore, Nelson, (U40), 2.28.12, 8; Brian Grant, Wakefield, (U40), 2.29.30, 9; Richie van Vugt, Nelson, (50-59), 2.29.30, 10.

Women: Kuhajek, Wakefield, (U40), 2.30.11, 1; Alicja Maslowska, Nelson, (U40), 2.41.30, 2; Eileen Searle, Nelson, (40-49), 2.41.31, 3, Ann Rigg, Nelson, (50-59), 2.54.40, 4; Klaartje van Schie, Nelson, (U40), 2.57.32, 5.

Tandem: McGowan/Jones, Nelson, 2.48.11, 1; Chris & Madeline du Plessis, Auckland, 3.14.02, 2. Team: Edwards/Radman, Brightwater, 3.17.13, 1.

January 26th
Kaiteriteri Gold Honours Board has been put up - check out those that have run 'super fast' times over the course in the last twenty years

January 21st
Entry for the 2010 Port Nelson Blokes' Day Out and the 2010 Taylors Nelson Women's Triathlon will open on Tuesday the 2nd of February

Entry for the 2010 Furneaux Lodge Captain Cook's Landing will open on Friday the 29th of January

Entry for the 2010 Abel Tasman Coastal Classic will open on Friday the 26th of February

January 18th
New territory for trailrunners: Golden Bay’s Kaituna Track has been chosen by Nelson Events for their inaugural ‘Escape from Tane’s Forest’ trail run scheduled for Saturday March 27th . Adding to the intrigue of this event is the plan to move it annually providing trailrunners with new territory to conquer. With a number of interesting options to choose from the Kaituna got the ‘nod of approval’ as it offered much of what the organizers were looking for.

The event will start at Dry Road, Westhaven Inlet with competitors having a 4km ‘warm-up’ to the old Knuckle Hill Carpark before heading across the open pahiki, swinging south and crossing undulating terrain from one boulder strewn hummock to the next.

The vegetation in this area is of an unusual bog forest, containing silver pine, yellow silver pine and pink pine. It is now uncommon to see these trees as they were eagerly sought by pioneers for their very durable timber, which made good fence posts, poles and railway sleepers. Also in the relatively low canopy the forest community includes rimu, pahautea, kanuka, silver and mountain beech, halls totara, southern rata and mountain toatoa, a range that certainly captures the essence of the events name.

Towards the Kaituna River Forks northern rata replaces its southern ‘cousin’ where the final 4kms will delight competitors with one of the most luxuriant rainforest remnants in Golden Bay with ferns and nikau palms displaying a distinctive semi-tropical appearance. Along this final section remain the old gold workings, stacks of boulders and a miner’s tunnel from where gold was discovered back in 1859. The Naked Possum café will provide a welcoming finish for the runners at the end of their 18km journey with the "wildfoods banquet" sure to delight

A month later, the Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake celebrates it’s 15th anniversary on Saturday April 24th. The 25km anticlockwise circuit around Lake Rotoiti offers trailrunners an ideal introduction to compete off-road. Numbers are limited to 300 with half the field already full.

January 17th
89 Conquer Croesus.

The West Coast turned it on weather-wise for the 9th Blackball Hilton Croesus Crossing and with it a record field successfully trail-running the 26km challenging route from Barrytown to Blackball.

Leading them home was Christchurch’s Matt Scott (2 hours, 50mins, 31), holding out Andrew Verwey (Reefton) over the final two kilometers by 52 seconds. Andrew Reese-Jones (Chch) put in another quality run to also break the three hour barrier for the tough journey and with it claim first place in the Men 40-49 category.

Hokitika’s Helen Gillespie was in a class of her own in the well supported, 33 strong, women’s field recording 3.17.48 and with it 9th overall. Behind her nothing much separated Sara Prince and Thea Sweeney.

Next year the event celebrates its 10th anniversary, the tentative date is Saturday 22 January with ‘sole survivor’ since 2002, Keith Frankum (Hastings) already confirmed on the startline.

Next up for Nelson Events on their trial running calendar is Escape from Tane’s Forest with Golden Bay’s Kaituna Track chosen for the inaugural race on Saturday March 27th. After that is the Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake (Sat April 24), with half of the 300 allowable places already sold.

Overall. Matt Scott, Chch, 2.50.31, 1; Andrew Verwey, Reefton, 2.51.23, 2; Andrew Reese-Jones, Chch, 2.54.39, 3; Tim Farrant, Chch, 3.02.22, 4; Robert Jarvis, Chch, 3.07.42, 5; Ben Mineham, Marlb, 3.11.09 6; Kevin Ellis, Marlb, 3.12.49, 7; Brendan Clark, Westland, 3.15.08, 8; Helen Gillespie, Westland, 3.17.48, 9; Kelvin Meade, Queenstown, 3.18.51, 10.

Age Groups. Men. Under 40: Scott. 1; Verwey, 2; Farrant, 3. 40-49: Reese-Jones, 1; Jarvis, 2; Andrew Backhouse, West Coast, 3.21.29, 3. 50-59: Ellis, 1; Len Starling, Lwr Hutt, 3.34.12, 2; Martin Thompson, Nelson, 3.54.15, 3. 60+: Merv Gilbert, Ashburton, 4.03.23, 1; Henry Work, Nelson, 4.05.40, 2. Women. Under 40: Sara Prince, Chch, 3.42.11, 1; Thea Sweeney, Chch, 3,43,57, 2; Veronica Ulfves, Chch, 3.49.27, 3. 40-49: Gillespie, 1; Sarah Smith, USA, 4.06.51, 2; Donna Harvey, Rangiora, 4.32.57, 3. 50-59: Lyndsay Gough, Chch, 4.39.49, 1; Nola Kinaston, USA, 5.13.56, 2.

January 13th
Unfortunately with the continued closure of the Maungatapu Track Road this years Toxic Maungatapu Gold Murderer's Trail MTB scheduled for Saturday January 24 has had to be deferred. Hopefully it will be held in May "date to be confirmed" subject to reopening the track to vehicle access. We apologise to any riders that this may inconvenience.

January 1st
Happy New year and with it we trust you are preparing to meet all those resolutions you made last night for 2010! We're here to help take care of your fitness goals as there's plenty on our calendar to keep you motivated.

Running and walking wise, there's the NBS Nelson Striders annual Maitai Six O'Clock Summer Series starting on Tuesday January 12th and continuing for the following 3 weeks.

THE PROGRAMME
Tuesday January 12 3km. Start Waahi Taakaro - Walkers 6.00pm. Runners 6.05pm.
Tuesday January 19 3km Turkey Trot. Estimate your time and leave your watch at home.
Tuesday January 26 5km
Tuesday February 2 10km

All are ideally placed leading up to 'Buller' on February 12th.

But beforehand, next week's NBS Nelson Striders Half Marathon on Sunday January 10th celebrates the Striders 'encounter' with a wild boar up the Maitai Valley Road back in 1994. From it the Trevor Ruffell Tusk Trophy (aka 'The Boar's Jaw') which has become one of the most 'hotly' contested titles on the Nelson calendar, being awarded to whoever can run or walk nearest their estimated time - without a watch.
Will it be you who takes home the 'swinehead silverware' to adorn your mantelpiece? Entry form is attached to be on the startline.

On January 31st, after our NBS Nelson Lakes 90 cycleride we're heading off for our first Strider Expedition of 2010.
It's up to Parachute Rock - one of the 'jewels amongst the tussock' on the St Arnaud Range. We hope to make the tarns, have lunch, then return back down to the village. For more details send us an email or phone Averil or Graeme (03 548 3655).

Further on but not that far away is the Kaiteriteri Gold. On March 20th there's a Half Marathon or 10km with entry online or by post.
For full details please visit www.nelsonevents.co.nz

All the best for 2010.

December 30th
Perseverance and determination pay off – well they did for Aucklander, Marina Duvnjak when she claimed the Tineli Nelson Tour de Femme title at the end of the 3 day, 5 stage event.

Duvnjak, who commented that it was a tough competition but an enjoyable one, made her move on Stage 4, the Individual Time Trial, and maintained her advantage in the penultimate 80km stage 5, despite some gutsy breakaway attempts. Early leader, Kate McIlroy (Wtgn) suffered in the time trial but recovered yesterday to finish second on General Classification followed by Karen Fulton (Nelson).

The Sprint Ace was already decided going into stage 5. Emma Petersen (Te Awamutu) having accumulated enough points (28) previously. Sophie Williamson (Alex) on 13points and Tracy Best (Lwr Hutt) 10points rounded out the top three.

Queen of the Mountains for the third year was Aucklander Emma Crum (38pts), Teresa Adam (Akld) was next in line earning 28pts with Kate McIlroy 3rd on 18pts.

Results.
General Classification.Duvnjak, 7hr:05min:53sec, 1; McIlroy, +49, 2; Fulton, +1.36, 3; Adam, +1.44, 4; Crum, +2.31, 5.
Sprint Ace: Petersen, 28pts, 1; Williamson, 13pts, 2; Best, 10pts, 3.
Queen of the Mountains: Crum, 38pts, 1; Adam, 28pts, McIlroy, 18pts, 3.
Takaka Hill Biggest Improver: (Toxic Coffee Team Trophy): Samara Sheppard, Wtgn,
First Team: TriNZ
Herbert Franz Memorial Trophy (Fastest Under 23): Teresa Adam.
Hoglund Glass Trophy (First Nelson Rider): Karen Fulton

Age Categories:
Under 23:Adam, 1; Crum, 2; Petersen, 3.
23-34: Duvnjak, 1; McIlroy, 2; Best, 3.
35-44: Fulton, 1; Jeannie Kuhajek (Nelson), 2; Rachel Larner (Akld) & Amanda Minty (Chch), 3=.
45-54: Tracy Clark (Chch), 1; Eileen Searle (Nelson), 2.
55+: Christine van Hoppe (Nelson), 1.

December 29th
Marina Duvnjak leads the Tineli Nelson Tour de Femme going into Wednesday’s final stage. She holds a 44 second buffer over Kate McIlroy who ‘blew out’ on the 19km fourth stage Time Trial losing 1 minute 41 seconds to the seasoned Auckland cyclist. Big mover also was Nelson’s Karen Fulton who ‘leapfrogged’ onto the podium with the second fastest split with an aggressive ride. Duvnjak will be forced to work all the way in the final 80km stage with McIlroy and her fellow TriNZ team mates Teresa Adam and Julia Grant pushing hard to reclaim the Maglia Rosa (leaders) jersey.

Earlier in the day Emma Petersen out-sprinted a 13 strong bunch home in the 70km morning stage, holding out Duvnjak and Fulton.

With 3 hill climbs up for grabs in the final stage the competition for Queen of the Mountains is still wide open with Adam just 3 points clear of McIlroy and Fulton a further 4 adrift.

The Sprint Ace competition however is a ‘dead rubber’ with Petersen unbeatable going into Day 3 with just one sprint in the stage. The battle now lies with Sophie Williamson and Tracy Best who are separated by just 3 points.

Results.
General Classification:
Duvnjak (Akld), 4.25.19, 1; McIlroy (Wtgn), +44, 2; Fulton (Nn), +1.38, 3; Adam (Akld), +1.41, 4: Grant (Chch), +2.03, 5; Emma Crum (Akld), +2.26, 6; Tracy Best (Lwr Hutt), +3.46, 7; Emma Petersen (Te Awamutu), +3.47, 8; Amanda Minty (Cch), +4.24, 9; Rebecca Kingsford (Tirau), +4.34, 10.

Queen of the Mountain:
Teresa Adam, 15pts, 1; Kate McIroy, 12pts, 2; Karen Fulton, 8pts, 3.

Sprint Ace:
Emma Petersen, 28pts, 1; Sophie Williamson (Alexandra), 13pts, 2; Best, 10pts.

Age categories:
Under 23: Adam, 1; Crum, 2; Petersen, 3.
23-34: Duvnjak, 1; McIlroy, 2; Grant, 3.
35–44: Fulton, 1; Minty, 2; Jeannie Kuhajek (Nn), 3.
45-54: Tracy Clark (Chch), 1; Eileen Searle (Nn), 2.
55+: Christine Van Hoppe (Nn) 1.

December 28th
Triathlete Kate McIlroy of Wellington leads the Tineli Nelson Tour de Femme virtue of an outstanding hill climb in the Toxic Coffee Takaka Hill Time Trial. Thirty seconds separated McIlroy from her TriNZ teammate Teresa Adam (Auckland). Third was Marina Duvnjak (Auckland) a further thirty seconds adrift. These three now lead the Tour on General Classification plus hold top ranking in the Queen of the Mountain competition.

Nelson's Karen Fulton fought back in the 50km multi lap Tussock Wines Stage Two circuit to take line honours and enjoy a seven second time bonus. Clocking the same time were Emma Petersen (Te Awamutu) and Jeannie Kuhajek (Nelson). Petersen has set herself up well for the Sprint Ace title completely dominating all three sprints bagging 28 points. Sophie Williamson (Alexandra) follows with 13 points and Lower Hutt's Tracy Best sits in third position on 10 points.

Day Two starts with the Nelson Bays Holden 70km loop from Brightwater, through the Spooners and Reay Saddles, followed by the SIS 19km Individual Time Trial.

General Classification:
McIlroy, 1.53.05 (1), Adam, +0:64 (2), Duvnjak, +1.02 (3), Julia Grant, Christchurch, +1.17 (4), Emma Crum, Auckland, +1.34 (5)

Sprint Ace:
Petersen, 28pts (1), Williamson, 13pts (2), Best, 10pts (3), Jeannie Kuhajek, 6pts (4), Sophie Corbidge, 3pts

Queen of the Mountains:
McIlroy, 7pts, (1), Adam, 5pts (2), Duvnjak, 3pts (3)

Age Groups:
Under 23; Teresa Adam, Auckland, 1.53.39 (1), Emma Crum, Auckland, 1.54.39 (2), Emma Petersen, Te Awamutu, 1.55.06 (3)
23-34: Kate McIlroy, Wellington, 1.53.05 (1), Marina Duvnjak, Auckland, 1.54.07 (2), Julia Grant, Christchurch, 1.54.22 (3)
35-44: Karen Fulton, Nelson, 1.55.23 (1), Rachel Larner, Auckland, 1.55.36 (2), Amanda Minty, Christchurch, 1.55.38 (3)
45-54: Eileen Seale, Nelson, 1.57.37 (1), Tracy Clark, Christchurch, 1.58.05 (2),
55+: Christine van Hoppe, Nelson, 2.13.51

November 28th
Competitor's spirits in Saturday's RunMahana weren't dampened by the all morning rain, instead they were hightened as the conditions were ideal for running and walking in what has become Nelson's major athletic event in it's short three year history.

The start/finish location change to Woollaston Estate certainly played a significant part in it's growth giving hundreds from throughout and outside the region the incentive to visit.

The Nelson Branch of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of NZ, as the chosen charity, was the 'big winner' with President Ian Chapman thrilled to receive a $4,000 cheque. Members of the local branch provided valuable support to the event by acting as course and drink marshalls in conjunction with Mahana School.

Fastest on the Half Marathon course went to prediction with Simon Mardon (1.15.11) and Paula Canning (1.24.37) being comfortable winners, Canning recording a Personal Best time. Former runner, Dean Crowley, has 'changed camps' and now is a 'heel and toer' in the walking ranks. His 2.07.25 was a commendable effort as was Wendy Healey's 2.26.33, gaining her the Women's title.

In the 10km Gus Shirley (39.18) and Pogo Paterson (43.57) ran their way into victory while Ross Mitchell (1.08.54) and Yvonne Shaw (1.05.52) reigned supreme in the walk section.

Many got into the 'Mohana' spirit sporting their months growth, or fakes, with Marty Campbell efforts earning him the adulations of both the judges and the crowd. His wife's support was not overlooked, she was presented with a pot of lip balm!

November 18th
Woollastons are offering some fantastic race day specials for cellar door sales at Run Mahana. Click here to find out more. $1 of every bottle sold will go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

November 11th
Entry to the 15th Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake (April 24th 2010) will open on Friday the 20th of November. Online entry capability will be in operation as well as print and post option. Entries are limited to 300 so enter early to avoid disappointment.

October 20th
She'll be right... yeah right"
Each year, over 2,500 men in New Zealand are diagnosed with prostate cancer. A further 600 will die from the disease. This happens every 12 months and it's getting worse. This should not happen - Prostate Cancer is a preventable disease. There are early detection tests and it is often treatable. It is estimated that on average at least half of those annual deaths could have been avoided had the sufferers sought advice from a health professional in a timely manner. It is a staggering human cost.