THE WHOLE COUNTRY MOVING ?
The intention of the Olympic Committee in organising activities for this day was to get as many people active as possible. With just 49 taking part in our run , it is unlikely that that target was reached. There were not too many signs of other things happening.
Nevertheless, 28 from a Football group arrived in time to hit the actual Start ! Each was given a printed number to carry (to prove they had completed the run !)
The weather was fine and (too) warm, but a sea breeze helped to blow them home. Part of the
run started on a grassy area above the beach. As the tide was in, no-one got their feet wet running in the shallows ! Then up some steps to the Causeway, over the bridge, and down to Taiwan Park and the Finish.
The three leading men took 16min. 15 sec. for the 3km. run. All finishers received a printed souvenir certificate (in exchange for their number !) The first group had left when two of the KAA Committee arrived with another mixed group of 21 runners. So these too also received a souvenir.
The first male finisher and first female finisher received souvenir T-shirts. These were Kaiea Karennang and Nei Tinabora Tekeiaki.
Thanks to all, and to the Betio policemen who helped by topping (with a pick-up) and tailing (with a motor-bike) the runners.
The only young boy running (Sosene) was given a souvenir adidas cap !
PHOTOS.
The two images show the runners in the Soccer group as they left the beach area and climbed over the wall to run on the side of the Causeway; and the whole of the second group after they had been given certificates at Taiwan Park. (KAA President Albert Brechtefeld sitting recovering - in red.)
Last Modified on 23/06/2009 17:36