Marathon NZ 2015

New Zealand

A Ken Poole Summary

Click on any picture for a larger view

Auckland New Zealand Marathon November 1, 2015

Well, this was number 49, if anyone is keeping count. One of many humbling experiences. Difficult in the first half over many hills (New Zealand is all hills) culminating in the Auckland Harbor Bridge not unlike our Heartbreak Hill. The second half was along the Pacific coast highway out and back over the same road. It was a good day sunny in the 60/70's. The start was from the coastal village of Devonport. It was 5am when we arrived and unlike any other marathon, the race did not start at the sound of the starting gun. Some 15K runners sat glued to a jumbo-tron watching the New Zealand All-Blacks vs. the Aussies in the worldcup rugby championship being played in London. Only after the first half was completed did we start the run. We were kept informed throughout the run ....the All-Blacks won 34-17. Daughter Kim and grandson Eric ran the half-marathon rounding out a fine family effort. Finished number 7 in the old-guy group.......ok, there were only 9 old guys in the group, — but what the hell, name of the game is to finish. If these old bones hold together the next run #50 should be Boston 2016. I have to find another hobby.....

KP

Grandson: Eric, Daughter: Kim & Old Bones