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Wellington Three Peaks Event Three, “William Bannister Memorial Run” (Mt Vic, Odells Reserve in Ngaio, Wrights Hill), 27 July 2008

By David Colquhoun

The final three peaks run of 2008 suffered the weather jinx again. With the North Island facing the worst storm of the winter, not many ventured out. And several of the frontrunners of the previous two events also realised that a three peaks run was not the wisest thing a week before the national cross-country championships. It was very cold indeed with a strong southerly. The various off-road tracks that are normally the obvious shortcuts were quagmires, which all meant most were out for longer than expected.

But 42 did show up, and eight of those go down in history as completing all nine peaks in the series.  Stephen Day was an easy winner in the men’s race, and the Anderson twins deadheated as usual to win the women’s. Those three also won the overall titles for all nine peaks, and a prize from Lifestyle Sports.

It was a cold day for the marshals, Leeanne Palmer, Emma Brooks and Bart and Daphne Jones. They have all done sterling work this year and the event could not have been done without them. Just as important were Des Young and Richard Brent helping with registration and the after-run refreshments. Special thanks for Lotty Turnidge for the donation of a great spot prize, and to our sponsors, Lifestyle Sports, Lake Autos and Repco out at Petone, and Bivouac Outdoor.

We might look at some changes next year – the tenth anniversary. Perhaps we could reduce the series from three to two, or start it a month earlier. It might make some sense to have it as a buildup to the crosscountry season, rather than in the middle of it. Feedback is welcome, and ideas for new routes. 

As usual the times are provisional as there is plenty of room for error when collating the damp and sometimes rather indecipherable checksheets. Please let David Colquhoun know of any errors and a corrected version will go up later in the week.

Photo above: The 3 peaks winners for 2008. From the left, Sally Anderson, Stephen Day and Helen Anderson.

In the table, W = walker.  Three Peaks