Over 6000 fun-loving runners participate in Hamilton’s ‘Round the Bridges’

After two cancellations due to Covid-19-related issues, Hamilton’s beloved ‘Round the Bridges’ contested events finally returned to the city today.

This community event attracted 6,300 entries against about 5,800 in the last event held in 2020, and probably the highest number so far.

With a minimum age of 5 years, there were people of all shapes and sizes competing in the challenges of 12km/6km fun run and walk courses and two options for the Grassroots Trust Kids challenge.

The full 12km started from Victoria Street in the CBD and ran north along Victoria Street, heading down to the river path at Rostrevor Street and crossed the river at Fairfield Bridge. Runners then followed River Road south, through the Hamilton Gardens, and over Cobham Bridge. The course followed the river back up to the finish line on Victoria Street.

The 6km Fun Run & Walk began in Garden place, and course lay north along Victoria Street, heading down to the river path at Rostrevor Street. After crossing the Fairfield Bridge, the course headed south along River Road, crossed Victoria Bridge and back up Victoria Street to finish back at Garden Place.

The event was no less than a carnival with several participants dressed up in costumes, including Dragons, Stormtrooper , Smurf, etc.

In the replica costume of Stormtrooper, Richardson was seen attracting lot of attraction, with several requests of ‘selfies’ as well. Richardson was taking part in the 6km category and aiming to fund raise for the Starship Foundation.

Michael Voss was the winner with a finish time of 37:18 minutes in the 12km category and Louie Endres came first in the 6km with a time of 20:47 minutes.

Both male and female first position achievers in the HCC 12km race receive $500 Thermatech merchandise pack, $250 prize money, free entry into next year’s event.

The first-placed male and female are also awarded the Allan Bloore & Donald Miller Trophy and Tinkler Shield respectively.

Every participant receive a Finisher’s certificate after the race to commemorate their success. Every participant who crossed the finish line was also presented with a commemorative finisher’s medal. Spot prizes were also handed out to lucky winners randomly as they crossed the finish line.

‘Round the bridges’ is one of the oldest annually contested events. It was established in 1945 by the harrier Club (now known as Hamilton City Hawks), and started out as a road race designed to showcase some of NZ’s top athletes.