Beaut day round bridges - Waikato Times

A record number of athletes and fitness fanatics took to the Hamilton streets yesterday for the 2009 Round The Bridges race.  More than 4600 competitors took part in near-perfect race conditions for the event, which was celebrating its 65th anniversary.

Rae Mellsop, marketing and communications manager for race organiser U Leisure, said the support from throughout the Waikato was unbelievable and the event could only get better.

"It was amazing to see so many people taking part in the race," she said. "We are honestly elated."

The record number of entrants was achieved despite an increase in registration costs which, Ms Mellsop said, was unavoidable given the need for better infrastructure.

"Last year registration was $20 and this year it was $25, which was about making it a sustainable event," she said.

Although most competitors felt the race was well managed there was some discussion about a bottleneck at Fairfield Bridge which, Ms Mellsop said, would be evaluated for next year.

"One lane of Fairfield Bridge was closed for the first 30 minutes of the race but it is a main thoroughfare for traffic heading to and from the city and it is difficult to get approval for lengthy closures, but we will be looking into it," she said.

Overall men's winner of the 12-kilometre race was Rees Buck, 33, from Wellington, who was "a little bit sore" after his first road race in six weeks. "The last two or three kilometres into the head wind was tough but I'm pretty pleased," Mr Buck said.

The women's 12km winner was Tauranga mother Jess Ruthe, who has won six races since the birth in April of her first child. Both 6km races went to Hamilton secondary school students, with Mohamed Ali taking out the men's section and Olivia Ritchie the women's.

Along with the race winners were various stories of personal success, like competitive race walker Russell Smyth who produced his fastest time in 30 years. The 61-year-old finished the 12km competitive walk in 1:10.37 and was elated with his time. Taking the title of most senior race entrant was 83-year-old Te Awamutu resident Phyl Linsley, who completed the 12km walk in 1:57.

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