Wanganui 3 Bridges

The 3 Bridges Marathon in Wanganui is an annual event brought to you by the Wanganui Harrier Club. It includes a full marathon, 3/4 marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K options.  The event follows a 10km multi lap course, with the full marathon running 4 laps, 3/4 marathon 3 laps, half marathon 2 laps and 10K 1 lap.  The race starts and finishes near the Union Boat Club on Somme Parade, Wanganui. The course takes in the Dublin Street Bridge, City Bridge and the Cobham Bridge alongside the Whanganui River.


 Overview:

Location:	Wanganui
Distance:	5km, 10km, 21.1km, 31.6km, 41.2km
Elevation Gain:	none
Terrain:	Bitumen
Race Month:	December

Entry:

Entry Fee:
Other Costs To Race:	none
Restricted Entry:	none
How To Enter:	Online, by post, on the day for further entry details Click Here

Gear & Fuel:

Compulsory Gear:	none
Recommended Gear:	dress appropriate to weather
Drink/Fuel Stations:	water stations at 7km intervals

Highlights: 

• Well organised event
• Lovely riverside loop course

Challenges:

• Sections run on foot paths next to busy traffic, lots of cars going past
• Mostly exposed to sun (little or no shade), so gets quite warm

The Run: 
This was my first 1/2 marathon.  There were probably 200 (maybe more) runners entering the half marathon (which was the distance I ran), making this by far the biggest field I have entered so far.

Despite my prayers for refreshing rain, the sun was shining (not that I am complaining about that), and the pack soon thinned out as we wended our way along the trail.  I took the first 5 or 6km very easy, but half way through the first lap felt energetic and was magically lacking any leg pain, so I sped up for the next 6km and powered through the half way point feeling strong and fast.  The second loop of the course was, as I expected more challenging, and my knees and hips started to feel twingy. I crossed the finish line in 2 hours 26 min, a time I was really happy with, although I must have looked pretty rough, because one of the officials kept asking me if I was alright.

I really enjoyed this race, it was so fulfilling to complete the distance, and the course was lovely (it reminded me of running in Hagley park, which I really miss after leaving Christchurch).  The other competitors and spectators were supportive and encouraging.  Showers at the finishing line were an excellent idea (you didn't have to pass through them as you crossed the finish line, or anything like that, and despite the flooded floor and plethora of nude runners, they were deliciously refreshing).

The day concluded with the prize giving, with special mention and awards given to the numerous competitors who had completed 100 or more marathons.