Episode 152 - WUU2K 2021 Special

07/20/21 • 73 min

Kia Ora Whānau. Some would say that Gareth Thomas has enjoyed a magic run of weather in the four years that WUU2K (Wellington Urban Ultramarathon) has been run. We all hoped that 2021 would be an extension of that great weather however it was sadly not to be. Faced with difficult choices everywhere he turned, Gareth ultimately had the choice made for him by the Meteorological Service. So the whole field ended up battling the 21km course in the teeth of the most challenging conditions many had experienced. The episode starts at registration, with Eugene and Matt catching up with Gareth and Volunteer Manager, Cate Shave. We also have a catch up with Spike and Fiona Hayvice at the finish line on top of a freezing Mt Victoria. We reconvene the conversation the next day in far-drier environs (thanks, Rydges Wellington!!) to run down the race, go through results, Hardrock weekend, and all the good stuff. We also have a post-race catch-up with race director Gareth, who it would be fair to say has been through his share of professional and personal challenges over the past 12 months. Thanks Wellington for being O for Oarsome and thanks to all who shouted out on the course!! Enjoy.

Previous Episode

Episode 151 - Stephen Redfern

Stephen Redfern decided to run a half marathon in 2014. It went well. He then ran 100km a few months later. FIVE WEEKS after that Stephen completed his first 100 mile race. From there ... well. World 24 hour champs, Western States, UTMB ... Stephen is the secretary of the Australian Ultra Running Association, and race director of the Unreasonable East 200 mile and Sydney 24 hour. Gosh. That’s a lot, right? Hong Kong Four Trails? You betcha. Smashing Andrew McDowall in a personal vendetta which we don’t really understand? Yup. Plus an amazing Greatest Run Ever from the TUM men’s champ. This episode is killer. Enjoy.

Next Episode

Episode 153 - Chloe Wickman

Seven years ago on a trip to Brazil Chloe Wickman noticed the overwhelming explosion of body positivity and vibrancy which saw all shapes and sizes embrace colour and celebration. Wanting to capture the joy and confidence of the mulit-coloured clothing she had experienced Chloe started Zeenya Clothing. If you’ve stood on the start line of any trail run or major ultramarathon in the last few years in Aotearoa you will have seen a woman rocking Zeenya tights. Even more recently, the brand has experienced a huge lift thanks to the enthusiasm of the Zeenya community and ambassadors. We speak to Chloe about her own running journey, body positivity, community, engagement, and her experiences working in Para sport and even volunteering at the 2016 Olympics. We also draw our Crater Rim competition winner, drill down through our mailbox (including a link to an exciting virtual race) smash through the race and FKT news, and the most lyric GRE we’ve ever had. Enjoy.