The Dual

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Record breaking day on Motutapu Island

Press Release / 28.03.2010

For the second year in a row, over 1000 participants were treated to a magnificent day of mountain biking and running on two of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Islands.

The Dual is a unique event covering the picturesque Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands; participants have the choice of a 30km mountain bike, 50km mountain bike, half marathon or full marathon. It is the only day of the year that mountain bikers can ride on these islands and is rated as one of the most scenic courses in New Zealand. Top competitors took advantage of perfect conditions and four new course records were set.

Experienced runner and orienteer, Michael Adams defended his title in the half marathon, breaking his record by nearly one minute and finishing nine minutes in front of second place getter, Ian Stuart. “I kept feeling like there were a couple of guys on my shoulder today – as it turned out there wasn’t so I ended up running harder than I intended too but it did helped to break the record so perhaps I should imagine people behind me more often!� 18-year-old, Ruby Muir smashed the women’s half marathon record by 18 minutes, completely the technical course in 1hour 47mins.

The 50km mountain bike winners also broke their respective records, Sue Clark taking the women’s title by over 14minutes and Thomas Reynolds taking lone honors by three minutes over Graham Norman. Auckland marathon runner, James Keugler continued an impressive start to his year taking out the marathon title in 3hrs 10mins - “It was an incredible course, really stunning and it is a true privilege to be over here running on these magnificent islands – I will definitely be back.�

Last years half marathon winner, Alex Jepsen stepped up to the marathon distance this year aiming, unfortunately not able to repeat her winning performance from last year, taking second place behind Janet Rhodes by 4 minutes. A new event was added to the schedule from last years inaugural event, the 30km mountain bike was won by Larisa Marsh and Matt Stanford. New Zealand sporting legend and 1981 New York Marathon Champion, Alison Roe, exchanged running shoes for two wheels – taking part in the 30km mountain bike event in which she won her age category by over three minutes. See All Event Posts