Sevens With Altitude

Last month, Queenstown hosted the national Sevens 'With Altitude', and, once again, the weather was stunning. If anything it was almost too hot as there is little shade at the ground, and we had to go and find some air-conditioning at one point. That's not a big complaint; that would be churlish - the rest of the event was generally excellent.

I'm afraid I don't actually know who most of these players (or even teams) are - but here are some pictures of the action on the second day.

 

The Southland jersey I do recognise

Likewise Taranaki

Otago and Canterbury

Otago played (and narrowly lost to) Auckland in the final. They lined up on the pitch before the match and they were joined by the Sevens With Altitude committee and Scooter's parents, for an emotional minute's silence.

Scooter put a lot into organising this event and loved watching the game. This year's tournament was dedicated to him, 'now looking down from the best seat in the house'. Hope you enjoyed it Scoot - I miss you every day.

Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon

Another of Adrian Bailey's events, the Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon was on last weekend. Him Outdoors ran it, and I took photos and manned a drink station at the halfway point. This meant I got driven through some of the most beautiful scenery to Ben Lomond Lodge where we spent the night and were treated to some fabulous hospitality from the wonderful Foster Family.

John Foster on the barbecue, cooking up the 'most expensive sausages you'll ever eat' - made from pure merino sheep!

Him Outdoors 'entertains' Mr Faulkner and CJD

Talking about the route...

It was an early start the next morning as the competitors were taken to the start of the race by helicopter.

And then the runners started to arrive...

Martin Cox, the eventual winner

Runners emerging at the top of the ridge

CJD looking sexy

Him Outdoors hopes that his calf holds up to the terrain...

...and wonders if beer is considered a performance drink

Runners arriving thick and fast...

Louisa Andrew - 2nd lady (I missed the first one)

Mr Faulkner

Harald Ulriksen

Wasting way too much energy!

It's not like Cairns, apparently

Bringing us sunshine...

...the Born to Runners

Is this the finish? Yes, of the first half!

Look at all these clearly mental people, still smiling. Haven't they seen a map of the course? It's all uphill from here!



Polly Buchanan

Aha, someone knows what's in store...

Him Outdoors and CJD skip across the finish line after five and a half hours - okay, maybe not skip as such!