Organiser aims to put ‘inspirational’ Nelson event on the global running map
The organiser of an increasingly popular sports festival in Nelson is already seeing the potential to put it on the international running map.
The Spectacle running festival was held on Friday and Saturday, and featured just under 600 more participantsthan the inaugural event last year.
Organiser Julian Matthews said the number of spectators who turned up to cheer on the entrants had also skyrocketed.
The road and trail races, which started and finished in Nelson’s CBD, ranged from a mile long to 100km, attracting newbie runners to elite athletes.
A special highlight was the Racing Rod for Rānui relay held on Saturday, which helped raise $17,000 for Rānui House, which offers accommodation and support for people who have to travel to Christchurch for lifesaving medical treatment.
Matthews, a champion middle-distance runner, said the event ran smoothly and he felt it was ticking all the boxes in terms of providing a showcase for Nelson as an “outdoor playground” for athletes.
It reflected his own experience growing up in the city, where he made use of the streets and nearby trail networks while out running.
“There’s not many places in the world which can host such an event. It gives Nelson a chance to be visible on the running scene map.”
About 3% of those who took part came from overseas and it was part of Matthews’ marketing strategy next year to pitch the event internationally.
Among this year’s overseas contingent was Kathrine Switzer, who earned fame for becoming the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967, using the race number 261, despite being the target for attack.
She went on to become a trailblazer for female runners, and set up a not-for-profit organisation, 261 Fearless, which seeks to empower through the sport and education.
While the running festival provided a boost to the Nelson economy, adding between $3-3.5 million to the local coffers last year, the city’s mayor Nick Smith said it went way beyond that in terms of its broader potential.
“It’s an inspirational event that is a key part of the council’s plans for revitalising the city.”
He said the festival was also a showcase for Nelson’s weather and scenery, which he got to enjoy himself, taking part in the 10km relay and the Racing Rod for Rānui event.
“I do it because I enjoy it, but I also want to acknowledge the huge effort that goes into organising it.”
Smith said the festival also highlighted Nelson’s tradition of churning out Olympic running talent, including Matthews and Rod Dixon.
“We’re very proud of Nelson’s heritage of runners.”
By Regional reporter, Nelson Mail
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