Is 2000 the start of the new millenium? That’s for the theologians and scientists to debate. For me, it is the first year starting with a “2,” so it was a good excuse to run the Millenium Marathon in Hamilton, NZ, where the first light of the new year was dawning.
I travelled with Marathon Tours, which provided extensive sightseeing as well as the race. I saw Auckland (home to the America’s Cup), Rotorua (hot springs), Tamaki Maori Village, Paradise Trout and Wildlife Park, among others. It was rather hectic.
Oh, and the race! I got 3 hours of sleep, but still managed to make the bus at the start. It was relatively flat and wound around Hamilton and environs. I took it easy in the first half with newfound friends, and negative splitted the second half. The day culminated with an afternon of eating and an awards ceremony for runners who have completed a marathon on each of the seven continents.
The race was well run for a first-timer, except for some long lines. I wonder if they will wait 1000 years for the next edition?
I think my first “tour marathon” went well, and I’m thinking about Antarctica in 2001. We’ll see...