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Hamilton's annual Round The Bridges race attracts some keen competitors. Rob Kidd talks to two who have notched up an impressive number of starts. -------------------- It's time to dust off the running shoes and start stretching - it's just under two months until the annual Round the Bridges races. For two Hamilton running stalwarts no special preparation is needed, running is part of their life. Hamilton City Hawks Athletics president David Southwick has competed in Prada Purse Handags Replica the event 24 times, his first in 1962 as an 11-year- old. This may sound impressive but life member of the club and first- ever female member Pauline Hewitt goes one better, with 25 appearances. "I've always run," Mr Southwick, 58, said. "I don't know what it's like not to run. My very first memories are of my father running." People all over the region will soon be taking time each day to pound the pavement in preparation for the event, and Mr Southwick has some advice. "It's all about making running a habit and before you know it the habit runs you," he said. The New Balance Round the Bridges has built a proud history since its Replica Piaget Watches first running in 1944. It was set up, by Cliff Thompson, to attract the nation's best runners to Hamilton. Legendary Olympians Sir Peter Snell and John Davies took the title in 1959 and 1965 respectively. Mrs Hewitt said the course had changed a lot since her first race in 1976 but one thing had remained the same - the race had always gone over the bridges. Her first race coincided with the new masters category being formed and, at the age of 40, she was the first female masters champion. The two runners said one of the event's main drawcards was that it had always been well organised, and made special mention of the work of Martin Upton (in the 80s and 90s) and Graham Dudfield. This year the Hawks are using event management company U Leisure to organise the race. "We are very pleased with the arrangment so far," Mrs Hewitt said. And no wonder. Last year she was unable to compete because she was too busy with the organisation. Mr Southwick, a former runner- up as a junior, said he was running this year "for the sheer fun of it". Mrs Hewitt is training for the World Masters Games, in Sydney, on October 10. The two cannot imagine life without running. Mrs Hewitt looked at things more practically. "I'll keep running as long as my husband helps with the housework." Round the Bridges is on November 15. * For entry and more details see: . -------------------- Other articles: http://13516344.blog.hexun.com/45051746_d.html http://0708.njnu.edu.cn/Blog/View/?836 |
