Coastin' along for a decade

Valerie Schuler | 6th February 2010

It started when a few mates wanted to get fit; now it's a massive event. Valerie Schuler meets the Motley Crew who spawned the coastal fun run

For a bunch of North Shore lads in their mid-30s, beer and the good life were taking their toll. It was time to get active.

"We were getting a bit long in the tooth and decided we really needed to do some training," says Paul Dunphy.

"We were a bit of an eccentric bunch and someone foolishly suggested running from Whangaparaoa to North Head. We looked at each other and said, 'Yeah'."

Low tide wasn't enough of a challenge for these guys. They set off at high tide, backpacks filled with beer and sausages.

"We thought we might as well have a barbie once we arrived," the 46-year-old Milford man recalls.

The runners even gave themselves a name: the Motley Crew. They crossed land and sea and swam shark-infested waters with raw meat on their backs.

"Yep, we were pretty tough," says fellow Motley Crew member Jon Ackland.

All this was back in the 1990s. Almost 10 years on, the frivolity has evolved into a massive annual event, the North Shore City Coastal Challenge.

"I worked in events for the North Shore City Council at the time and suggested turning the adventure into something more public," says Mr Dunphy.

The council sponsored the run in 2003. Since then, hundreds of participants have hopped, run, jogged and walked from their chosen starting points to Windsor Reserve in Devonport.

This year's coastal challenge is coming up on Saturday, February 27. Total Sport, which organises it, expects more than 1000 people to take part. Distances range from a friendly 6km run or walk to the legendary 33km "full monty", with varying distances in between.

Event director Luke Garea says the coastal challenge is perfect for runners and walkers of any age who want a memorable day's adventure.

"If you're after a more scenic route for your run or walk, then this is definitely it. The track is uniquely and strictly coastal and there's no bitumen in sight.

"It's a bit of a laugh and adds a very Kiwi dimension to the event."

The running courses start at Arkles Bay for the 33km run, Long Bay for the 22km, Browns Bay for the 16km, Milford Beach for the 11km run and Takapuna Beach for the 6km. Walkers set off from Browns Bay, Milford or Takapuna. All end at Windsor Reserve in Devonport. To keep the tradition alive, there will be a barbecue groaning with bangers at the finish line.

Costs range from $35 to $95, depending on the category.

Over the years, the event has supported the Stefan Brodie Trust - which funds scholarships for people involved in outdoor pursuits. Proceeds from this year's run will help victims of the Haiti earthquakes.

To register, visit: www.totalsport.co.nz