They say that Water and Electricity don’t mix. But the Raetihi Gutbuster event is finding they work together quite
nicely. "Major new sponsorship from Veolia the water company, means we can have electronic timing again for our annual
event", says organiser Lucy Conway. Hopefully no sparks will fly as things get going for the 8th running of this Easter
Celebration, “Relying on computer timing is nerve wracking, but means a lot less stress for our volunteers”.
As well as electronic timing. E bikes are still welcome to come and ride the Historic Raetihi – Pipiriki road. “We tried
to have a separate category for them last year, but I think we only had one, and it was so well disguised as a regular
bike, that no-one really knew if it was there or not”. Runners and walkers who come and do the 18km out and back hilly
course, say they love it, but wish there were more runners, so if you’re looking for a good hill run before tackling the
Rotorua Marathon, or a taper run without the danger of tripping on a tree root before doing the ROF, come and take on
this one. You won’t regret it.
The Raetihi Gutbuster is a fundraising event for the Raetihi Promotions Charitable Trust, and has been going since 2011.
All our prizes are spot prizes that everyone is in the draw for. We try to recognize super effort by the first cyclists
and runners home, and hug as many as possible. We are a community organized fun run/walk or road cycle, but we take it
very seriously, and our major prizes are worth serious money. Entry fees are reasonable enough for the whole family to
be able to take part.