This race, on Auckland’s Waiheke Island, epitomizes so much that is good about running: beautiful scenery, great crowd support, hills that make you earn your post-race swim, and a non-standard distance of 25k meaning the emphasis is on the running, not the time.

This year, I took the camera with me in the race to give you an idea of what it’s like to complete. Watch the video here. Enjoy the pics below. And sign up for next year here!

The first hill (one of many).

One of the brilliant drink stations.

Most of the race is on sealed roads, except for this little stretch of soft gravel/dirt.

The award-winning drink station.

3k to go.