Memories of the First Round Rarotonga Road Race

Gary, John, and Graeme dodging potholes

Yes, I competed in the first Round Rarotonga Road Race. It was 19 miles around the island in the hot weather of the Pacific Ocean. There were three Kiwis on the start line that day: Graeme Struthers, the New Zealand marathon champion, John Walker — the first man to break 3 minutes 50 seconds for the mile — and good old me, representing nothing more than myself and my home town of Putaruru.

The Start

Foolishly, not knowing my place in the hierarchy of runners, I set off shoulder to shoulder with Graeme and John. I had arranged for a local on a motorscooter to follow me with water supplies. It was an extremely hot and humid morning, and all three of us were drenched in sweat by the first mile.

The road surface was unforgiving — nothing like the smooth tarmac of today. Back then, it was a procession of potholes. In fact, the days before the race, teams of workers had filled the thousands of craters with coral sand.

Training for the Heat

Although I was out of my league running alongside these great athletes, I had one thing in my favour: heat acclimatisation. In the months leading up to the race, I applied my sports medicine knowledge to prepare for tropical conditions.

I discovered a discrete sauna in Karori, Wellington — and twice a week, all through the winter, I ran there after work. I would sequester myself in the sauna, running on the spot for as long as I could bear. When the locals came home for their evenings of relaxation, my session was over. I shuffled home, well-cooked but more ready for what was expected in the tropics.

That work paid off.

Running Without Water

John, breaking three min 50s for the mile

Unfortunately, the local police stopped my water boy — despite being related to them. That meant I ran all 19 miles without a single drop of water in the most oppressive heat and humidity I had ever experienced.

The locals lining the road were generous, offering coconuts, oranges, and bananas. But I was running too fast to stop and partake.

John Walker wilted in the heat and pulled out. Technically, that means I beat him — one of the few Kiwis who can say they did! I'll gladly take that victory, however it came.

The Finish

By the last few miles, I was in serious trouble. Heat exhaustion and dehydration hit hard. Darkness closed in, abdominal cramps buckled me, and I staggered blindly at times. Somehow, I pushed on to finish in second place.

I remember clearly how destroyed I was afterwards. My thighs were so sore for days that I couldn't lower myself onto a toilet seat without crying out in pain. I told myself then and there: never again.

The Legacy

The race continues to this day. Thankfully, they made two important changes after those early years:- It now starts before dawn, making use of the cooler hours, and there are water stations along the way.

From humble beginnings in 1978, the Round Rarotonga Road Race has become a fixture on the Pacific running calendar. Graeme Struthers won that first edition, with me hanging on for second. In later years, legends like Kevin Ryan, Jack Foster, and Mark Handley left their mark, and the records they set still inspire.

It is more than just a race. It is a community event that raises money to send young Cook Islands athletes to compete in the New Zealand Secondary School Championships. Volunteers — even Girl Guides — have been part of its story.

Looking back nearly half a century later, I feel privileged to have been part of the very beginning. It was brutal, foolish, and unforgettable. And yes, I can still claim to have beaten John Walker.

Thanks

I'd like to thank journalist Paul Mulvaney, for documenting the history of this one-of-kind sporting event. Here is the list of winners that Paul has kindly supplied: