After 10 orienteering events in 12 days, the fun had to end.  We finished in style, with a final sprint race around the Auckland harbour precinct, known as Wynyard Quarter.  On a perfect day it was very picturesque, with the city skyline, Sky Tower, boats of all sizes, and the Wynyard Viaduct opening bridge, making a backdrop reminiscent of the Melbourne City Race last year at Docklands.

We started in the forecourt of the Auckland Theatre Company building.  We’d been promised flat and fast, and that’s what we got.  As soon as I looked at my map, I knew there were no traps in store, just straightforward urban orienteering.  I immediately relaxed and settled into running for as long as my legs would hold out.   I made no errors, and finished with my quickest time of the week; enough to move me up a place into 5^th in the Auckland Triple Crown competition.

The winners were invited to sit on a throne, and have a gold crown placed ceremonially on their heads – all good fun.  We applauded Pam for her win, and Peter D for his third place; Pete also finished in fifth place; not a bad effort all round.  In these multi day events, its all about finishing; attrition will often take care of the rest.

The Auckland Triple Crown is set to become a regular bi-annual event, so perhaps we’ll be back in 2026.  But for now, its time to pack the suitcases and head for the comforts of home; until next time, anyway.