'A fun day' was the general consensus after RIBCA members turned out in force to support the Dual Motutapu-Rangitoto Traverse.

It was an amazing sight as hundreds of marathon runners and mountain bikers crisscrossed both islands to raise funds for the Motutapu Restoration Trust.

"It WAS a great event" said RIBCA's Tony Meggit, "and a great community spirit shown. The Motutapu Resoration Trust (the event hosts) leading the way, but with DoC assistance, RIBCA people, Fullers and Motutapu Farm all working together, it shows what can be done."

Deodar Meggit from Te Hira Bach, Islington Bay, was a race marshal with her son Noah at Rangitoto Wharf. Deodar said how proud she was to be involved in such a unique event. "It is wonderful how events like this introduce Rangitoto to a wider range of people so that more and more come to enjoy this very special place."

Motutapu Restoration Trust chair Chris Fletcher shared this view, "It's just a wonderful use of Rangitoto and Motutapu. It's also a great way of high-lighting what is actually on the back doorstep for most Aucklanders."

Brett Butland, DoC's Auckland Area Manager, saw it as "a fantastic opportunity to help with and raise awareness of the restoration and regeneration of the Islands’ native forests."

"The funds generated", said Chris Fletcher, "will go a long way to supporting the vision to see the Island become the largest Island Conservation Park in the country, by replanting large parts of Motutapu in native trees and reintroducing native wildlife including Kiwi and Tuatara."

Of the event itself, the competitors loved it. "It's surprisingly brutal, it never lets up", said one athlete, "but it's beautiful and fun at the same time." Most said they will be back next year.

Also coming back will be Betty and Barry Tricklebank from the Boswell Bach, Beacon End. They were race marshals for the bikes on the downhill run between the Rangitoto summit and McKenzie Bay. Betty said they very much enjoyed their day and would be happy to do it again.

Lois Eagles at Eagles Nest, had, she said, "an awesome day!" Betty, from her vantage point, was able to phone Lois to tell her that the bikes were starting to go past. "So", says Lois, "I ran as fast as my body would allow up the path and stayed there. It was encouraging to see the riders pleased to see me standing there and letting them know they were on a nice flat bit with good scenery. They were yelling out 'good morning, thanks for being there'. I really enjoyed those hours."