Since its inception in 1992 the Wharf 2 Wharf event has grown exponentially. The original 25K race, organised by an enthusiastic Harriers Club captain and his wife, took runners from the glistening waters and solitude of the historic ferry wharf at Orapiu through breathtaking hill climbs alongside vineyards and overlooking bays on the east of the island to the modern ferry terminal at Matiatia.  Many elite athletes use the steep, hilly course for training for marathons and ultra-running events.  Olympic hopefuls – such as, Scott Winton return year on year to participate. Though minor variations have been made over the years to the route, the 25K run remains the signature race of the current event, with many serious walkers competing on the same course.

A second race, a less arduous 12K from the now-demolished wharf at Onetangi Strand to Matiatia Wharf was added in 1993 to attract greater participation. This popular race takes runners and walkers past vineyards, golf course and yacht club, as well as alongside beautiful beaches and bays on their way to the final downhill stretch to the finish line. A few years later, the 7K event starting at Kennedy Point wharf, was added to. With only a couple of hills to navigate and the long flat stretch between Surfdale and Blackpool beaches families and young children can join in the fun of the day!

Walking on Waiheke is a way of life, with many footpaths and trails traversing the island. In response to competitors seeking a more challenging course, a strenuous 13K walk was added in 2008, climbing up out of Orapiu, passing vineyards and farms alongside 25K racers, before peeling away down to the wide sandy beach of Onetangi.  For 2010, a 13K run has been added to allow middle distance runners an opportunity to experience the beauty of the “bottom end”, as locals call it.

The enormous popularity of walking and running in pursuit of fitness, combined with the beautiful scenery and leisurely ambience of Waiheke Island, has seen participation levels increase from around 400 in the early years to over 800 in 2009.  Continuing that trend, in 2010 the day will boast 8 run or walk events over 4 distances, with 3 start lines and 2 finish lines ~ with about 1,000 participants expected to enjoy a fun-filled day. Recognising that some things have to change, the organisers have introduced chip-timing for the first time.

While women appear to prefer the shorter distance events, the gender split in the 25K race is almost even most years.  Waihekean's also seem to prefer the shorter distances, but each year sees more international entries – Europeans, North and South Americans, and some academics from the Middle East were all there in 2009!  

Preserving the key traditions and rituals of the W2W is central to the organisation of the event.  Below are some quotes on the essence of W2W:

•  “A community fundraiser by the community for the community”
• “Show them the views to distract them from the hills!”
• “The Fun Run Ferry to the 25K start line at Orapiu”
• “Every event starts and finishes at a wharf, with scenic & hilly terrain of Waiheke at its best”
• “Its fun spirit  ~ water stations, course marshals and a convivial get together at the end ~ it’s the Waiheke way.”

Like all events, there’s always a horror story or two to be told.  We have yet to lose someone overboard from the Fun Run Ferry, but transporting everyone to their respective start lines takes good organisation and a pinch of patience!  Some better-forgotten moments in hindsight are amusing ~ running out of toilet paper at the Orapiu portaloos; the “missing” competitor found by course marshals talking to friends at the local shops.  Tweaking can prevent such mishaps. More serious was the collapse of a competitor at the finish line, who required transporting by helicopter to hospital, as there is no emergency medical facility on Waiheke.  While St. John’s service attends the event annually, in typical Waiheke fashion, the ambulance on this particular day arrived ten minutes after the helicopter had departed having stopped to pick up an elderly resident who had suffered a heart attack at the rest home. Both patients survived, thank goodness.  But while illness and injury cannot be averted, it reflects some of the unique challenges of island living faced by the W2W organisers.  Fortunately, the experiences of most competitors are positive!
    
In the true spirit of the “Waiheke Way”, cheering runners and walkers to the finish line are local community groups, dressed in their best Waihekean finery, working the water stations.  Post race entertainment provides a splendid picnic opportunity, enjoying local foods, listening to local musicians and performers on a wide grassy expanse overlooking Matiatia Bay.  And to remind all of their splendid day on beautiful Waiheke Island, participants leave with a free photograph of themselves out on the course.  Now that’s the Waiheke Way!