WUU2K RUNNERS PROFILES
For 2022 I was wanting to profile some of the runners, volunteers and supporters of the WUU2K event, hear a bit about their backgrounds and what the WUU means to them. The following are people who hold the WUU close to their hearts, and the WUU in return holds them close to its heart.
ELSPETH KNEWSTUBB
(Runner/Volunteer Legend/WUU supporter)
Wuu2K weekend is my favourite weekend in the Wellington running calendar. The Wellington trail running community gets behind the race in a big way and makes it a real party. I've been involved as a volunteer since year one (and still have the original yellow t-shirt to prove it). It's awesome to see so many people out challenging themselves on the truly exceptional trails we have on offer around Wellington. After 2 years as TEC for the marathon I had finally entered to run the 62km in 2021, but the weather bomb had other ideas. So I guess I'll be back for 2022...
SANDI GALE
(WUU Legend/Little Red Devil Volunteer)
Sandi Gale aka The wuu2K Devil. Running for the first time this year & competing only with the Grim Reaper.
Sandi has been a WUU supporter since inception and carries with her a heart of WUU running gold.
Sandi has been a WUU supporter since inception and carries with her a heart of WUU running gold.
HELEN CARRINGTON
(LONG TIME WUU SUPPORTER/WELLINGTON RUNNING LEGEND)
I've been involved with Wuu2k in some way every year since it's inaugural year in 2016 so it holds a special place in my heart. The Wellington running community comes out in force to support the most excellent and sadistic Gareth Thomas and his crew and it's ALWAYS a fun event.
I ran the 43km option in the first year, then, as I clearly hadn't spent enough time on my feet, donned a cow onesie to cheer on the remaining runners as they approached the finish!
Since then I've spent a lot of time in that cow onesie! I've volunteered at aid stations, been TEC with my good friend Elspeth for the 43km and had finish line duties.
I had entered the 43km in 2021 but had to withdraw due to injury. I think in 2022 I'll be back in volunteer duties. Now, where's that cow onesie?!
I ran the 43km option in the first year, then, as I clearly hadn't spent enough time on my feet, donned a cow onesie to cheer on the remaining runners as they approached the finish!
Since then I've spent a lot of time in that cow onesie! I've volunteered at aid stations, been TEC with my good friend Elspeth for the 43km and had finish line duties.
I had entered the 43km in 2021 but had to withdraw due to injury. I think in 2022 I'll be back in volunteer duties. Now, where's that cow onesie?!
KATHY BETHELL
(FREDDIE/SLASH/AXL/WUU ICON)
My first introduction to the world of WUU-2K was tagging along with Gareth and 20 other runners at a social recce of the course way back in May 2016 before the inaugural race. I knew straight away that this race was going to be something special. Wellington has some incredible trails and scenery (and, also, the Tip Track) and the WUU-2K is now the highlight of my running year. It's a privilege to share the emotions, the glory, and the camaraderie of the day with other runners who love it just as much as I do. On race day, you can usually find me at the top of Missing Link at Makara Peak, dressed up to the nines and giving out directions, encouragement, high fives, and hugs.
DOMINIC STROGEN
WELLY RUNNER/LONGTIME WUU2K AND WAI2K SUPPORTER
I’ve been involved in WUU2K and WAI2K from the beginning, and it’s been an amazing journey. From marshaling at the bottom of the Tip Track at the first WUU2K in 2016, helping Rhys with traffic management in 2017, running WUU43 in 2018 and WUU62 in 2019, being tail end Charlie for WAI43 in 2020, marshaling at a slightly moist WUU2K 2021 and various duties at the WAI2K start/finish line in 2021. Always amazing fun to be part of this incredible Wellington running community whether helping out or as a participant. Who knows, if I ever get unbroken again, I might run one of the races I haven’t done yet!
