2022 - The WUU/WAI year ahead

As we move into 2022, Omicron is about to go nuts in the NZ community and there are going to be struggles going on all over the place. It's going to be tough. But we will get through it. We just kind of have to put our heads down and push on through as best we can. The events sector has already been through enough over the past 2 years, and organising the WUU/WAI events around covid has been a tricky thing to endure. I'm just crossing my fingers that by July, things will be looking a bit more relaxed. Always good to be optimistic right!?
The WUU 2022 planning is in the early stages. For 2022 it seemed fitting to open entries on the 22nd Feb to roll with the 2's and it's my Birthday also, so why not. I ordered WUU T Shirts already and they arrived at the end of 2021, as I preempted possible stock delays for 2022, so I made sure I got these sorted early. I'm kind of glad I did really as the shelves seem to be getting emptier and emptier.
The WUU 2022 team is getting sorted for 2022 also. Cate is back on board to organise the Volunteers for both WUU/WAI events this year, and I'm happy to have her back. I'll be doing the bulk of the admin work myself as I have done for all other years, but may rope my loving partner Megs into help out with things. Especially edging closer to race week I begin to get swamped with emails, while packing race bags etc. Stu will be back for the WUU to help coordinate the course marking which he has done every year, while Brent will be on hand to cover race day logistics with Brad. Depending on numbers of entries, I may need to pull a few more folk into the mix. We will just see how we go hey!
For the WUU2022 we will be adding a rain day back-up of the Sunday following race day Saturday in case the weather goes nuts again. Trying to have a rain day the weekend after or so just does not work with the potential for shit weather again the weekend after, so the best bet is to offer the Sunday of the same weekend. In doing this, we still need to organise all of the core logistics to have all aspects covered for both days, and is still an extra mission. All those folk coming from out of town will need to allow for this also, but I'm sure an extra day in Wellington is a good thing!
I'm hoping for the borders to open before July, so we can open up once again to our international field. It's been a couple of years and we miss the addition of International runners in the events. If we sell out prior to the borders opening, and then this changes, we may open to more entries for the International community. We will just have to sit tight for now and wait and see how the first part of the year plays out. Here's hoping.
We will do our best to put on an amazing WUU for you all this year, as I know you need it as much as myself and the crew need it. I personally love creating the WUU and bringing together a fine field of people for a day out on the Welly hills. For now, stay safe out there and we all look forward to  seeing you in July. I'll leave you with a photo from the WAI2K start line 2021.

Kia Kaha,

Gareth