Another successful Round the Vines

This year’s 20th Round the Vines fundraiser in support of Martinborough School was held in mid-March this year. Despite ominous predictions of inclement weather due to Cyclone Pam, the weather on the day was perfect, and the atmosphere on the course reflected this.

This year’s drink stations also added to the course atmosphere, with hours of work and planning having gone into themed stations, with special mention to Pip Wilkinson’s firefighters, Emma Taylor’s “Naughty Shorty” and Hayley Brandon’s “Desperate Housewives”. Live music on the course and at the finish line kept everyone motivated throughout the morning.

Each year we ask participants why they come and what they enjoyed most about the event. For some it is the generous and unique spot prizes. For others it’s the chance to see some wonderful Martinborough scenery and experience the vines just before harvest. For most it’s a relaxing, fun and enjoyable day out, which is well organized and in support of a good cause.

Once again we had some fabulous competition out on the course, both for the dress-up prizes and the run and walk itself. It was also fantastic to see great competition for the childrens’ 14 years and under event, with Jamie Field, Christopher Coetzee and Mark Steventon coming in first, second and third respectively.
Winners of the 21km run were James Parsons and Clare Miller, the 10km run winners were Michael de Toit and Sarah Dallas, the 21km walk winners were Geoff Ryland and Karyn Lewis and the 10km walk winners were John Roskvist and Ingrid Bird. What an amazing achievement by all those taking part, especially to those who managed to sample some of our fine wines along the way!!

Local businesses and associations that lend their support are pivotal in making the day a truly community-spirited one. Our runners and walkers note the community atmosphere and the support of local and Wairarapa businesses. We also receive amazing support from Genesis, whose generous donation helps pay for our marketing and advertising of the event. Other sponsors who we simply couldn’t do without include:
Printcraft, Peppers Parehua, Shoe Clinic, Brooks Shoes, Toast Martinborough, MoreFM, Ata Rangi, Palliser Estate, Property Brokers, Tranzit Coachlines, Thrive, Martinborough Vineyard, Brackenridge, Margrain Vineyard Villas, Nga Waka Vineyard, Stonecutter, Haythornthwaite, PGG Wrightsons, Schubert, Northcote Cottage, Trust House, Escarpment, Cool Change, Trevs Sports, Lacoste Cottage, Amelie Rose Cottage, Aig An Taigh Farmstay, Farmlands, Kitcheners, Martinborough Automotive, Olivo, Providore, Soeur Design, Ashwell Vinyard, Cabbage Tree Vinyard, Martinborough Transport, Village Café, Martinborough Wine Merchants, Poppies, Lighthouse Gin, Scarlett, Martinborough Wine Tours, Murdoch James, Cambridge Rd Wines and Muirlea Rise
We are still counting but hope to have raised in excess of $20,000; this is an amazing boost to providing some extra facilities around the school. Planning is already underway for next year’s event, which will be a real “coming of age” as it’s our 21st event and we want it to be even bigger than this year!!
This truly is a community event, and it’s wonderful to be able to help our local school out with much needed funds for projects. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for upcoming details about next year’s event.