It was the third marathon for Liz and the first for Ron when
both runners completed the Great Wall of China marathon
earlier this month.
The Anderson husband-and-wife team were among 1700 runners in
the ninth annual race which crosses the wall several times.
The couple, who are both in their mid-50s, completed the
event together in 6hr 17min.
Liz, who regards herself as "a plodder", completed her first
marathon in Dunedin 20 years ago in about five hours.
"It was a tough race," Liz said. "We had to go up and down
3700 steps on the Great Wall and then run through small
villages until we hit the Great Wall again."
Runners from 49 countries competed in the event, including 39
from New Zealand.
"The race was well organised," Liz said. "We went in busloads
on the two-hour journey from Beijing and stayed in
accommodation an hour away from the race start."
Liz was impressed by the amount of bottled water available
during the race. "There was more water available than in any
other race I've been in."
The route was crowded with spectators who cheered the
runners.
Liz and Ron enjoy offbeat races. Ron has competed in the
Southern Traverse 11 times and Liz has completed the Kepler
Challenge on five occasions with a best time of 8hr 30min.
Will they go on more adventures?"It's made me eager to look
for more overseas marathons because you meet so many nice
people," Liz said.
"I would like to attempt New York and London."
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.