Ironman Finisher Taupo 2009

Introducing Laraine Chase, Orewa Events founder and Race Director for
The Orewa Beach Half Marathon and The Monday Nighta fun run/walk summers series in Orewa and The Orewa Beach Dash for Cash.

Laraine began her sporting career 10 years ago competing in age group triathlons all over New Zealand and overseas enjoying mostly sprint distance triathlon but with a few Half Ironman and most recently Ironman Taupo 2009.

After suffering a severe back injury in 2006 and after 2 major spine surgeries Laraine has all but retired from racing but made it her mission to complete at least one Ironman. She chose the Ironman in Taupo and completed it not in record time but got to the end by simply taking it slowly and enjoying the day.

In 2006 when Laraine realized that her body was probably not going to allow her to keep up her heavy fitness regime decided that she still had lots to give so started The Monday Nighta group with the communities fun and fitness in mind. Now in its 3^rd year The Monday Nighta sees on average 80 participants weekly with Mum Dad and the kids, retired couples and weekend warriors stepping out and just loving the commeradary and friendship surrounding the event.

With the success of The Monday Nighta Laraine received many requests to bring back The Orewa Beach Half Marathon so with much discussion with her family she decided to go for it. In 2009 its inaugural year the event attracted just over 1000 competitors and was a huge and very successful day.

Laraine thanks many volunteers supporters and family members for their help with her events especially her husband Ed and daughter Kara who are never usually too far away from the action.

Trudie Nelson, John Banks (AUCKLAND MAYOR) Laraine Chase, Ed Lyman