Competition Result
Jayden Ivaka Hunter wins the 49th Round Raro in the fastest Cook Islands time since 1983
Cook Islands runner Jayden Ivaka Hunter has won the 31km run at the 49th Round Rarotonga Road Race in 2:03:16, the fastest Round Raro time by a Cook Islands runner since 1983. He finished more than 17 minutes clear of the field.
Jayden grew up here in Rarotonga, and Athletics Cook Islands believes he has a bright future in long-distance running.
It was a successful and fun day for everyone involved. 324 runners, walkers and relay team members took part, 198 women and 126 men, from eight countries: the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Germany, the Czech Republic, South Africa and Fiji. Families, friends and supporters were out in force around the course and at the finish.
Every runner and walker who checked in was accounted for at the finish line.
By the numbers
10km run: 100
10km walk: 85
31km run: 94
31km walk: 21
31km relay: 8 teams, 24 people
Ages: 8 to 81, and the oldest finisher was 81
Moments to remember
Jayden was the first person home, and his grandmother Lynnsay Francis was the last, finishing the 31km walk in 6:12:22, a personal best.
Local runner and triathlete Kevin Henderson completed his 35th Round Raro, running the 31km in 3:25:02.
Team entries included 25 Pacific Resort Hotel staff and an eight-person firefighters team.
31km run
Jayden Ivaka Hunter won the men's race and was the first local home, in 2:03:16. Ben Campbell Macdonald was second in 2:20:47 and Paul Carter third in 2:21:24.
Rachael Kramer won the women's race in 2:37:25, ahead of Natasha Lydiard in 2:44:11 and Heather Nash in 2:50:16. Demi Moleta was the first local woman home, in 2:50:52.
31km relay
Saint, Soldiers, Sinners won the relay in 2:23:26, with David Robati, Luther Berg and Lyle Wichman sharing the 31km.
31km walk
Dawn Welch won the 31km walk outright in 4:24:06. Chris Rowe won the men's walk in 5:04:42, ahead of Craig Murray in 5:44:55 and Matthew Lawrence in 6:02:04.
10km run
Bryn Parry won the 10km run in 45:37. Brooke Ross won the women's race in 46:40, leading a Cook Islands one, two, three with Lauren Turner in 47:49 and Olivia Postrzygacz in 49:44. Jordan McPharlin was second in the men's race in 51:44 and Dennis Anderson third in 55:09.
10km walk
Jo Smith won the 10km walk outright in 1:18:28. Elmer David won the men's walk in 1:30:37.
Where the money goes
A share of the profits from Round Raro goes straight to youth athletics development. Every entry helps young Cook Islands athletes train, develop, compete and, one day, represent the country.
Thank you
Thank you to event partner Turama, and to Richard and Karyn Vinsen and Island Car & Bike Hire, this year's naming sponsor, who have backed Round Raro for many years as sponsors and as participants. Thank you also to every supporting sponsor, organisation, volunteer, marshal and official who made the week happen.
See you at number 50
Next year is the 50th Round Rarotonga Road Race, from 16 to 21 September 2027. Fifty years of locals and visitors running and walking around the island together. Bring your friends, your family and your running club.
The full official results are below.
Photos
