Couple set to toast special occasion at Rotorua Marathon

Published 4th May 2023

A pair of long-standing Red Stag Rotorua Marathon devotees Brian and Oringa Barach will compete in the iconic race on Saturday on their 51st wedding anniversary.

The Whangarei-based couple have completed the full marathon at the annual event a combined 50 times and the pair will take to the start line with Brian in marathon action, Oringa in the 10km and daughter, Polly, also taking on the lap of the lake.

“It’s funny, mum and dad always tell me they think there may have only been two other times when the Rotorua Marathon has been on their anniversary it’s normally always before, it’s just special it’s worked out this way,” says Polly, who is competing in her “seventh or eighth” Red Stag Rotorua Marathon

For Brian, 74, and Oringa, 76, – both members of the Rotorua Marathon Survivors Club for runners who have completed at least 15 Rotorua Marathons – it is a race that has a place in their heart. For Brian, a semi-retired mechanic, it will be his 27th Rotorua Marathon on Saturday while his wife of more than half a century has completed 24.

On this occasion Oringa will be taking on the 10km and according to Polly the day will be one to celebrate.

“It’s awesome to be able to still race alongside my parents, they are an inspiration to not only me but to many not only in Northland but New Zealand wide,” says Polly, 37, a police officer.

“I love Rotorua Marathon, it is where I made by debut and I enjoy the atmosphere and the history of the event. I think from mum and dad’s point of view it’s more the same, plus the special friends they have made through the Survivors Club.”

Currently training for an ironman event, Polly says apart from a few niggles training has gone well and for her mum and dad other than Cyclone Gabrielle, which hampered training for a short period, their preparation has gone without a hitch.

So, what are the goals on the day for the trio?

“Mum is doing the 10km, so depending on what time that starts we will either cheer her on or she will cheer us on,” adds Polly. “I wish I could keep up with my dad, but he is a far better runner than me, so I will see him at the end. I would be pleased with a time under five hours and my dad will look for a time under four hours – but we all just want to finish the race.

And how do Brian and Oringa plan post the run plan to celebrate the rest of their wedding anniversary?

“They are going to the Survivors Club dinner and then the pair might go camping after the event,” says Polly.