"We've done it."
Those were the words of Marlborough Express sports reporter John Alexander after he and nine others completed their fundraising relay run from Blenheim to Christchurch on Saturday afternoon.
The Red and Black relay team arrived at 3.30pm as planned at Pine Acres, just north of Christchurch, and were joined for the last three kilometres by Andy Ellis, a member of the Rugby World Cup-winning All Black team.
The runners were met by a crowd of family and supporters, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and Mayoress Jo Nicholls-Parker and two women from the Kaiapoi Red Cross.
The 10 people in the relay team ran six legs of 5km in pairs.
They left Blenheim on Friday morning and stopped for the night in Kaikoura.
Seddon School children ran with the runners on Friday to support them as they ran through Seddon, and cars tooted support along the way.
They began running again from Oaro, south of Kaikoura, about 7.30am on Saturday and arrived in Christchurch at 3.30pm.
Conditions were perfect during the day, Alexander said.
"I feel really proud about what we've all done - the people who got behind me and joined me in the run, drivers and support crew," he said.
"I feel chuffed, it was quite a moving experience."
They handed a cheque for $14,400 to the Red Cross for its earthquake appeal, with some funds still to be collected.
"It's something you can tell your kids and grandkids about.
"Something you'll never forget," Alexander said after the final run.
The team spent the night in Christchurch before returning to Blenheim yesterday, tired but pleased with what they had achieved.
- The Marlborough Express
SIMON WONG
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