Over the weekend Jacob traveled to Tauranga to take on one of the toughest cross-country events for intermediate athletes. After arriving Saturday afternoon and squeezing in a quick course check, it was back to the motel for dinner and an early night.

Sunday brought rain and wind, and about 30 minutes before the race the skies opened — turning an already challenging course into a slippery, muddy test. Jacob rose to the occasion, powering through to take 1st place in 10:21 out of 152 finishers 

Not long after, Jacob had the privilege of pacing and guiding Tamahau, a Year 7 AWD runner from Paeroa Christian School who has a visual impairment. Tamahau ran brilliantly, finishing just one second off the AWD record!

It was an unforgettable event, and Jacob wants to thank everyone for the encouragement and support — he truly felt Mairehau’s pride and energy behind him in the lead-up to his big race.