Run It Straight organisers promise more events, despite criticism
After completing the second of its trials at Trusts Arena in West Auckland on Wednesday night, organisers posted on social media: "Thank you Auckland, we will be back."
An announcement was made confirming a third 'Run It Straight' event, pitting the winners from Monday and Wednesday's trials head-to-head for a prize of $250,000.
A date and venue was yet to be confirmed, though they said the final would be held indoors.
Wednesday night's trial took place on a 20m by 4m strip of astroturf, with competitors hovering around the 130kg mark. Two men retired due to knocks to the head, one slumping to the ground and appearing to have a seizure.
A competitor at the sports event in west Auckland appeared to convulse after colliding with another participant. (Source: rnz.co.nz)
Both hits were met by a thunderous ovation from the crowd. Among them was Kiwi league legend Manu Vatuvei, who said RUNIT reminded him of his Warriors training days.
"We used to run at each other and try to smash each other, just to get the feel of the contact - that's what drew me into this. I'm just happy it's here in New Zealand. I know a lot of people hate it, and a lot of people love it. I'm one of those people who love it."
Vatuvei said he was tempted to give it a crack himself.
"I do, honestly – but my mind is telling me one thing, my body is telling me another."
UFC light heavyweight Carlos Ulberg was also there, and along with Vatuvei threw T-shirts into the crowd.
"We used to do this at school – it was how we got our confidence or respect," Ulberg said.
Current Warrior Chanel Harris-Tavita has also appeared in promotional material for RUNIT, though the Warriors said it had nothing to do with them and the club did not want to comment.
Hundreds of children were also there.
"It's mean. The big hits, all the hype it brings, the crowd, everything, the atmosphere," a high schooler said.
Another young woman wanted to see females included.
"I know some hearty wahine – they need to do a women's one, because I'm gonna run it straight!"
Two other Run It Straight events were cancelled after organisers did not secure permits – though they blamed it on the council on social media.
In a statement today, Auckland Council said it had not declined or cancelled any events, stating it believed it was "unlikely" the events would have been okayed if the organisers had applied.
"Run It Straight organisers have not applied for any event permits or made any requests to book council owned or managed sites," general manager parks and community facilities Taryn Crewe said.
"It is therefore incorrect to suggest that the council is not allowing these events to proceed. However if the organisers were to follow the correct process, we believe it is highly unlikely the event would have met the council's guidelines for approval.
"In addition to health and safety considerations, Auckland's sports fields are in high demand at this time of year, with priority given to agreements with regional sports organisations."
One of the events had been down for Williams Park, Māngere, but the chairman of the local community board told Local Democracy Reporting it was opposed.
Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich, chairman of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, said the board was against the event on public health and safety grounds – especially around brain and health-related injuries.
The Run It Straight concept has its strong critics. Chief executive of the Headway charity, Stacey Mowbray, told RNZ it was undoubtedly causing brain injury.
She said the format and promotion of the events appeared to exploit financially vulnerable people by offering large cash prizes.
In Australia, sports neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce told news.com.au participants needed to understand they may be shortening their lives every time they take part.
"I was pretty gobsmacked, speechless actually when I saw this competition idea starting, because for me as someone who has seen hundreds of footballers and rugby league players who are now struggling with brain injury and long-term impairment, it is really troubling."
www.rnz.co.nz
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
8 hours ago
- RNZ News
The ultimate Warriors cult-hero line-up
Ali Lauitiiti still looms as the Warriors biggest cult hero. Photo: PHOTOSPORT While the Warriors may not have a cabinet chock-full of trophies, the club has never been short of men who create memories. Rising star Leka Halasima appears to be the latest of these Warriors enigmas. 'Leka' has already cemented himself as a fan favourite following his miraculous match winner in Newcastle . With the rise of Halasima, Jonty Dine selects his side of Warriors cult heroes, the players the streets won't forget. Fullback - Wade McKinnon Boasting a highlights reel to rival the best, McKinnon's electric kick returns, deceptive speed, and of course that mesmerising solo try against Penrith in 2007 endeared the Aussie to the Mount Smart faithful. Wing - Henry Fa'afili A knack for the spectacular, Fa'afili was beloved not just for his try-scoring feats, but also the iconic celebrations that followed . Centre - Konrad Hurrell A human wrecking ball, Hurrell was chaos personified. Regarded as a slight defensive liability, but with ball in hand, Hurrell was a sight to behold . Was just as adept at finding the tryline, as he was the camera to blow a kiss. Centre - Solomone Kata The Tongan tank was a nightmare for defences with speed , a low centre of gravity and the power of a front-rower, forming a brutal pairing with bash brother Hurrell. Wade McKinnon, Konrad Hurrell, Henry Fa'afili and Solomone Kata. Photo: Photosport Wing - Lee Oudenryn The fastest man in rugby league was a cult figure before he even joined the early Warriors side. With his blonde hair and searing speed, Oudenryn was happily adopted on this side of the Tasman. Five-eighth - Michael Witt A golden boot, Witt's radar accuracy off the tee saw him reach a streak of 28 successful goal on the trot, but he is most remembered for sealing the famous try in the semi-final upset over Melbourne, when he eventually put the ball down. Halfback - Lance Hohaia A utility weapon, 'The Huntly Hurricane' could play almost anywhere on the park, however that could at times see him struggle to lock down a regular starting spot. His diminutive frame belied his bravery . Prop - Mark Tookey 'Tooks' was the people's prop. A genuine big bopper who showed no regard for the men he ran at, and less about being a pin-up for the game. His kick return against the Cowboys in 2002 was as good as you'll see. Hooker - Jason Death The grit. The glue. The mongrel in the middle. Death never shied away from the dirty work. Also a quality distributor, Death was among the most reliable Warriors at the turn of the century. Lee Oudenryn, Michael Witt, Lance Hohaia and Jason Death. Photo: Photosport Prop - Iafeta Paleaaesina 'Feka' was synonymous with destruction. His fearless 'rhino style' runs, pumping the legs and exploding head first through contact, while terrifying for opposition was thrilling for the faithful. Second Row - Eliesa Katoa Katoa burst onto a heavily disrupted NRL scene courtesy of the Covid-19 pandemic, but despite only playing one of his 42 games in Auckland, still managed to leave an indelible impression on the club with his combination of power and offload artistry. Second Row - Ali Lauitiiti The first name on this list, the embodiment of a Warriors cult figure, an absolute magician. Lauitiiti, dubbed "the Michael Jordan of rugby league ," had freakish athleticism, was an offload king, and an integral reason for the club's first grand final appearance. Lock Forward - Richard Villasanti 'Villa the Gorilla" played his football with a reckless abandon that Warriors fans adored, epitomised by his vicious head to head shot on Brad Fitler in the 2002 grand final . Mark Tookey, Eliesa Katoa, Iafeta Paleaaesina and Richard Villasanti. Photo: Photosport Interchange Suaia Matagi Brutal off the back fence . Charlie Gubb Pure passion . Nathan Friend Selected for the somersault pass alone . Sione Faumuina A maverick with a deep bag of tricks . Charlie Gubb, Nathan Friend, Sione Faumuina and Suaia Matagi. Photo: Photosport Warriors cult hero lineup 1. Wade McKinnon 2. Henry Faifili 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. Solomone Kata 5. Lee Oudenryn 6. Michael Witt 7. Motu Tony 8. Mark Tookey 9. Jason Death 10. Iafeta Paleaaesina 11. Eliesa Katoa 12. Ali Lauititi 13. Richard Villasanti Interchange 14. Nathan Friend 15. Suaia Matagi 16. Charlie Gubb 17. Sione Faumuina Honourable mentions- PJ Marsh, Motu Tony, Jerry Seuseu, Mason Lino. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
11 hours ago
- RNZ News
NZ Warriors try to put heartbreaking NRL loss to Dolphins behind them
The soul-searching begins for the Warriors, after their last-gasp defeat to the Dolphins. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ NZ Warriors v Canterbury Bulldogs Kickoff: 9.35pm Saturday, 9 August Accor Stadium, Sydney Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Amid the ruins of a heartbreaking, last-gasp defeat to the Dolphins, each and every NZ Warriors player has had to hold themselves accountable to some degree - and then move on. In a frozen moment in time, as Dolphins and Kiwis winger Jamayne Isaako scored the gamewinning try in the corner of Go Media Stadium, the parochial home crowd fell silent, praying for some divine intervention from the NRL bunker that never came. The impact of this result was not lost on the fans, as they began to console themselves on a season seemingly slipping away, nor the players, as they began to second-guess what they could have done better to avoid this fate. "I've been part of teams that would say, 'Let's not worry about a review, it's too hard to see or let's not watch it'," coach Andrew Webster explained. "I just think you can't move on if you don't do that. "We had to get a bit of closure, when you go through some trauma like that, and then move on." Two weeks after inflicting the same torment on Newcastle Knights, there was also a matter of accepting the same medicine they had previously dished out. The Dolphins snatched their 20-18 victory, when they ran on the last tackle of their last set of the game, testing the Warriors' vulnerable right-edge defence, before sending the ball back to the left, where winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck remained alone against three attackers. Hooker Sam Healey and stand-in captain Kurt Capewell made valiant attempts to scramble back, but could not reach Isaako in time. One of the toughest on himself was fullback Taine Tuaupiki, the last line of defence who allowed himself to be sucked across the field in cover and could not respond quickly enough, when the ball went back the other way. "I just missed the job, bro," he lamented. "Elite fullbacks make that tackle in the corner and I didn't. "I'm sure a lot off the boys are nitpicking what they did wrong. That was my part, it's over now, but I wish I could have that back." Tuaupiki had already saved a certain try to Dolphins winger Jake Averillo and was also the last cover defender, as centre Herbie Farnworth broke into an open field, before pulling up with a hamstring injury. Jamayne Isaako scores the gamewinning try against the Warriors. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ "That's just my job as well," Tuaupiki insisted. "If someone makes a linebreak and runs straight through to the tryline, everyone would ask where was the fullback, so that was just me doing my job." Five-eighth Te Maire Martin was another shifting right, hoping to close down the final play on that side of the field. "We base so much of our stuff on effort and, if you look at that last play, we were almost putting in too much effort, which sounds stupid," he reflected. "I was at marker at the play-of-the-ball on the other side and chased right across to cover, and they ended up scoring where I would have been. "There were a few of us trying to shut it down, thinking it was the last play, then they came back. Instead of thinking calmly at that time, when the pressure was on… if we had stayed in our lanes, we could have shut it off. "You want to work hard for your teammates and a few of the boys were cramping up at the same time, so you want to cover. You still want to put in effort, but thinking calmer in those situations is the main [lesson]. "If they had scored on that right edge and I had stayed on the left, I would have been kicking myself." From Webster's perspective, the threat could have been nullified at the other end of the field. Moments before, the Warriors turned down a penalty shot at goal, which would have stretched their lead, but handed the ball back to their opponents on halfway. Instead, Webster ordered them to keep the ball in hand and pin the Dolphins deep in their own half for the rest of the game. "We had so much effort, everyone was circling behind to cover corners and they moved the ball back twice," he said, reliving that final play. "As they did that, guys were trying to cover corners, instead of having one big, beautiful line, and we allowed too much space. "We also let them off their line twice to give them a shot at that and we didn't need to do that. The learning there is, if we're ever in touch-football mode at the end of the game, we don't need 3-4 guys heading to the corner early - we should have just kept it straight." Webster was adamant the team had put their disappointment behind them, although some achieved that quicker than others. "You tend to drag your feet when you get home, but when you arrive to a bit of noise like a baby, partner pregnant... I've got a bit going on and can't afford to be dragging my feet," Tuaupiki chuckled. "When I was here, I was a bit gutted, but as soon as I got home, straight into dad mode and you get a spray from the misses if you're ruining the weekend." The Warriors have sat in the competition's top four most of the season, but a six-point buffer has now shrunk to just one, with four-time defending champions Penrith Panthers now breathing down their necks, as they prepare to face high-flying Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney on Saturday. They have won two of their last six games and what looked like a favourable run to the playoffs has proved anything but . They need to win at least three of their last five fixtures to clinch a post-season spot, although that may soften, as teams on the edge of the top eight also face their challenges. Eighth-placed Dolphins take on ninth-placed Sydney Roosters this weekend and defeat would leave the Sydneysiders clinging to mathematical chances, while Manly Sea Eagles (10th) have top-of-the-table Canberra Raiders in the Australian capital. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Otago Daily Times
13 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Oar-some opportunity in DC for Canterbury rower
Sienna Skilling of Ashburton is off to Washington DC on a four-year scholarship. PHOTO: TONI WILLIAMS Ashburton rower Sienna Skilling is heading to the United States capital on a full four-year rowing scholarship. She will study towards a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and criminal justice at George Washington University in Washington DC and compete for the university in the rowing eights. The 18-year-old was looking forward to studying in the capital city but most excited about taking her rowing to the next level. 'The facilities they have there are like nothing compared to here. We get our own nutritionist, our own trainer, our own physio, so just having access to all that will be pretty cool.' The full scholarship covers tuition, rowing, housing and food costs. She will live in the halls of residence for the duration of her time there. There are also a few attractions to check out in the city. 'There are lots of monuments and museums. It's very historical, with obviously the White House as well.'' Sienna, who has never visited the US before, leaves next week and will be accompanied on the journey by her father, Justin and his partner Emma. The distance between the US and home was a concern and getting back into formal education, she said. Since leaving Ashburton College last year, she had worked at signs and design company, Juice, and completed a rowing season with Avon Rowing Club in Christchurch. 'I went there because it's the biggest club in New Zealand so they've got lots of eights, which is what I will be rowing in America. So I wanted to get a feel for that.' She also trained alongside the New Zealand under-22 women's team rowing at Lake Hood with national coach Justin Wall. And has had a training plan from the university which she has been doing for the past eight weeks. It involved urging (rowing machine), weight training and isometrics workouts with body conditioning such as push-ups. Sienna Skilling started rowing at age 13, when in year 9 at Ashburton College. She loves the synergy needed in the sport. 'It's very cultural, you're in a boat – with however many – and you need to be like one. 'It's very (fulfilling) as well. You see hard work pay off.' Sienna's hard work saw her win bronze in the club pair at the New Zealand secondary school national rowing championships in February last year. Then messages started coming in from coaches watching the races. Sienna Skilling in action during pairs racing. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Being headhunted was an unfamiliar experience. She eventually signed up with Kiwi Athletes Agency who put together her education and rowing results and got her interviews with prospective universities state side. 'George Washington was the first one that said they would give me a full scholarship,' she said. It was too good an offer to turn down. Sienna believes she could be the first Kiwi rower at the school but would not be the only international this year with others from Australia, Italy and Germany. 'It will be good to have different people from different countries.' She would, however, be the only international in her rowing year group. 'There were originally three of us they were deciding between, then the head coach over there, talked to my school coach (Justin Wall) here. 'He obviously said a few good things, which was nice.'
