Run It Straight organisers promise more events, despite criticism
Despite public outcry, it appears the RUNIT Championship League will return.
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
.
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 on Thursday, 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 chair of the local community board
told Local Democracy Reporting it was opposed
.
Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich, chair 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."
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