There were eight In the Footsteps of the Marines events before Covid 19 put paid to the 2020 planning. Over the years the Department of Conservation provided a concession to use the Whareroa Farm area and the organizers also had the cooperation of the Whareroa Guardians. The biggest field was over 200 and the feedback from participants was always positive. Every year some Marines from the American Embassy took part and on one occasion the ambassador’s daughter was in the running race. Money raised from the events went to local groups and charities and in total thousands of dollars were distributed.

More than 45 people assisted on the day, helping with registration, marshalling, time keeping, traffic management, course layout and the after match arrangements. A very popular feature of the latter was the hot soup, rolls and bananas provided and participants had a more than 40% chance of winning a spot prize. These were generously supplied by local businesses and individuals. Another service which competitors appreciated during the event were the two water stations manned by enthusiastic local scouts.

Over the years there were changes made to the course, especially as the local Kapiti Council required a detailed traffic management plan to use the roads. One year a massive slip blocked Waterfall Road, threatening to derail the event. Eventually the roads were taken out of the equation and participants appreciated having totally cross-country courses.

The late autumn weather was sometimes an issue and although most events went ahead in dry weather, there were problems in 2016 when the zigzag track down to the farm was extremely slippery and dangerous. The organizers decided to change the course an hour before the competitors arrived in the interests of safety.  When told that the new course didn’t line up with the Council traffic management plan the Mayor, who was the starter for the running race, said “I know nothing!”