Moorea Blue Marathon

Moorea Blue Marathon, February 20, 1999
Tahiti, French Polynesia
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Race in paradise and then get stranded? Someone's got to do it! Theresa Cliff and Eddy Matzger put their names into the books as the first winners of the Moorea Blue Marathon Skate Race, February 20, 1999, on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia.

Over 200 skaters stole the show from the 11th annual running marathon, capturing the lion's share of newspaper and tv coverage, as well as the admiration of the native population.

They stayed in thatched bungalows on the beach and filled their days with snorkeling, shark feeding, stingray petting, tattooing, and splitting open coconuts. When the race finally came around, skating seemed like a rude interruption of a most paradisaical routine.

After the race came the deluge. Tropical cyclone Frank took over. Ferry boats were tossed onto coral reefs and falling coconuts imperiled the lives of beachcombers. Skaters were stranded while bosses fumed back home. But will they do it again next year? You bet your bearings they will!

All smiles	At-a-way Betsy!	Chasers
Breaking tape	Locomotive girl	Skate pros
Ingrid pulls	Ingrid waves	Interview
Energizer smile	Look, skaters!	Plato's kids
Mr. Mac	Phillip finish	Pro start

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