Call for entrants for 2025 Fun Run Walk

East Auckland locals seeking a fun afternoon blending socialising and exercise can get amongst the Rotary Club of Highbrook’s 2025 Fun Run Walk.

The fun annual charity event is being staged in Highbrook on March 12 and draws hundreds of participants and spectators.

It’s in its 12^th year with funds raised to be donated to the Middlemore Foundation and Totara Hospice. Last year’s event raised more than $20,000 for charity.

People can take part with a team or individually and they don’t need to work in Highbrook to enter, club president Stephen Passmore says.

“Companies come down and maybe bring a gazebo and make an event of it.

“We provide a warm-up with a local physio and then there’s a 10km run, a 5km run, and a 5km walk. All the entry fees go to charity.”

Passmore says the circuit covers a 5km loop around Highbrook Park and provides something of a cross-country-style race.

People who enter the 10km race will complete two circuits and each team is comprised of four people.

“People of any age can enter and we get a lot of businesses putting in teams,” Passmore says.

“Our major sponsor is Goodman Property. There are prizes for the winning team in the 10km run, the first person back in the 10km, and the winning team in the 5km run.

“For a team to win, the whole team has to cross the line first.

“Anybody can come along and give it a go. We also have a ‘Healthy Hearts’ run.

“They come and walk the 1km and it’s for people looking to get fit and achieve a target.”

Passmore says the event is inclusive and while the race is timed, not everyone who enters will be focusing on how fast they complete the distance.

“We have plenty of people who walk it and a few even bring their dogs along. We ask them to start at the back a bit.”

The $30 entry fee includes a sausage sizzle and refreshments such as ice creams and drinks.

The 2025 Fun Run Walk is from 5.30pm on Wednesday, March 12, at Highbrook Park in Pukekiwiriki Place. The race starts at 5.45pm.

Go online to www.highbrookrotary.org.nz and register to take part.