The Rotary Club of Howick’s Fun Walk & Run community event kicks off at 9am on Sunday, March 26, from the spectacular Stockade Hill site.
The 2022 event was cancelled due to the uncertainties of Covid-19 and public get-togethers, a great disappointment to the organisers, participants including the many schools involved and the sponsors.
The format for this year’s event is the same as for the past several years with three courses being used to cater for a range of participants including the serious elite runners, intermediate age pupils, primary pupils and the more sedate walkers and their dogs – for more details go to www.howickfunwalkrun.co.nz.
Each year the level of interest gains on the previous year. The schools get more involved and the competitive spirit soars.
“Once again, the sponsors are continuing their great support of this wonderful community event,” organisers said.
“They include Mitre 10 Mega Botany, PBTech, Athletes Foot, Dilmah, My Ride Botany and New World Howick.
“Intermediate schools and primary schools will be entering teams to win the prestigious Crawford Cups. Competition has never been keener and all schools have a good chance to take the coveted cups.”
Whilst not everyone will be a race winner on the day, all registered runners could take home a spot prize. This year Mitre 10 Mega Botany will again sponsor a BBQ; My Ride, a magnificent bike and PBTech an electric scooter.
“Many other sponsors have also donated a wide range of spot prizes that should make many participants extremely happy,” organisers said.
“Howick Rotary is also grateful for the assistance received from the Howick Local Board, as their contribution to the event helps towards the costs of running it.”
The balance is funded by the club through its Community Trust which administers the money raised from fundraising projects such as the club’s annual monster fundraiser Bookarama.
The event is a substantial undertaking involving many volunteers who man the road crossings, the water stations and the Stockade Hill activities.
The volunteer group involves Coast Guard personnel, senior students from Howick College, Howick Rotarians and their partners and members of the community who all make this sought-after community event a success on the day.
“Howick Volunteer Coastguard are also winners on the day, as the proceeds from registration fees is passed on to them along with a grant from Rotary Club’s Community Trust to assist with funding their operations which provide such a valuable contribution to our community,” said organisers.
“Get out your runners, zip up your Lycra, gather up some friends and join in Howick’s Fun Run & Walk on Sunday, March 26.”
Register by donating on the Howick Fun Walk & Run website www.howickfunwalkrun.co.nz.
In the event the weather or some other significant cause results in cancellation, the registration money collected through the web site will still be donated to Coastguard.
