Dust off your running shoes and break out the – possibly green – active wear because the Howick Rotary Fun Walk and Run is back for another year!
It started with only a couple of hundred people in 2005– and with 2019 being a record year in terms of participation– this year more than 700 people are expected to take to the streets on Sunday March 15.
Howick Rotary organising committee member Colin Monk says the event is a great way to get the whole family involved in keeping fit and healthy.
There will be three routes on offer. The tracks cater to all levels of fitness – walkers or runners can choose from a 5.9km primary course, a 6.9km intermediate course, or an 8.1km extended course, with five water stations available on the way.
Rotarian Monk says the event creates a friendly rivalry between local primary and intermediate schools that compete to be crowned the winning school — and this year, with more schools entered than ever, that competition is sure to increase.
With spot prizes on offer (the best selection ever, says Mr Monk) and a delicious sausage sizzle on completion, there’ll be no shortage of motivation to finish. Each participating child will also receive a medal at the finish line.
All courses start and finish at Stockade Hill, so participants can soak up some post-run (and walk) views.
Sponsors this year include My Ride, Mitre 10 Mega Botany, Dilmah Tea, Howick Local Board, The Athlete’s Foot and many others.
Mr Monk also acknowledged the support provided by the Howick Local Board, as part of their keep healthy initiatives. The board provide funds to assist in the running costs.
All proceeds go to the Howick Coastguard, and the Rotary Club of Howick covers all the costs associated with running the event. Last year The Rotary Club of Howick donated $9000 to Coastguard. The more participants, the greater the amount raised for Coastguard.
The Howick Fun Walk and Run will be held at Stockade Hill on Sunday March 15 at 9am. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for children and $10 for school teams of four, and registration can either be done at http://howickfunwalkrun.co.nz/ or by entering on the day.
