Mount Visitors Expected To Participate

May 17, 2005

Mount Visitors Expected To Participate In Local Annual Event

Queen's Birthday weekend will see hundreds of athletes from around the country take part in the 19th annual Mount Joggers and Walkers half marathon and fun run/walk.

Staged from the Mount Surf Club, all distances in the event take in the stunning Mauao (Mt Maunganui) base track.

This year the event – on June 5 – will be organized by Community Sport Trust for the first time and two new sponsors have come onboard - Bay of Plenty Finance and Exalt Lifestyle Studios.

The half marathon course includes two laps of a course that takes in Mauao base track and a loop around Marine Parade.

Roads will be closed on one side of Marine Parade, Adams Ave and The Mall for the duration of the event.

Those participating in shorter distanced events will complete either one lap of the marathon course or a shorter route. Both runners and walkers are welcome.

Community Sport Trust spokesperson Bruce Trask is confident the event will be bigger and better this year, with increased interest from a flood of novice woman who have recently completed the Special K Triathlon Series.

"We are delighted to be working with Mount Joggers and Walkers to make this event successful. It's been a long-standing community event and is the club's fundraiser for the year. We're expecting large numbers of athletes this year as the general interest in fitness and events such as this continues to grow."

Trask says many people holidaying in Mount Maunganui over the long weekend take the chance to participate in the scenic event.

Spot prizes will be up for grabs on the day, with the major prize being a $1000 travel voucher. Smiths Sports Shoes, Brooks, Mount Shopping Centre, Coyote, Pacific Motor Inn, Cooney Lees Morgan and Westbay Real Estate have all been generous in providing prizes.

Entry forms available by contacting Louise from Mount Joggers and Walkers on 07 570 2661 or can be downloaded from www.communitysport.co.nz. Forms are also available in sports and cycle shops around Tauranga.

Entries close May 27 but late entries will be accepted up to the event start. A late fee of $5 will apply.

ENDS

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