Training Begins For ‘Sweet 16’ Half Marathon

For immediate release
May 10, 2009

Training Begins For ‘Sweet 16’ Half Marathon

With 12 weeks to go, entrants in the Mizuno Half Marathon have started pounding the pavement in preparation for the August 2nd event.

“The 2009 event will be the 16th Half Marathon in Taupo and to help us celebrate our ‘Sweet 16th’ birthday, we’re aiming for a bumper number of 16 year olds participating in a half marathon,’ said Race Director Wayne Reardon.

Entries have already started flowing in for August 2nd event and its off-road counterpart on September 5th and, ironically, both the first junior and senior entrants for the on-road event tied in with the ‘Sweet 16’ theme.

Former Taupo resident April Wadley turns 16 on August 2nd and will share her 16th birthday celebrations with the Half Marathon – she will travel from Hanmer Springs in the South Island to do so, where she is currently battling snow and rain to keep her training on track.

Similarly, Beth XX is another former Taupo resident who will also travel a distance from the Gold Coast to participate – she is the first entrant to clock up 16 consecutive entries into the Half Marathon. She is one of 22 who have competed in all 15 events so far.

Race Director Wayne Reardon encourages new or beginner entrants of all ages to consider entering one or both of the events.

“We have a fantastic training programme on our website www.taupohalfmarathon.org.nz which is suitable for beginners and makes running or walking 21.1 kilometres a realistic, achievable goal – this week, you should be aiming to walk or run 2 kilometres twice and stretch it out to a 3 kilometre stint on the weekend,” said Reardon.

There’s a fantastic range of spot prizes up for grabs including a 10 night South Pacific Cruise aboard P&O’s Pacific Sun for 2 people from Taupo of Travel Taupo.

“The focus of the event is about participation rather than winning, which is why we think it’s an excellent event for 16 year olds, their families and friends regardless of age or ability to consider training for – and what better excuse than our ‘Sweet 16th’ birthday!” said Reardon.

The out-and-back on-road half marathon course is relatively flat and considered one of New Zealand’s most scenic half marathons with amazing views of Lake Taupo and the mountains.

Similarly, the inaugural off-road event promises to provide fantastic views of the lake as it traverses the newly-opened ‘W2K’ track which winds its way from Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay.

The final word belongs to April who is looking forward to what will be her third Half Marathon in Taupo.

“The Mizuno Half Marathon is a really friendly non-competitive event and is a fun day out with your mates - or you can set yourself a goal like me to try to beat your Mum!”

For more information about the Mizuno Half Marathon or Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon, please go to www.taupohalfmarathon.org.nz

ENDS

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