More than 30,000 runners are set to hit the pavement this Sunday March 8th, in Auckland’s annual Ports Od Auckland Round The Bays fun run.
Back in 1972, the Auckland Joggers Club organised an 8.4 kilometre running event that set off at Auckland Harbour, and followed Auckland’s shore line to finish up at St Helier’s Bay. 1200 people entered, and the Auckland Round The Bays fun run was born.
Today the event is organised by Fairfax Media, and is now known as Ports Of Auckland Around The Bays. The charity run raises money for more than 130 local charities, and participants run to raise money for the charity of their choice. It has become an event that celebrates health, well being and friendly rivalries with about 70 per cent of participants belonging to corporate teams.
“It’s good to foster healthy workplace competition, and an event like Round the Bays ticked all the staff engagement boxes” Farifax Media national events manager, Denis Armstrong said.
Auckland City Council has got on board with the event, and roads will be closed to vehicles during the race, making it a pretty unique experience. And this year, some local musicians have also got on board, with the gorgeous and talented Anika Moa and Hollie Smith; and the boys from Sola Rosa, performing at The Finish Zone. The team at Schupepe Tents will be there too – with 10 different installations going up en-route.
The participants have already exceeded their initial target of $100,000 – with funds raised currently sitting at $125,028.72.
Last year’s Ports Of Auckland Round The Bays race was taken out, for the second time, by Jono Jackson – in 25 minutes and 56 seconds. The first female runner at the Finish Zone last year was Liza Robinson, who completed the run in 28 minutes and 38 seconds.
It’s going to be a fun-filled, action packed day – and it’s not too late to sign up! Registrations are open until Midday, Saturday March 7th at www.roundthebays.co.nz
