41st run round Auckland’s waterfront is on Sunday 10 March

Auckland’s run of golden weather looks set to shine on this Sunday’s 41st Ports of Auckland Round the Bays, and entrants are recommended to add sunblock to their race-day outfits.

There are just a few days left for the thousands taking part to fine-tune training, get in their late entries, or work on their race-wear.

This year’s Ports of Auckland Round the Bays has a costume competition; giving a boost to the time-honoured tradition of dressing up for the 8.4 kilometre run, walk, jog, wheel or plod.

Official entrants in fancy dress can stop en route at the Hammerheads carpark to get their photo taken on The Edge’s platform and be in to win one of two $250 prize packs, plus there’s a special kids’ prize of running shoes.

Preparations for Ports of Auckland Round the Bays are well underway. The logistics are mind-boggling for New Zealand’s largest mass participation sporting event and one of the world’s biggest fun runs.

Event organisers will lay out 18 kilometres of traffic control signage, position 222 portable toilets, set up 18 finishing chutes, and brief 50 volunteers to marshal the more than 70,000 participants. On the day, Watercare will pour 100,000 cups of water to refresh tired runners.

The run starts on Quay Street, with the MORE FM Breakfast Crew keeping the eager crowd entertained. Auckland Mayor Len Brown will lead the 10 second countdown for the Army to fire the start gun, and he’ll then join the crowds to walk the picturesque route from the CBD to St Heliers Bay.

“Ports of Auckland Round the Bays is one of Auckland’s great celebrations with friends, family and workmates enjoying our glorious waterfront. I’m looking forward to leading the countdown on Sunday morning and taking part myself. I encourage every Aucklander to ensure they do Round the Bays at least once in their lives,” says Mayor Brown.

“Keeping up with the tradition of great weather for Round the Bays, Sunday’s forecast is for a hot, sunny day - so remember the sunblock, and to drink plenty of water along the way,” says event spokesperson Nicola Igusa of Fairfax Media.

“Remember to officially register too. Amazing charities supporting Auckland’s kids benefit from Ports of Auckland Round the Bays, and we really encourage everyone taking part to register. Online registration is open until 11pm Friday night, and on race day you can enter at booths at St Heliers and near the start line,” says Ms Igusa.

In the past 10 years Ports of Auckland Round the Bays has donated more than $1.2 million to charity. Recipients in 2013 are Variety – The Children's Charity , Make-A-Wish New Zealand, Cystic Fibrosis Association Auckland branch, Stand Tall, YMCA Auckland's Camp Adair, and Fairfax First Books.