Running in Rotorua to the fore in 2013

Running events will feature more prominently than ever before on Rotorua’s calendar later this year, with the Hi-Tec Ekiden relay race returning on October 12, followed by a new Running Festival on 23 and 24 November.

The Running Festival includes events for all ages and capabilities, including a half marathon, 10km, 4km and 2km events, as well as The Bolt – a 5km sprint race for elite athletes around Rotorua’s CBD.

Both events are owned and operated by Running Events, a professional event management company that specialises in running and walking events. The company has bought the Ekiden and Rotovegas Half Marathon from the previous event owner and manager, and has already packaged the half marathon into a full weekend of running events.

Running Events’ race director, Rob Docherty, says the team is excited about delivering the events in Rotorua later this year.

“The Hi-Tec Ekiden is regarded as an iconic team relay event on New Zealand’s most famous running course, that used in the Rotorua marathon.

“The Hi-Tec Ekiden has a ten year history in New Zealand and is well known for providing a fantastic way for workmates, friends and whanau to have a fun and fit time with their team amongst 2000 other participants as they make their way around the Lake Rotorua course. We can promise that the Hi-Tec Ekiden will be even bigger and better in 2013.”

Mr Docherty says the Rotorua Running Festival has been developed to incorporate a greatly improved half marathon event, while also offering a range of other distances to ensure that anyone can “have a go” over the weekend.

“We believe the City of Rotorua Half Marathon will quickly become known as one of the most spectacular half marathon courses in New Zealand. It takes in Rotorua’s most well known landmarks, including the Museum, Government Gardens, Whakarewarewa Forest, Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, the racecourse, Mayoral Drive and the lakefront.

“We’re so excited about this event that we are offering a money back guarantee to anyone who finishes the half marathon and doesn’t agree with our assessment that this is New Zealand’s best half marathon experience.”

Mr Docherty says the half marathon will be complemented by the other running events on offer during the festival weekend, ensuring that spectators and supporters can also take part with the Brooks 10km Classic, the “Yes You Can” Community 4km event, a 2km Kids Dash and The Bolt.

“The Bolt will officially open the festival weekend and will involve five 1km laps around Eat Streat at the bottom of Rotorua’s CBD. The race will also involve a battle of the sexes, with the women’s field setting off a short time before the men. Prize money will be awarded to the top three men and women, but also the first person – man or woman – who crosses the finish line.

“It’s going to be a fantastic race to run – and to watch.”

Rotorua District Council’s Community and Major Events Manager, Martin Croft, says Events and Venues Rotorua will be working alongside Running Events to help ensure the events are a success for Rotorua locals and visitors alike.

“In recent years, Rotorua has cemented its place as a quality destination for key events with a central location, natural environment, quality facilities and infrastructure, a warm and welcoming community, and expertise in supporting the delivery of successful events.

“We are delighted to see the Hi-Tec Ekiden continue to develop in Rotorua under new ownership, while the creation of the Rotorua Running Festival is an exciting new addition to our events calendar. We believe the City of Rotorua Half Marathon event has the future potential to become as iconic as our full distance marathon, while the shorter distance events offer something for everyone.”

Mr Croft says major events like the Hi-Tec Ekiden and the Rotorua Running Festival make a significant contribution to Rotorua’s local economy, while they also offer the local community the opportunity to be actively involved, either by participating, supporting, spectating or volunteering.

For further information on the Hi-Tec Ekiden and the Rotorua Running Festival, go to www.runningevents.co.nz