Still Time to Register for the Taupo Half Marathon

There is still time to register and get training for the Mizuno Taupo Half Marathon, one of New Zealand’s most iconic half marathon events, being held in Taupo on Sunday 7 August.

Event Director Wayne Reardon, who has been involved with the event for many years, says people come back every year for the fun atmosphere, the scenic route and the great spot prizes.

“The Taupo Half Marathon is the perfect event to break up winter, get you off the couch, out of the house and keeping fit. There is four weeks to go so still plenty of time to get training. No matter what level you at – a social walker or a keen runner - get out there and give it a go,” he said.

2011 will be the Taupo Half Marathon’s 18th year. “18 people will be doing the event for the 18th time.” said Mr Reardon. This year there are some local young ones who have registered for the run including twins Jason and Christina Bellm (11), Cailtin Taylor (12) and Alex Parkinson (12). Also, some of the events loyal ‘elderly’ participants are back for 2011. 80 year old Barb Wilson from Morrinsville (ex Taupo), will be back for her 7th year. Allan New (79) from Waipawa, Neil Jackson (77) from Tirau and local man Robert Lowe (72) will also be taking part.

Ronnie Reid (64) from Auckland is a keen participant every year. “Taupo Half Marathon is my favoured event in New Zealand. It’s an amazing race and everyone is a winner,” she said.

This year Taupo-Nui-a-Tia College is putting in a team of 30 including students and teachers. Local company Tenon has also registered a team of 30. “If you are looking for a team building opportunity for your school or organisation, this event is a fun way to get people participating together and supporting each other,” said Mr Reardon.

Each year, up to 300 local volunteers provide assistance to help deliver the Taupo Half Marathon and each year the Taupo Half Marathon Society gives away as much as $30,000 to young sporting stars and sports clubs. The goal is to encourage local kids to give sports a go and to support those that want to take it further.

Following up the Mizuno Taupo Half Marathon next month is the Mizuno Off-road Half and Quarter Marathon which starts and finishes in Kinloch and travels along the W2K track. This year the Quarter Marathon will make up one of the four events in a new challenge – TryTaupo4, a series for those wanting to get off the couch and get active. TryTaupo4 offers achievable distances in four different sporting events in the Taupo region over a six month period.

Again this year, the Taupo Mizuno Half Marathon or the Taupo Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon will make up part of the prestigious Erin Baker and Cameron Brown awards and the two half marathons also make up the 63.3 challenge which includes three Taupo half marathons in three months. For more information on the 63.3 challenge go to www.633.co.nz

To register for the Mizuno Taupo Half Marathon and the Mizuno Taupo Offroad Half and Quarter Marathons go to www.taupohalfmarathon.org.nz