New Marathon in Kinloch Just Around the Corner
In just two weeks’ time, the first ever marathon event in the Taupo region will be run along the brand new Great Lake Trail at the 5th Mizuno Kinloch Offroad Challenge.
The Kinloch Challenge is being held on Saturday 1st September 2012 and the popular offroad event now provides runners and walkers a full marathon option (42.2km) as well as the half marathon (21.1km) and quarter marathon (10km) options. The events are designed for both walkers and runners to take part so there is an event for everyone in the family to get involved.
“Numbers are looking good for the new marathon,” said Event Director Wayne Reardon. “We are really looking forward to seeing people’s reactions to the course as there are some spectacular views along the way – it’s got to be one of the most picturesque events in NZ,” he said confidently.
Bike Taupo have been working hard on the Great Lake Trail, designed for biking, running and walking. The event makes a payment to the organisation to contribute to the maintenance costs of the trails used. “As usual, Bike Taupo has done a great job with the Great Lake Trail and we feel very privileged to be the first event to test it out,” said Mr Reardon.
The Great Lake Trail is part of Nga Harenga, the national cycle way project, and is being developed with the help and support of local land owners and DoC.
There is still plenty of time to enter the Mizuno Kinloch Offroad Challenge – online entries are available at www.taupohalfmarathon.org.nz.
Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting local youth achieve their sporting goals via sporting grants. Applications for youth sporting grants for this round close on 31 August 2012.
The Half Marathon option will again be part of the prestigious Erin Baker and Cameron Brown awards and the 63.3 challenge which includes three Taupo Half Marathons in three months. The quarter marathon is also part of the TryTaupo4 challenge, a series of Taupo events designed to get people off the couch and taking part in local events.