Fairfax Media calls for charities applications for Ports of Auckland Round the Bays 2013 funding

Applications are open to registered New Zealand charities that benefit children to apply for funding from the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays – one of the world’s biggest fun runs and New Zealand’s largest mass participation sporting event.

Each year Fairfax Media, which operates the event it co-owns with the Auckland Joggers Club, makes charitable donations to selected children’s charities with funds raised from registered entries into the race.

In 2012, approximately $120,000 was donated to Kidz First Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish New Zealand, Garden to Table Trust, Child Cancer Foundation and Fairfax First Books.

The donations depend on runners registering to take part in the race. Fairfax Media CEO Allen Williams says it’s important participants understand the opportunity they have to make a real difference to some very deserving charities.

“I’m really encouraging people to get behind the Run and the charities by registering to take part. Don’t run for nothing!”, said Mr Williams.

Each year approximately 70,000 people pound the pavements between downtown Auckland and St Heliers, completing the 8.4 km course that many Aucklanders run at least once in their lifetime. However, not all of those taking part have paid the $15 registration fee. In 2012, only 42,000 runners registered.

Mr Williams says, “It would be fantastic if more people understood that their registration fee goes to such worthwhile endeavours. The more participants that register, the more funds we have to allocate to deserving charities.”

The 2013 run will take place on Sunday 10 March. This year entrants will be encouraged to raise money for one of the selected charities via Fundraise Online, when registering to run. Registrations open on 16 November 2012. To enter please go to www.roundthebays.co.nz.

Charities are invited to submit their application via the Round the Bays website.

Successful charities must outline a specific tangible project the donation will fund, which much benefit as broad a group of children as possible. Applications must be submitted by midday, Friday 16 November. Applications will be assessed and the chosen charities announced on 3 December 2012.
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About Ports of Auckland Round The Bays
Round the Bays was started by the Auckland Joggers Club in 1972 with 1200 participants, has grown in 41 years to the point where approximately 70,000 people participate every year. 2013 is the 41st anniversary of the race, which is one of the world’s largest fun runs and New Zealand’s largest mass participation sporting event.

The run is 8.4km long over a flat course that follows the contours of Auckland's Waitemata harbour. It begins in the city on Quay St and finishes on the waterfront at St Heliers Bay.

Each year between four and six charities receive charitable donations from the race of approximately $120,000 annually.

Ports of Auckland Round the Bays is co-owned by Fairfax Media and the Auckland Joggers Club. Sponsors include Ports of Auckland, Sunday Star-Times, Pump Water, Mobico, and Watercare Services.

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