Taupo Adds New Event To Running And Walking Portfolio

With entries due to open shortly for the popular Mizuno Half Marathon (August 1), runners and walkers will be spoilt for choice for events this winter with the addition of a quarter off-road marathon on the same day as the Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon on Sunday September 4, 2010.

“Online entries for all three events will open on 20 April and we’re expecting the quarter marathon to be as popular as the off-road event was in its inaugural year last year,” said Wayne Reardon, Event Director.

“2010 will be the 17th occurrence of the popular Mizuno Half Marathon on the shores of the scenic Lake Taupo with views of the mountain and the lake – the popularity of the event is also due to its non-competitive and friendly nature and its suitability for first-time runners and walkers,” said Reardon.

“In its first year, the Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon, held on stages of the ‘W2K’ track’ was extremely popular with almost 1000 entrants – the course winds its way from Kinloch towards Whakaipo Bay and turns off at the Headland Track loop.”

“With the continued increase in popularity of off-road running, we have added a quarter marathon, a 10 km loop from Kinloch – both the half and quarter marathons are suitable for first time off-roaders or more experienced ‘mountain-goats’”

Once again, both events will have a fantastic range of spot prizes up for grabs including a 10 night New Year’s Eve Cruise for two in the South Pacific courtesy of House of Travel in Taupo.

Proceeds from the event are returned to local community groups such as the Lake Taupo Hospice Trust, volunteer groups and to future sporting stars through the Taupo Half Marathon youth sports grants. Last year, almost $60,000 was distributed from both events.

Both Mizuno Half Marathons are part of the Erin Baker and Cameron Brown Awards with competitors able to choose from either the off or on-road half marathons as part of the awards.

The Erin Baker Award is open to any athlete who, in one season, completes the following: The Mizuno Half Marathon (August) or the Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon, The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge (November), The Taupo Triathlon (February) and the Across Lake Taupo Swim (February) 

The Cameron Brown Award is open to any athlete who completes, in one season, in the Erin Baker Award and the Taupo Ironman (March).

Once again, runners and walkers are being invited to enter the 63.3 Challenge of three half marathons in three months in Taupo – the third is an Off-Road Half Marathon on Sunday 11th July around the base of Mt Tauhara.

Entries for both events will open on April 20 and online entries cost $50 for seniors (aged 20 and over) and $35 for juniors (aged 19 and under) The Mizuno Off-Road Quarter Marathon costs $40 online for senior & $25 for juniors.

All posted and other non-online entries for all events cost an additional $5. So save money and enter online!

For more information about the Mizuno Half Marathon and the Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon, go to www.taupohalfmarathon.org.nz