Family run for more than just fitness

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Holly Brown, her husband and their two children will be four of over 1000 people taking part in the Tauranga Half Marathon and fun runs tomorrow morning.

The family have entered the 'Matua mile', a fun run happening as part of the half marathon event.

They are part of over 100 people sponsored by ZESPRI for employees and their families, which Mrs Brown said has boosted sign-ups from the company.

As the global human resources manager for ZESPRI, Mrs Brown said the sponsoring was brought in to promote and encourage family time and employee well-being in the busy kiwifruit season.

However the ZESPRI team will also be running to support the National Heart Foundation after the sudden passing of a colleague.

Paul Rickett passed away last year from a heart-related condition and the ZESPRI team will be running in memory him.

"I admired him very much, as did many of the people who will be running or walking tomorrow," said Mrs Brown.

"He was a big part of our [ZESPRI] family."

Employees have been sponsoring each other for the event and donating funds, so far raising $1155 for the National Heart Foundation.

It will be the ninth annual Tauranga Half Marathon, kicking off at Fergusson Park from 7am tomorrow.