Waikato Expressway opening celebrations will include a family fun run.
The fun run/walk will be a timed event, 8-10am, with options for runs of 12km, 6km and a 3km children's fun run. It will also be suitable for wheelchair and hand cyclists.
Entries are open for the December 1 fun run and walk, which is being held in partnership with Athletics Waikato Bay of Plenty and Sport Waikato, as part of the opening ceremonies for Te Rapa section of the expressway.
The New Zealand Transport Agency is inviting entries for the fun run which will form part of a free community open day to celebrate the early completion of section of the expressway, a Road of National Significance.
Expressway principal project manager Richard Young says the agency is looking forward to hosting the open day.
"It will be a chance for people to celebrate the completion of this significant piece of infrastructure for the region and the city, and be among the first to run or walk the road before it is opened to traffic."
People can enter the fun run at www.sportwaikato.org.nz. The cost of entry is $15 per adult and $5 per child. All of the money raised goes to Athletics Waikato and Bay of Plenty for volunteer and athletics development.
Following the fun run, the road will be open to the public to walk, 10-3pm. A formal opening, including a ribbon cutting by Prime Minister John Key, will be between 11am and noon.
Sports Force athletics development officer Alan McDonald says the fun run and walk is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The public can enter the site by car at the Horotiu roundabouts, off SH1, north of Hamilton. Site staff will direct traffic for parking. Those walking and cycling can access the road from the new interchange on Avalon Drive, by Wintec.
The event will include entertainment throughout the day, food stalls selling healthy food options to purchase and information on how the road was constructed. Visitors are asked to bring sun protection, water and suitable footwear.
