The Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter Trust has once again been named as the Official Charity Partner of the Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay International Marathon.
This year's event will take place on Saturday May 13, and the trust is urging runners to join "Team Rescue Heli" and help raise vital funds for the charity, which provides a 24/7 emergency rescue helicopter service to the region.
Frances Searle, commercial partnerships manager at IRONMAN Oceania, which owns and delivers the event said they were "delighted" to be working with the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter again.
"We are excited to build on last year's fantastic partnership with such an important local charity"
Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter Trust marketing and fundraising manager Laura Hyde said the organisation was looking forward to this year's event.
"The support of IRONMAN Oceania, along with the hard work and dedication from our volunteers and runners, made last year's event a huge success for us and raised $10,000 to support our life saving service.
"We hope to build on that this year, and again would love for any runners, walkers or people who could help with our bucket collection to get involved with 'Team Rescue Heli'."
Thousands of competitors are expected to participate in the 2017 event, which incorporates a kids' run, 10km challenge, half marathon (21km), and a full marathon.
Runners will take in highlights of the region with flat easy running through cycle trails, vineyards, olive groves and quiet country roads - finishing at Sileni Estates Winery.
Anyone taking part in any of the distances can join "Team Rescue Heli" by contacting Laura Hyde at mfm@hbhrt.org.nz or 06 878 1630 for a running vest and fundraising pack.
Entries will close on April 23. Go to www.hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz or www.airnzhbmarathon.nz