Fun on the run and a personal best for Bay dad

PERSONAL BEST: William Kehoe with his 4-year-old son Austin at the end of the City to Surf fun run and walk yesterday afternoon. PHOTO/RUTH KEBER

Next year, 4-year-old Austin Kehoe will put his dad to the test at Tauranga's City to Surf event.

More than 1800 runners and walkers took on the 5km and 12km challenge from Tauranga to Mount Maunganui yesterday as part of the Mainfreight City to Surf Fun Run and Walk.

Whakamarama's William Kehoe completed the 12km running race in just under 55 minutes and was greeted by his son, Austin, at the finish line to put in a wager for next year's event. Mr Kehoe said he started to get into running about two years ago and then started training seriously for the event when he registered a few months ago.

"I just wanted to challenge myself to beat my personal best and that is what I have done. I've taken five minutes off my best time."

Mr Kehoe said the only tough thing about yesterday's race was the warmer weather and he would step up to his son's challenge next year.

"It's on buddy. You get yourself training," he said to his son.

Tauranga's Claire Anderson said she and four friends had been getting together for different running and walking events all over the country for the last few years.

"We just do it for fun. The first one we did was the half marathon in Rotoroa for my 54th birthday. We have also done the Round the Bays and others here too."

The 54-year-old was looking forward to doing her first marathon in the future, she said

Jade Humphrey, 16, was joined by her friend Chantal Vale to walk yesterday's event.

The pair stood out in a Hawaiian-themed outfit.

Bobby Dean, from Te Puke, placed first beating 1491 others with his time of 39m 40s. His sister, Jessica, was fourth woman home in 45m 56s.

The 5km Bay of Plenty Times Surf to Surf event had 367 entrants with Martin Thorpe from Paeroa and Penny Purcell from Tauranga coming in together in 1h 12m 55s.