Half Marathon: Pacy brothers raring to go

Ian Pugh (right) with brother Elliott on his way to victory in the 2014 Matua Mile event at the Tauranga Half Marathon. Photo / Marathon Photos

Fierce, but friendly, competitors.

That's how mum Laurie Pugh describes sons Ian, 10, and Elliott, 9, who will go head to head again at this year's Matua Mile as part of the 10th anniversary Tauranga Half Marathon on Sunday.

Ian is the defending Matua Mile champion having taken out the 2014 event aged 9. He is determined to beat his brother and reclaim victory on the 10th anniversary this year.

To acknowledge the decade of the race, the organisers are offering free entry to the first 100 10-year-olds to enter either the mile (1.6km), 7km or 14km events. Runners must be 10 on race day. Any age child can also run free with an adult entry.

But it's not just his brother who Ian will need to beat on the day. The entire Pugh family has entered to run one of the four distances on offer at this year's Tauranga Half Marathon event.

Ian will need to beat his sister Eleanor, 6, who has also entered the Matua Mile. Mum Laurie will run the Walkways 7km along with dad Michael and sister Mia, 13.

"We absolutely love the event," said Laurie. "It's such a good opportunity for the whole family to get out and do something together. A great community event."

The family ran last year as part of the Spark Business Workplace Shout with the Zespri team.

Sunday's 10th anniversary of the Tauranga Half Marathon is expected to attract more than 1100 competitors.

"To be celebrating 10 years is a milestone and worthy of celebration," said Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby. "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the event, which has become one of New Zealand's must do half marathons.

"Events like the Tauranga Half Marathon play a key role in showcasing our city. They help create opportunities for businesses and residents alike and bring positive economic benefits to our city."

In 2014, the event attracted more than 300 entrants from outside the Bay of Plenty region. With supporters and family, the total number of visitors to the region is estimated to be more than 600.

"We're focused strongly on increasing visitation to Tauranga," said event organiser Luke Garea.

"The Tauranga Half has significant potential to grow and we are specifically targeting the Waikato and Auckland markets." This year's anniversary event features the Half Marathon distance 21.11km plus 14km, 7km and mile (1.7km) options.

- For more info: visit www.taurangahalfmarathon.co.nz.