Papamoa fundraising fun run prepares for second year

Lesley Park and Elle Reid are looking forward to this year's Golden Sands Papamoa Fun Run and Walk, which will help raise money for the school. Photo/John Borren

A Papamoa fun run overwhelmed by demand when it debuted last year is well prepared this time around.

The 2017 Golden Sands Papamoa Fun Run and Walk tomorrow coincides with the Golden Sands Festival, featuring food stalls, entertainment and more than 250 spot prize draws.

Event organiser Lesley Park said she and fellow organiser Elle Reid were overwhelmed by the response last year and aimed to make this year's event bigger and better.

"We have found that it has not only brought the Papamoa community together, but it has created a significant event on the calendar which focuses on family, fun and fitness," Ms Park said.

Organisers expected a few hundred people to take part last year but were stunned when more than 1000 turned up.

This year's event will include a 10km course for people needing "just that little bit further" and a kids' dash.

Each person, adult or child, who takes part will receive a race pack, personalised race number and finishers' medal.

Ms Park said organisers were humbled by the support from local businesses helping make the event happen. The success of the event ultimately benefited Golden Sands School.

Prizes include a $1000 Papamoa House of Travel voucher, $1000 Freedom Furniture voucher, $750 DentalPlus teeth whitening voucher, and $500 Tauranga Mitre 10 Mega voucher.

Golden Sands School principal Melanie Taylor said she was delighted to be hosting the fun run again and welcomed everyone to the school for the festival.

"Last year's event was great fun for our Papamoa community and raised over $29,000 for the school," she said.

"This is the main fundraiser for our school, with proceeds going towards sports equipment in the new multi-purpose space that the school is building."

Festival organiser Shelley Milham wanted to provide a festival that was affordable for the family with a variety of quality food and entertainment.

The day will include the Super Hero Training Academy show, live music, a number of food stalls, rides, and activities for all ages.

The event courses will run through the new subdivisions of Papamoa East and Wairakei Reserve waterways.

Key Details

• 10km and 5km Fun Run and Walk and Kids' Dash at Papamoa East
• Organised by Golden Sands School as a key fundraiser for 2017
• Golden Sands Festival will coincide with the event
• Website and to enter fun run go to www.gssfunrun.co.nz/enter-here