Country2Coast a real family affair

SET TO SWEAT: Tumu ITM general manager James Truman (left) and group financial controller Paul Reeve have been training hard for the annual Country2Coast. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN

Bragging rights will be up for grabs tomorrow as locals get set to sweat in tomorrow's Country2Coast.

The Hawke's Bay Today sponsored event has proven more popular than ever this year.

Sarah Hughes from the Tumu ITM Building Centre in Hastings said for the past five years the Tumu Group have thoroughly enjoyed their involvement in the Country2Coast, and this year would be no different with 24 of their staff and family members having entered.

"The event is a fond favourite of Tumu who pride themselves in supporting local events, as well as encouraging their staff to be active and lead a healthy lifestyle," Ms Hughes said.

She said that other than being a very well organised event, the Country2Coast pips similar events as it can be enjoyed by the whole family, grandparents, parents, children and even the pet dog.

"This isn't to say that competitors don't get serious about their results, Tumu have had some really good results in previous years which many staff will be trying to better this time around."

Hastings woman Roanne Bullock will be competing again this year with her mother.

The Coldrite Hastings worker will take part in her fourth Country2Coast and plans to keep entering the event future.

"We just love it, it serves as a bit of a motivator."

The 26-year-old and her 58-year-old mother will take to the 15km walking track.

The pair were confident of a strong showing.

"We are quite fit naturally, I do boot camp and my mum does a lot of biking."

The mother-daughter team will be aiming to better their time of 2 hours 20 minutes in 2015.

"We just want to keep getting better times," Ms Bullock said.

Havelock North Rotary Club president Stephen Randal said preparations for the event had been going along nicely.

"It is a fantastic, family friendly day and it is always very well received."

He said the inclusion of this year's cycle event was about diversifying the event.

"We cater for all ages, all abilities."

For every child entered in the event, the Rotary Club of Havelock North will donate $5 from the entry fee to the Ronald McDonald House in Auckland.

With the exception of the Ronald McDonald House, all proceeds will go back into the Hawke's Bay community.

Spot prizes will be up for grabs including tablets, TVs and bikes.

Sarah van der Kley from The Hits will compre the day starting at Perfume Point and finishing at Farndon Park for prizegiving at about midday.

The forecast for Sunday's event should be welcome news for the 500 competitors already registered for the event.

A bit of early morning cloud should burn off accompanied by gentle northwesterly breezes. A 21C high should keep conditions pleasant for the entrants.

Event numbers and transponders can be collected from The Lantern Gallery, Havelock North Function Centre, today from 10am to 2pm.

Mr Randal wanted to thank all the "amazing" sponsors that helped make the event possible.

Sponsors include Hawke's Bay Today, The Hits 89.5, iWay, Hawke's Bay Regional Council, McDonald's Hastings Havelock North and Taradale, Hillmac Electrical, the Hastings District Council and Napier City Council.