CanTeen Mega Walk celebrates 10th anniversary

Prams were not an unusual sight at the start of the Half Mega Walk Run 15km from Awatoto, one of four events converging at Napier's Mitre 10 Mega. Photo/ Warren Buckland

Thousands put their best foot forward yesterday for the 10th annual Mitre 10 Mega Walk, raising more than $20,000 for a good cause.

Since 2011 all proceeds raised from the event go to CanTeen Hawke's Bay, and are put toward the vital services they provide for their members.

With more than 1500 entrants this year, Mitre 10 Mega Napier and Hastings managing director Graeme Ricketts said he thought the funds raised had topped $20,000.

Yesterday participants competed in four events - the 28km Mega Walk which travels from Hastings, the 15km Dunlop Half Mega which started at Awatoto, the 6.5km Langley Twigg Law short mega event from Marine Parade, or the 3.5km Spec Savers Mega Meander from Ahuriri.

Doing the 15km in matching superhero outfits were "Super Mum" Jude Wakely and her son, "Super Survivor" Lochie, who wore a cape made from CanTeen bandannas. They were joined by their "Super support crew" including Lochie's sisters and grandmother.

The Year 12 student was diagnosed with a brain tumour at age 4.

"We did it to give back," Mrs Wakely said. "They've done so much for Lochie, he's been with [CanTeen] for three years. It's about getting out and supporting these guys."

It was 12-year-old Jake Houltham's first time participating in the event, walking the 6.5km stretch with his aunt Geselle Jones.

"It's good to get out and do something in this good weather, plus it's for a good cause," Ms Jones said.

All rotary trails led to the finish line at Mitre 10 Mega Napier, where it was a sea of orange as participants and their families enjoyed getting their faces painted, or relished a well-earned sausage sizzle or ice-cream.

Applause rang out as a crew of Hastings and Havelock North volunteer firefighters crossed the finish line just after noon, having walked 28km decked out in full firefighting gear since about 7.30am.

CanTeen youth co-ordinator Kerrie Waby said she was "incredibly proud" of how the event had gone.

"You just look around and go "wow"," she said. "We've got so many members walking it, and so many supporters, I'm absolutely blown away. The community support for our members has been amazing."

The number of people who participated in the event showed CanTeen members they were not going through it alone.

"People are going through one of the most horrific things in their lives, and this shows they've got the support of the whole community behind them."

Mitre 10 Mega's Mr Ricketts said he thought this year's event had been "our best ever".

Celebrating its 10th anniversary yesterday, he said the continued support of the long-running event was a testament to CanTeen, and the people who wanted to support it as a good cause.

Since CanTeen became the event's chosen charity more than $120,000 has been raised.