Country2Coast early bird entries close on Saturday

The field in the 2017 Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast 8km event make their way from Haumoana to Clive. Photo / File

The annual Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast fun run and walk may be more than a month away but a big moment is looming with the closure of early bird entries in three days' time.

The early bird entries, offering entry fee discounts, close on Saturday, after which fees for the April 29 event, currently $25 for adults and $15 for children aged 5 and over, will increase by $5.

Getting the fee out of the way early is an incentive as people concentrate on training for the events which cater for all ages and endurance, with 3km, 8km and 17km events making use of the trails network in Hawke's Bay and converging on the same finish line at historic Farndon Park, Clive.

The 3km event starts from Waitangi Reserve, the 8km event from Grange Rd, Haumoana, and the 17km from Riverlands carpark, Havelock North.

The 17km walk starts at 8.30am, the 17km run and the 8km walk/run at 9.30am, and 3km walk at 10am.

Organisers hope more than 500 people will take part, with 456 having finished last year's Country2Coast. But having had peak entries of more 1200 and now in some competition with other runs it has been reshaped as a family event.

First held in 2010, the event doubles as a fundraiser, the beneficiary this year being the Waimarama Surf Life Saving Club.

Entries may be lodged by the Register Now button at http://www.country2coast.co.nz/