Entries building up as Country2Coast nears

Drew Broadley, with Maryanne Baker (left), Ceri Edmonds, Natalie de Burgh, Annelie Roets, Lyn Bowker, Daphne Barraclough, and Barbara Mear are part of the Country2Coast's HBRC team.Photo/Paul Taylor.

With less than two weeks left until hundreds of feet hit the pavement for this year's Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast, gold sponsor, Hawke's Bay Regional Council have been preparing their team.

The Council's Community Engagement & Communications manager Drew Broadley said they were right behind the event, with 12 staff members taking part.

"Not only does it use the Hawke's Bay trails which obviously we have been fundamental in creating and maintaining, but it is a great event that takes in the Hawke's Bay landscape and it is a good way to get out and enjoy what we have to offer," he said.

"It is safe to say there are quite a few amongst the staff teams that are busy running around in the weekends getting themselves ready for the event.

Event director Kevin Longman said by participating in the event, people are making funds available for charity.

"This year the major recipient of funds will be Waimarama Surf Life Saving Club and they are very actively involved in preparing for the event and will be very active and very visible on the day."

Mr Longman said the club planned to take one of their Inflatable Rescue Boats on the 3km section of the track and challenge themselves to get it from one point to another, as well as have other members participate in the longer distances.

They had about 300 registrations at the moment and expected about 500 more by the time the event comes around.

Country2Coast is a non-competitive family fun event that utilises the Hawke's Bay Trails between three start points and Farndon Park in Clive. Participants can enter for a 3km, 8km or 17km walk or run.

The event is now in its ninth year, and will be on Sunday, April 29.

The 3km walk/run event would start from Waitangi Reserve and finish at Farndon Park, while the 8km walk/run would start from Grange Rd in Haumoana and end at Farndon Park.

"We put that 3km event this year for the first time and the reason for that is to encourage people who are not generally active on the Hawke's Bay trails to give it a go and take their young families with them and experience what it is like to walk on the trails close to our waterways," Mr Longman said.

The 17km event would start from Riverlands carpark in Havelock North, before meeting up with the 8km course at Black Bridge.

For more information visit: http://www.country2coast.co.nz/