Hawke's Bay Marathon attracts three generations of local family

Pamela Hastings, from Havelock North, is all set to hit the road when she takes part in the Hawke's Bay Marathon this weekend. Photo / Warren Buckland

Three generations of a local family will be putting on their walking shoes and preparing to take on the New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Hawke's Bay Marathon this weekend.

Havelock North resident Pam Hastings, 69, and her Ashhurst-based daughter Rebecca Tavendale, 44, and granddaughter Lily Tavendale, 14, will be participating in the Havana Coffee 10km event together.

"A few years ago, my daughter Rebecca took part in the half marathon run – we were very excited for her as she has worked hard on her health and this was a biggie for her," Hastings said.

"It was such a great day, so we decided that next time we'd do a three-generation 10km walk with Rebecca's daughter, my granddaughter, Lily."

Hastings said she was hoping to complete the 10km walk in an hour, 45 minutes.

Pam Hastings is eager to complete her 10km walk in less than two hours. Photo / Warren Buckland

"I walk a lot anyways and also do cycling, walking, yoga and aqua fitness," she said.

"I tried the course and it was fine. I am doing it for the fun of it.

"Rebecca and Lily enjoy running, walking and yoga, and Lily also keeps busy with music – playing the violin, flute, guitar, drama and singing."

The marathon will be a welcome challenge for another Hawke's Bay participant Cameron Burton.

Burton, 39, has been through a whole lot including a jetboat crash, and testicular cancer which required three months of intensive chemotherapy, but he's been working hard on his recovery.

"This is a great milestone on the road back to full fitness," Burton said.

"Living with the course on my doorstep, I really had no excuses not to put on my shoes and hit the limestone trails.

"I'm super excited to be participating because completing this event will be a real breakthrough for me in my path to recovery.

"I'm really looking forward to the vibe and atmosphere of participating in such an epic event for my first marathon and in the most beautiful natural setting on the Hawke's Bay trails."

Burton will be supported by his wife Louise and their three young children.

"I hope I can inspire others to get involved, challenge boundaries and push beyond their comfort zones."

Along with more than 8000 competitors, they will hit the course for the fifth running of the Hawke's Bay Marathon on Saturday.

This year's event is set to be the biggest in its history, and participants will test themselves across three distances, the Havana Coffee 10km, 2degrees Half Marathon and New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Marathon.

All courses finish at the iconic Elephant Hill Estate & Winery.

Managing director of The IRONMAN Group Oceania, (organisers of Hawke's Bay Marathon), Dave Beeche said the event has gone from strength to strength.

"This event has grown steadily each year and we are excited to see runners test themselves across 10km, half marathon and marathon distances," Beeche said.

"It's been a tough time for tourism so we're thrilled that so many runners and their supporters are travelling to be part of this awesome event in the stunning Hawke's Bay."

The Hawke's Bay Marathon is a part of the Runaway Marathon Series, which also includes the Queenstown Marathon and Runaway Noosa Marathon.