Northland marae open doors for multisport Pouto Lighthouse Challenge

Josephine Nathan, Pouto Lighthouse Challenge founder, at Pouto.

A Northland marae has opened its doors for fitness enthusiasts keen to participate in a multisports event for a worthy cause.

The inaugural Pouto Lighthouse Challenge is on tomorrowto raise money for Cancer Society Northland.

The event will involve a 13km sand bike ride, a 13km fun run/walk, and a 10km canoe paddle.

The paddle will be from Pouto Point to Tauhara Pa.

Pouto Lighthouse Challenge founder Josephine Nathan said organisers decided to donate proceeds from the event to the society as four women from Pouto suffered from breast cancer and the terminal illness claimed the lives of too many people.

Ms Nathan was born and raised in Pouto and wanted to create an event that encouraged people to come and share in the magic of the environment through a wellness event suitable for all levels of fitness and capabilities.

She was pleased the Waikaretu Marae committee agreed to support the event by allowing people to stay there in return for a koha tonightand tomorrow.

Those staying at the marae will need to attend a powhiri at 6pm tonight.

There will be a dinner at the marae tomorrowfor $10.

Ms Nathan said some individuals, especially elite athletes, would take part in all the three challenges.

Organisers hope to make it an annual event.

More information about the challenge can be found at www.poutolighthousechallenge.co.nz.