Athletics: Whangarei Half Marathon entries building

Harry Linford has once again stood out during the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

About 1100 runners and walkers are set to pound the pavements in this year's ACC Whangarei Half Marathon.

With the event looming on September 17, Sport Northland has received entries from as far away as Nelson and Dunedin. However, this year there has been a big increase from the Auckland, with more than 75 runners and walkers signed up.

ACC chief executive Scott Pickering, who will be running the half-marathon for the fourth consecutive time, said the event was one of his favourites.

"It's a beautiful course, but more importantly it's a chance for me and quite a few of my ACC colleagues to get out of the office and support an important community event in a truly amazing part of our country."

The half-marathon runners and walkers will begin the 21.1km course at the Town Basin, head over the Kotuitui Whiti pedestrian bridge and the Te Matau a Pohe bridge and then follow the new pathway along Riverside Drive, through the Waimahanga track to Onerahi before looping back to finish on the Canopy Bridge at the Town Basin.

Sport Northland's events team leader Azelia Parkinson said it was great to be able to utilise the Riverside Drive walk/cycleway.

"The pathway means the runners and walkers are off the road for a large section of the half-marathon which makes it more enjoyable for the participants" she said.

The event will again be hotly contested, with last year's winners Harry Linford and Katie McVerry keen to retain their titles. However, with the extra competition this will not be an easy task.

The 9km course, which also starts at the Town Basin, is also a popular route and will also utilise a great deal of off-road tracks.

Starting at the Canopy Bridge, the runners and walkers will cross Riverside Drive and head along the Hatea River track to Whareora and Paranui Valley Rds, returning through Mair Park to the start/finish line at the Canopy Bridge.

Sport Northland has co-ordinated more than 100 marshals to assist on the day. They include a big team from both Sport Northland and ACC, who have worked closely to ensure the event runs smoothly. Marshals have also been provided by the Whangarei Athletics Club, No 20 Air Squadron, Northland Olympic Weightlifting Club and Shackleton's Sea Scouts.

Sport Northland's sponsorship and funding lead Colleen Atchison said an event of this magnitude could not be staged without the help and support of many partners and sponsors.

"We always require assistance with equipment, including road cones and signage and Downers are always there to help us. Likewise, the participants will receive post-event hydration with the water and Loaded for the finishers.