Sport Northland Run/Walk: Men's field open in Beach 2 Basin

Whangarei's Harry Linford, last year's winner, will not be in action in Sunday's Beach 2 Basin. Photo / John Stone

The men's field of the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series could be blown wide open at the Chilltech Beach 2 Basin.

Six-time winner Harry Linford, one of the main threats, is unable to race because of illness.

Linford, who has run the event 10 times, said the Beach 2 Basin was a unique event.

"What sets this run apart is the cool scenery that is uniquely Whangarei," he said.

"You get the chance to take part in one of the town's biggest event icons, which was one of the very first races that inspired my love for running.

"It's never been a challenging run mostly because I've always found it so enjoyable with the people and great atmosphere."

About 2000 determined athletes will take on the Chilltech Beach 2 Basin as part of the 2018 Sport Northland Run/Walk Series.

The event itself has changed since its early iterations. The original event in 1978, started by Athletics Whangarei, saw runners race from Hatea Drive to the Onerahi foreshore in what was called the City to the Sea.

Now the event starts near the Onerahi Yacht Club, incorporating the Waimahanga Track, and finishes in the Town Basin.

Upgrades made by the Whangarei District Council on the Waimahanga Track as well as the cycle/walkway on to the Town Basin Loop, has made this event a much more enjoyable experience.

Event organiser Azelia Parkinson said it was great to be able to incorporate the track upgrades into the event.

"The finish now is more interesting with the competitors converging on the Town Basin via the Te Matau a Pohe and Kotuitui Whiti bridges to the finish line," she said.

The race is the first leg of the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series where points are given to the first five men and women finishers.

Linford took out the title in 2017 and while defending the crown wasn't originally on the agenda, changes in circumstances mean he may look to compete in the rest of the series.

"I did originally have plans to take the second half of this year off for travel and to compete at the world mountain running champs in Europe," he said.

"Due to other factors like my degree, I'm thinking I might put those plans off till next year, which would mean you'd see me at the rest of this year's events."

Distance options as well as categories offered have increased overtime with both runners, walkers and pram strollers encouraged to take part in either the 6.8km or 10km options available.

This event features many school groups, workplaces and family and sports teams as well as the general public who are keen to improve their physical activity levels. While many are competitive and trying for their best time, others stroll and enjoy the fun of the event with some dressing up for the occasion.