Time running short for race entries

The annual Fullers GreatSights Kerikeri Half Marathon continues to be a popular event with entries flooding in from throughout the country.

But you had better get in quick as entries close on Sunday.

Already more than 1000 entries have been received from participants who live outside Northland, with a further 1000 entries from Northlanders.

Last year the entries were restricted to 2500 and this year Sport Northland events team leader Hayley Overton says it will probably be about the same number who will line up on the start line next Saturday.

"We always seem to get a late surge of entries just prior to closing day so it is hard to predict the final tally" she said. "Many wait to see how they feel having competed in the Auckland Marathon which was only last weekend".

Last year's Kerikeri winner Stephen Lett is one of those hoping to race after finishing the Auckland Marathon in second place.

The overall winners of the 2013 Sport Northland Run/Walk Series have already been decided before the last event is held, with Whangarei runners Harry Linford and Carolyn Younger taking the honours.

Linford, who finished last year's event in sixth place in his first half marathon event, will line up against the usual strong competition, while Younger is sure to have the usual battle with another local runner, Ruth Hutchinson who was runner up in the series.

For the first time, the Kerikeri Half Marathon will have Pace Runners who are there to help the runners achieve their goal time. The pace runners will each be wearing a bright yellow T-shirt with their pace time on the back and carry a coloured balloon (yellow 1:30, pink 1:40, blue 1:50 and green 2:00). Pace runners will run at an even pace throughout the whole event whilst offering advice and encouragement to help the runners reach their goal time.

Former winner of the Kerikeri Half Marathon and the Auckland Marathon, Ady McKenzie, will be the pace runner for the 1 hour 40 minute runners. McKenzie said: "I have done many marathons and half marathons and have always enjoyed them all. I am now looking forward to motivating the runners while they run to reach their 1:40 goal." For the third time Sport Northland and the Fullers GreatSights Kerikeri Half Marathon has teamed up with the Cancer Society to help raise funds in Northland.

Last year the event raised more than $20,000 for charity and already this year the tally is more than $11,000.

The half marathon will be followed by the Kerikeri Street Party which starts at 5pm. The main street is closed, food stalls line the street plus there is entertainment, including bands. To find out more about the half marathon and to enter, visit www.runwalkseries.co.nz