Running: Shorter distance option available in series

A final call for entries has been put out for the Mangawhai Heads 2 Hub Run/Walk this Sunday. However, you'll need to be quick as entries need to be in by tomorrow.

As well as a shift in date, from July to April, a new distance has also been added. Sport Northland's events team leader Hayley Overton said a shorter distance option was also now available to entrants.

"It is great to be able to offer a shorter option of 5.5km to the usual 8.5km event," Overton said. "This is only the second event in the 2013 Sport Northland Run/Walk Series so it is good to make a more achievable distance for the newcomers."

Last year's run/walk series winner, Harry Linford, will be looking to continue his fine 2012 form into this year's series.

The Pompallier Catholic College student has made the perfect start to defending his titles by winning the first event, the Chilltech Beach 2 Basin, last month.

Similarly in the women's division, last year's series winner, Carolyn Younger, was first across the line in the 9km event to take the early lead.

The Jeff Oliver Print Mangawhai Heads 2 Hub 5.5km will start at Sail Rock Café on Wood Street for either a run or walk at 8.30am while the 8.5km event will start at Mangawhai's Ocean Beach for a run, walk or pram stroll at 9am. Both courses will link onto Molesworth Drive and continue to the finish line at The Hub.

All Northland adults who compete will go into the draw to win the Suzuki Splash car which will be drawn following the last event in the series, the Fullers GreatSights Kerikeri Half Marathon in November.

Entries are open online at www.runwalkseries.co.nz or pick up an entry form from a Carters store or Sport Northland Office.