A group from Kaitaia made their large and colourful presence felt in the Jennian Homes Mother's Day Fun Run Walk in Paihia on Sunday.
Group spokesperson Louisa Cooper noted that this event, the third of seven in Sport Northland's award-winning run walk series for 2013, was a chance for thefive Far North participants to get out there and "let loose with hundreds of other like-minded people" over a picturesque and smooth course, 8km in the run and 6km in the walk. And the weather really came to the party as well, with the sun beating down and not a hint of breeze for the 1165 walkers and runners who took part, all crossing the finish line to a fitting soundtrack as bands in the annual country music festival played on nearby streets.
"We all agreed that having the opportunity to run through Paihia and then up onto the Waitangi Treaty grounds was truly amazing. The scenery, history, Maori landmarks and waka were something that really made us all appreciate just how beautiful Aotearoa is," said Cooper.
"For some of us this was the first year, and we were totally mind-blown by how many participants got involved, from kuia and kaumatua, babies, children, teenagers, mums, dads and adults this event was something to be proud of attending ..." she said, adding that the Mother's Day event catered to a range of fitness levels and offered an atmosphere that gave everyone confidence to join in and enjoy themselves.
Obviously, as can be seen from the accompanying image showing the quintet representing Kaitaia with abundant flair, colour and pizzazz.
"Running, walking and active movement is us time, time where we get to transform into totally different roles and get out there and smash it."
Cooper noted that all five were now all looking forward to attending the fourth event in the series, the Beach to Baileys fun run/walk in June, where they will dress in the same attire in hoping to make a similar statement; and also to prepare for the Kaitaia leg in August as well as the final leg, the Kerikeri half marathon, in November.
