Runners wanted for Chinese event

VISIT: Changchun Municipal Foreign Affairs Officer Lui Ke (Leo) with Masterton's Andrea Williams, Councillor Mark Harris, and former Mayor Garry Daniell at the 2012 Changchun Sister City Half-Marathon

A free running coach experience is now open to Masterton residents who are willing to put their stamina to the test in this year's Changchun International Sister City Half-Marathon in China.

Up to three runners are needed to compete on September 5 in Changchun and prizes will be on offer for successful runners.

Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson has called for all interested residents to embrace the unique opportunities that are a result of the long-standing relationship between Masterton and its sister cities.

"Masterton is extremely fortunate to have wonderful relationships with three cities in different parts of the world, which have led to many fantastic experiences for our residents over the years," Cr Patterson said.

"The runner(s) are responsible for paying for their own return flights, but once they arrive they will enjoy hospitality from the people of Changchun, including transport and accommodation for the duration of their stay, which will be around four or five days."

The free training for the 21km half-marathon will be available from Masterton councillor and internationally-accredited coach Mark Harris who competed in the 2012 event in Changchun with his partner Andrea who placed fourth.

"We're looking to get up to three runners to contact us as soon as possible," Mr Harris said.

"For the training it depends on the person but we would want them to train with us four days a week for around an hour."

"Training would include distance, hillwork and repetitions to build up fitness for the half-marathon."

Mr Harris has travelled to almost 50 countries and says seeing different cultures and having these experiences is important.

"You get to experience another culture and do something a little bit different," he said. "They say the definition of insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting a different result.

"So why not give it a go, you have nothing to lose."

-Any runners contemplating entering are asked to contact Sam Rossiter-Stead at Masterton District Council 06 370 6300.