Editorial: Thrilled to join in 50th big race

Running is good for your own health but, in this case, it's being used to help those whose own health is suffering. Photo / Mark McKeown

It's not often a marathon gets to celebrate its golden jubilee. Looking at the list of marathons worldwide, Rotorua's circumnavigation of the lake ranks among the 50 longest running marathon races.

It is older than the likes of big city races in London, New York and Chicago and while it doesn't get similar fields to these big three destination events it has character that gets runners coming back for more.

Yesterday we reported that this year's race could be an economic boom of $11 million for the city. Today we bring you a story on how the race helps the community in other ways with the five Rotary clubs teaming up to raise more than $50,000 in sponsorship for a Rotorua Community Hospice endowment fund.

Running is good for your own health but, in this case, it's being used to help those whose own health is suffering.

We've heard stories over the past few months of people training for their very first event, community groups gathering momentum to change the lives of those who never imagined doing a marathon.

The Rotorua Marathon isn't just a running race. It's an icon that will be celebrated by not just those people taking on the flagship event but by volunteers manning drink stations, marshalls and supporters.

There is a lot of excitement building and I feel privileged to be able to train for and run in this special race. There are just over three weeks to go, but the memories created will last a lifetime.