Hundreds of children race in short leg of Rotorua Off-Road Half Marathon

Zizi Sparks

Danika Burgham wasn't going to let a broken arm stop her racing in the kids' fun run at the Rotorua Off-Road Half Marathon this weekend.

Danika, 8, and her twin brother Aidan, were among about 400 children who took part in the Lance Lawson Little Devils 2.5km or 1.5km races held today before the adult legs of the marathon.

"It was tiring but good," Danika said after the 2.5km race.

Image 1 of 12: Little Devils race at the Rotorua Off Road Marathon. Emma Tindle.

She broke her arm at school about three weeks ago and sported a bright pink cast for the race but said it didn't affect her.

Aidan said the twins had participated in the race three times now.

Some parents ran with their children during the kids' races. Photo / Ben Fraser

Their mum, Erica Eddowes, said the race was a good opportunity to keep the kids active.

"It's a really nice family event we've done it for three years now. It's a great venue and really well organised."

The 2.5km option was for ages 7 to 10 while children between 3 and 6 ran the 1.5km option.

Event director Murray Fleming said the Little Devils races were family-oriented and encouraged kids to be active and participate. All of the finishers received medals.

He said the addition of a family pass this year encouraged the whole family to take part in the off-road marathon.

"I'm looking forward to the smiles and the enthusiasm the kids show. You'll be blown away."

Marcus Ryan sprints to the finish line of the 1.5km race raking first place. Photo / Ben Fraser

Marcus Ryan, 6, sprinted the 1.5km leg of the race making it over the finish line in first place.

"It was good. I liked boosting it," he said.

"I was excited when I came first."

Marcus ran alongside his cousin Sahara who entered the race on the day.

Her mum Courtney Ryan said they were visiting family in Rotorua and decided to enter because Sahara's cousins were racing.

Another mum, Danielle Auld, said the off-road marathon was one of many events for kids in the city.

"We are so lucky there are so many cool events for kids in Rotorua.

Children approach the finish line of the 1.5km race. Photo / Ben Fraser

"It's a great atmosphere and so many of our friends do it too."

Her children Corey, 9, and Tegan, 7, had entered the event multiple times.

"It's really fun because we get to test our skills and running," Corey said.

"I would encourage kids to enter so they can have fun as well."

Regan said they had done a little bit of practice in the lead up to the event and she was looking forward to receiving a medal at the end.

The annual Rotorua Off-Road Half Marathon is run by Event Promotions every year in the Redwoods.

Adult participants can run 21km or a 10.5km quarter marathon or 5km fun run and walk.