Kids getting set for mini marathon

Kids taking part in last year's mini marathon. PHOTO/FILE

There will be a big turnout at this year's NZ Post Mini Marathon with 1500 children already signed up for the run in Rotorua next Friday.

The 2km run will be held at 10am at Government Gardens, the day before the Rotorua Marathon. The NZ Post Mini Marathon is open to children between the ages of 5 and 12 and the first 1500 entrants will receive a free New Zealand Post t-shirt.

"We're supporting this event so kids don't miss out on any of the marathon race day action," said New Zealand Post sponsorship spokesman, Malcolm Shaw.

"We're thrilled to see there are so many keen young runners in Rotorua and the wider Bay of Plenty. Many of these children have been training hard for the event and will have clocked up a marathon distance of 42km over the past few weeks."

The children collect stamps on their NZ Post Mini Marathon passport for every kilometre they run during training.

Sixteen Bay of Plenty schools have entered pupils in the NZ Post Mini Marathon contributing to the high number of registrations so far. Children can still turn up on the day and sign up for the race.

"We're hoping to have up to 2000 runners taking part on the day," said Athletics New Zealand Commercial and Marketing Manager, Mark Brent.

"Athletics New Zealand is delighted to hold the NZ Post Mini Marathon in conjunction with the iconic Rotorua Marathon. We are immensely proud that our event is able to offer a distance for all ages. After all, seeing children actively involved in sport is one of our fundamental objectives."

New Zealand Post is also a sponsor of the Rotorua Marathon and will be there on Saturday with a bouncy castle and an inflatable slide to provide some fun activities for children.

For further information about the Rotorua Marathon visit www.rotoruamarathon.co.nz.

Schools that have entered pupils in the NZ Post Mini Marathon so far include Galatea School, James Street School, John Paul College, Kaharoa School, Lynmore Primary School, Malfroy School, Matua School, Nukuhou North School, Otonga Road Primary School, Rotokawa School, St Mary's School, St Michael's School, Waihi College, Waikiti Valley School, Westbrook School.