"Families have always been a huge focus for us at the 3D events and it's really pleasing to see the next generation coming through," Gellatly said.
"We've created an environment where mum or dad can be off doing one of the longer races while the kids are getting their first taste of adventure in the amazing Redwoods and Whakarewarewa Forests."
Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti active health manager Toni Hoskin said her whole family would be involved in the event this year.
Her daughter Alicia, 15, will line up in the 25km Grassroots race, which doubles as the New Zealand secondary school championships, while Toni will tackle the full 50km distance for the first time.
"This sort of event is fantastic for us as a family - [my husband] Craig has started running again after many years and hopes to compete if his sore calf will let him, while [our daughter] Courtney will be our support crew for the weekend, so it's a real family affair and we are really looking forward to it."
The 50km and 25km multisport races will run alongside eight other options, including a 2km under-10 fun run, 5.5km and 10.5km trail run or walk, a half marathon, a stand-alone 9km paddle and 31km mountain bike race, as well as a 42km duathlon, which this year has a team as well as individual option.
Paddle boarders can also compete, either in the 9km paddle or in a separate division in the 25km multisport race.
-For more information and to enter visit the websites www.rotoruamultisport.co.nz or www.3drotorua.co.nz
