Ohope run raises thousands for charity

The start line at the Ohope Express. SUPPLIED

A running and walking event held in Ohope on Easter Saturday raised almost $2000 for the Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association NZ (DESA).

The Podium Ohope Express, a 5, 10 or 21.1km race, attracted unprecedented numbers.

Entry to the 5km event was by gold coin donation and participants contributed more than $800 to the cause.

Combined with a $1000 donation from event management company Cheeky Rooster and $1500 raised in 2014, DESA is better positioned to fund a camp for young people recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Mark Leydon from DESA was thrilled with the support received.

"We know it can be daunting for kids when they are first diagnosed with the disease and providing an environment where there are others going through the same situation is really important," Mr Leydon said.

"DESA exists to enhance the quality of life for people with diabetes through exercise
and physical fitness, so the Podium Ohope Express is a perfect fit."

More than 800 people of all ages took part in the event and race organiser Mike van der Boom believes next year can be even bigger. Many participants were from outside the area, including some as far afield as Dunedin and Australia.

"We were blown away by the number of participants this year; it far exceeded our expectations to the point where we almost ran out of race numbers," he said.

"We're proud to support such a worthy cause and create an event that boosts the local economy. We're already planning a bigger and brighter event for Easter Saturday 2016."

The four day DESA camp will be held at Lake Karapiro with children from throughout the country attending. Activities planned include plenty of sports sessions, guest speakers and the opportunity to create friendships with other kids going through the same thing.

Ohope Express event ambassador and type 1 diabetic Neve Power thinks the camp is a brilliant plan.

"When I was diagnosed five years ago at age six, I would have loved to go to something like this because at the beginning [diabetes] can be quite scary," she said. "Getting to know other kids who have the same issues and hear from experts all in one place is a really good idea."

Organisers are keen to further develop the 'Canter for a Cause' concept in time for next year's event too. Participants sign up to 'Canter for a Cause' and pledge to raise money for DESA as a sponsored runner or walker.

Nick McCorkindale took on the challenge last year and was elated how well he was
supported by his friends, family and colleagues.

"I put the call out and was surprised how many donations I got. Some sponsored me per kilometre; I think they were a bit sceptical that I could run a half marathon!" he said. "It felt so good to be running for a cause, it really made me put the extra effort in."

For more information about the event and DESA visit www.ohopeexpress.co.nz.