Rotorua Half Ironman to give hospice a boost

A triathlon race director hopes to give a great present to the Rotorua Community Hospice Trust - all the entry fees from this weekend's Rotorua Half Ironman.

The event at Tikitapu (Blue Lake) last year raised $70,000 for the charity and with 600 already entered for Saturday's race, Shane Hooks is confident they can match that this year.

The race is now in its sixth year and last year was the first dedicated to the charity. Mr Hooks said he and wife Christina had benefited from the event and now it was time to give back.

The half ironman involves a 2km swim in the lake, a 90km cycle to Lake Rotoma and back and a 21km run taking competitors around the lake and out to the Lake Tarawera lookout.

There is now a quarter ironman distance, which is half the main race. Mr Hooks said of the 70 entered so far, 75 per cent of the field were women.

"This is the first time we've put on this distance so we're still figuring the event out but it's a great course," Mr Hook said.

"It's not an easy course to be fair as [you cycle] right up Tarawera Rd, but it's a nice stepping stone for people looking to build their confidence up. They get most of the hard parts."

There is also a teams option for both distances. Spectators can watch action from the lake or bike course. There is ample parking at the lake and competitors will circle the lake twice on the run.

"The money raised will make a huge contribution towards running the Rotorua Hospice service, which is provided free to patients and families living with terminal illness in our community," said Rotorua Community Hospice general manager Sharron Black.Late entries, which are $150, are being accepted at Avantiplus, Amohau St, on Friday until 9pm. The race starts at 6.25am.