Rotorua's Ride the Runway hosts bikes of all shapes and sizes

Rotorua Airport's runway was host to smiles, laughter, costumes and bikes of all shapes and sizes as people gave the smooth runway a whirl.

Ride the Runway was held on Sunday and had about 1300 people attend.

Organiser Mark Leishman said he was stoked with the fantastic turnout.

He said there were awesome vibes with all the activities, the mascots race, the DJ and the presence of the rescue helicopter and Aero Club.

Leishman said thank you to Rotorua and the wider team who were involved in putting the event together.

Edith Fairbrother said Ride the Runway was a great event because people did not usually get to be out on the runway.

She said she enjoyed being part of the community, and enjoyed the opportunity for a different perspective and being out with the children.

"The children really liked it last year.

"Biking is a great physical activity and we enjoy it as a family."

Anni Fairbrother, 8, said she liked that a lot of people came together at Ride the Runway, and that many people dressed up in costumes for it.

Her family had gone along as the Baby Shark song family.

Creative costumes take to the runway on bikes. Photo / Stephen Parker

Faith McGregor said their family decided to take part in the event because the children loved the opportunity to come and ride on the runway.

"It's pretty special, it's a great family activity, and I think it's awesome to get behind the Rotorua Bike Festival.

"I think it's promoting cycling to a whole new group of people and we should celebrate that Rotorua is such an awesome place for cycling."

James McGregor, 9, said he liked riding on the runway because it was a special event and he liked seeing how fast he could go.

He said he liked biking because he was able to get out and have some time away from his brothers.

There are plenty more Rotorua Bike Festival events still to come this week, including the Low Key Super D, Dual Slalom World Champs, Chainless on Corners Track, Giant 2W Gravity Enduro 2018, iBike 4 Kids Rotorua, Hill Climb Challenge and Carpark Eliminator.

There are also three Heritage Rides, Bike Polo, a Roto Youth Ride, Frocks on Bikes and MTB Adventure Quest.

For more information on these events and to see what else the festival's programme has to offer, go to rotoruabikefestival.com.