Running: Festival has strong family flavour

Mother and daughter Kahira and Serenity Olley, 8, have entered the shorter Community 4km run on Sunday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua's second Running Festival has a strong family flavour amongst the events.

Fitness instructor Kahira Olley, daughter Serenity and husband Leroy are all entered in the Community 4-kilometre event on Sunday.

It will be the second time Kahira and her eight-year-old daughter have entered, having run the distance last year in sweltering heat.

The flat, scenic course favoured recreational runners who are not wanting to beat the clock.

Kahira has run longer distances before, including a marathon, but enjoyed the shorter event through the city more because she can do it with her family, she said.

"It encourages parents to bring their children along and have a great day out."

Serenity has already run the 5km Colour Dash event in Rotorua a few weeks ago and is looking forward to the next run.

"She really smoked the 5km so she will be out of there come Sunday," her mother said.

The Community 4km is one of five events being held as part of the Rotorua Running Festival starting tomorrow at 4pm.

First up is the 1km Jandals/Onesie dash from the Village Green, followed an hour later by the The Bolt, a 5km street sprint around Eat Streat for elite athletes.

On Sunday the Community 4km, 10km, and City of Rotorua Half Marathon events will be held from 7.45am starting and finishing from the Village Green.

"It was a really scenic run last year, and even though it was very hot it was stunning and a whole heap of us enjoyed it," Kahira said.

"We just love being able to bring the family along and it is one of the few events you can still do that."

In spite of a bad bout of asthma this week she is holding nothing back.

"It won't stop me from running," she said.

"The more children we have participating the more entering these sort of events will become normal for them, and help them improve their fitness levels."

Running Festival organiser Rob Docherty said entries had climbed to over 1000, including 550 in the half marathon, and more are expected to enter on the day.

"The prize money for the top three men and women has attracted a good number of athletes," he said.

"As well this year we have introduced an 'equaliser' prize for the The Bolt winner of an extra $500."

Weather conditions are expected to be ideal for the race with warm temperatures and intermittent showers on both days.