Thousands take part in mini marathon (+ video)

ON YOUR MARKS: Primary school children get set to run 2.1km around the Government Gardens. PHOTO/ STEPHEN PARKER 010515sp9.JPG

The Government Gardens was teaming with little runners yesterday, as 1600 primary and intermediate aged children took part in the NZ Post Mini Marathon.

The children were required to run 40km between February and April. They completed the final 2.1km on the marathon course yesterday, in a prelude to today's main event.
The event was organised by Event Promotions, Events and Venues, Athletics NZ and Sport Bay of Plenty, with the aim of giving more primary school aged children a taste of running events.

Video from The Hits with Paul Hickey

Schools from all over the district participated, with only a few spills at the start line.
John Paul College year 8 student Jacob Stubbing was the first runner to complete the course, running the 2.1km in about seven minutes.

"It's my sister's birthday and I wanted to win for her. She's up in Auckland for a New Zealand water polo trial."

He had not expected to win, he said.

"I thought I might come second or third, but I didn't think I would come first."
He said he liked running for fun, but had never ran competitively.

Kiara Paul, 8, from Ngongotaha Primary School said she had been training for the event.
"I'm not nervous. I've been running laps around school at lunch time, and I did the cross country. It'll be easier than the cross country."

Sport Bay of Plenty School Sport team leader Gareth Yates said the event boosted children's confidence.

"This gives them an idea of just how far a full marathon is, and a true sense of accomplishment when they complete it - 42km over two months is a wonderful accomplishment for children."

https://youtu.be/upf9tKjFRHc