Young runners on road to success (+pics&video)

The city's young athletes donned their sneakers and pounded the pavement for the Rotorua Running Festival's junior event.

The Kids' Dash was held yesterday for children aged 3 to 10 near the lakefront. About 100 kids took part in the event.

The race was set out on a flat, two-lap course along Whakaue St, Hinemaru St and Memorial Dr, making up a 2km distance.

The course was lined with spectators cheering.

Toby Stubbs, 10, was leading the pack and crossed the line in just over eight minutes. He said he was excited to have won.

"There were times when I thought I might not win but I was happy when I finished.

"This isn't the first time I have taken part in this race - I do quite a few running races," he said.

Image 1 of 26: Kids 2km dash. Tiki-Pounamu Rika. Photo/Ben Fraser

Toby said his favourite part about running was getting to the finish line and his mum and dad were "probably proud of him".

Every child was awarded a commemorative finisher medal to acknowledge their efforts.

Cameron Guest, 3, was the youngest participant, running across the line with mum, Lizzy Guest.

She said Cameron enjoyed the race, though "the second lap became a wee bit of a struggle".

"I completed the Tarawera Ultra Marathon last weekend so thought this weekend it could be the kids' turn.

Anthony Guest, 5, said he had fun taking part in the race.

"The best part about running is winning the medal. I'm going to take it to school tomorrow," he said.