Athletics: Right royal run to test fitness

Who is the King of the Mountain? Come along to Kawerau this Saturday and find out.

The 57th annual King of the Mountain competition heads back to the slopes of Mt Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe) this weekend.

Runners are challenged to make the gruelling 8km run to the summit, with the first man and woman back being named King and Queen respectively.

Organised by the Kawerau Harriers Club, the event attracts up to 160 people each year.

The race reaches 852m above sea level and Kawerau District Council event co-ordinator Lee Barton said entries were flowing in.

"With the possible absence of last year's second place[getter] and Eastern Bay running icon Sjors Corporaal and last year's ... champion Shay Williamson struggling from injury, there is no clear favourite for King of the Mountain as yet so it is anyone's title.

"Ten times Queen Meagan Edhouse will also be entering after several years away, along with New Zealand running champion Helen Rountree from Hamilton, who has just returned back to New Zealand after competing for the World Mountain Climbing trophy in Italy - but her relative inexperience with Putauaki could play into the hands of some of the locals," Barton said.

Events begin on Saturday from 9.30am at Firmin Field, off Waterhouse St, with the newly named Radio 1XX King of the Mountain School Relays at 9.30am followed by the popular Norske Skog Prince & Princess of the Mountain from 11am and the main event, the Kawerau King of the Mountain race, from noon.

"For those that just want to challenge themselves and their mates against the mighty mountain it's time to get your mountain goat boots on and be ready for another excellent Kawerau King of the Mountain race."

Late entries up to the 160 capacity will be accepted on the day until 11am. Updates and the latest information will be posted on www.facebook.com/KawerauKingOfTheMountain.