Bodybuilders prepare for battle in Bay

About 40 Bay of Plenty bodybuilders will be in action in Whakatane today during the Nabba Bay of Plenty Bodybuilding Championships.

The event will be held at Little Theatre in Whakatane, with the judging rounds at 1pm followed by the feature show at 6pm.

Athletes will attend from across the upper North Island to compete for titles in five categories including shape, fitness, figure, athletic and physique.

The top three in each category will qualify for the nationals in Palmerston North next month.

The athletes will also compete for Bay of Plenty titles.

Show organiser Marianne Poole said the number of entries for the event highlighted how strong bodybuilding was in the Bay of Plenty.

Tickets are $15 for the judging rounds today from 1pm and $25 for the show from 6pm. You can purchase tickets at the event.