Event director Murray Fleming is hoping format changes will attract more entrants to Rotorua's annual half-marathon.
Previously known as the Redwoods Half-Marathon, March's Rotorua Half-Marathon will have a new Whakarewarewa Forest course to go with its new name.
In addition, three new events will be added tothe mix - a 10km fun run/walk, a 1.5km run/walk for 4 to 7 year-olds and a 3km event for 8 to 12 year-olds. All races will be run on scenic forest trails and smooth gravel roads, starting and finishing at the Waipa sawmill recreation area.
"It's going to be great," Fleming said. "It's done two things; one is that it's made it a lot easier, but it's also utilising the uniqueness of the Whaka Forest.
"Rather than just doing it along forest roads, sections of the course will be in the forest. It's about selling the uniqueness [of the event] to people from out of town."
With the changes, organisers expect a jump from 650 competitors this year to 1500-2000 entrants in 2008.
"The changes were made because we want more numbers, and to make the event more appealing," Fleming said.
kids' events," Fleming said.
Despite entries opening only two weeks ago, he said the flow had been steady.
"Entry levels are very high for this time of the year, that's why we are predicting the numbers will be higher than last year."
* Entry forms are available online at www.eventpromotions.co.nz, from sport-shoe retailers, bike shops, Lake City Athletics Club, gyms and fitness centres.
