Marathon: Special race turns 20

A special birthday party will be taking to the streets of Taupo in August.

The annual Mizuno Taupo Half Marathon will be celebrating its 20th birthday on Sunday August 4.

The event is one of the country's largest half marathons and event organisers hope to attract 1000 locals to participate this year.

Taupo Half Marathon Society chairman Keith Crate said they wanted to celebrate the anniversary in style.

"One thousand locals is something we have got very close to in the past and it is a number we would love to achieve this year," he said.

As part of the anniversary all finishers will receive a medal and a quality fitness event shirt.

One lucky person will also win a trip for two to Hawaii, including airfares and seven nights accommodation.