New sponsor for half marathon

Direct Group's David Collins with Hamilton Half Marathon's Lyn Harris.

The Hamilton Half Marathon has a new naming sponsor this year.

Local business Direct Group Uniforms is sponsoring the event this year, and are committed to a further three years.

The event is made up of three races and an obstacle course for the kids, and raises funds for the Child Cancer Foundation.

Hamilton Half Marathon event director Lyn Harris said Direct Group's sponsorship will help cover operational costs and the cash prizes for the winners of the competitive half marathon and 10km races.

Direct Group Uniforms general manager Gordon Smith said he doesn't expect being the events new naming sponsor would send people rushing into the store. They're doing it to help out, as part of the company's values and image.

Gordon said they didn't want to just provide money, they wanted to contribute to the event.

"We have a lot of contacts and good ideas to help out. That's how we want to contribute to this."

Gordon is currently working with Lyn to make arrangements for a group of disabled participants through one of those contacts.

Lyn said the new sponsor's vision and commitment to the event was a wonderful opportunity to grow the event.

"We are very excited [to work with Direct Group] to build our event into the premier half marathon event in the Waikato region," she said.

Due to the planned construction of a new section of the Waikato Expressway through the present course, this year is also the last chance to break the course records for the half marathon and 10km races on the current circuit.

Direct Group is putting up an extra $1000 prize for anyone who can beat the times of current record holders. Two of the current record holders, Aaron Pulford and Camille Buscomb, are currently trialling for the New Zealand Commonwealth Games team.

Lyn said the event wasn't just for athletes. The option to walk every course, a 5km fun run, and the kids obstacle course means there is something for everybody.

"A lot of families do it. Mum and Dad will be in one event and little Johnny will be going over the obstacle course. When they're finished their race, they'll have picnic rugs out. It's a real family day," she said.

Direct Group Uniforms sports director David Collins said he was organising a team of staff and their family to take part in the event.

"[Things like this] are part of the fun, we're a fun company here," he said.

The Direct Group Uniforms Hamilton Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 4, and entries through their website will open today.

For more information or to register for an event go to

www.hamiltonhalfmarathon.org.nz.