Championships return

BACK AGAIN: Sarah Malthus returns to Wanganui tomorrow after winning the open figure section at last year's NABBA Manawatu/Wanganui bodybuilding championships. PHOTO/FILE

The NABBA Manawatu/Wanganui bodybuilding championships return to Wanganui for the second time in two years tomorrow with 39 competitors signed up so far to vie for titles in five overall grades.

Held in town for the first time in 24 years at the Wanganui Collegiate School auditorium in April 2014, the championships attracted a strong field of 70 competitors as a buildup to the national championships in October.

Spokeswoman Marianne Poole said organisers were delighted with the sellout crowd, which "certainly" encouraged organisers to bring it back again after having the event here proved financially viable.

"Hosting the national championships in Palmerston North, you don't want to keep going back to the same sponsors.

"Plus the fact it was so successful last year."

Maureen Thomas, Wanganui's former New Zealand representative in senior body building, will be competing.

Craig Brider, John Alio, Warrin Turvey, and Ben Coll are among the other bodybuilders from the Wanganui, Rangitikei and Marton area entering open events.

Grades include Physique for men and women, Figure Women, Athletic Men and Shape.

There is also the Top Gym/Team award, which last year was collected by Marton's Rangitikei Active Gym.

The judging round will be from 1-3pm, with the night show starting at 6pm.