They always stand out at the start line - their various coloured singlets distinctive as they cluster in groups.
A big part of the continued success of Property Brokers Round the Bridges fun run is the support of Wanganui Collegiate, who make the event compulsory for their students, who racefor the pride of their six school houses.
Every year, wearing the singlets of Selwyn, Grey, Hadfield, Harvey, Godwin and Bishops, the Collegiate pupils fill the entry forms for the five-event walk and fun run.
It is headlined by the 10km criss-cross dash over the Town and Cobham Bridges, before running back along the town waterfront to the Dublin St Bridge and returning to Kowhai Park.
Grey House currently has the bragging rights by virtue of their star Christian Conder winning the 10km race, back-to-back in 2015-16.
Conder took over the mantle from schoolmate Geordie Beamish, who won Round the Bridges in 2013-14.
Collegiate director of sport Barry Touzel said the school treats the event as training for their own cross country championships at the end of the term.
"We make it an event of obligation for our kids and for our families."
Last year's event was attended by 800 to 1000 people despite bad weather conditions, and raised $3100 in total for the charitable cause of Birthright Wanganui.
This year's 40th annual edition of the event will raise money for Plunket.
Registration begins at 8am, with the 1km Sport Whanganui Kids Course beginning at 8.55am.
The long course walkers set off at 9.10am, followed by the long course runners at 9.45am and the short course walkers five minutes later.
