Last year's half marathon women's winner Margie Campbell hits the finish line. Photo / File
While most Western Bay residents will be snuggling under their duvets on Sunday morning a large number of resilient athletes will be pounding the streets around Mount Maunganui.
The 32nd Mount Runners and Walkers Half Marathon again has a full field of walkers and runners taking part in a range
of races, with 5km, 10km and 21km half marathon walk and run events, plus a kids run along the beach.
The event is the original half marathon event held at Mount Maunganui.
The course layout means supporters, spectators, entertainers, cheerleaders and marshals are always close by. Races begin opposite the Pacific Apartments on Mount Main Beach and travel down Marine Parade before reversing back before a lap of Mauao to the start/finish line.
Event organiser Luke Garea says this year there are three athletes taking on the half marathon, 10km and 5km races in a unique hat-trick to strive for.
