Gisborne Harrier Club event a ‘chance to run for a great cause’

Runners in the inaugural Gizzy Laser Half Marathon run along Riverpoint Road towards the stopbank trail on the Waipaoa River. File picture by Liam Clayton

The Gisborne Harrier Club is holding the Gizzy Laser Half Marathon for the second year, on Sunday November 19, with all proceeds going to the Gisborne East Coast Cancer Society.

The event is sponsored again by Gisborne Laser Plumbing and Electrical with the run broken into 21 km, 10 km and 5km courses.

The event will start and finish at Matawhero Winery on Riverpoint Road and runners and walkers will make their way along the stopbank trail on the Waipaoa River.

“The course is flat and fast, so if you’re interested in trying for a personal best, this is your race,” says Helayna Ruifrock from Gisborne Harrier Club.

“It is also a chance to run for a great cause,” she says.

“The Gisborne East Coast Cancer Society provides incredible support to our community and this is our chance to give back.”

There will be medals for the first, second and third place in each race for men and women, with a cash prize of $100 going to the fastest male and female.

Half marathon walkers start at 8am and everyone else starts at 9am.

The club would like to minimise waste as much as possible, so asks that people bring a collapsible cup or hydration pack for refilling at the aid stations and a coffee cup for hot drinks at the coffee cart.

The three aid stations on the course will have water and Tailwind, which is an electrolyte drink, plus a few snacks.

To avoid a queue on race day, the club is offering race pack pick-up on Friday,  November 17 at Neighbourhood Pizzeria from 5pm to 7pm.

It is highly recommended to enter early and avoid the rush on Sunday morning.

The Gizzy Laser Half Marathon is more than just a run with live music from Lars and the Clandestinos, coffee and spot prizes also on offer at the event. Prizegiving will kick off at 12 midday.

• Matawhero Winery will also be serving up platters after the run but people need to book in advance. Email Kirsten at cellardoor@matawhero.co.nz by end-of-business on Friday to book.

• For more information, follow the Gisborne Harrier Club on Facebook or email them at gisborneharriers@gmail.com