There is something to be said for getting out in the fresh air on a sunny Sunday morning and going for a good long walk.
Yesterday morning I joined more than 1200 people - 1218 to be precise - taking part in the annual Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast run/walk.
The event caters for every skill and fitness level with a 17km run/walk and a 7km run/walk.
While many brave people opted for the longer version with an early start at River Road in Havelock North, I walked the 7km route from Haumoana to Clifton Beach and enjoyed every minute of it. I was walking with colleagues, including our general manager Russell Broughton, who was great company even if he did tell me at one point to stop talking shop and just enjoy the walk. I certainly did enjoy it.
I have started walking quite regularly around Havelock North after work (sometimes quite late), so I was confident I could do it. I was a regular runner in my youth until the demands of journalism became a convenient excuse to stop. But I am back out there walking and seven kilometres was a good test. As I write this, I certainly do feel a bit tired. However, it is a satisfied-tired feeling.
It was a happy day with lots of families taking advantage of the good weather to go for a stroll or run. The weather and the scenery made it even more special and probably contributed to the increase in numbers from last year. Seventy-six more people took part this year and hopefully we can do even better than that next year and break the 1500 mark.
But events like this don't just organise themselves. Over the years I have been to many such occasions and I must say the Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast was one of the most well run events I have been involved in. This is all down to a number of dedicated and hardworking people.
Firstly, a big thank you to the members of the Havelock North Rotary Club, who worked tirelessly in the lead-up to the event and yesterday as well. Hawke's Bay Today staffers also helped, with our circulation manager Robert Cimino leading the charge as usual.
The event would not have been possible without sponsors and for that we thank our two main sponsors, TSB Bank and Watties, and all the other sponsors.
What the event showed is that people want to get out and enjoy themselves in this wonderful landscape we call home. Events like this create a good community spirit. So remember to join us next year for the annual Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast. Who knows, maybe I will even attempt to run the 7 km course.
