Fun walk raises Mega bucks

Contestants take part in yesterday's Megawalk. Photo / Warren Buckland

More than 1200 people were treated to a gloriously sunny Hawke's Bay day as they took part in the annual Megawalk and helped raise money for children with cancer.

A steady stream of orange-clad walkers and the occasional runner made their way to the finish line at the Mitre 10 Mega in Napier, which sponsors the event.

Now in its seventh year, participants were able enter a 28km Mega walk/run from Hastings to Napier; 15km Hawke's Bay Today Half Mega from Awatoto; a 6.5km Shoe Clinic Short Mega starting at Ocean Spa or the 3.5km MoreFM Mega Meander taking off from Perfume Point, Ahuriri.

Image 1 of 13: L-R Kate Raven, Kate Bunny, Michelle Jackett all from Bay City Gym, Mitre 10 Mega Walk, Hastings Mega to Napier Mega stores 28km event. News. 9 November 2014. Hawke's Bay Today photograph by Warren Bu

Waiting for the Megawalkers at the finish line was a host of activities and much sort-after refreshments, including Mr Whippy. A sausage sizzle silenced any hunger, while sports massages were available for niggles picked up along the trek.

For those really wanting to test their fitness levels, a Bay City Gym rowing challenge was waiting to inflict more pain. Those who had the best times on the rowing machine won a one-month gym membership.

"It's for a wonderfully good cause, and what a great day to come out and stretch the legs," said a Napier mother who performed the Half Mega with her husband and two children.

A cool breeze helped temper the temperatures for the walkers, with MetService recording highs in the late teens throughout the morning. However, the squad of firefighters undertaking the journey in full kit would have been feeling the heat despite their high spirits.

Prizes were presented for each man and woman who came first and second in the Mega and Half Mega.

The idea to hike between Hastings and Napier's stores was managing director Graeme Ricketts', and made use of the newly completed Rotary Pathway network.

About $16,000 raised last year was used for general funding and CanTeen's monthly activities. More than $50,000 has been raised in the past three years.