Megawalk event tops $15k

STEPS TO SUCCESS: Kerry Meehan (front) says this year's Megawalk raised between $15,000 and $16,000 for CanTeen Hawke's Bay.PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND

This year's Mitre 10 Megawalk has raised more than $15,000, the Hawke's Bay branch of CanTeen says.

A grand total of 1268 entrants stepped, strode and strutted their way through last weekend's walk.

The annual event, which raises funding for CanTeen's local branch, saw a last minute rush with more than 1000 people signing up in the final three days.

Participants completed either a 28km Mega walk/run from Hastings to Napier, the 15km Hawke's Bay Today Half Mega, 6.5km Shoe Clinic Short Mega or the 3.5km MoreFM Mega Meander, with the 6.5km and 15km distances tied as most popular.

A team of organisers spent the week counting up the final sums and were happy to report that a total of more than $15,000 was raised.

An exact total is expected early next week.

Money will be used for general funding, monthly activities and camps for young people battling cancer, as well as their supportive siblings.

The idea to hike between Hastings' and Napier's big orange stores was originally floated by managing director Graeme Ricketts seven years ago, to make use of the newly completed Rotary Pathway network.

"It's just fantastic, it's really good to see people are still supporting it," Mitre 10 Mega marketing manager Kerry Meehan said.

The day went by without a hitch, the weather was fine with sea breezes to keep people cool, while blisters and slight dehydration were the only complaints St John Ambulance staff had to deal with.

"We have got the format pretty well laid out now so that helps."

Kerrie Waby from CanTeen previously said it meant a lot for members to know that the community was behind them in their time of need.

"We are very lucky that we do get those donations, it's what allows us to do what we do."