New routes lure competitors

Social groups are encouraged to wear fancy dress with prizes for best outfit. Photo / Warren Buckland

Whether you're after a stroll along the waterfront or a dash across the countryside, Country2Coast has got you covered.

This year's sporting frenzy takes place on Sunday, April 26 and comes with three new courses.

Each course will showcase some of Hawke's Bay's finest scenery, event organiser Kevin Longman said.

The new track will allow competitors to see different parts of the region.

"We want to keep the event fresh and competitors on their toes."

The 8km fun run or walk begins at 9.30am from the Grange Rd reserve. It takes participants along the limestone paths to blackbridge and along the waterfront to Clive.

The 15km walk begins at 8.30am and the run at 9.30am from Perfume Point in Napier. Competitors will run next to a coastal backdrop heading down Marine Parade and across the Ngaruroro bridge.

Both the 8km and 15km course is ideal for families or social groups looking for some fun, Mr Longman said.

"The course is suitable for push chairs and dogs, as it is completely flat."

Social groups are encouraged to wear fancy dress with prizes for best outfit.

For those with a more competitive nature, the 20km Dash begins at 9.30am from the Puketapu Pub.

Competitors will get to run through some of quality countryside, Mr Longman said. All three courses finish at Farndon Park in Clive where a festival village will greet contestants.

A prizegiving for the main winners will begin at 12pm.

The cost to enter the Hawke's Bay Today sponsored event is $20 for 5-12 year-olds, $30 for 13 and over and free for under 5s. Those who enter before March 31 receive a $5 discount on every entry.

The event has no professional management and all proceeds go to charitable activities the Rotary support around Hawke's Bay.

Some of these include youth programmes, community groups and the U-Turn Trust.

*Registrations open today and can be completed online at www.country2coast.co.nz or at the Hawke's Bay Today office.