Staff of McDonald's to tackle Country2Coast

ENTHUSIASTIC AND KEEN: Charles Ranginui (left), Renee Atkins, Michelle Richards, Gemma Mitchell and Savanna Wharehinga-Clark from McDonald's Taradale can't wait to start the Country2Coast. PHOTO / GLENN TAYLOR HBT141823-02

Staff from the region's McDonald's restaurants will tackle the Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast for the first time tomorrow.

Event organiser Kevin Longman said the fun family event would be held on the Rotary Pathways between Farndon Park in Clive and Clifton Bay Cafe in Te Awanga.

Participants could enter a 7km or 15km walk or run and there was also a competitive running class, The Clive to Clifton Dash.

McDonald's Hastings restaurant manager Treena Collins said 14 staff would be running or walking in tomorrow's event, representing McDonald's Taradale, Hastings and Havelock North. There would also be a team of nine employees running a barbecue at the finish line, with proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House.

As well, Ronald McDonald would be at Clifton Bay Cafe with gifts for children participating in the event, Mrs Collins said.

McDonald's Hastings was one of the principal sponsors of the Country2Coast this year and it was the first time McDonald's had entered a team in the event although many employees had participated as individuals in the past, Mrs Collins said.

"It's a huge event. It came about through word of mouth - customers have been coming into our restaurants and talking about it."

It would be a "real team effort" Mrs Collins said. "It's people of all different fitness levels and everyone will be helping each other along."

Mr Longman said workplace teams were the "perfect formula" for Country2Coast. He said the forecast was for fine weather and he expected up to 800 runners and walkers. People could still register at the Havelock North Function Centre from 10am to 2pm today, he added.

For more information, visit www.country2coast.co.nz