Photos: 1600 in Whangārei Chilltech Beach 2 Basin

Lily-Mae Smith, left and Alex Henry having fun during the Chilltech Beach 2 Basin on Sunday. Photos / Jason Milich/www.actionimages.net.nz

Almost 1600 people took part in the first leg of the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series in Whangārei on Sunday at the Chilltech Beach 2 Basin event.

About 855 entered the 10km with the rest completing the 6.8km event.

Jesse Gavin, events lead at Sport Northland, said: "It's awesome to see our local community getting behind this event with over 85 per cent of the entrants coming from the Whangārei District. From our youngest entrant being one, to our eldest of 85, this event surely does attract people of all ages."

The 10km Men's Division saw Whangārei runners Ryan Smith take out the top position in 35.25 followed by Ben Evans in 2nd and Sam Rout in 3rd.

The hotly contested female section saw the 2018 rivals back at it again with Maria Akkeson from Kerikeri crossing the line in 42.00 followed my Katie McVerry, Whangārei, in 2nd place. Kaitaia runner Emily McDowell came home in third place.

Young athletes dominated the 6.8km male event with 13-year-old Callum Hoult from Kerikeri crossing the line first, ahead of 11-year old Tommy Earl with third place going to 14-year-old Will Tattersfield, both of Whangārei.

The female division of the 6.8km saw all women from Whangārei taking podium honours with Teresa Tattersfield coming in 1st place with a time of 30.35 closely followed by youngsters Alexus Gorrie-Brown and Elise Pickford.

The major prize winner of the Daiken Cora Heatpump from Chilltech was Paula Crump from Whangārei.

The hot or cold themed fancy-dress winners as Hot Air Balloons, Chani Dunseath, Rachel Cowley and Tegan Capp who won a $500 Quay Restaurant voucher courtesy of Chilltech.

The Kids Major Prize winner of the Google Chromebook from Office Max is Ella Kalis from Whangārei.

The next event in the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series is the Dargaville Veterinary Centre Run/Walk on April 14.

Natalie Cochrane pushes on during the race.

Nigel Gilmour, left and Dwayne Collecutt head for the finish line at the Whangārei Town Basin.

Alexis Gorrie-Brown, left and Mere Patira heading to the finish line.

Teresa Tattersfield won the 6.8km Women's Division on Sunday.

Derek Donker takes part in the wheelchair section.

Whangārei's Ryan Smith leads the field to win the 10km Men's Division at the Beach 2 Basin.