Athletics: Sarzilla a chance at big-race record

Running at last year's Kerikeri half marathon.

More than half of the 2320 entries into tomorrow's 25th annual Kerikeri Half Marathon come from Northland, with some of those coming from outside the region being stars in their own right.

From the number of overseas competitors, one of particular note is that of professional Spanish triathlete Michele Sarzilla.

While in New Zealand on holiday for a year, Sarzilla will be far from relaxing tomorrow morning despite having his fastest half-marathon time recorded at 1:14:10.

Depending on the level of holidaying Sarzilla has had, he may be a chance at knocking over the men's record that has stood for 15 years.

Held by Aucklander Seaton Meredith, the men's half-marathon record was set in 1999 when he finished in a time of 1:05:14 while last year's Northland Sportswoman of the Year, Mary Davies, has held the women's record since 2003 when she finished in a time of 1:15:19.

Also entering from a sporting background were former Black Sticks women's captain Krystal Forgesson and fellow Black Stick Emily Naylor.

The pair are set to tackle one of their first half-marathons having recently retired from representative hockey.

Sport Northland's events team leader Azelia Parkinson says it is always great to have overseas visitors compete at our events. "Entries have come from Spain, Denmark, Turkey, the United Kingdom and a number from Australia, so it is great to have them come to the Far North," she said.

A total of 45 per cent of the entries come from outside the Northland region so the economic impact this event has on the north is extremely valuable.

First off tomorrow for the 21.1km run to the Kerikeri Domain,, from Waiare Rd off SH1 Okaihau, are the wheelchairs at 7.55am, followed by runners at 8am.

Competitive walkers will set off at 8.20am, with hybrids (run/walk) at 8.25am and walkers at 8.30am.

The winners are expected to cross the finish line about 9.15am.

A picnic atmosphere with a band playing will provide entertainment on the Domain until the prize-giving at 1pm.

The half-marathon will be followed by the Kerikeri Street Party which starts at 5pm.