Kerikeri half marathon challenge

Dust off your running shoes, because Northland's biggest half marathon is just around the corner. The Fullers GreatSights Kerikeri Half Marathon, which doubles as the Athletics Northland Half Marathon Championships, will see over 2000 participants make their way from the start point on Waiare Rd, Okaihau along the 21.1km course to the Kerikeri Domain on November 19.

This year's event will feature an exciting new addition with the inclusion of The Clydesdale and Filly categories. These divisions allow athletes to choose to compete in certain weight categories. Similar to horse racing, competitors can enter their weight division, instead of the usual age category, which includes a number of options, male athletes over 90kg, 95kg or 100+kg and females over 60kg, 65kg or 70kg.

The inclusion of the Clydesdale section is an increasing trend in running events overseas.

Heavier runners have a disadvantage over their smaller counterparts in long distance running, so allowing these athletes to run in weight categories as opposed to age categories enables their true abilities to be recognised.

The event includes official timing and the distance is IAAF and AIMS certified with drink stations, offering both water and Mizone, scattered along the course. Participants will be greeted at the finish by the team from More FM, who announce their arrival as they cross the finish, and marshals who hand out fruit and drink and assist with the collection of the timing chips.

This year the Northland band, Localize will entertain the crowds at the Domain finish area where a number of vendors will also be stationed to provide refreshments.

Discounted earlybird entries close tomorrow and all entries close on November 11.

Go to www.runwalkseries.co.nz to enter.