Getting friendly and getting active

Kaukapakapa mothers and good friends Michelle Jones (259) and Janine Shalley run with their children. Photo / Sarah Ivey

There's a first time for everything, and yesterday it was Kaukapakapa mum Michelle Jones' first time running a race.

The 30-year-old mother of two teamed up with her good friend Janine Shalley to take part in Sparc's Real Women's Duathlon, held at Orewa's Western Reserve.

More than 500 entered the event, which over the past three years has managed to transform some 23,000 women into duathletes.

Yesterday's event - the first of 10 to be held nationwide - comprised a 3.5km walk/run followed by a 10km cycle and topped off with a final 1.5km walk/run.

Event director Jane Paterson is hoping 8000 New Zealand women will take part this year.

She says the popularity of the series is built on competitors giving it a go, and while places are not recorded, times are.

"Women often put aside that physical side while they pursue careers or families and often they lose a bit of themselves, lose a bit of confidence.

"What we're saying is it doesn't matter if you're size 8 or 28, just as long as you're out there. It's recreational and it's grassroots. It's about getting women active in a friendly atmosphere."