Green theme for dash through the vines

Things are looking green for this year's annual Round the Vines on Sunday, St Patrick's Day.

The fun run or walk, over routes of 10 or 21km, goes through four of Martinborough's vineyards, Alana Estate, Ata Rangi, Martinborough Vineyard and Palliser Estate, and participants are encouraged to dress up.

Co-ordinator Jackie Steventon said this year she expects to see a lot of green.

"We're going down the St Patrick's path with our costumes," she said.

Prizes are given to the best-dressed teams and individuals. There will also be spot prizes, including two nights' accommodation for two at Peppers Parehua Martinborough, with a cooked breakfast, dinner in the pavilion restaurant, chocolates and wine and tickets to Toast Martinborough. There will also be prizes for the top three children.

This is the 17th year of the event, which raises money for Martinborough School.

Mrs Steventon said it usually raised between $20,000 and $25,000.

"It goes towards resources and cultural trips and things like that. We get to give the kids opportunities and buy resources that we won't normally be able to.

"It's a lot of sausage sizzles we don't have to do," she said.

Almost 1000 people have already registered for the event with many registering in teams.

"There is [going to be] lots of interesting costumes, one from Hawkes Bay called my Big Fat Irish Wedding, has a prop of a cake," she said.

Six drink stations - all offering wine, water, fresh grapes and watermelon - and a local band are dotted around the course.

"The whole thing is so festive and everyone loves the party atmosphere. Being able to exercise and drink at the same time, it's quite a good combination."

Mrs Steventon is expecting around 15,000 participants on the day.

It costs $30 for adults, $10 for children and $100 for a team, late fees apply.

To register visit: http://www.roundthevines.org.nz/