Rotorua Marathon: VIPs to play big role at start line

Rotorua Marathon VIPs (clockwise from bottom left) Christine Butler from Andy's Marquee Hire, Dennis and Pam Kenny, and Colin Smyth.Photo/Ben Fraser

Runners from the very first Rotorua Marathon will be on the start line again this year - but not everyone will be running.

The small group will be among 50 VIPs selected to release one gold balloon each to represent the marathon's history.

"We've tracked down a lot of those who took part in the first race in 1965," said Pam Kenny, whose husband Dennis was on the starting line in 1965.

The pair have been tasked with choosing the VIPs who will have an important role moments before this year's race starts.

The balloons will be released around 7.55am before the half marathon gets under way at 8am. The marathon race starts at 8.20am for the runners with the walkers starting at 8.35am.

"As well as those first runners there will be volunteers who have contributed over the years, sponsors and other VIPs such as former winners and the course record holders," Mrs Kenny said.

"It's quite exciting. Dennis has got hold of most of the first runners and about five or six of them are going to do the marathon. Another is doing the half and one is doing one of the shorter distances."

The Rotorua Marathon is on Saturday, May 3 and starts and finishes at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre. The first marathon was won by Rotorua's Dave Heine in 2 hours, 35 minutes, 3 seconds. Mrs Kenny said he would be among those releasing the balloons and then running in the marathon.

Event Promotions' Emma Wilson said the balloon release represents the significance of the race.

"It's an opportunity for those who can't necessarily run but who still want to be a part of the event and have a significant role."