Rotorua mothers and families get active this Mother's Day for good cause

Rotorua mothers and their families spent Mother's Day morning pushing through the wet conditions to help raise money for an important cause.

The Jennian Homes Mother's Day Fun Run/Walk in support of women's heart health was held in Rotorua for the first time this weekend at Puarenga Park.

Mother Olivia Bootten said she liked to run but usually she did it by herself.

"This was the only day I could convince my husband to join in with our four kids."

She said the three boys Lockie, 8, Carter, 7, and Logan, 4, took off, with baby Ngaio, 1, falling asleep.

"They all look happy and enjoyed it, and that was the purpose of it - to have a great day out. Now we are off to get pizzas."

Bootten said it was important to be fit and healthy, and to be aware of heart health to stay healthy.

Delana Trask, 11, and her mother Jo Trask get high-fives as they take on the 5km run. Photo/Stephen Parker

Jo Trask and her daughter Delana Trask, 11, said they went along to celebrate Mother's Day and support the Heart Foundation because it helped so many people.

"It was a great way to start the day despite the weather."

Delana thought the run was fun.

Image 1 of 10: From left, Kaz Nooana, Logan Bootten, 4, and Hezekiah Bowlin. Photo/Stephen Parker

Race director Craig Gallagher said 97 people took part in the Rotorua event.

"I think it's an impressive number to turn out given the weather. We've been very lucky with a break in the weather."

He said two other events in different locations had been cancelled due to rain, so it was lucky the Rotorua one could still go ahead.

Gallagher said there were a lot of children taking part, and he hoped the event would now stay in Rotorua for a few years.

He thanked local sponsors who provided spot prizes, Rotorua Lakes Council for its support, and local volunteers who helped with the event.

"I guess Jennian Homes are putting the Heart Foundation on the map.

"More awareness needs to be made of what they [the Heart Foundation] do and offer around New Zealand."

Gallagher said he hoped to see everyone back for next year's event.

Helping with the warm-up before the event was local athlete and Winter Olympian Ben Sandford, who competed in the individual bobsleigh skeleton in Sochi 2014, Vancouver 2010 and Turin 2006.

Sandford said he took everyone through a five minute warm-up and stretch in the Mid Island Gym Sports building to make sure everyone's bodies were moving before they went out in the rain.

He said it was fantastic having this event in Rotorua.

"Last year I was down to help out in Whakatane and didn't understand why we didn't have one in town.

"It's neat Rotorua has picked it up because it's a great event and a great cause."