Peak Trail Blazer blossoms into celebrated running event

The long and winding trails of the Peak Trail Blazer attract hundreds of people every year. PHOTO/Paul Taylor

What started out as a way "to get the kids out there" has grown in eight years to become one of the region's healthiest fun and fundraising events, and Peak Trail Blazer race director Jo Throp is delighted.

"It has come a long way and we are really stoked at the way it gets people of all ages involved," she said, describing the annual event as a "passion project" for everyone involved in staging it.

Dubbed by online running magazine Running Plus as "the little event with the big heart" the Peak Trail Blazer will return to the trails of Te Mata Peak on Sunday, November 19 with entries now open.

It began as a modest fundraising outing for Havelock North Primary School organised by three parents who had youngsters at the school but has grown to the stage where last year there were more than 600 people taking part in the competitive and recreational walks and runs.

It has also appeared firmly on the running calendar and has attracted top athletes like reigning champions in their classes Laura Nagel and Eric Speakman who will return to defend their titles.

At the 2015 event in the Rod MacDonald Wines King of the Peak race Mr Speakman set a course record of 46 minutes and 40 seconds.

Since it began more than 4000 people had taken part and the organisers had raised more than $124,000 through the years for the school and for community groups.

As it was last year, this year's recipients will be Heart Kids Hawke's Bay and the Hastings Giants Boxing Academy.

Heart Kids Hawke's Bay spokesperson Adrianne Galvin said it was "absolutely amazing" for the non-Government funded organisation to once again benefit.

"The money from last year's event went towards creating and paying for an in-home support person for Hawke's Bay heart kids families and it is now a vitally important aspect of what we do."

As well as local groups and organisations the event had also raised funds to help the Sumner School and the Kaiapoi Borough School after the earthquakes across that region.

"People can run or walk and there is a short and a long course - there's the ability for people of all ages and fitness levels to take part on either trail," Ms Throp said.

Since the first event the weather has always played its part nicely and she hopes that will continue this year.

"We have been lucky there, and also so very lucky with the sponsors we have got aboard - they make the difference."

● For full details and to enter the Peak Trail Blazer check out www.peaktrailblazer.co.nz