Get your Feet 'n' Wheels on

The inaugural and unique Feet ‘n’ Wheels Running Festival hits Hampton Downs on October 12.  We give you six reasons why you should enter the people-powered event at the popular motorsports venue.

1 - Hampton Downs
Participants get a unique chance to run at a leading New Zealand motorsports park. Meet director Dianne Craddock says: “That is a real point of difference (with the run). The course has hills and banking, which makes it ideal, particularly for those racing in the skateboard-scooter race as they are normally restricted to a skate bowl. The chance to run here is also a unique experience.”

2 - Motorsport heaven
Anyone who enters Feet ‘n’ Wheels has the opportunity to purchase a cut price discounted voucher of $275 for a hot-lap in a NZV8 Championship car at a later date. Entrants with a ‘Need for Speed’ might also fancy going for a spin in a Drift Car as an expert driver takes them on the skid pad for $25.

3 - Something for everyone
All abilities are catered for with four race options available. A novel one-lap (2.7km) scooter/skateboard race should appeal to both the pre-schooler and teenager alike while the one-lap walk/run - which also permits child strollers, toddler bikes and small scooters - is an ideal opportunity for the whole family to compete together.  A 5km race, in which friends or families can run as a group, is perfect for those hoping to gain a bit of fitness or lose some weight.  For the more serious runner a 10km race is part of the schedule – an idea warm up event for anyone entered in November’s Auckland Marathon.

4 - Have a go fun
Event organisers Athletics Auckland will seek to promote track and field by giving members of the public at Hampton Downs the chance to try several athletics disciplines. One such example will be a ‘have a go’ shot session in which their respective performances will be measured.

5 - Try and beat Rigor
The Crowd Goes Wild and The Block presenter Mark Richardson is entered in the 10km race, so anyone wishing to claim his scalp should come along to Hampton Downs. Be warned, though, the former Black Caps international is no running mug and boasts a marathon PB just a little outside three hours.

6 - Easy access
Situated halfway between Auckland to Hamilton and just off State Highway 1 any entrants should have no excuse not to locate the racetrack. “It takes around a 40-minute drive from the Auckland CBD to Hampton Downs which should be nice and quiet on a Sunday morning,” adds Dianne. With plenty of safe car parking too access to the venue should be straight forward.

 

Source: Athletics New Zealand - www.athletics.org.nz