The grand finale of Lake Taupos inaugural 63.3 half marathon series is drawing closer.

On Saturday 5 September, hundreds of runners and walkers will line up to complete the third of three half marathons held in Taupo over consecutive months.

The final event, the Mizuno Off-road Half Marathon, will be held on Taupo’s picturesque W2K track between Whakaipo Bay and Kinloch.

63.3 was designed to encourage participation in Lake Taupo’s three half marathons, two of which were held for the first time this year. Joining the highly popular Mizuno Half Marathon, which has been held on Taupo’s lakefront for the past 16 years, is the Brooks Off-Road Half Marathon around Mt Tauhara and the Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon on the W2K track.

Around 150 people who have entered all three half marathons will be recognised as 63.3 finishers once they complete the September event and will receive a free Base Layer t-shirt for their efforts and go in the draw to win a weekend getaway for two at Chateau Tongariro.

Destination Lake Taupo’s event manager, Warwick Hall, says the concept of three half marathons in three months has proved popular. “We wanted to encourage people to get out and keep fit over the winter months. The 63.3 series is a great way to do that and entrants get to see some of our region’s amazing countryside along the way.”

63.3 entrants will be wearing a special race number identifying them in September’s Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon and will receive their free t-shirt at the conclusion of the event. Anyone who has completed the first two half marathons and would like to qualify as a 63.3 participant should visit www.633.co.nz before 21 August 2009.