Countdown On For Auckland's Iconic Race

The 48,000 sausages are on ice and 12,000 litres of water is chilled and waiting to be poured into 100,000 cups, as the finishing touches are being made in preparation for Auckland’s favourite fun run, Ports of Auckland Round the Bays.

Prime Minister John Key will fire the starter gun in just four days as the annual event kicks off for the 38th time.

Set-up for the race is a two-day affair, which includes installing 222 portable toilets, 18 finishing chutes, 18 km of traffic control signage and 600 marquees and sets of barbeque equipment.

The event, which was started by Arthur Lydiard’s club, Auckland Joggers, is the culmination of hundreds of hours of work from event managers and volunteers.

New Zealand’s largest fun run, the race attracts an average 70,000 participants and supporters each year.

Over 250 volunteers from Auckland Joggers Club, Watercare, Coca Cola Amatil, St John’s Ambulance and Mobico are waiting in the wings to ensure the day is a safe and happy one for everyone as they run, walk or wheel their way along Tamaki Drive.

As contestants pass through the finishing chutes, volunteers from Mobico will scan an average 270 race numbers per minute to ensure participants know their exact finishing.

Following the race, the crowds head to barbeques and entertainment at Madills Farm and Glover Park.

Approximately 9.05 tonnes of waste is generated by the event, more than half of which is recycled.

This year’s net proceeds will go to Waitemata Harbour Clean-Up Trust, Ronald McDonald House, and Fairfax First Books.

Ports of Auckland Round the Bays Quick Facts:

•  Entry fee is $10 for children (16 and under) and $15 for adults
• To enter visit www.roundthebays.co.nz
• Entries remain open until 9am on race day
• Entrants can park at St Heliers and take a special event bus back to the start-line at Quay Street from 7am
• The race starts at 9.30am
• The start line is on Quay St, adjacent to Vector Arena
• The course is 8.4km along Tamaki Drive
• The finish line is at Vellenoweth Green at St Heliers