Ready, set, Mo!

Movember, the annual celebration of the moustache that raises funds and awareness for men’s health issues, was officially launched today with a celebrity Mo race outside Auckland’s Vector Arena.

The launch saw actor Will Hall take on Crowd Goes Wild presenter Hayley Holt in a Mo Bro versus Mo Sista race, followed by TV3’s comic 7 Days team of Jeremy Corbett, Dai Henwood and Jesse Griffin.

After their final shave for a month, these bearded gentlemen put blades down in more ways than one this morning as they navigated a slalom course astride Kingcat ride-on mowers. Will and Jeremy took out their heats, advancing into a final complete with on-track collisions.

Taking part in Movember was important to help give men’s health issues a month in the spotlight, said Movember ambassador and race winner Will Hall;

“The beauty of Movember is that guys can get serious about their health while having a laugh, get online and register!”

Will took out the trophy this time but there are plenty of prizes still up for grabs, including Man of Movember and The Mo Mo for the highest fundraiser.

Also on the cards this year is the chance to win a trip to Austin, Texas for the Livestrong Ride for the Roses weekend, including a private group ride and lunch with Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong. For the opportunity to win this ride of a lifetime Mo Bros and Sistas need to get registered and raise at least $50 for Movember.

There are rules for all Mo Bros to abide by in their quest for the ultimate Mo. Once registered at www.movember.co.nz each participant must begin with a clean shaven face.

For the rest of the month, Mo Bros groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery, all the while raising money to benefit men’s health.

Movember’s men’s health partners in New Zealand are the Cancer Society in support of prostate cancer and the Mental Health Foundation in support of men’s depression through their Out of the Blue campaign.

This year sports broadcasting legend John McBeth and comedian Mike King join Will as ambassadors, representing each cause associated with the campaign. Also on board as Movember ambassadors are M2 Magazine’s Andre Rowell and comedians Cori Gonzales-Macuer and Brendhan Lovegrove, along with Mo Sista, Shortland Street’s Kimberly Crossman.

To register now and start collecting sponsorship for their mo-growing efforts visit www.movember.co.nz.