Call for entries for Ports of Auckland Round the Bays 2011

With Christmas indulgences now a distant memory, it’s time to make good on your New Year’s resolutions and go for your personal best – by registering for New Zealand’s largest mass-participation sporting event!

Taking place on Sunday March 13, the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays attracts more than 40,000 registered entrants of all ages and abilities each year.

The run continues to maintain its reputation as Auckland’s favourite all-ages sporting event - last year participants ranged in age from babies in pushchairs to a 104 year-old woman!

Proceeds from this year’s run will again be divided between several charities that benefit children including Koru Care, Kidney Kids and the Waitemata Harbour Clean-Up Trust.

Event spokesperson, Fairfax Media Group Sales and Marketing Manager Sandra King, encourages entrants to register for the event via the official website, www.roundthebays.co.nz.

“By entering the run via our website, you will be helping some very worthy organisations – last year our generous participants raised more than $100,000 for children’s charities,” says Ms King. “Officially registered entrants receive a race number which is scanned at the finish line to give an exact race time. All results are listed on the official website after the run.”

From February 1, the website provides a six week training programme for runners or walkers, so there is plenty of time to get race-ready for those wanting to improve their fitness.

Returning as the event’s major sponsor for a second year is Ports of Auckland. Chief Executive Officer Jens Madsen says the company is thrilled to be involved again.

“We thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Ports of Auckland Round the Bays in 2010 and look forward to our involvement in 2011. Auckland’s port has been part of the city’s waterfront for over 100 years and it is fitting that we are associated with this fantastic event that takes place on our doorstep,” he says.

“The run does a magnificent job of showcasing Auckland’s beautiful harbour and waterfront as well providing the tens-of-thousands of participants with the chance to glimpse our working port facilities.”

Last year over 400 Port employees and their families participated in the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays event, and Mr Madsen says he will be encouraging a big turn out again this year.

Spanning 8.4km around the city’s picturesque waterfront boulevards, Quay Street and Tamaki Drive, the event is an achievable distance for runners and walkers - the able-bodied and the physically challenged.

Ports of Auckland Round the Bays starts at 9.30am on Sunday 13 March.

Entry fee is $10 for children (16 and under) and $15 for adults.

To enter visit www.roundthebays.co.nz