Media Release
Ports of Auckland
For immediate release

Ports of Auckland Round the Bays is here again

Ports of Auckland will once again be sponsoring Round the Bays, one of the world’s largest fun runs, in 2011.

Chief Executive Officer Jens Madsen is thrilled the company is returning to sponsor Auckland's iconic outdoor event, to be held on Sunday 13 March.

“Auckland’s port has been here for over a century and, with the run starting right at our doorstep, it is only fitting that we are a part of this fantastic event,” he said.

“We enjoyed being a part of Ports of Auckland Round the Bays in 2010 and look forward to our involvement in 2011.”

“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 as they pass by,” Mr. Madsen said,
“Over 72,000 Aucklanders participated in the 2010 run and we are hoping to see larger numbers in 2011.”
The 2010 event also saw over 400 Port employees and their families participate, and Mr Madsen said he would be encouraging a big turn out again in 2011.
Once again the Port has nominated the Waitemata Harbour Clean-up Trust as one of the charities to benefit from the proceeds of the event. The Waitemata Harbour Clean-up Trust is committed to educating young Aucklanders about the importance of keeping our harbour clean and rubbish free.

“As a major user of the Waitemata Harbour, Ports of Auckland is also committed to responsible environmental management and the Waitemata Harbour Clean-up Trust is a natural choice for us,” Mr. Madsen said.

Since its inception in 2002, The Waitemata Harbour Clean-up Trust has collected over 2,300,000 litres of litter from the Waitemata Harbour.

Ports of Auckland Round the Bays is set to take place on Sunday, 13 March. Visit www.roundthebays.co.nz for more details.

The first Ports of Auckland Round the Bays run, in 1972, attracted 1,200 participants and, in 2010, an estimated 72,000 participants took part. The run begins in the city on Quay St and finishes on the waterfront at St Heliers Bay. Funds raised by the event are dedicated to selected charities that benefit children. Ports of Auckland Round the Bays is owned by Fairfax Media and the Auckland Joggers Club. Ports of Auckland Round the Bays’ wheelchair division starts at 9.15am on Sunday 13 March, followed by a general start at 9.30am. To enter visit www.roundthebays.co.nz

ENDS

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