DIARY NOTE – HSBC Round the Bays

HSBC Round the Bays has been an annual event in Auckland since 1972, when it was initiated by the Auckland Joggers Club. The first run attracted 1,200 participants and today has grown to be one of the world's largest fun-runs, with over 47,000 registered runners and an estimated 70,000 participants in total. The run is 8.4km long over a flat course that follows the contours of Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. It begins in the city on Quay St and finishes on the waterfront at St Heliers Bay.

WHAT: HSBC Round the Bays fun run

WHEN: Staggered starts from 9.15am
Sunday 19 March 2007

WHERE: Starts from Quay St, finishes in St Heliers
(Limited street parking only – please give yourself extra time to park – see notes below)

Media access to start and finish:
Media passes are available by contacting Zoe Hawkins using the details below. This will give you access to all areas, and free use of the Stagecoach shuttle service between St Heliers and the start and finish lines between 7am and 12pm:

* To get to the startline, park near Vellenoweth Green, St Heliers. Buses will run from here to the start line from 7am. The last bus departs Vellenoweth Green at 8.30am.
* Buses will drop entrants off at the old railway station area, which is a short walk to the start line.
* Ticket fee is $2 each way – or free for press with official pass.
* On completion of your run, buses will provide transport for participants from the finish line back to the city.
* Note that buses cannot stop on the route, only at Vellenoweth Green and the old railway station area.

Due to traffic congestion, if you wish to park in St Heliers, we recommend that you do so before 7am.

Recommended viewing locations:
* Photographers arriving at the startline will have the opportunity to take a photo from the announcer’s cherry picker prior to 8.45am. Please advise Zoe Hawkins, tel 021 273 5070 if you intend to do this, by Friday 17 March.
* Photographers can also be accommodated on another cherry picker overlooking the finish line.
* The top of the cliff on Paratai Drive, looking back towards the city, is another good viewing location, as is the Parnell overbridge.

Race results for media use
Details of the top finishers will be available from 10.30am Sunday, from Zoe Hawkins, tel. 021 273 5070. Other results will be available to the general public from Monday morning at www.roundthebays.co.nz

Timetable
* 9.15am – wheelchair start
* 9.30am – fun run & walk start (first wheelchair entrant to cross line)
* 10.15am approx – first competitor crosses the finish line
* 10.30am approx – prizegiving –presentation of trophies to first male, first female and first wheelchair entrant

ENDS

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