63rd Round The Bridges – One Week to Go to 11/11.

With a week to go until the 2007 New Balance Round The Bridges race
and fun run on November 11th, the training is winding up and the
countdown is on.

Round the Bridges is one of Hamilton's biggest running events and
consistently attracts solid numbers and support. Entries are slightly
higher than last year, according to race director Graham Dudfield, and
he hopes for over 3000 by race day. Dudfield encourages people to give
the event a go, particularly if they've enjoyed other events such as
the Huntly Half Marathon or are simply interested in a social walk or
run. The classic 12k loop route travels along the Waikato river and
takes in 5 of Hamilton's bridges, encompassing some of the most scenic
parts of the city, and the 6.2k segment offers an alternative for
those wanting a slightly shorter option. All the races start and
finish in the middle of Victoria St - always a strong drawcard,
especially for the children's races.

The children's school teams race has seen increased entries this year,
as has the corporate teams section. The elite grades of the 12k race
will be as competitive as ever and should make for a fast finish.
Former NZ 3000m champion Rees Buck will be racing, as he prepares for
a track season in Australia. Scott Winton is a NZ marathon
representative, and Rowan Hooper is one of the country's fastest
marathoners this year. Winner of the 2007 Rotorua Marathon Craig
Kirkwood will be there too, as will Tauranga's Kyle MacDonald. With a
fast 66 minute half marathon result, Matt Ingram could also challenge.
In the women's grade, Gabrielle O'Rourke is favourite, with Sally Ward
from North Harbour Bays also competing for the win. A new section for
race walkers is in place for this year, and heading the list in this
section will be Tony Sargisson, 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games
Silver Medalist over 50km.

Footwear and apparel company New Balance are sponsoring the New
Balance Round the Bridges race for the first time this year, and have
added over $7000 worth of products to the substantial spot prize pool.
A proportion of the funds raised from this event will also go towards
supporting The McKenzie Centre, an Accredited Early Intervention
Service Provider providing services for children with special needs
and their families throughout the greater Hamilton region. Last year,
Round the Bridges donated $7000 to support the McKenzie Centre.

Entries from as far away as Whangarei, Wellington and New Plymouth
have been received for the race, and continue to come in. Entries are
still open and will be taken before 8.30am on the morning of the
event, which kicks off at 9am on Sunday 11th of November. All results
will be published in the Waikato Times after the race.

Start times:
9am - Primary/Intermediate 2k
9.30 - 12k Round The Bridges race and fun run
10am - 6.2k fun run/schools challenge.

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